With ~300 days of sunshine a year and fresh powder snow in the mountains, the high desert country of Central Oregon is
a great playground for sports lovers. Bend is about the geographic center of the region.
a great playground for sports lovers. Bend is about the geographic center of the region.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Big Obsidian Flow - Newberry Crater
A stroll over the surface of the moon on volcanic glass from the Newberry Crater
A stroll over the surface of the moon on volcanic glass from the Newberry Crater
Easy
0.7 mi/
1.1 km
1.1 km
Lava Cast Forest
A short walk through a lava field that has left behind impressions of old trees.
A short walk through a lava field that has left behind impressions of old trees.
Easy
0.7 mi/
1.1 km
1.1 km
Obsidian Trail - Newberry Crater
A very unique hike through an obsidian lava flow beneath Paulina Peak in Newberry Crater, Oregon
A very unique hike through an obsidian lava flow beneath Paulina Peak in Newberry Crater, Oregon
Easy
1.0 mi/
1.6 km
1.6 km
Mckenzie Pass Highpoint and Dee Wright Observatory Trails
You will feel like you're on the moon while exploring the trails through the lava fields at the height of Mckenzie Pass
You will feel like you're on the moon while exploring the trails through the lava fields at the height of Mckenzie Pass
Easy
1.0 mi/
1.6 km
1.6 km
Pilot Butte (Nature Trail)
A quick hike up for a 360 degree view of the high desert
A quick hike up for a 360 degree view of the high desert
Easy
1.0 mi/
1.6 km
1.6 km
Steelhead Falls
A retreat from the desert heat provides a great swimming spot for everyone!
A retreat from the desert heat provides a great swimming spot for everyone!
Easy
1.1 mi/
1.8 km
1.8 km
Deschutes River Trail (Dillon Falls to Aspen)
Waterfalls, rapids, wildlife, and a rugged volcanic landscape!
Waterfalls, rapids, wildlife, and a rugged volcanic landscape!
Easy
1.4 mi/
2.3 km
2.3 km
Proxy Falls
This loop trail, travels through open lava fields and dense forest, offering views of two waterfalls.
This loop trail, travels through open lava fields and dense forest, offering views of two waterfalls.
Easy
1.5 mi/
2.4 km
2.4 km
Tumalo Falls and Double Falls
A short hike to this beautiful 97 foot waterfall along Tumalo Creek just outside of Bend, Oregon
A short hike to this beautiful 97 foot waterfall along Tumalo Creek just outside of Bend, Oregon
Easy
2.0 mi/
3.2 km
3.2 km
Lava Butte - Newberry Crater National Monument
This short drive up this 4,500 foot Butte that sits above the Lava Lands Visitor Center
This short drive up this 4,500 foot Butte that sits above the Lava Lands Visitor Center
Easy
2.2 mi/
3.5 km
3.5 km
Gold Lake Snow Park to Odell Lake Viewpoint
Easy snowshoeing/cross-country ski adventure, great for beginners, that takes you to an overlook of Odell Lake.
Easy snowshoeing/cross-country ski adventure, great for beginners, that takes you to an overlook of Odell Lake.
Easy
2.5 mi/
4.0 km
4.0 km
McKenzie River Trail: Hike to Tamolitch/Blue Pool
Hike this short section of the McKenzie River Trail to the beautiful Tamolitch (Blue Pool)
Hike this short section of the McKenzie River Trail to the beautiful Tamolitch (Blue Pool)
Easy
4.0 mi/
6.4 km
6.4 km
Paulina Peak att Sunrise - Newberry National Volcanic Monument
You can either drive to the top or hike to the top for a dramatic sunrise over Bend and the Sisters Volcano Complex
You can either drive to the top or hike to the top for a dramatic sunrise over Bend and the Sisters Volcano Complex
Easy
4.0 mi/
6.4 km
6.4 km
Shevlin Park - Canyon Rim Loop
Nice hike or bike ride around the rim of this Bend area park
Nice hike or bike ride around the rim of this Bend area park
Easy
4.5 mi/
7.2 km
7.2 km
Clear Lake Trail
This hiking trail loops all the way around Clear Lake along the scenic McKenzie Highway in Oregon.
This hiking trail loops all the way around Clear Lake along the scenic McKenzie Highway in Oregon.
Easy
4.6 mi/
7.4 km
7.4 km
Triangulation Peak and Boca Cave
An easy hike with fantastic views of Mt. Jefferson and a little know gem of a cave that frames Jeffy in the distance.
An easy hike with fantastic views of Mt. Jefferson and a little know gem of a cave that frames Jeffy in the distance.
Easy
4.7 mi/
7.6 km
7.6 km
Bobby Lake from Waldo Lake Highway
An easy 2-mile trek to the lake with great camping options
An easy 2-mile trek to the lake with great camping options
Easy
4.8 mi/
7.7 km
7.7 km
Rosary Lakes
Start with a ride up the gondola with a view of Diamond Peak then hike downhill past three beautiful cascade lakes.
