Nestled in the heart of Central Oregon, Bend is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of jaw-dropping hiking trails that showcase the region’s diverse landscapes. From volcanic landscapes to alpine lakes, these hikes near Bend promise breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. In this guide, we’ll embark on a virtual journey through 20 stunning hikes that allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding this vibrant city.
Smith Rock State Park: Misery Ridge Trail
Smith Rock State Park, often referred to as the birthplace of American sport climbing, offers the Misery Ridge Trail, a challenging trek that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the towering cliffs and the Crooked River below. The rugged terrain and the breathtaking vistas make this hike a must for those seeking an exhilarating adventure.
Tumalo Falls: Tumalo Creek Trail
Located just west of Bend, the Tumalo Falls hike takes you along Tumalo Creek to the stunning Tumalo Falls. This moderately challenging trail offers scenic views of the waterfall, meadows, and old-growth forest. It’s an ideal hike for families and nature lovers looking to explore the Cascade Mountains.
Green Lakes Trail: Alpine Beauty in the Three Sisters Wilderness
The Green Lakes Trail, within the Three Sisters Wilderness, is a stunning alpine hike that takes you to a chain of turquoise lakes surrounded by mountain peaks. The trail winds through meadows, dense forests, and open expanses, offering a diverse and visually captivating experience.
Pilot Butte: Urban Hike with Panoramic Views
For a unique urban hiking experience, head to Pilot Butte. This extinct volcano sits in the center of Bend and offers a short but steep trail to the summit. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of Bend and the surrounding Cascade Mountains.
Deschutes River Trail: Riverfront Scenery
The Deschutes River Trail follows the meandering Deschutes River, providing hikers with serene riverfront scenery. This trail offers various segments, allowing you to customize your hike based on your preferences. Enjoy the sounds of rushing water, shady pine groves, and occasional glimpses of wildlife.
Tam McArthur Rim: Alpine Splendor in the Three Sisters Wilderness
Tam McArthur Rim, part of the Three Sisters Wilderness, offers a challenging yet rewarding hike with awe-inspiring alpine views. The trail takes you through subalpine forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and eventually to the rim, where you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of Broken Top and the Three Sisters.
Sparks Lake: Ray Atkeson Loop Trail
Sparks Lake, with its stunning mountain backdrop, is the setting for the Ray Atkeson Loop Trail. This easy-to-moderate trail takes you around the lake, offering views of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor. The reflective waters of Sparks Lake create picture-perfect scenes, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Paulina Peak: Crater Lake Views from New Perspectives
For a unique perspective of Central Oregon, hike to the summit of Paulina Peak in Newberry National Volcanic Monument. This moderate trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of Paulina and East Lakes, the surrounding caldera, and even glimpses of Oregon’s highest peak, Mount Hood, on clear days.
Proxy Falls: Enchanting Waterfall Hike
Escape into a fairytale setting with the hike to Proxy Falls. This short and easy trail takes you through a lush forest to witness the enchanting beauty of Proxy Falls, cascading over moss-covered lava rocks. The surrounding greenery and the ethereal atmosphere make this hike a magical experience.
Broken Top Trail: Alpine Lakes and Mountain Peaks
The Broken Top Trail takes you into the rugged landscapes of the Three Sisters Wilderness, offering stunning views of the jagged peaks of Broken Top Mountain. This challenging hike traverses alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and high-altitude terrain, rewarding intrepid hikers with breathtaking scenery.
Benham Falls: Riverside Adventure
Follow the Deschutes River as it cascades through volcanic terrain on the Benham Falls Trail. This moderately challenging hike provides views of the river’s powerful rapids and takes you through pine forests. The sounds of rushing water and the scenic beauty make this trail a delightful riverside adventure.
Whychus Creek: Alder Springs Trail
The Alder Springs Trail, along Whychus Creek, is a hidden gem offering diverse landscapes. This moderate hike takes you through juniper forests, sagebrush flats, and eventually to a lush canyon carved by the creek. The unique geological formations and the vibrant colors of the canyon make it a captivating journey.
Proxy Ridge: High Desert Panorama
For panoramic views of the High Desert, embark on the Proxy Ridge Trail. This moderate trail takes you through a juniper-filled landscape to the ridge’s summit, where you’ll be rewarded with expansive vistas of the surrounding desert and the Cascade Mountains in the distance.
Black Butte: Volcanic Summit Views
Dominating the landscape near Sisters, Black Butte offers a moderately challenging hike to its summit. The trail winds through pine forests before ascending the cinder cone, providing hikers with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, including the Three Sisters, Mount Washington, and Mount Jefferson.
Gray Butte: Sagebrush Plateau Adventure
Gray Butte, part of the Smith Rock State Park area, offers a unique hiking experience through sagebrush plateaus and rocky terrain. The summit rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the Cascade Range, the Ochoco Mountains, and the high desert landscapes surrounding Bend.
Lava Butte: Volcanic Exploration
Lava Butte, part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, is a cinder cone with a fascinating history. The Lava Butte Trail takes you to the summit, where you can explore the volcanic landscape, witness the aftermath of ancient lava flows, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding terrain.
North Fork Crooked River: Canyon Exploration
The North Fork Crooked River Trail offers an immersive canyon exploration experience. This moderate hike takes you along the scenic river, through Ponderosa pine forests, and into the heart of the colorful canyon. The unique geological formations and the soothing sounds of the river make it a captivating journey.
South Sister Summit: Conquer the Cascades
For those seeking a challenging adventure, the South Sister Summit hike is an iconic trek in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Although strenuous, reaching the summit of South Sister rewards hikers with unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks, alpine lakes, and the vast Central Oregon landscape.
Lava River Cave: Underground Adventure
Venture beneath the surface with the Lava River Cave, a unique underground hike within Newberry National Volcanic Monument. This self-guided tour takes you through a mile-long lava tube, allowing you to explore the geological wonders formed by ancient volcanic activity.
Todd Lake: Alpine Tranquility
Nestled in the shadow of Broken Top, Todd Lake offers a serene alpine hike with views of the surrounding peaks. The Todd Lake Trail is an easy and family-friendly option that takes you around the lake, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of the mountainous landscapes.
Bend, Oregon, is a gateway to a myriad of outdoor adventures, and its hiking trails showcase the diverse beauty of Central Oregon. Whether you’re drawn to alpine lakes, volcanic landscapes, or panoramic summit views, the hikes near Bend offer an array of experiences for hikers of all levels. From the iconic Smith Rock State Park to the hidden wonders of Alder Springs, each trail invites you to explore the natural wonders that make this region a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and embark on a journey to discover the jaw-dropping beauty of the trails that surround Bend, Oregon.
