Black Butte
Best day hike near Sisters
Sisters, Oregon
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Natural Wonders
A symmetrical cinder cone butte located in Deschutes National Forest, northwest of the town of Sisters, Oregon.
A scenic Central Oregon volcanic cone with two fire lookouts
About the Hike: Plunked in the midst of the Central Oregon plateau, Black Butte looks like a misplaced mountain. A steep but view-packed trail climbs 1.9 miles to the panoramic summit, gaining 1,600 feet of elevation. The last portion of this route is difficult enough that it is not generally recommended for hikers with children.
Still, it’s surprising how many kids enjoy the climb because they view it as a challenge.
Difficulty: A moderate, 3.6-mile loop to the headland’s tip gains 900 feet of elevation.
Season: Open July through October.
Getting There: Drive Highway 22 west of Sisters 5.5 miles (or east of Santiam Pass 13.5 miles) to Indian Ford Campground, near milepost 95. Turn north onto paved Green Ridge Road 11. After 3.8 miles, turn left onto gravel Road 1110 for 5.1 miles to a parking area at the road’s end.
Fees: A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park here. The pass costs $5 per day or $30 per season. It can be purchased at a ranger station, an outdoor store or at the trailhead fee box.
Tips: From the trailhead at road’s end, the path climbs steadily through a forest of orange-barked old-growth ponderosa pine. The golf courses of Black Butte Ranch appear as miniature meadows in the forest far below.
After 1.1 mile, the trail crosses a treeless slope that’s white in June with the blooms of serviceberry bushes. Expect other wildflowers, too: big yellow balsamroot, purple larkspur, and red paintbrush.
Next the path climbs sharply – a hot, dusty stretch that disqualifies this hike as an easy trip. The trail gains the butte’s broad, eastern ridge amidst wind-stunted whitebark pines and follows the ridge up to the top.
History: Black Butte’s unusual placement east of the High Cascades makes it ideal as a fire lookout site. In 1910 one of Oregon’s earliest fire detection structures was built here: a simple “squirrel’s nest” platform wedged between two adjacent treetops. That original lookout is gone, but Black Butte has collected a variety of other lookout structures since then: an intact cupola-style building from 1923, the ruins of a collapsed 1934 tower, and a modern 62-foot tower from 1995. In 1980 a one-room log cabin was constructed in Sisters, disassembled, and flown by helicopter to Black Butte’s summit as living quarters for the fire lookout staff.
Geology: As you drive toward the flats of Central Oregon toward this symmetrical volcano, you might well wonder why it erupted here. The more famous High Cascades peaks formed along a fault that has been leaking lava for millions of years. But Black Butte grew along a different, parallel crack to the east. This fault also uplifted Green Ridge’s scarp to the north, leaving the Metolius Valley as a long trough.
Black Butte began to erupt quite recently, perhaps only 20,000 years ago. It quickly built up a 3,000-foot pile of cinders, one of the tallest such cones in the state. The eruption also buried the Metoilius River, creating Black Butte Ranch’s swampy meadows on one side of the mountain and Metolius Springs on the other, where the river now emerges.
Located 20 miles west of Bend, Oregon featuring a splintered ridge line which its name is derived from.
Broken Top is a volcano that has been eroded by glaciers, exposing the cone. The hike is about 3 miles long, with a 1,400-foot elevation gain, and the summit sits at 9,175 feet.
Dogs are allowed on the trail and there are plenty of opportunities for them to drink water from the stream that runs alongside or nearby the trail throughout the hike. There is also a small lake at the top which dogs can drink from or swim in.
The trail starts off easy with beautiful views of Mt. Bachelor and the Broken Top Crater from between the trees. At about .8 of a mile in make sure to stay to the right and continue uphill at the fork. As you finish climbing the first short uphill stretch the trail crosses the creek and will follow near it throughout the rest of the hike. The path is packed dirt, but contains areas of loose rock and sandy slopes, so it can get a little dusty at times.