Start with a ride up the gondola with a view of Diamond Peak then hike downhill past three beautiful cascade lakes.
Easy
6.3 mi/
10.1 km
10.1 km
McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway
This driving guide will take you to all the major scenic spots along the scenic byway from Sisters, OR to Sahalie Falls
This driving guide will take you to all the major scenic spots along the scenic byway from Sisters, OR to Sahalie Falls
Easy
60 mi/
97 km
97 km
Horsepasture Mountain
A short, but moderately steep hike to amazing views of the Three Sisters cascade area.
A short, but moderately steep hike to amazing views of the Three Sisters cascade area.
Moderate
2.3 mi/
3.7 km
3.7 km
Lava Camp to S Mathieu
5.2 mile trail near Sisters Oregon in the Three sisters wilderness area
5.2 mile trail near Sisters Oregon in the Three sisters wilderness area
Moderate
2.8 mi/
4.5 km
4.5 km
Tumalo Falls Loop
Loop trail past Tumalo Falls, Doulble Falls, Upper Falls, North Fork Falls and Spring Creek Falls
Loop trail past Tumalo Falls, Doulble Falls, Upper Falls, North Fork Falls and Spring Creek Falls
Moderate
5.7 mi/
9.2 km
9.2 km
Paulina Creek Falls - Newberry Crater Volcanic Monument
A nice 6 mile cross-country ski to Paulina Falls in the winter.
A nice 6 mile cross-country ski to Paulina Falls in the winter.
Moderate
6.0 mi/
9.7 km
9.7 km
Alder Springs
Striped cliffs tower above Alder Springs in this canyon along Whychus Creek. A side trip to ancient pictographs.
Striped cliffs tower above Alder Springs in this canyon along Whychus Creek. A side trip to ancient pictographs.
Moderate
6.5 mi/
10.5 km
10.5 km
Canyon Creek Meadows
Beautiful flower meadows and a hike up the East side of Three Fingered Jack.
Beautiful flower meadows and a hike up the East side of Three Fingered Jack.
Moderate
7.0 mi/
11.3 km
11.3 km
Duffy Lake & Red Butte
Hike in to Duffy one of Oregon's great swimming lakes at the base of Three Fingered Jack. Side trip to Red Butte.
Hike in to Duffy one of Oregon's great swimming lakes at the base of Three Fingered Jack. Side trip to Red Butte.
Moderate
12.7 mi/
20 km
20 km
Mountain Bike Tracks at Paulina Lakes and Newberry National Volcanic Monument
High-altitude single-track around and through the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
High-altitude single-track around and through the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Moderate
29 mi/
47 km
47 km
South Sister Spring Backcountry Skiing
From the Cascade Lakes Highway to the top of the tallest Sister in a day.
From the Cascade Lakes Highway to the top of the tallest Sister in a day.
Difficult
10.9 mi/
17.5 km
17.5 km
South Sister Summit
Climbing to the summit of the South Sister from Devil's Lake Trailhead.
Climbing to the summit of the South Sister from Devil's Lake Trailhead.
Difficult
12.0 mi/
19.3 km
19.3 km
Hayden Glacier Ski Descent
This is a wonderful spring or early summer ski descent of the Hayden Glacier on Middle Sister
This is a wonderful spring or early summer ski descent of the Hayden Glacier on Middle Sister
Difficult
15.8 mi/
25 km
25 km
Middle and North Sister Summit Climb
Via Obsidian Trail approach from the west
Via Obsidian Trail approach from the west
Difficult
22 mi/
36 km
36 km
McKenzie River Trail
This is one of the epic mountain bike rides in Western Oregon.
This is one of the epic mountain bike rides in Western Oregon.
Difficult
25 mi/
40 km
40 km
Pyramid Peaks
Fun peaks with huge glacial cirques and views towards Jefferson and Santiam Pass.
Fun peaks with huge glacial cirques and views towards Jefferson and Santiam Pass.
n/a
5.2 mi/
8.4 km
8.4 km
Black Butte Backcountry Ski Descent
You may find yourself in late spring hiking up a dusty path only to descend on deep snow through a burned forest.
You may find yourself in late spring hiking up a dusty path only to descend on deep snow through a burned forest.
n/a
6.5 mi/
10.5 km
10.5 km
Deschutes River Trail (Aspen to Big Eddy)
Fly-fishing and mountain biking, side by side for miles and miles...
Fly-fishing and mountain biking, side by side for miles and miles...
n/a
1.0 mi/
1.6 km
1.6 km
Linton Lake
Easy trail wanders through forest and lava flow, to Linton Lake. Great hike for kids with very little elevation gain.
Easy trail wanders through forest and lava flow, to Linton Lake. Great hike for kids with very little elevation gain.
n/a
3.1 mi/
5.0 km
5.0 km
Mount Bachelor
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Tumalo Mountain Backcountry Ski
A terrific short ski descent from a small peak next to Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort.
