Mt. Bachelor RV Lot: Gateway to the Cascades
Conveniently located 18 miles up the highway from Bend sits us, Mt. Bachelor. World renowned as a winter destination, what most do not consider are the Mt. Bachelor summer attractions. The slopes that once held snow from November-May, melt out to reveal a kick-ass downhill mountain bike park that pros like Red Bull Rider Carson Storch call home. We also have the longest zipline in the Pacific Northwest, scenic chair lift rides, sunset dinners at our mid-mountain lodge, a disc golf course, hiking, and plenty of summer events. Although we are mostly known for pow days and tree skiing/riding, Mt. Bachelor is still very active in the summer and a destination for locals and tourists alike.
RV Camping
Don't miss one of Central Oregon's best-kept secrets: overnight RV camping at Mt. Bachelor. RV and van camping are very popular in the winter as folks bring their rigs up, camp slopeside with their crew, and enjoy first chair and winter sunsets over the Cascades. When summer comes, however, the West Village parking lot has plenty of space and overnight RV availability, even when other campgrounds along the Cascade Lakes Highway are completely booked. Whether you're traveling in a full-size RV or a compact van, you'll find ample space to set up camp with stunning mountain views as your backdrop. There are a ton of recreation opportunities just steps from the parking lot and even more that are just a short drive further down the highway. Below are some suggestions for both Mt. Bachelor summer activities and other options in the Deschutes National Forest.
Bike Park
The biggest attraction for adrenaline seekers, the Mt. Bachelor Bike Park is a premier bike park in the PNW. With 13+ miles of downhill trails, there are options for everyone. From pro riders to first time groms, the bike park is fun for all. Also available in the West Village Base Area is a whole fleet of top-of-the-line rentals.
The Mt. Bachelor Bike Park plays host to a number of camps and competitions! Signature events like the Gravity Race Series and Redline Rally showcase local talent and celebrate the vibrant biking community of Central Oregon. We also offer adult bike clinics, private lessons, and a whole series of Kids Camps that run throughout the summer.
Hiking
Mt. Bachelor is well known in the ski/snowboard community for not only having awesome snow and terrain but some of the most picturesque views in the region. In the summertime, some might argue that the views are even better. From the Summit one can see countless lakes, seemingly endless wilderness, and of course, the other stunning mountains of the Cascade Range. We have many different hiking trails that range in difficulty and distance, but all have stunning views. While some other popular hikes in the area require day permits to access, all trails at Mt. Bachelor are open to the public. You can even take a scenic lift ride up to mid-mountain to cut out steep sections, and start from a higher elevation.
ZipTours
A very unique experience, Mt. Bachelor ZipTours are a whole lot of fun! Quick brag, it is the PNW’s steepest, fastest, and highest elevation zipline. The three stage, dual-line experience drops thrill seekers almost 1,400 vertical feet with sweeping views of the surrounding Cascades. Fear not, riders are totally in control of their speed as each zip trolley is equipped with a self-controlled braking system.
Surrounding Area
Not only does Mt. Bachelor have fun things to do in the summer, but it also serves as a gateway to the Cascades. Ideally positioned for adventure, staying in the Mt. Bachelor parking lot gives guests access to some of the area's best hikes and lakes, just a short drive away.
Tumalo Mountain:
Practically right across the street from Mt. Bachelor sits Tumalo Mountain, a 7,755’ Cinder Cone with amazing 360° views of Central Oregon and beyond. Roughly a 4-mile hike with approximately 1,300’ of elevation gain, the average hiking time is said to be around 2 hours.
South Sister:
Oregon’s third tallest mountain and Central Oregon’s highest peak is none other than the mighty South Sister. Standing tall at 10,358’, the South Sister hike is one of the most iconic in the region. No small undertaking as the trail climbs 4,900’ in just 5.5 miles, but there are not any sections that require technical climbing skills. Moreover, the Mt. Bachelor RV lot has a great view of South Sister so you can take in your accomplishment while enjoying a Cascade summer sunset.
Cascade Lakes:
Cascade Lakes Highway is dubbed Cascade Lakes Highway for good reason. Along this route sit 14 beautiful alpine lakes, all with various recreation opportunities. The closest lakes to Mt. Bachelor are Todd Lake, Devils Lake, Sparks Lake, Elk Lake, and Hosmer Lake, with many more just a little further down the road. Paddleboarding, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and swimming are all easily within reach from the Mt. Bachelor RV lot.
So, next time you are looking for a campsite along the Cascade Lakes Highway, consider the privacy, proximity, availability, and beauty of Mt. Bachelor’s RV and van camping facilities. Equipped with flushing toilets, hot showers, and on-mountain dining options, it is a great place for the whole family.