Over the last five years people have flocked to the Central Cascades wilderness areas. Some trails have had visitation levels increase 300 to 500 percent. To keep these wilderness “wild” the United States Forest Service(USFS) has implemented a limited entry permit system. Beginning the Friday before Memorial Day and ending the last Friday in September, overnight permits will be required within the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington and Three Sisters Wilderness. Day-use permits will be required on 19 of the 79 trails in those wildernesses.
Reservations for the permits will open on the first Tuesday in April. You can get permits at www.recreation.gov. When you go to the website search for “Central Cascades Wilderness Permits” and follow the prompts. Make sure you are getting the permit you want before you finalize. Permits can be downloaded onto your smartphone or be printed out. If you need help you can visit any Forest Service office on the Deschutes or Willlamette National Forests.
There are some exceptions to the permit system and a few other important details that you can find at Recreation.gov. The USFS’s goal with the permit system is to make sure you plan ahead and get the permit you want to experience an adventure in the Central Cascades Wildernesses. Remember they are yours to enjoy and yours to protect.
We’re all out there, so Take Care Out There.
Over the last five years people have flocked to the Central Cascades wilderness areas. Some trails have had visitation levels increase 300 to 500 percent. To keep these wilderness “wild” the United States Forest Service(USFS) has implemented a limited entry permit system. Beginning the Friday before Memorial Day and ending the last Friday in September, […]
7100 OR-126 Redmond OR 97756An ideal picnic area, swimming hole, and viewpoint on the banks of the Deschutes River in Redmond, Oregon.
Originally acquired by the Highway Commission in 1936 for a gravel pit, the area was turned over to the then Parks Division in 1956 when the highway was relocated. Other tracts were obtained by exchange.
Acreage: 9.04
Annual day-use attendance: 312,020
800-452-5687 A year-round recreational destination situated among towering cliffs that surround Lake Billy Chinook. Come visit The Cove Palisades State Park, there are three day-use areas with boat ramps, swimming areas, and picnic facilities. Full-service marina with moorage, boat rentals, fuel, restaurant and general store. Off U.S. 97, 15 miles SW of Madras on Lake Billy Chinook.
Located in the heart of Central Oregon and encompassing the Deschutes and Crooked River Canyons, The Cove Palisades State Park is a popular year-round destination for camping, watersports, and hiking.
The Cove Palisades State Park offers two campgrounds amidst a scenic high desert canyon reservoir. Deschutes River Campground is open mid-May through mid-September. Crooked River Campground closes mid-December through mid-February. For a refreshing change of pace try our cozy deluxe log cabins, which are open year round and located lakeside at The Cove Marina.
MAKE SURE YOUR SITE MEETS YOUR CAMPING NEEDS
Before reserving, please become familiar with the particulars of your chosen site, including the size of the tent pad area and the type of equipment that you may bring to the park. Site details and tent pad sizes can be viewed online by clicking on the site name.
A Day-Use Parking Permit is required year round at The Cove Palisades. You can also purchase a 12 month pass, a 24 month pass or provide a current camping receipt.
88 electrical sites with water (E loop)
85 full hook-up sites (A and C loops)
91 tent sites with water nearby (B loop)
21 reservable boat moorages
3 group tent sites
3 deluxe cabins (1 pet friendly)
3 day use areas
2-lane RV dump station (E loop)
Marine pump-out station (closed in winter)
Full service marina, general store, and cafe (closed in winter)
Six campsites are accessible to campers with disabilities.
$ – $$$
Year-round recreational destination by Lake Billy Chinook
A man made lake 42 miles south of Bend which is known for big trout and Bass fishing.
The blue. You’ll first look at Crater Lake National Park and wonder about the blue. How can a lake be that blue? The short answer is because the deepest lake in the country is filled with 4.6 trillion gallons of some of the purest, clearest water in the world. The longer answer has to do with molecules and other science-stuff. You can learn more about that when you get there – just 90 minutes south of Bend.
Visitors can drive or bicycle around Crater Lake or enjoy one of the many interpretive hikes within the National Park. Pamper yourself with a stay at the rustic Crater Lake lodge. Several campgrounds are also on site, giving you a chance to spread out those views over several days.
