Hiking in Bend, Sunriver, and surrounding Central Oregon areas. Popular trail day hikes for the Bend area.
Devils Lake (easy - difficult hikes & explorations)
Devils Lake is a spring fed pool of crystal clear waters. It is most commonly used as the starting point for South Sisters climbers, but there are many trails and different areas to explore in this area—Hell Springs, Tyee Springs, and Devils Garden.
Dry River Gorge (easy 2 miles one way)
This is a great choice for fall through early spring hiking (very hot in summer). This hike starts 17 miles east of Bend on Hwy. 20. Just past milepost 17 turn left onto quarry road then immediately turn right towards the travel piles. Follow any of the rough dirt roads for about .75 miles until they merge and dead end at some campsites. Trail begins at campsites. At the 2 mile mark there are two huge ponderosa pines marking the turnaround point. Closed March – August to protect nesting.
Farewell Bend River trail loop (easy 3 mile loop)
Begin your hike at Farewell Bend Park located at the Bill Healy Bridge on Reed Market Rd. Park and follow the river trail under the bridge to your left. There are wonderful forest and river views.
Green Lake (moderate 4.5 miles)
A local’s favorite. The moderate 4.5-6 mile trail to the three green lakes offers plenty of waterfalls, lava, and wildflowers as it gradually climbs alongside Fall Creek. You will come to your first lake after about 4.5 miles but continue your hike around all of the lakes for another 3 miles. During the summer this trail can be very crowded.
Lava Butte/Cave/Lava Cast Forest
This impressive red and black cinder cone "volcano" rises directly off of Hwy. 97, 10 miles south of Bend. A 1.5 mile road spirals to its 500- ft. height or take the .25 mile rim trail to the fire lookout. Lava River cave is a mile long walk down into the year round 40° temperature. Dress warm with sturdy shoes. You can rent lanterns and get maps from the rangers at the entrance. Tour Lava Cast Forest on a one mile long paved pathway through an interesting landscape of lava flow with casts left from burned out tree trunks. Pick up an interpretive map at the trailhead.
Metolius River Trail (easy 2 miles one way)
A great 2.5 mile section of the river that heads upstream from the hatchery along the west bank ending at Canyon Creek Campground. Or shorten your hike by turning around at the 2 mile mark, where an 80-foot spring pours into the river.
Paulina/ Newberry National Monument
The Peter Skene Ogden Trail (named for Paulina Lakes 1826 Discoverer) parallels the creek as it ascends 8.5 mile to Paulina Lodge. The trail can be hiked, biked, or horsed the whole length, but a 3 mile stretch in the middle starting at McKay Camp is a spectacular shorter hike. Newberry
National Monument has too many splendors to list here. Be sure to pick up a national park brochure at the visitor center or at the entrance to the park.
Pilot Butte State Park (easy/moderate 2 mile loop)
There are two ways to the top of this 480 ft. butte, either a mile long paved road or a mile long dirt trail. Most people hike up one and down the other (beware of cars on road). There are spectacular panoramic views of Cascades to the west and high desert to the east.
Sisters Mirror Lake Loop (moderate 7 mile loop)
A Scenic and fun 7 mile loop with South Sister views and swimable Mirror Lakes. Begin this hike at Devils lot and take the Elk/Devils trail.
Smith Rock State Park (easy/moderate/ difficult)
This park has some of the most scenic landscapes in Central Oregon. There is something for everyone here, from mountain biking, to rock climbing, to the casual stroll. To be prepared, pick up a Smith Rock brochure at the visitor center or the trail sign at the parking area will show the different
trails.
Sparks Lake (easy 1 mile loop)
This is a photographer’s dream. Near the boat ramp check out the Atkeson Memorial Trail. A sign details the easy loop, which includes a .25 mile paved wheelchair section.
Todd Lake (easy 1.25 mile lakeshore loop)
This very popular, scenic trail circles around the lake. Trailhead signboard/map details other hiking options.
Tumalo Falls (short easy/moderate, 4 miles one way)
The viewpoint is a few steps from the parking lot or a short trail to the top. The top is a must – worth the 5 minute walk. There are multiple trail options from the parking lot, all well marked. Hike the trail upstream along Tumalo Creek. You can hike a mile along this trail to more falls or
continue on a total of 4 miles to Happy Valley. Retrace your steps from there to get back.
Tumalo Mt. (moderate/difficult 1.75 miles one way)
This trail is a steep climb from 6400 ft. to 7775 ft. in 1.75 miles with spectacular view at the top. This trail starts at the Dutchman Sno-park 18 miles up the Cascade Lakes Hwy.
Upper Deschutes River Trail (distances vary according to starting points)
This part of the Deschutes River Trail system follows the banks of the river from Meadow Camp all the way to Benham Falls, passing Lava Island Falls, Aspen Camp and Dillon Falls. The trail begins at Meadow Camp picnic area off of Century Drive. Numerous other starting points may be accessed off
Century Drive on FS Road 41. n Meadow picnic area to Benham Falls: 8.5 miles n Meadow Camp to Lava Island: 1.2 miles n Lava Island to Dillon Falls: 3.3 miles n Dillon to Benham Falls: 4 miles.
Hiking information from bend oregon real estate plus.