Explore the best hikes near Bend, Oregon, from stunning waterfall trails to family-friendly hikes and dog-friendly trails. Plus, discover the top backpacking trails for a multi-day adventure in the great outdoors.
Top Hiking Trails Near Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon is a haven for hiking enthusiasts. With its beautiful landscapes and diverse terrain, it’s no wonder that the region has become a popular destination for adventurers. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there are plenty of in Bend that will satisfy your cravings for adventure. Here are some of the top near Bend, Oregon that you definitely don’t want to miss.
Tumalo Falls Trail
The Tumalo Falls Trail is a stunning hike that takes you through the Deschutes National Forest. This trail is a popular destination for hikers because of its breathtaking views of the Tumalo Falls, which are some of the most beautiful in the region. The hike is about 7.4 miles long, and it’s considered to be a moderate hike. Along the way, you’ll see several other smaller , including Double Falls and Middle Falls. The Tumalo Falls Trail is a must-visit for anyone looking for a scenic hike in Bend, Oregon.
Pilot Butte Summit Trail
The Pilot Butte Summit Trail is a popular hiking trail that offers spectacular views of Bend, Oregon. The trail is about 1.8 miles long, and it’s considered to be a moderate hike. The highlight of the trail is the summit, which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. The Pilot Butte Summit Trail is a great option for anyone looking for a shorter hike with stunning views.
Misery Ridge Trail
The Misery Ridge Trail is a challenging hike that takes you through the Smith Rock State Park. This hike is about 3.7 miles long, and it’s considered to be a difficult hike. The highlight of the hike is the summit, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Crooked River Canyon. This trail is not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely worth the effort for the stunning views.
Smith Rock Loop Trail
The Smith Rock Loop Trail is a popular hiking trail that takes you through the Smith Rock State Park. This trail is about 3.6 miles long, and it’s considered to be a moderate hike. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of the Crooked River Canyon and the Smith Rock formations. The Smith Rock Loop Trail is a great option for anyone looking for a scenic hike that’s not too challenging.
Green Lakes Trail
The Green Lakes Trail is a beautiful hike that takes you through the Three Sisters Wilderness. This hike is about 9.5 miles long, and it’s considered to be a difficult hike. The highlight of the hike is the Green Lakes, which are some of the most beautiful lakes in the region. The trail is surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The Green Lakes Trail is a must-visit for anyone looking for a challenging hike with breathtaking views.
Hiking with Kids in Bend, Oregon
Are you planning a family trip to Bend, Oregon and want to experience the great outdoors with your little ones? Look no further than these top , perfect for families with children of all ages.
Shevlin Park Trail
Shevlin Park Trail is a great option for families with young children. This easy 4-mile loop trail takes you through a beautiful forested area, with plenty of shade to keep you cool on hot summer days. The trail also features a suspension bridge over Tumalo Creek, which is sure to excite the little ones. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as deer and birds, along the way.
Todd Lake Trail
Todd Lake Trail is another family-friendly option, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake. The trail is an easy 1.5-mile loop, making it perfect for young children. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch on the shores of the lake, or try your hand at fishing. The trail can get busy on weekends, so arrive early to secure a parking spot.
Benham Falls Trail
Benham Falls Trail is a moderate 3-mile out-and-back trail, featuring beautiful views of the Deschutes River and Benham Falls. The trail is suitable for older children who can handle a slightly more challenging hike. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic at the falls, or take a dip in the river on a hot day. The trail can be busy during peak season, so plan accordingly.
Deschutes River Trail
The Deschutes River Trail is a popular option for families, offering a variety of trail lengths and difficulty levels. The trail follows the scenic Deschutes River, and features stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Pack a lunch and stop at one of the many picnic areas along the trail, or take a dip in the river on a hot day. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, such as otters and bald eagles.
Lava River Cave Trail
For a unique hiking experience, take your family to Lava River Cave Trail. This 1-mile out-and-back trail takes you through a lava tube, formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. The trail is easy enough for children to handle, but be sure to bring flashlights and warm clothing, as the temperature inside the cave can be chilly. The trail can get busy during peak season, so arrive early to beat the crowds.
- Shevlin Park Trail: easy 4-mile loop with suspension bridge over Tumalo Creek
- Todd Lake Trail: easy 1.5-mile loop with stunning views of mountains and lake
- Benham Falls Trail: moderate 3-mile out-and-back with beautiful views of Deschutes River and falls
- Deschutes River Trail: various lengths and difficulty levels, with scenic views of river and mountains
- Lava River Cave Trail: unique 1-mile out-and-back through lava tube, bring flashlights and warm clothing.
Best Waterfall Hikes Near Bend, Oregon
Oregon is famous for its , and Bend is no exception. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, and several trails offer hikers the chance to see some of the most stunning in the area.