And if the views from above aren’t enough, take the one mile hike down to the water’s edge where you can take a dip or fish for trout or salmon.
Deepest lake in the USA, short drive from Bend, Oregon.
A 125 mile long tributary of the Deschutes River which loops around Smith Rock State Park.
Forest Road 4635 Bend OR 97739Featuring sandy beaches, swimming, boating, lakefront cabins and old growth pines, Cultus Lake has long been a summer seasonal favorite for fishing enthusiasts and campers alike. Formed by a glacier, these pristine mountain waters created a wonderful sanctuary for wildlife. In the early 19th Century, Cultus Lake was a highly sought destination for early explorers seeking to expand their trade in the fur trade industry. Today, it is home to rainbow trout, mackinaw and brook trout where patient anglers test their luck on shore or by boat, then trade stories by campfire light. Cultus Lake is on the Cascade Scenic Byway and a short drive from Bend, Sunriver and LaPine, Oregon.
Built completely with lava stone by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, the open shelter observatory is the highest point of on the McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway. It offers visitors a perfect vantage point to view the expansive Cascade Mountains through strategically placed lava tube viewing holes. There’s also a brass “peak finder” to help tell you what you’re looking at and a half mile interpretative trail through the field of lava rocks that make this such a unique Central Oregon attraction.
Lava stone observation at McKenzie Pass summit.
This National Wild and Scenic designated river begins just south of Bend and ends its 252 mile journey as it empties into the Columbia River.
It’s the most fly casted on, biked along, hiked next to, tubed down, foot dipped in, wedding photographed in front of river in all of Oregon. The meandering waterway might cut back and forth across Central Oregon, but it also brings together the area more than any other natural wonder here. It can be nasty, rapid and awe-inspiring in one spot only to slow to a lazy, welcoming crawl just a mile or two down river. Amazing to look at, but more fun to play with, the Deschutes River is Central Oregon’s pride and joy. French for “River of the Falls”, during the period of fur trading, the Deschutes River winds through Sunriver, Bend, to the mighty Columbia.
A shallow lake with access from Century Drive featuring turquoise colored water and scenic views. While the fishing here isn’t going to produce any whoppers, casting a line for the rainbow and brook trout are made worthwhile thanks to the views alone.
The lake has a hike-in campground with 11 sites that’s a popular spot for folks to set up shop before hiking South Sister or embarking on any of the other hikes nearby.
Road 21 Bend OR 97739One of two lakes that sit within the Newberry Crater stocked with sockeye salmon (Kokanee) and Atlantic salmon. This is a very popular place to fish and camp near La Pine, known for its proximity to trails through lava rocks and waterfalls. Three forest service campgrounds and a resort offer plenty of places to spend the night, but the sites do fill fast during the peak summer months.
Easily one of the most popular of the Cascade Lakes, Elk Lake is truly a four-season destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located 30 miles south of Bend the lake is home to a resort with a restaurant, cabins, boat rentals, snowmobile rentals and snow cat rides. Lodging is available at the resort or at a 22-site campground on the north end of the lake.
Once the snow falls, the resort turns into a winter wilderness wonderland accessible only by snowmobile or cross country skis (or, you can arrange to have the resort come get you in their snow cat.)
541-536-2428 / 800-551-6949 Fort Rock State Park – Like a desert mirage, this National Natural Landmark rises huge out of the barren, immense flatness of Oregon’s high desert. An enormous near-circle of towering jagged rock walls make it seem like a fort. Hike around and you’ll soon realize it’s even bigger than it looks! It’s an old tuff ring set in what was a shallow sea in prehistoric times.
The Fort Rock Basin has served as a vital part of the Native American lifestyle. Fort Rock Cave is near Fort Rock State Natural Area, and is the site of an archaeological discovery of several 9,000 to 11,000 year-old sagebrush sandals. This property serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that has shaped so much of Oregon’s history.
The story of the Fort Rock Basin is told by the artifacts left behind and by the rich oral tradition of the tribes who claim the area as home. Fort Rock Cave is a National Heritage site and is open only by a state park guided tour.
