The flavor of a mountain bike trail can vary drastically from day to day, depending on the weather and trail conditions.

Three years ago, I rode the Suttle Lake Tie and Loop trails in a driving rainstorm. I remember enjoying the ride for the most part, but I was more focused on staying warm and dry — and there was not much of a chance to appreciate the beauty of the area because of the clouds.

Last week, I rode the trails for a second time, and it felt like a completely different ride. Suttle Lake shone a pure blue, and snowcapped Mount Washington rose in the distance as I made my way around the lake on a clear day with temperatures in the low 70s.

I have driven past Suttle Lake on U.S. Highway 20 countless times, but I never realized just how breathtaking its surroundings are until I hit the trail on a perfect day.

I drove the 45 minutes from Bend to the Suttle Tie trailhead just off the highway at George McAllister Road northwest of Sisters.

The Tie trail starts out among giant ponderosa and lodgepole pines in the Deschutes National Forest. This portion of the trail alternates between doubletrack and singletrack, climbing gradually toward Suttle Lake.

The trail held a firm surface and provided a nice rhythm.

Sections were fast and wet, and lined by grass, giving the ride a west-side-of-the-Cascades feel — something mountain bikers cannot find on the High Desert singletrack. Blooming manzanita lined the trail in sections, and snow-covered Mount Jefferson popped up on the horizon.

Soon I crossed a forest road and came upon scenic Lake Creek, which flows out of the east end of Suttle Lake. The recently completed Lake Creek Trail goes under a small bridge on U.S. Highway 20 and follows the creek northeast all the way to Camp Sherman and the Metolius River. It starts out as singletrack but eventually becomes more of a dirt road closer to Camp Sherman.

I rode the Lake Creek Trail for awhile before turning around and heading back to Suttle Lake and turning onto the Suttle Loop Trail, which is mostly singletrack.

Taking the clockwise route around the lake, I was soon just inches from the water, riding the flat and fast singletrack while being careful to avoid nearby campers. The loop trail attracts many runners and hikers in the summertime, so riding under control is a must.

After cruising over a small bridge to the north side of Suttle Lake, I glanced back and saw Mount Washington towering over the lake in the distance. The trail probably affords better views if ridden counterclockwise, but there is always next time.

For mountain biking in the Sisters area, the crown jewel is Peterson Ridge, home to a vast network of trails that volunteers have spent thousands of hours improving.

But for something new and farther afield, the 14-mile Suttle Tie and Loop is an enticing option for a two- to three-hour outing.

For a shorter option, riders could also drive to Suttle Lake Resort and ride only the 4-mile loop around the lake. The loop trail is family-friendly, and many sections could be easily ridden by youngsters.

Overall, the intermediate Suttle Tie and Loop is a good ride for less-experienced mountain bikers, but it is challenging enough for more-advanced riders.

One negative about the Tie Trail is its proximity to busy U.S. Highway 20 — I could hear automobile traffic whizzing by until I reached the lake. But the highway aside, the ride made for a seemingly remote excursion.

On a pleasant summer day, the Suttle Lake Tie and Loop is a perfect option for something different from most trails on the east side of the Cascade Range in Central Oregon.

Editor’s note: Mountain Bike Trail Guide, by Bulletin sports and outdoors writer Mark Morical, features various trails in Central Oregon and beyond. The trail guide appears in Outdoors on alternating Wednesdays through the riding season.

Suttle Lake Tie and Loop

DIRECTIONS

From Sisters, drive 10 miles northwest on U.S. Highway 20. Turn left on George McAllister Road and park immediately.

LENGTH

About a 14-mile ride total, two to three hours.

RATING

Technically easy and aerobically moderate.

TRAIL FEATURES

Relatively flat and rolling singletrack through a ponderosa and lodgepole pine forest along the Suttle Tie Trail, which includes doubletrack and singletrack. Views of Lake Creek and Suttle Lake along the singletrack Suttle Lake Loop Trail. Avoid the loop on busy summer weekends.