Larch Time
When We Like to Ride This
This is an October bucket lister. It rides well from late spring to late fall. If you skip the Metolius Preserve loops, miles 14 to 19.5, it can be ridden in early spring. These loops tend to be wet and muddy in the early season.
Terrain & Riding
The Riding
A mix of dirt roads, easy, non-technical, single-track and a few miles of paved. The single-track as shown on the map in blue is actually a mix of single-track and double-track.
The Terrain
Classic west Cascades forest of large Ponderosa trees interspersed with a gazillion larch trees that are only evident due to their changing color in the fall (i.e., bright yellow). Along Larch Creek and near Suttle Lake, there are a number of maple vines that burst red in the fall.
The Start
Black Butte Lower Trailhead. Dirt parking lot.
Lat / Long: 44.428448, -121.655752
Food & Water
- ~ Mile 11: Suttle Lake Lodge (food and water). Seasonal.
- ~ Mile 20.5: Camp Sherman General Store (food and water). Seasonal.
Route Notes
This ride could be considered All Access. However, we hesitate to list it as such given the amount of single-track riding, although it rated mountain bike easy. We have listed the effort level (i.e., aerobic demand) at 1+. The ride is just on the edge of being a bit more demanding than a level 1 ride.
Many of the trails along this ride are multi-use, please remember these principles of trail etiquette.
– Horses and hikers have right away.
– When coming upon horses, stop, announce your presence from a distance and ask the riders how they would like you to proceed.
– Cyclists travelling uphill (towards Suttle Lake) have right of way over those proceeding downhill. Give way by stopping and putting a foot down. Do not ride wide off the trail to make a pass. This destroys the near by vegetation which can be critical in maintaining trail integrity.At Suttle Lake, the GPX map routing may appear a bit mixed-up. Ideally, ride out to the Day Use Area, then to the lodge, and back onto the single-track along Lake Creek.
This route rides well in both directions. However, we prefer it in the direction mapped.
Help Make this Guide Better!
We have ridden this entire route, and it is wonderful! However, we have yet to secure the funding and resources to document the ride fully (you can help by donating!), thus the Development Route tag. If you give the route a go, please comment about your experiences in the comments block.
Videos
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. Learn about the restoration efforts of the creek with Brad Chalfant, the former executive director of the Deschutes Land Trust.
Ridden and Reviewed by:
Have you ridden this route? Got a question? Join the discussion!