As you walk around inside, imagine the early American Indians who canoed to and from what was then an island. Sandals found in a nearby cave are the oldest ever discovered, dating back around 9,000-13,000 years. Guided tours of Fort Rock Cave are available contact LaPine State Park at 541-536-2428 for more information.
Fort Rock State Park is a great hiking area, complete with picnic area, restrooms and information on the history of the region. While you are visiting, please also check out the nearby ghost town Fort Rock Homestead Village Museum, to see how early settlers lived in this high desert region complete with clothing, buildings from the early 1900’s. For information on cave tours Click Here.
A “fly fishing only” lake popular with canoeists because of it’s shallow, clear visibility providing views of Atlantic salmon and brook trout. It’s become a popular place to really get away from folks and experience a true high-mountain lake with amazing views of Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top and the abundant wildlife.
15800 State Recreation Rd Bend OR 97739
541-536-2071 Home to Oregon’s largest Ponderosa Pine (191-foot Big Tree), La Pine State Park is a beautiful overnight and day-use park. There is a log cabin meeting hall, Fall River Falls, 12 miles of hiking trails and cross-country skiing plus the Big Deschutes River for kayaking, swimming, fishing and canoeing.
$$$$
Ponderosa Pine forest, camping, recreation year-round
A forest of ancient trees molds created over 7,000 years ago when hot molten lava erupted from the northwest flank of Newberry Volcano. Across Highway 97 from Lava Lands and the visitors center, you can take the self-guided walk through the visually stunning piece of geological history.
Ancient trees molded by Lava over 7,000 years ago
58201 South Hwy. 97 Bend OR 97707
541-593-2421 The interpretive hub for the Newberry National Volcanic Monument located at the base of Lava Butte. The visitor center includes a bookstore, educational
films, a 3D map of the area and rangers on hand ready and willing to talk to about the geological wonders of Lava Lands and the expansive monument.
Right outside the visitor center, enjoy a self-guided tour of the 7,000 year old lava flow formed by Lava Butte’s eruption. There’s informational plaques throughout, including one that highlights a unique piece of American history: Astronauts trained there in 1966 to prepare for the upcoming moon landings.
You can hike up to the top of the butte for some amazing views of the surrounding area, but be careful because there’s no trail. You have to walk up the road, which, at times, can be congested.
The interpretive hub for the Newberry National Volcanic Monument located at the base of Lava Butte. The visitor center includes a bookstore, educational films, a 3D map of the area and rangers on hand ready and willing to talk to about the geological wonders of Lava Lands and the expansive monument. Right outside the visitor […]
Take a self-guided, mile-long discovery tour of Oregon’s longest intact lava tube. Central Oregon’s unique geological landscape offers ample opportunity to step back into time, but the Lava River Cave gives visitors the chance to step down into time. Down 150 stairs to be exact. That’s how far below ground this 5,211 foot lava tube snakes through the Earth, giving you a chance to see (with the help of a lantern) a truly remarkable natural phenomenon.
Bring a coat! Even in the summer, the cave stays at roughly 42 degrees, which can be a bit chilly if you’re wearing shorts and a tank top.
Take a self-guided, mile-long discovery tour of Oregon’s longest intact lava tube. Central Oregon’s unique geological landscape offers ample opportunity to step back into time, but the Lava River Cave gives visitors the chance to step down into time. Down 150 stairs to be exact. That’s how far below ground this 5,211 foot lava tube snakes […]
The lake is home to the headwaters of the Deschutes River, which eventually flows north into the Columbia River. Although not deep, the lake is popular spot to fish, kayak and canoe. There’s a campground at the lake and areas for horseback riding as well.
The lake is home to the headwaters of the Deschutes River, which eventually flows north into the Columbia River. Although not deep, the lake is popular spot to fish, kayak and canoe. There’s a campground at the lake and areas for horseback riding as well.
