10 BEST HIKES IN BEND
From the summit of South Sister to the trails along the scenic Deschutes, hikes for all ages and abilities abound. So lace up those hiking boots and leave just your footprint on some of the best hikes in the Pacific Northwest.
From the summit of South Sister to the trails along the scenic Deschutes, hikes for all ages and abilities abound. So lace up those hiking boots and leave just your footprint on some of the best hikes in the Pacific Northwest.
Conveniently located five minutes from downtown Bend, Pilot Butte Trail is available for all hikers at any time during the year. This moderate two-mile loop is a pet-friendly trail that leads to the best panoramic views Bend has to offer.
Located less than a mile from the famous Old Mill District, this well-maintained and pet-friendly trail follows the banks of the Deschutes River. Watch for paddle boarders, kayakers, and swimmers as you soak in the beautiful Bend sunshine along this three-mile trail.
This is the signature waterfall in all of Central Oregon. The lush, green landscape with the roaring 100-foot-tall waterfall provides hikers with several photo opportunities along this four-mile roundtrip trail. The more ambitious hikers can extend the hike to seven miles and be introduced to several other waterfalls along Tumalo Creek.
Located in the heart of Smith Rock State Park, this trail allows hikers to explore the banks of the Crooked River and the heights of the welded tuff rock. The first mile of this hike is brutal, but don’t let that prevent you from reaching the top. This pet-friendly four-mile roundtrip trail is a must for any and all outdoor enthusiasts willing to make the climb.
Open between the months of May and September, this 90-minute exploration can either be a self or guided tour. Come prepared with a $5 payment fee, closed-toed shoes, warm clothing, and a flashlight since the average temperature in the cave is only 42 degrees during the season. Experience life underground with friends and family by exploring this unique destination in Central Oregon.
Standing 9,065 feet at the summit, this 4.4-mile roundtrip summer trail gains 2,500 feet in elevation. This world-renowned destination provides hikers with breathtaking views of the Cascades to the north and the valley floor below. Reward yourself with a cold craft brew from Deschutes Brewery on your way back.
This nine-mile roundtrip trail is one of Central Oregon's best all-around summer hikes. Weaving along the banks of the Fall Creek and taking you deep into the Deschutes National Forest, this trail is nothing short of heaven on earth. Pets are welcome as this hike ends at a beautiful lake below the peaks of Broken Top Mountain.
Standing at 9,177 feet, Broken Top is one of the hardest hikes in Central Oregon. For those willing to make the climb you will be rewarded with unbelievable views of both Broken Top and the rest of the Cascade Mountain range. This 15-mile roundtrip trail allows for hikers to escape reality and enjoy time with hikers of similar endurance.
This beast of a mountain is only for the most experienced and well-enduranced hikers so start early! Standing at 10,358 feet tall, South Sister is the third largest mountain in Oregon and can be summited only after climbing 5,000 feet from the trailhead at Devils Lake. The panoramic views from the summit allow hikers to see for hundreds of miles in all directions on a bluebird day.
Find serenity with your loved one by following this short one-mile roundtrip trail up to Spirit Rock. Grab a bottle of wine from the Brasada Ranch General Store and catch a breathtaking sunset overlooking Brasada Ranch. It's in our very own backyard, so why not?