Ride the River: Guided E‑Bike Tour Along Bend’s Deschutes River
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for casual cyclists and outdoorsy travelers; pedal assist means minimal baseline fitness required but you should be comfortable riding up to 13 miles.
Overview
Glide along the Deschutes River on a 13‑mile guided e‑bike tour that blends Cascade views, converted Old Mill brickwork, and neighborhood stops like Sparrow Bakery. Perfect for casual riders, the route mixes paved and gravel trails and delivers Bend’s outdoor culture in two to three hours.
Ride the River: Guided E‑Bike Tour Along Bend’s Deschutes River
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You roll past the dog walkers and the low chatter of a Saturday morning market, the Deschutes at your right like a cool ribbon daring you to follow. The motor on the e-bike hums — not quite silent, not loud — and it smooths the 13‑mile loop into something that feels equal parts motion and observation. Guide in front, group in a loose line, you pass reed‑fringed bends, river access points, and the occasional heron that regards you with the slow, patient disdain of a creature that has seen the river’s comings and goings long before paved trails.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early for bike fit
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start to get helmet fit and e‑bike adjustments — it avoids delays and ensures a comfortable ride.
Hydrate for high desert air
Bring at least 1–2 liters of water; the region’s low humidity and mid‑day sun dehydrate quickly even on easy rides.
Layer up
Morning starts can be cool along the river; pack a light wind layer you can stash in the provided bike bag.
Yield and signal
This is a multi‑use trail — call out when passing pedestrians and slower riders and use hand signals for turns.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Osprey and bald eagles hunting over the Deschutes
- River otters and occasional beavers in quieter eddies
History
The Old Mill District preserves Bend’s logging and sawmill past; former industrial buildings were repurposed into shops and cultural venues after the timber era waned.
Conservation
The Deschutes corridor is managed with river stewardship and riparian restoration projects; riders are asked to keep to trails and pack out waste to protect habitat.
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Adventure Hotspots in Bend
Recommended Gear
Helmet
Protects your head and is required; helmets are provided but you may prefer your own for fit.
Hydration pack or water bottle
Keeps you hydrated in Bend’s dry climate and stores small items on the move.
summer specific
Light wind layer
Blocks morning chill along shaded sections of the river and packs small into the bike bag.
spring specific
Comfortable cycling gloves
Reduce hand fatigue and improve grip on gravel sections.
fall specific