Paulina Lake Road/Newberry Crater Road/Forest Service Road 21 La Pine OR A volcanic attraction covering over 500 square miles beginning just south of Bend and extending to just south of Sunriver and east of LaPine. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this monument provides a unique opportunity to view the Lava Lands of central Oregon. It’s called a “monument,” but it’s actually a 50,000 acre region of natural wonders including lakes, lava flows and other geologic features unique to our region. Paulina Peak stretches nearly 8,000 feet above sea level and a hike to the top give you a birds-eye view across the High Desert.
Hidden in plain sight, Oregon’s massive Newberry Volcano is the largest volcano in the Cascades volcanic arc and covers an area the size of Rhode Island. Unlike familary cone-shaped Cascades volcanoes, Newberry was built into the shape of a broad shield by repeated eruptions over 400,000 years. About 75,000 years ago a major explosion and collapse event created a large volcanic depression (caldera) at its summit. Newberry last erupted about 1,300 years ago, and present-day hot springs and geologically young lava flows indicate that is could reawaken at any time. Because of its proximity to nearby communities of LaPine, Sunriver and Bend Oregon, frequency and size of past eruptions, and geologic youthfulness, U.S. Geological Survey scientists are working to better understand volcanic activity at Newberry and closely monitor the volcano for signs of unrest.
In November of 1990, Newberry National Volcanic Monument was created within the boundaries of Deschutes National Forest. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this monument provides a unique opportunity to view the Lava Lands of central Oregon.Newberry National Volcanic National Monument includes 50,000+ acres of lakes, lava flows, and spectacular geologic features in central Oregon. The highest point within the Monument is the summit Paulina Peak (7,985 ft.), showcasing views of the Oregon Cascades and across the High Desert.
It is hard to fathom as you drive through the summit area that you are within a 17 square mile caldera at the summit of a 500 square mile volcano, a volcano that remains very active to this day. Newberry is both seismically and geothermally active. Geologists believe the caldera sits over a shallow magma body only 2 to 5 kilometers deep. Visitors see numerous cinder cones (over 400 throughout the area), miles of basalt flows, as well as rhyolite flows of obsidian.
Lava Lands Visitor Center is the interpretive hub of Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Friendly rangers will help orient you to the Monument using our new 3D topographic map.Visit our state of the art interpretive exhibit on area geologic and cultural history, shop in the Discover Your Northwest Bookstore, view a variety of films scheduled daily, walk the Trail of the Molten Lands and the Trail of the Whispering Pines, picnic under the pines, attend a ranger talk, drive to the top of Lava Butte for a spectacular view of Central Oregon.
A volcanic attraction covering over 500 square miles beginning just south of Bend and extending to just south of Sunriver and east of LaPine. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this monument provides a unique opportunity to view the Lava Lands of central Oregon. It’s called a “monument,” but it’s actually a 50,000 acre region […]
A four square mile area of black and grey volcanic glass where kids of all ages will enjoy one-mile interpretive walk. At just 1,300 years old, the Big Obsidian Flow is the youngest lava flow in Oregon. Along the trail there are seven interpretive signs which discuss the geology, biology, history, and archaeology of the area. To get there, go 24 miles south of Bend on Hwy 97, then 15 miles east on County Road 21. It’s not far, but people who have visited call it “other worldly.”
A four square mile area of black and grey volcanic glass where kids of all ages will enjoy one-mile interpretive walk. At just 1,300 years old, the Big Obsidian Flow is the youngest lava flow in Oregon. Along the trail there are seven interpretive signs which discuss the geology, biology, history, and archaeology of the area. To get […]
50 SW Bond Street, Suite 4 Bend 97702
541-330-2638 Oregon Natural Desert Association encourages people to get to know the desert and to take steps to conserve these public lands. Our community defends public lands from threats, partners with public and private land managers to preserve natural values, encourages the exploration of wild places, and restores lands and waters to give desert creatures places in which to thrive.
With natural beauty, abundant solitude, ample recreational opportunities, significant cultural touchstones, and a wide array of plants and wildlife, Oregon’s high desert is truly world-class. Even more remarkable, much of Oregon’s desert is public land, owned by all Americans equally.
