Just think: it took millions of years of volcanic eruptions and subterranean plate-shifting to create the breathtaking Central Oregon landscape — and here it is today, just waiting for you to explore. Every inch, from arid, sagebrush-dotted plains, to snowy peaks offers unparalleled beauty. To thoroughly enjoy it though, be prepared for the adventure. That includes knowing how to keep it just as you found it — staggeringly beautiful. To be a responsible adventurer, let the seven principles of Leave No Trace be your guide. By treading lightly and respecting the delicate balance of nature, you’ll feel great knowing that you’ve truly honored the beauty that surrounds us.
Check out how to use these simple, effective principles to leave nothing but good vibes and take home memories that will last forever.
1. Know Before You Go
The key to an unforgettable outdoor adventure? Preparation. Whether you’re hiking in the Oregon Badlands Wilderness or hitting snowy backcountry trails, planning ahead means fewer surprises and more fun. Plus, it’s a whole lot easier to practice Leave No Trace when you’re not cold, hungry, or lost.
Before you head out, take a few minutes to check:
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- Permits – Many popular trails require them, helping to preserve the wilderness experience and minimize environmental impact.
- Conditions – Trail updates, weather forecasts, closures, and in winter, avalanche risks.
- Facilities – Restrooms, trash cans, and water sources (or the lack thereof).
Make great memories by following these tips:
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- Avoid parking headaches by carpooling, taking a shuttle, or having a backup plan. Overcrowded lots can lead to safety hazards and damage to fragile vegetation.
- And don’t forget the 10 essentials: navigation tools, extra layers, food, water, sun protection, first aid, fire-starting supplies, emergency shelter, a flashlight, and repair kits. These basics can turn an unexpected situation into a manageable one.
- If you’re new to an area or activity, hiring a guide is a great way to explore safely, learn more, and avoid common mistakes. Guides often provide gear—think helmets, life jackets, or snowshoes—so you can focus on the fun.
- Outdoor spaces are more popular than ever, so consider visiting during off-peak times or traveling in smaller groups for a quieter, more immersive experience.
2. Stick to Trails and Camp Overnight Right
There’s nothing like trekking through Central Oregon’s stunning landscapes—help keep them pristine by sticking to trails and durable surfaces.
- Keep singletrack single – Walk or ride through mud and puddles instead of skirting around them to avoid widening trails and damaging plants. Bonus: you’ll stay safer, avoiding hazards like poison ivy or twisted ankles.
- Don’t shortcut switchbacks – It leads to erosion, damages vegetation, and makes trails more dangerous.
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- Keep the glide alive – Snow-travel opens up lots of opportunities for exploration, as compacted snow thicker than 6 inches is a durable surface. Snowshoers and hikers should walk beside ski tracks (not on top of them) to preserve a smooth ride for skiers.
When camping:
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- Reserve developed campsites in advance and check fire restrictions.
- In wilderness areas, set up camp on rock, gravel, dry grass, or snow—never on fragile vegetation.
- Always camp at least 200 feet (about 70 big steps) from water sources to protect them from contamination.
- Good campsites are found, not made — don’t dig trenches, build furniture, or clear plants.
And don’t forget to store your food properly – no one wants an unexpected visit from curious (or hungry) wildlife.
3. Pack It Out
If you pack it in, pack it out. That means all trash, leftover food, and even human and pet waste.
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- Plan ahead – Use restrooms before hitting the trail. If none are available, bring a portable toilet bag or dig a 6–8 inch cathole at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. Human waste can have over one hundred bacteria, protozoa and viruses, so protect water sources and your health by disposing of your human waste properly.
- Minimize social impacts by urinating 200 feet from trails, water and campsites.
- Don’t bury or burn trash – Burnt garbage is toxic, leaves behind a mess, and is harmful to wildlife. Pack out everything.
- Pet waste can be even more harmful than human waste. Pack out your dog’s poop to keep water sources pristine.
- Food scraps are trash, too. Animals are attracted to anything that smells like food, including shells, peels and wrappers. Human food isn’t healthy for wildlife and can condition animals to seek out humans as a source of food.
