Sherman’s Waltz
Caution! We do not provide turn-by-turn directions in our GPX files. Those are auto-generated by your bike computer and are usually less than 70% accurate. Learn more.
DownloadHighlights & Remarkable Spots
Round Lake / ~ Mile 12.9
After a slight uphill, you will enjoy views from the surrounding mountains and a visit to Round Lake.
Lower Bridge / ~ Mile 35.3
Cross over the Metolius River via Lower Bridge.
Wizard Falls Hatchery / ~ Mile 38.3
Stop by the Wizard Falls Hatchery around mile 38.3 where you can take a right turn to the hatchery. Wizards Falls Hatchery was constructed in 1947. Most of the hatchery has rainbow trout broodstock which are supplied to the Deschutes sub-basin in SE Oregon. The hatchery is also used for recreational fishing programs incubating kokanee salmon and spring Chinook and summer steelhead. This is a part of the upper Deschutes Basin reintroduction program. [Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife]
This is also a good spot to refill on water.
Camp Sherman General Store / ~ Mile 43.1
Grab a bite to eat, some drinks, or even fly fishing supplies. The Camp Sherman Store has a small store, deli and fly shop.
Credits & Acknowledgements
This ride guide was funded in part by the Visit Bend.
When We Like to Ride This
This route rides great (!) in the spring/early summer when the “washboard” is at a minimum, the peaks are snow-capped, and the flowers are in bloom. The fall colors can also be outstanding. If possible, do the ride midweek and not on a summer holiday weekend.
Terrain & Riding
The route leads out of the Head of the Metolius parking area, followed by a fun 3-mile section of single-track (the Lake Creek Trail), slightly uphill. Climb up to Round Lake on a red cinder road that in spots is rugged and rock to enjoy the vast views of all the surrounding mountains. Then descend back down (ok this bit is always a little bumpy!).
Then you can feel like a “hero” on the pavement and then begin the climb through the B&B Complex fire area along the southwest side of Mt. Jefferson around the back side of Abbot Butte. Descend (be warned! this is mountain bike demanding) cross the Metolius River at Lower Bridge and then onto the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery (which is well worth a stop), followed by rolling up on pavement back to Camp Sherman and a final leg along the Metolius River back to the parking area.
This is a big-view route! Mountains! Mountains! Mountains! You’ll pass through mid-growth forest with big red ponderosa trees and tall Douglas-firs. Through burn areas that are starting to regrow. There are ferns, creeks, and dense thickets of manzanita.
The Start
Head of the Metolius parking lot. Pit toilets
Alternate Start
Suttle Lake day use area. See the Notes & Options tab for more info.
Food & Water
- ~ mile 38 / Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery
- ~ mile 43 / Camp Sherman Store
Route Notes
You will be either over-biked or under-biked for this route. The descent from Abbot Butte is rugged, rocky, and technical – better suited for a mountain bike. The paved road sections ride fast and easy – better suited for a all-road bike. Thus, choose your bike carefully!
We now are now recommending 50 mm+ tires for this route. Yes, it is rideable on 45 mm tires (our Director of Routes just did it, July 2025, on 45 mm tires), but a better choice is 50 mm tires.
Navigation is relatively straightforward and the area is bounded by the Wilderness to the west (no roads), the Warm Springs Indian reservation to the north (no access), the Metolius River road to the east (paved road) and Highway 20 to the south (busy road).
The area is not too remote (you will see people) but there is limited cell phone reception along the route.
Route Options
Alternate Start
We really like this option! A picnic area with great views of Suttle Lake and a lodge for food. This start breaks up the opening climb into an opening and finishing climb. Park in the day-use are at the lake. Pit toilets.
This option shortens the route by 4 miles and 300 less feet of gain. GPX File.
Shorter Options
You can easily shorten the route by eliminating:
- Round Lake. Deletes 11 miles and 1150 feet of gain. At mile 6.9 go right on Jack Lake road. Intersect original route at mile 18.6.
- Abbot Butte. Deletes 5 miles and 800 feet of gain. At mile 22 continue north on NF 12.
Love Where You Ride! Learn More
One of the special sections of this ride is the Lake Creek Trail, miles 3.5 to 7.5. Recently Chinook and Sockeye salmon have started spawning again in Lake Creek and Suttle Lake due to the restoration efforts led by organizations like the Deschutes Land Trust. We really like the work that the Deschutes Land Trust does and urge you to learn more about their organization.
Videos
The Ride! Sherman’s Waltz
A quick 2-minute video of what to expect on your ride!
Trail Etiquette (Horses, Hikers & Bikers)
Whether you like to hike, bike, or ride a horse, we all want to enjoy our trails safely. Learn how to share the trail respectfully!
Podcasts
Lake Creek Where Salmon Now Run!
Lake Creek is an important tributary that runs into the Metolius River which is vital to salmon and trout habitat. Lake Creek is located near Camp Sherman in Central Oregon and is very popular with many Dirty Freehub routes. Learn about the restoration efforts of the creek with Brad [...]
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