Come, explore the desert alongside Oregon Natural Desert Association and see for yourself how unique and wild this place is.
With more than 10,000 members and supporters, ONDA is the only conservation organization dedicated exclusively to preserving Oregon’s high desert.
Our dream? We envision a high desert in Oregon where eight million acres of public lands are conserved to ensure that fish and wildlife thrive and wild places exist for all people to treasure and explore, now and always.
Working To Protect Oregon Lands
Various geological features create the colorful layerings in these hills, making for a unique experience.
Various geological features create the colorful layerings in these hills, making for a unique experience.
Paulina Lake is one of the twin crater lakes in the Newberry Caldera and is open year round. It’s located within the caldera of Newberry Volcano, about 25 miles south of Bend.
The caldera is what’s left after more than 500,000 years of volcanic activity. And unlike most lakes, neither Paulina or East lakes get any water from streams – they’re filled strictly with rain, snowmelt and hot springs. Paulina Lake is about 1,500 acres in size and averages 163 feet deep. But at its deepest point, this popular destination plunges to 250 feet deep. Motorized and non motorized boats are allowed here.
Paulina Lake is one of the twin crater lakes in the Newberry Caldera and is open year round. It’s located within the caldera of Newberry Volcano, about 25 miles south of Bend. The caldera is what’s left after more than 500,000 years of volcanic activity. And unlike most lakes, neither Paulina or East lakes get […]
From the summit, on a clear day, all of the volcanic formations which make up the Cascade mountains can be seen. It’s a moderately strenuous 6.2 mile out and back hike that gains about 1,600 feet of elevation, and provides views that make this what many call a “must do in Oregon.”
From the summit, on a clear day, all of the volcanic formations which make up the Cascade mountains can be seen. It’s a moderately strenuous 6.2 mile out and back hike that gains about 1,600 feet of elevation, and provides views that make this what many call a “must do in Oregon.”
53750 Highway 97 La Pine OR 97739
541-389-0562 / 800-296-0562 The Paulina Plunge Downhill Waterfall Mt. Bike Tour is a wet and wild family adventure for all ages from 4 to 70. We will descend over six miles down a smooth forest trail, where our friendly guides will lead you to six pristine waterfalls and two natural water slides.
Gravity will be your friend as you descend deep into the Oregon back country, on your Fat Tire Mt.Bike. Only here will you discover the grandeur of the Paulina Mountains and the secrets of Chief Paulina’s water slide. Along the way you will learn the legends of the ancient indigenous people and the saga of Chief Paulina. During the length of the trip you will descend over 2,000 vertical feet, on your Fat Bike. That translates into four 1-1/2 mile downhill biking segments to each waterfall stop. The group will visit up to six pristine waterfalls ranging in height from 10 to 40 feet, including two safe natural water slides to explore and play on. Two short energetic nature hikes, at a distance of half mile each, will be required to reach the bubbling falls and slides below. This safe fun family excursion is suitable for all active ages 4 to 70 years young with confident beginner to intermediate biking skills. Trail-A-Bike Tandems for non-riding kids 4 to 8 years are available.
Learn the legends of Chief Paulina as you travel in his footsteps. Our guides will share their knowledge of the local history and geology as you travel to the waterfalls. Exploring this natural water park will be the highlight of your Central Oregon vacation. You’ll have the time of your life!
We provide mountain bikes, helmets and a day pack for each family or group. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch or purchase one from our staff.
Visit our website for more on The Paulina Plunge Downhill experience.
Wet, Wild and Unique family adventure
The Observatory consists of three telescopes that gaze out at the stars from atop a 6,300-foot-high ridge in the Oregon Badlands just 26 miles (but about an hour’s drive) east of Bend.
The Observatory is open to the public. The educational experience begins at sunset as a tour-guide gives a presentation about basic astronomy and what astronomers do and how they do it – including how telescopes and digital CCD Cameras work. After dark, the guides show visitors objects through the various telescopes, CCD Cameras, and a pair of giant binoculars, and point out various objects of the night sky visible with naked eye. Some of the tour-guides set up their personal telescopes for guest viewing – some of the scopes are larger than the telescopes in the domes! Amateur astronomers are welcome to bring their own telescopes and binoculars as well. There is a primitive Forest Service campground nearby for folks to spend the night.
