Benham Falls
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If you are staying in SUNRIVER and wanting to go on a bike ride that takes you on a fairly easy and scenic ride, then head to BENHAM FALLS. Benham Falls is located at the north end of Sunriver just off of Circle 7. That's where you will find a paved path that will lead you to the falls. This is a part of the SUN-LAVA PAVED PATH that goes from Sunriver to . But the Sun-Lava Paved Path as a whole is a 5.5 mile paved path that runs from Sunriver, to Benham Falls and on to the Lava Lands Visitor Center.
For us, we like to take this ride every time we are in Sunriver. It didn't used to be paved, but now that it is, it makes for a pretty easy ride for the whole family. We have been able to take our kids when they were small in a bike trailer (we have THIS ONE), and now that they are a bit older and have outgrown the bike trailer, they are able to ride themselves. They are the ones who always want to do this ride and remind us each time we are here to go. |
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This path can also take you to Dillon Falls, if you are looking for a much longer, and much more intense and thrilling bike ride.
The Sun-Lava Paved Path winds through towering pine trees and chipmunks can be seen running around you everywhere! My daughter loves to stop and watch them. She always calls them Alvin, Simon, and Theodore and we keep a lookout for them each time we go. We also have seen lizards, which my son makes us stop so he can try to (always unsuccessfully) catch one.
The Sun-Lava Paved Path winds through towering pine trees and chipmunks can be seen running around you everywhere! My daughter loves to stop and watch them. She always calls them Alvin, Simon, and Theodore and we keep a lookout for them each time we go. We also have seen lizards, which my son makes us stop so he can try to (always unsuccessfully) catch one.
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There are a few parts on this path with a slow incline, but other than that, the path isn't hard to manage at all. The hardest part is once you get to the bridge. It's made out of railroad ties and is quite bumpy (which my kids love). You can also stop on the bridge and look at the river.
But after the bridge, this is where it is no longer paved. It turns to dirt and gravel, with the part right after the bridge quite rocky, a little steep, and harder to maneuver on the bike. At this point, we often walk our bikes up that small hill. Once up that hill, the path widens but remains dirt and gravel, but remains fairly easy to ride on. As you ride, you will follow the Deschutes River, where your biggest obstacle is staying on the path because you might find yourself too busy staring off at the allure of the Deschutes River. I had to remind my kids more than a few times to keep their eyes forward so they didn't ride of into the river. |
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After a little bit on this part of the trail, you will see a point with a path leading down to the water on your right. Stop here! This is such a pretty spot to take a pictures and admire the beauty in this forested area. It takes you right to the edge of the water and sits behind the falls. The path to get down is on the steeper side, do take your time getting down so you don't slip on the dry dirt.
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After some time at that point, hop back on your bikes and keep riding until you get to the bathrooms and parking lot. This is where Benham Falls is. Hike down this trail and there is a great overlook area to take in the waterfall and take some great family photos! The waterfall itself is stunning. It really is amazing to stop and watch a waterfall and examine its untamed power.
At this point, you can make the decision to keep heading towards Lava Lands or turn back. We almost always turn back. Overall, from the house we stay at, the ride is about 10.5 miles and takes us about two hours. You will want to make sure to bring water and snacks if you have young kids or if it's hot day. We tend to go in the morning and make sure to return before lunch. |
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Many people choose to forgo the bikes when using this trail and walk it. I would actually love to walk it someday, but my kids love the thrill of riding bikes and don't have the patience for the long walk.
This bike ride or walk makes for a perfect activity while in Sunriver. It wears out the kids (and you), keeps them busy for a few hours, and makes you appreciate how amazingly beautiful Central Oregon really is.
This bike ride or walk makes for a perfect activity while in Sunriver. It wears out the kids (and you), keeps them busy for a few hours, and makes you appreciate how amazingly beautiful Central Oregon really is.