Consider this: a banana peel takes two years to decompose, a plastic bag lasts 20 years, and a glass bottle? Over a million years. What you leave behind can impact wildlife, water, and future visitors. Places like the Green Lakes Trail are stunning because visitors have done their part to keep it pristine—do the same on every trail you explore.
4. Leave It As You Find It
From the otherworldly Big Obsidian Flow to delicate wildflowers along the trail, Central Oregon’s landscapes are best left untouched.
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- Skip the souvenirs – Rocks, plants, bones, and antlers have important roles in the ecosystem as food and habitat for countless creatures. Admire them, but leave them for the next visitor to enjoy.
- Respect cultural and historic sites – Moving or taking artifacts erases important parts of the story of the land and people who have called it home.
- Help stop invasive species – If you’re recreating on water, clean, drain, and dry your gear before heading to another lake or river. When hiking this impact is limited by cleaning our boots between trips.
- Climb clean – When climbing or bouldering, be sure to minimize and clean up after chalk use, retrieve your anchors, know when routes are closed for nesting, and use existing access trails to protect against erosion and vegetation damage.
5. Be Fire Informed
Few things beat gathering around a campfire—but it comes with responsibility. Most wildfires are human-caused, so before lighting up, check fire restrictions. Be aware of “red flag warnings,” which indicate that the risk of wildfire is very high.
If fires are allowed:
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- Use existing fire rings and keep fires small, so they don’t get out of hand and are easily extinguished.
- Only use dead, downed wood that breaks by hand, or let fallen wood decay and buy firewood locally.
- Fully extinguish fires before leaving — douse with water, stir the ashes, and make sure they’re cool to the touch.
Consider skipping the fire entirely. Stargazing, using a camp stove, or sitting under lantern light can be just as magical—without the wildfire risk.
Photo courtesy of Mt. Bachelor
6. Keep Wildlife Wild
Exploring nature means sharing space with wildlife. Human actions can unintentionally harm wildlife and alter their behavior.
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- Give animals space – Use the thumb trick: hold your thumb up at arm’s length and close one eye—if your thumb doesn’t cover the animal, you’re too close.
- Never feed wildlife – Not even birds. Human food isn’t healthy for animals, and feeding them can make them dependent or aggressive.
- Store food and trash securely – Prevent accidental feeding by keeping all food and scented items safely stashed.
- Leash pets – Protect both wildlife and your furry friend. Off-leash pets can scare animals away from vital food sources or get into dangerous encounters.
By keeping wildlife wild, we help maintain the delicate balance of these ecosystems and ensure animals can thrive in their natural habitat.
7. Respect Others
Central Oregon’s outdoors are for everyone, and a little courtesy goes a long way.
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- Keep noise levels low – Let nature’s sounds take center stage. If you enjoy music, use an earbud instead of a speaker so you can hear what’s going on around you and enjoy your music at the same time.
- Know the ‘yield triangle’ – Bikers yield to everyone, hikers yield to horses, who yield to folks who use assistive devices. Downhill users typically yield to uphill users. Be aware of your surroundings and remember that a little communication goes a long way.
- Control your pets – Always clean up after them and keep them from disturbing others.
- Looking for solitude? – A visit in the spring or fall will have fewer visitors than in the summer, and by choosing to shift your visit when possible, you help decrease crowds during peak times. Have to visit in the summer? An early morning start not only helps avoid busier times, but it’s often the coolest time of day, with some amazing lighting.
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By following these simple principles, you’ll not only help protect the land but also contribute to a welcoming and enjoyable outdoor experience for all.
Every Choice Matters
Whether you’re hiking, camping, paddling, or simply enjoying a picnic, your choices impact nature and other visitors. By preparing thoughtfully, minimizing your impact, and respecting the land and its inhabitants, you help ensure these outdoor spaces remain unspoiled for generations.
Learn more about what you can do to minimize your impact at LeaveNoTrace.org and VisitBend.com.
Thank you for doing your part to protect this incredible place!