A terrific short ski descent from a small peak next to Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort.
Easy
4.7 mi/
7.6 km
7.6 km
Bachelor to Bend Epic Mountain Bike Descent
With almost all down hill riding, great views, banked turns and whoopties, you're sure to remember this trail!
With almost all down hill riding, great views, banked turns and whoopties, you're sure to remember this trail!
Moderate
23 mi/
37 km
37 km
Broken Top Ski Descent of SW Ridge and Crater Bowl
A long trek in on skins rewards you with epic lines to ski
A long trek in on skins rewards you with epic lines to ski
Difficult
13.8 mi/
22 km
22 km
Guides
Climbing to the summit of the South Sister from Devil's Lake Trailhead.
This hiking trail loops all the way around Clear Lake along the scenic McKenzie Highway in Oregon.
This is one of the epic mountain bike rides in Western Oregon.
A long trek in on skins rewards you with epic lines to ski
An easy hike with fantastic views of Mt. Jefferson and a little know gem of a cave that frames Jeffy in the distance.
With almost all down hill riding, great views, banked turns and whoopties, you're sure to remember this trail!
This driving guide will take you to all the major scenic spots along the scenic byway from Sisters, OR to Sahalie Falls
Nice hike or bike ride around the rim of this Bend area park
Beautiful flower meadows and a hike up the East side of Three Fingered Jack.
Loop trail passes by two waterfalls on the McKenzie River
Hike this short section of the McKenzie River Trail to the beautiful Tamolitch (Blue Pool)
Community Trips
Cloudy late-June weekend in Central Oregon. Decided to stay "low" and do the Misery Ridge hike around Smith Rock. *LATER ADDITION: Here is some back-story on how Misery Ridge got its name: http://www.nuggetnews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=16004&SectionID=6&SubSectionID=&S=1Misery Ridge loop has a very steep ascent and descent from the Crooked River to the Monkey Face. Monkey face is a ~200 foot tall rock promontory with a distinctive shape (you figure out what that is!). The Crooked River...
Even this late in June there can be too much snow in the high country for many of the best hikes with great views. Definitely the case this year. Since the weather was gorgeous we decided to hike to the (generally snow-free) 6400' summit of Black Butte, just to the west of Sisters. To our surprise we did find a bit of fresh "snow" up there!An advantage to this time of year...
A great local hike with awesome views, Black Crater sits right above Sisters, Oregon and offers "front seat" views of about at least 8 volcanic mountains in the Oregon Cascades. (Hood, Jefferson, Three Finger Jack, North, Middle, and South Sister, and Broken Top)On the day of this hike the weather was gorgeous: sunny with only a bit of wind on the summit. The hike itself is steep and about 8 miles long. About a 2500...
Pamelia Lake and Grizzly Peak, Mt Jefferson Wilderness
Marion Forks, Oregon, United States
10.2 miles
10.2 miles
Took a day off to do an early season hike in the Mt Jefferson Wilderness. The trail to Pamelia Lake is an easy hike through some magnificent old-growth forest. Hiking through a wide morain, evidence of glaciation is everywhere. Moss covers everything. Trees are immense. Beyond the lake, we hiked up Grizzly peak. The hiking is more challenging. High water made the usual stream crossing impossible, but after some hunting we did find a...
24" of snow the week prior. Skied with friends Hank and Jeff for part of the day. Had some great off-piste runs, including hitting ~all of the 360o catchline road ("the eye") and dropping into the cirque thru the pinnacles ("threading"). Doing both in one day is what is called "threading the needle."Had one run with a manager at Mt Bachelor. Bert? Anyway he was a good skier and had a great run and...
sine qua non of the mtn bike system. After a cold ride into town, we stopped at Sisters Coffee to warm up a bit. Thru town we encountered some deer before turn off onto the Ridge Trail. Overall Sisters Trails are excellent. The Ridge offered challenges even for good riders like Matt and Tom.We made it to the top of the ridge no problem. Some great tracks and views. On the way back,...
Day 4 of "Psycho Cycle-Fest I"Paulina Lakes is an absolutely great mountain bike ride of about 20 miles. It circles the rim of of the huge Newberry volcanic crater (caldera). Great views, excellent trail conditions, and high altitude. Newberry is an "active" Volcano. The caldera is roughly four to five miles in diameter. [Although several thousand years old, it's about 10X larger in area than Mt St Helens!]I started the ride at Paulina...
KGB / Phil's / Road 300 / Whoops / Bens / Phil's Trailhead
Deschutes River Woods, Oregon, United States
14.4 miles
14.4 miles
A loop with my wife starting at the edge of Tetherow on the KGB trail. We headed to the flaming chicken (or rooster depending on who you are talking to)...it's really a Phoenix anyway. From there we headed up Phil's Canyon where I gave new Bend resident from the NE USA a spare tube while getting mobbed by mosquitoes. --------------------------------This Mountain biking trip was created with the REI Bike Your Drive App:Trip...
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