FATMAP by Strava

Swampy -> Mrazek Shuttle

Bend

One of the most rewarding mountain bike rides in Bend!

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
42 km
Ascent
587 m
Descent
1.3 km
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
1.1 km
High Point
1.9 km
Gradient
Swampy -> Mrazek Shuttle Map

The Swampy to Mrazek shuttle may just be one of the most beautiful and most rewarding mountain bike rides in Bend, Oregon!

Description

This epic point-to-point route begins on the Swampy Trail, which is rated easy. It’s quite sandy, but at the time of this writing is undergoing maintenance from the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA). Swampy then drops into South Fork, which is rated black on some platforms, blue on others. I’d give it a dark blue. It’s a high-speed downhill with a couple of rocky sections, some roots, and some air opportunities, but overall it’s just a fast, ripping downhill, all the way to the Tumalo Falls Trailhead.

From Tumalo Falls, you’ll tackle the main climb of the route up North Fork. While you’ll begin by passing the astounding vista of Tumalo Falls, North Fork continues to reward with stunning views of thundering cascades in a narrow gorge, views of the rushing stream, and an endless parade of waterfalls as you continue climbing up the trail. While it’s a steep grunt, this is potentially the most scenic climbing trail you’ll ever pedal! The stunning views definitely help the time to pass more quickly.

Once at the top of North Fork, take a right on Mrazek and pedal through lush meadows as you finish out the climb.

The upper section of Mrazek is fast and wide open, with some good views from the top of the ridge of the valley below. If you can tear yourself away from this rad 13-mile downhill, take some time to enjoy the viewpoints higher up.

Tight and twisty is the name of the game on the lower section of Mrazek, as the climate dries out and the singletrack twists and turns through tight scrub oak. This section of singletrack rewards the competent bike handle and corner, with the ability to still make time in spite of the back-to-back swoops and turns.

You can finish your ride by either connecting to the Phil’s trailhead, or by finishing at the Shevlin Park Trailhead, as mapped.

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Picturesque
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Roots
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area