Elevate your summer adventures on the mountain

Zipping through the trees. Charging a series of perfectly linked turns. Soaring down the slopes. Breathing in the 360-degree views from the top of the Cascade Mountain Range. These simple phrases may provoke images of a snowy winter day on Mt. Bachelor, but they apply just as well to a hot August day on the hill.

While winter sports put Mt. Bachelor on the map, they’ve worked hard to expand their fun summer activities over the last decade. Today, Mt. Bachelor operates one of the Northwest’s premier lift-served mountain bike parks. But there are also five other big draws to this mountain destination in the warm months, and we’ve detailed them here.

Bike park

The Bike Park at Mt. Bachelor has something for riders of all skill levels, even the local pros who regularly train and play here. Each summer, the Bachelor Bike Park draws thousands of visitors worldwide. It offers lift-access mountain biking on two lifts and over 13 miles of scenic bike trails to explore. On-site, you can find rentals and a full-service bike shop. At Mt. Bachelor, you can find bike rentals, including complete bike and gear packages, to ensure you have all you need for your first visit to a bike park. They also offer protective gear rentals like helmets and pads for added safety. If you’re looking to get a solid start with help from a professional coach, multi-week lesson packages are also available.

The Little Pine Lift is ideal for new riders and the youngest members. It offers a selection of trails that promote skill and confidence development. It also makes for an excellent stepping stone before tackling the longer and steeper options available on the hill. Pine Marten Express features far more options, with trails as long as 3.8 miles of continuous downhill back to the base area. These trails are for intermediate to advanced riders, and most require some comfort with jumping.

Disc golf

An 18-hole PDGA disc golf course begins at the top of the Pine Marten Express chairlift and works its way down the hill for a finish at the West Village Base Area. The unique mountain terrain and elevation changes set this disc golf course apart from most you’ve likely played. The stunning views that accompany it are truly remarkable. Tickets are required to ride the lift to the start of this course, but ambitious players can avoid this expense by hiking to hole one. This hike features almost 1,500 feet of vertical gain and is entirely unpaved with loose volcanic terrain. Either way, come prepared with sturdy shoes and some serious terrain.

Zip line

Soar through the air on Mt. Bachelor’s newest attraction, the ZipTour. This exciting zip line operates from the start of the summer season until October 1st, running Thursday through Sunday. The dual-line tour features three distinct stages, launching from mid-mountain near the top of the Pine Marten Express chairlift at 7,800 feet. Dropping almost 1,400 feet in its journey back down to the West Village Base Area, this is the “Northwest’s steepest, fastest, and highest-elevation zip adventure.” But don’t be scared by these statistics. Each zip trolley is equipped with a self-controlled braking system, giving riders the freedom to control their speed as they navigate each stage of the adventure. Two side-by-side lines on each stage ensure shared thrills for those who choose to enjoy the ride with friends and family.

Hiking

Embark on an epic hiking journey up Mt. Bachelor, conquering its majestic 9,065-foot summit through two primary routes. Both routes now begin at the West Village Base Area. This change replaces the traditional route from the Sunrise Base Area, which is no longer accessible. For a more challenging hike starting from West Village, make your way towards the Little Pine lift. This trail has an impressive 2,742 feet of elevation gain throughout the 6.5-mile round-trip journey. The other option would be to pay for a lift ticket and ride the Pine Marten lift to mid-mountain. This significantly shortens the hike but still provides the gratification and breathtaking views from the summit. 

No matter which route you choose, being well-prepared for the challenging mountain conditions is crucial. These conditions include limited resources, so bring your own water and food. Snow exposure often lingers at least through mid-summer, and be mindful of the high elevation, which means less oxygen. The trails may have loose soils and rough lava rock, so sturdy footwear is a must, and don’t forget sunscreen for high sun exposure. Be ready for rapid changes in conditions by packing extra layers and keeping an eye on the forecast. Venturing beyond Pine Marten Lodge, the terrain becomes uncontrolled and unpatrolled. Proceed with caution and be prepared for limited assistance in case of an emergency.

Mountaintop dining & scenic lift rides

If you’re planning a hike or other activity at Mt. Bachelor this summer, consider capping off your day with a memorable sunset dinner at Pine Marten Lodge. Located at mid-mountain, Pine Marten Lodge offers a unique dining experience with stunning views of the surrounding scenery. The views from the lodge of the Cascade Mountain Range and the nearby lakes are truly breathtaking. Soaking this in over a gourmet meal can be quite the treat. Following your dinner, the chairlift ride back to the base through the scenic mountain hemlock and pine trees provides an unforgettable experience. It’s a journey that will leave a lasting memory for years to come.