The rangers at the Bend District warned us — Lemish Lake Loop and Charlton Lake Loop trails had not been cleared. These relatively distant trails are low on the district's list of maintenance priorities. Too bad for us, we had heard that they were treasures. We discussed our options and decided to check out the shorter of these loops anyway. Maybe there wouldn't be too many blow-downs. We drove to the Lemish Lake Loop trailhead and headed off up the trail. Thirty windfalls in the first mile convinced us to turn around and cut our losses. Well, while we were in the area we could at least check out Cultus Lake Loop — the ranger said it had been cleared.

After completing the 12-mile ride around Cultus Lake, we felt like our trip to this corner of the forest had been well rewarded. Cultus Lake Loop is reason enough to plan a trip to this neck of the woods.

	Cultus Lake Loop at a Glance Length/configuration: 12-mile loop over single-track, gravel roads, and pavement Aerobic difficulty: Moderately difficult; a challenge for strong"beginners on a mission" Technical difficulty: Moderately difficult Scenery: Beautiful lake, beautiful forest, beautiful trails Special comments: Camp in the area and have access to several top regional rides (if the trails have been brushed out) Map

There is a wee bit of pavement and a few miles of gravel at the start of the ride. The rest of the fun is on single-track. The first section, Deer Lake Trail, takes you past Little Cultus Lake, then around the west flank of Cultus Mountain to Deer Lake. The trail here is superb, with a smooth tread and some sweet, mild descents through the woods. Deer Lake Trail ties into Cultus Lake Trail. There is a nice beach at primitive West Cultus Lake Campground; it's a great spot for a break. The view across the lake is nice, especially to the southeast, where Cultus Mountain rises from the water's edge.

The character of Cultus Lake Trail changes as you near the north side of the lake. There are a couple of very brief demanding climbs, and obstacles start showing up in the trail. Tire blockers on this stretch include roots, rocks, and large log waterbars. The trail is quite firm through this area, but sandy conditions can develop when the trail is very dry.

The pedaling on this trip is not too demanding. It begins with some descending, then some easy to moderately difficult climbing on gravel roads. The single-track starts out easy, but it gets harder. The demanding hills you do come across are very brief.

General location: The trailhead is approximately 40 miles southwest of Bend and about 30 miles northwest of La Pine.

Elevation change: The ride begins at 4,690' and reaches a low point of 4,520' in the first mile of the circuit. The high point of the ride (5,000') is obtained near the halfway point; near Deer Lake. Ups and downs add about 300' of climbing to the trip. Total elevation gain: 780'.

Season: The late spring and the fall are great times for a ride here. The lakes and trails are at their busiest in the summertime. However, a cool dip after a hot ride can make up for this shortcoming. This place is more remote than other Bend Ranger District playgrounds. The trails in the area may see less maintenance (or receive attention later in the season) than others on the district. Call ahead to check on conditions; ask whether the trails have been cleared of windfalls.

Services: Water can be obtained seasonally at Cultus Lake Campground. Food, lodging, water, and a pay phone are available at Cultus Lake Resort. All services are available in La Pine, Sunriver, and Bend.

Hazards: Watch for fast-moving vehicles on the roads. The trails contain obstacles like rocks, roots, and large log waterbars. These are popular hiking and equestrian trails; control your speed and extend courtesy to others.

Rescue index: There is a pay phone at the Cultus Lake Resort. Emergency services are located in Bend.

Land status: Deschutes National Forest.

Maps: The district map of the Bend Ranger District is a good guide to this ride. The map shows Cultus Lake Trail briefly entering the Wilderness Area north of Cultus Lake. This portion of trail has been rerouted to avoid the Wilderness Area. USGS 7.5 minute quads: Crane Prairie Reservoir and Irish Mountain. See MAP.