The Observatory consists of three telescopes that gaze out at the stars from atop a 6,300-foot-high ridge in the Oregon Badlands just 26 miles (but about an hour’s drive) east of Bend. The Observatory is open to the public. The educational experience begins at sunset as a tour-guide gives a presentation about basic astronomy and […]
A short loop hike leads to views of this multi-tiered, cascading waterfall hidden in the dense Williamette National Forest along the McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway.
A short loop hike leads to views of this multi-tiered, cascading waterfall hidden in the dense Williamette National Forest along the McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway.
800-452-5687 No trip to Central Oregon is complete without a visit to Smith Rock State Park. It is an Internationally-famous rock climbing area with 7 miles of hiking trails and climber access routes.
If you enjoy scenic views of deep river canyons or rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park is the place for you. There are several thousand climbs in the park. More than a thousand are bolted routes. We also offer miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Along your trip through the canyon, you might see golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otter and beaver.
Smith Rock State Park covers over 650 acres and hovers around 3000 feet in elevation.The major rock faces are welded tuff, or compressed volcanic ash formed 30 million years ago.
Around 30 million years ago massive amounts of ash and debris resulting from the eruptions of nearby volcanos filled the caldera and hardened into rock. Smith Rock Tuff–the largest rock formation on the western rim was the outcome, creating massive walls and spires up to 550 feet. Flows of basalt lava then poured into the area over half a million years ago from vents almost 50 miles away, creating the cap on the tuff in the caldera.
The Crooked RIver then made its way through the rock layers to carve the features seen today. At 3200 feet high, the Smith Rock ridgeline rises 600 feet above the river gorge below. The picnic and campgrounds sit on top of the rimrock, which is made up of columnar basalt. Between 1960 and 1975 a combination of purchases and gifts of land finally formed the park as we know it today. Smith Rock State Park put on the map by the rock climbing community, it now attracts over 800,000 visitors a year from around the world.
Due to the uniqueness and fragile aspect of the park, park rangers enforce the animal leash law and strongly encourage all park users to stay on trails.
Internationally renowned for rock climbing along deep river canyons
Forest Road 46-400 Bend OR Surrounded by 370 acres of wetland wildlife habitat with South Sister as a scenic backdrop. Just 25 miles west of Bend, Sparks Lake is popular quick getaway for folks in town. The lake provides a stellar setting for weekday sunset dinners and weekend camping kayak trips with the South Sister towering 10,358 feet overhead. The views of Mt. Bachelor and Broken Top aren’t bad either. It’s a perfect place to take the family too, as the lake at its deepest point is just 10 feet deep yet provides some of the best trout fly fishing around.
The beautiful Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail is a short loop hike which takes you along the shore of Sparks Lake and meanders through lava flows and lodge pole pine forests. With its great views to the high cascades, this trail was named for Oregon’s long-time photographer Laureate, and is located in one of his favorite places.
Surrounded by 370 acres of wetland wildlife habitat with South Sister as a scenic backdrop. Just 25 miles west of Bend, Sparks Lake is popular quick getaway for folks in town. The lake provides a stellar setting for weekday sunset dinners and weekend camping kayak trips with the South Sister towering 10,358 feet overhead. The views […]
Named for the salmon that once frequented this stretch of the Deschutes River, Steelhead Falls plunges 20 feet into a churning pool of whitewater. It’s a bit out of the way, but anyone who has made the trip says it’s worth the trip. A quarter mile hike along the Middle Deschutes River will lead you to the roaring falls.
