With Cascade peaks dotting our skyline and clear mountain lakes enticing paddlers — not to mention thick forests, craggy volcanic features, and wide-open deserts all comprising our landscapes — there are several summers’ worth of outdoor experiences to enjoy around Central Oregon.
But before you hit the trail this season, make sure you’re prepared. Here’s what to bring — and what to know about making the most of your next Central Oregon hike (whether it’s your first or 101st).
Grab the Right Gear
You never know what the weather will bring in Central Oregon: Snow may linger on trails well into July, while toasty temperatures in the Oregon Badlands Wilderness Area may give way to surprise snowstorms in the Three Sisters Wilderness — even at the height of summer. So while we may enjoy nearly 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s never a bad idea to arrive prepared.
The Mountaineers, a Pacific Northwest-based advocacy group, have established the 10 Essentials that all hikers should bring on their outings for the safest possible experience. In no particular order, those are:
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- Map
- Compass
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Extra clothing
- Headlamp or flashlight
- First-aid supplies
- Firestarter
- Matches
- Knife
- Extra food
Not on the list but also a good idea: water. Bring more than you think you’ll need, since those sunny days and intense inclines can dehydrate even the heartiest of hikers.
Time Your Hike Right
There’s no worse feeling than circling a hike in your favorite guide, heading out for the day, and arriving at the trailhead … only to find a parking lot filled to capacity.
Fortunately, a few tips can help you time your hike right and enjoy a fun day on the trail.
Check in with official organizations: Don’t be shy about reaching out to the U.S. Forest Service or Oregon State Parks — whichever organization manages your preferred trail — to see how busy it might be. Friendly rangers can offer recommendations for when to visit, what to know, and which nearby hikes to consider if your preferred destination is crowded that day.
Aim for midweek: If you can push your hike to Monday or Tuesday, chances are good you’ll enjoy more solitude on the trail.
Go early — or late: Try to arrive at your desired trailhead by 9 a.m. (no matter the day of the week), or opt for a late-afternoon hike (starting at 3 or 4 p.m.) if daylight and weather conditions allow.
Plan a late-season outing: It’s a bit of a local secret: Central Oregon enjoys some of its most pleasant temperatures in September and October, just before the season’s first snowfall and just after families have returned home for the back-to-school rush. Crisp, dewy mornings generally give way to comfortable afternoons this time of year — and chances are good you’ll have the ideal conditions all to yourself.
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More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
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Easy Hikes in Bend and Around Central Oregon
Bend has been referred to as an outdoor paradise, and it’s easy to see why. From rolling high desert hills and arid plains to forested and snow-capped mountain peaks with lakes and rivers throughout, visiting Bend and Central Oregon is perfect if you love adventure. There is no shortage of trails to be explored in the region; you have your pick of distance, difficulty, and landscape. To help get you started, here are five easy hikes we recommend in Bend and around Central Oregon.
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The Best Hiking Around Sunriver, Oregon
Sunriver, Oregon is known for two things that might not come as a surprise: ample sunshine, and plenty of rivers and waterways. Nestled in the Deschutes National Forest at the base of the Cascade Range, Sunriver is a perfect destination for people who want to explore and see the best of the local landscape. The surrounding area is filled with tall pines and forested lands with meadows dotted throughout. The forest often gives way to a dry and volcanic landscape, contrasted by the refreshing rivers, lakes and ponds that can be enjoyed on a hot summer day. Want to get going? Here are five jaw-dropping hikes for you to try in and near Sunriver.
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Cline Falls State Park
Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint sits just west of Redmond alongside the Deschutes River—and makes a pleasant pitstop for picnicking, fishing, hiking, and soaking up the sun.
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McKenzie River National Recreation Trail
The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail runs about 25 miles north-south in the heart of the Cascade Range, rarely losing sight of its namesake waterway and connecting visitors to some of Central Oregon's most beloved outdoor destinations.
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Tam McArthur Rim Trailhead & Three Creek Lake
Few destinations showcase a number of iconic Central Oregon views like Tam McArthur Rim Trailhead & Three Creek Lake—where a hike (of up to 12 miles round-trip) reveals many of the region's most popular peaks, lakes, and sites.
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Steelhead Falls Bend
Step back in time at Steelhead Falls, where a 20-foot cascade tumbles over a rocky stretch in the Deschutes River and sits surrounded by all manner of natural beauty. All year long, the rugged river gorge marvels with rocky layers that trace millions of years of changing climates and evolving landscapes. But each season shows off a different side of the waterfall and offers plenty of reasons to return. Start by following a short, one-mile (round-trip) hiking trail that heads through a forest of juniper and sagebrush before ending at a wide-open viewpoint of Steelhead Falls. (Friendly heads-up: The path features a couple rocky stretches and a quick, steep section—but is otherwise flat.) In spring, wildflowers line the trail and golden eagles soar over the rugged river canyon; this is also when the waterfall, fed by seasonal rain and snowmelt, is at its raging peak. By summer, anglers cast a line for steelhead, rainbow trout, and brook trout in cool, deep pools near the waterfall. Come autumn, cool temperatures invite lingering and encourage hikers to watch for wildlife in the hillsides above. In winter, ice rings the waterfall and offers some of the year's most dramatic views; just be sure to bring snowshoes or microspikes to stay safe on the trail. If visiting between spring and fall, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes that live along the trail."
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Pilot Butte
Hike (or drive) to the summit of an extinct volcano—all without ever leaving Bend city limits—when you visit Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint on the community's eastside.
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The Scenic Waterfalls in Central Oregon
Is there anything more satisfying—anything more awe-inspiring—than gazing upon a thundering waterfall, its raging waters tumbling over ancient rock walls? Does it get any better than seeing a waterfall reach full boil in the midst of an otherwise quiet river as it crashes through a rock-lined canyon?