Finding the trail: From locations to the north, travel south from Bend on US 97 for approximately 14 miles. Turn right (west) on South Century Drive toward Sunriver. Follow this main road as it curves through Sunriver and becomes Spring River Road, then Forest Service Road 40. In about 20 miles, FS 40 intersects Cascade Lakes Highway/FS 46. Turn left onto FS 46 and drive 1.2 miles to FS 4635 on the right. Turn onto FS 4635 (toward Cultus Lake Resort/Cultus Lakes). You will pass the entrance road to Cultus Lake Resort after 1.7 miles on FS 4635. Continue straight past the resort (the road designation changes to FS 100). In another 0.1 mile, park in a pullout on the right (across from a day-use picnic area and beach).

From locations to the south, drive north from La Pine on OR 97 for approximately 2.5 miles and turn left onto Burgess Road (signed for Crane Prairie/Wickiup Reservoir/Cascade Lakes Highway). Stay on this main road for 10.8 miles to its junction with South Century Drive/FS 42. Turn left on FS 42 and drive 9 miles to Cascade Lakes Highway/FS 46. Turn right onto FS 46 and proceed 6.3 miles to FS 4635 on the left. Turn left on FS 4635 (toward Cultus Lake Resort/Cultus Lakes). Follow FS 4635 for 1.7 miles to the entrance road for Cultus Lake Resort. Continue straight onto FS 100. Drive 0.1 mile and park on the right in a day-use parking pullout across from a picnic area and beach. If this parking area is full, drive farther north on FS 100. There is more day-use parking near Cultus Lake Campground.

For additional information, see Deschutes National Forest, Bend Ranger District.

Notes on the trail: The Bend Ranger District has developed a"Mountain Biking Route Guide" for the district. You can pick up this handout at the ranger station in Bend. Cultus Lake Loop is designated route number 47.5.

The Three Sisters Wilderness lies to the west and north of the single-track portion of this loop. Bikes are not allowed in designated wilderness areas.

Return down the pavement on FS 4635 for 1.1 miles to FS 4630 on the right. Turn onto gravel FS 4630. In 1.7 miles, continue straight (toward Little Cultus Lake/FS 4636) onto FS 600 where FS 4630 goes left. Turn right onto FS 640 at the next intersection; follow the signs for Deer Lake Trail 6 and Bike Route 47.5. After 0.3 mile on FS 640, bear left at a wide area in the road onto Deer Lake Trail. Follow the single-track along the shore of Little Cultus Lake, then through the woods to Deer Lake (follow the Carsonite bike route signs). After 1.7 miles on Deer Lake Trail, continue straight at a sign-in box and a trail that accesses the wilderness area. In another 0.4 mile, you come upon four bollards and a trail on the left. A double-track (straight ahead) is blocked by windfalls. Turn left onto the trail. Cross a bridge over a creek, then turn right toward Cultus Lake. Just over a mile of fun coasting brings you to another intersection. Turn left toward Cultus Lake onto a wide, road-like trail.

Shortly, trails break off to the right to access primitive West Cultus Lake Campground; follow the main road/trail north, bypassing the campground and keeping the lake in view. The road-like conditions give way to single-track at a beachside campsite marked with a flagpole. A trail comes in hard from the left here, and there is a multitude of signs on trees to the right; continue straight. The trail will climb a steep, short hill and then curve left to briefly move away from the lake. In another 0.5 mile, cross a big one-log bridge, then bear right to remain on track. Stay on Cultus Lake Trail where secondary trails branch off toward the lake (to the right) or wilderness (to the left). Near the end of the trail, you will have your choice of going left to a trailhead or right to Cultus Lake Campground. Take your pick, both lead out to FS 100. Turn right when you get to FS 100 and ride back to your vehicle.

For a longer option, ride up to the top of Cultus Mountain. Your district map (Bend) delineates the route well.

This area offers some good, longer single-track opportunities. We have heard good things about Lemish Lake Loop and Charlton Lake Loop. Make inquiries as to trail conditions when considering these trails; windfalls can be a problem. Herculean mountain bicyclists might consider an overnighter (two or more days) that would involve linking trails in the Cultus Lakes area with Waldo Lake Trail.