Named for the salmon that once frequented this stretch of the Deschutes River, Steelhead Falls plunges 20 feet into a churning pool of whitewater. It’s a bit out of the way, but anyone who has made the trip says it’s worth the trip. A quarter mile hike along the Middle Deschutes River will lead you […]
41777 Hwy 31 Paisley OR 97635
541-943-3931 Located along the National Scenic Byway, known as the Oregon Outback Highway 31 is Summer Lake Hot Springs. One of the most unique, picturesque landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, Lake County, Oregon, Summer Lake Hot Springs is among the few truly unspoiled places on earth. Part of the Great Basin region of the United States, Lake County is home to numerous large alkali lakes. At the south end of Summer Lake, lies ancient artesian hot mineral springs. After a short two-hour drive from Bend, Oregon, you arrive at this magical destination.
Summer Lake Hot Springs is a sacred place for serenity, healing, and renewal. Here stars dance across the sky, while eco-friendly geothermal cabins warm your soul. Couples find time for one another while soaking in the outdoor rock pools and families gather to create lifelong memories.
Summer Lake Hot Springs is a 145-acre resort that features guest houses and cabins, campground with full RV hook up, an indoor pool, natural artesian mineral hot springs, ponds and nature trails. It is located 2 hours south-east of Bend, Oregon.
So much to see and do, you’ll be planning your next Central Oregon vacation before you finish your first. If you pick a favorite season from this outdoor recreation paradise that entices visitors year-round. World-class golf, skiing, cycling, hiking, fishing, rafting, stand up paddling and rock climbing is around every corner. With so many things to do you will need to extend our vacation. A short distance from Summer Lake Hot Springs, you will find Fort Rock Museum and historical homestead, it is worth the visit with local historians to share tales of old.
Exhausted by the activity? Kick back and soak up some sun – more than 300 days of it. This is your guilt-free vacation, because you’ll find something for everyone to do, and love, in Central Oregon.
$$ – $$$
Soak In The Hot Spring Rock Pools
A deep basin, alpine lake located 15 miles northwest of Sisters and five miles east of Santiam Pass providing all types of water recreation activities. It’s a deep and clear lake surrounded by a mixed confier forest. Motorized and non motorized boats are allowed here, giving greater access to anglers hoping to nab a kokanee, brown trout or whitefish. There’s plenty of room for fisherman share the pristine 253-acre lake with water skiers and kayakers. Plenty of hiking and horseback trails are available in the area, as are nearly 100 campsites near every shore.
A deep basin, alpine lake located 15 miles northwest of Sisters and five miles east of Santiam Pass providing all types of water recreation activities. It’s a deep and clear lake surrounded by a mixed confier forest. Motorized and non motorized boats are allowed here, giving greater access to anglers hoping to nab a kokanee, brown trout […]
Todd Lake is an ideal place for a picnic, trout fishing, a paddle or a hike. It’s one of the easiest high-mountain lake to access so it’s popular for families in Bend wanting a quick getaway and visitors looking for a quick alpine experience without having to be overly adventurous. At 6,150 feet, Todd Lake is the highest of the Cascade Lakes sitting near the base of Broken Top, and just a half mile off the scenic byway. It’s a great spot for shoreline fishing as well as it’s illegal to fish from anything that floats and no motorized boats are allowed.
Todd Lake is an ideal place for a picnic, trout fishing, a paddle or a hike. It’s one of the easiest high-mountain lake to access so it’s popular for families in Bend wanting a quick getaway and visitors looking for a quick alpine experience without having to be overly adventurous. At 6,150 feet, Todd Lake is the […]
With a drop of 97 feet, Tumalo Falls is both the tallest and most impressive waterfall along Tumalo Creek in Bend. Visitors can hike up the trail for a fantastic viewpoint, or stay near the parking area for more perspective. The day-use area is a popular spot for picnics and serves as a launching point for mountain bikers hitting the miles of singletrack nearby. The falls is equally impressive in the winter as the water sometimes freezes in time as it plunges over the edge.
With a drop of 97 feet, Tumalo Falls is both the tallest and most impressive waterfall along Tumalo Creek in Bend. Visitors can hike up the trail for a fantastic viewpoint, or stay near the parking area for more perspective. The day-use area is a popular spot for picnics and serves as a launching point for […]