Tumalo Falls Trail
This trail is located just a few miles west of Bend and is considered one of the most popular hikes in the area. The Tumalo Falls Trail is a 7.4-mile loop that takes you through old-growth forests, over creeks, and to the base of the 97-foot waterfall. The trail is considered moderate, with a few steep sections, but the views are well worth the effort.
Sahalie and Koosah Falls Trail
The Sahalie and Koosah Falls Trail is located about an hour’s drive from Bend, in the Willamette National Forest. The trail is a 2.6-mile loop that takes you to two beautiful : Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls. The trail is considered easy and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Proxy Falls Trail
The Proxy Falls Trail is located about an hour’s drive from Bend, in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. The trail is a 1.6-mile loop that takes you to the base of one of the most beautiful in Oregon. The waterfall is 226 feet tall and is surrounded by lush greenery. The trail is considered moderate, with some steep sections, but the views are well worth the effort.
Paulina Falls Trail
The Paulina Falls Trail is located about an hour’s drive from Bend, in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The trail is a short 0.3-mile walk that takes you to the base of the 80-foot waterfall. The trail is considered easy and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The waterfall is surrounded by beautiful lava formations and is a must-see for anyone visiting Bend.
Dillon Falls Trail
The Dillon Falls Trail is located just a few miles south of Bend and is one of the most popular hikes in the area. The trail is a 3.4-mile loop that takes you along the Deschutes River and to the base of Dillon Falls. The trail is considered easy and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The waterfall is surrounded by beautiful rock formations and is a popular spot for picnics and swimming.
Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon is a dog-friendly city, and it’s no surprise that many of the in the area are also dog-friendly. With the abundance of trails to choose from, it can be challenging to find the perfect spot to take your furry friend. Here are five of the best dog-friendly near Bend, Oregon.
Phil’s Trailhead
Phil’s Trailhead is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. This trailhead has several trails of varying difficulty, making it a great place to take your dog no matter their skill level. The trails are well maintained and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. If you’re looking for a longer hike, the Phil’s Trail to Kent’s Trail loop is a great option.
Pine Nursery Park Trail
Pine Nursery Park Trail is a flat, easy trail that’s perfect for a leisurely walk with your dog. The trail is just over two miles long and takes you through a beautiful park with plenty of trees and open space. There are also several benches along the trail where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery.
Riverbend Park Trail
Riverbend Park Trail is a scenic trail that follows the Deschutes River. The trail is easy to moderate in difficulty and is just over four miles long. Your dog will love splashing around in the river, and you’ll love the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail can be busy, so it’s important to keep your dog on a leash.
Maston Trailhead
Maston Trailhead is a lesser-known gem that’s perfect for a quiet hike with your dog. The trails are well maintained and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trails are also easy to moderate in difficulty, making it a great place to take a dog of any skill level. The Maston Trailhead loop is just over four miles long and offers stunning views of the Cascade Mountains.
Deschutes River Trail
The Deschutes River Trail is a popular trail that follows the Deschutes River. The trail is easy to moderate in difficulty and is just over 12 miles long. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and follows the river the entire way. Your dog will love splashing around in the river, and you’ll love the peaceful serenity of the trail.
Backpacking Trails Near Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon is a hiker’s paradise, with miles of trails to explore and breathtaking views to discover. Backpacking is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the area, with multi-day hikes that take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. Here are five of the best backpacking trails near Bend, Oregon.
Three Sisters Loop Trail
The Three Sisters Loop Trail is a 50-mile loop that takes you through the heart of the Three Sisters Wilderness. The trail is challenging but rewarding, with stunning views of the Three Sisters mountains, sparkling alpine lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows. The loop can be completed in three to five days, depending on your pace and experience level.
The trail starts at the Pole Creek Trailhead and takes you through lush forests, past volcanic rock formations, and up steep mountain passes. You’ll need to be prepared for some strenuous climbs and descents, as well as fording streams and navigating rocky terrain. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to camp at beautiful backcountry sites, such as Camp Lake and Moraine Lake.
Broken Top Trail
The Broken Top Trail is a challenging 27-mile loop that takes you through the stunning Broken Top Wilderness. The trail offers breathtaking views of the jagged peaks and glaciers of Broken Top and South Sister, as well as the sparkling waters of Todd Lake and Green Lakes. The loop can be completed in two to three days but requires excellent physical fitness and backcountry experience.
The trail starts at the Todd Lake Trailhead and takes you through dense forests, over rocky ridges, and up steep mountain passes. You’ll need to be prepared for challenging climbs and descents, as well as fording streams and navigating rocky terrain. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to camp at some of the most spectacular backcountry sites in the region, such as Golden Lake and No Name Lake.
South Sister Trail
The South Sister Trail is a challenging but rewarding 12-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the summit of South Sister, the third-highest peak in Oregon. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as the opportunity to stand atop one of the most iconic peaks in the region. The hike can be completed in a day, but you’ll need to be in excellent physical condition and well-prepared for the altitude and weather.
The trail starts at the Devils Lake Trailhead and takes you through alpine meadows, over rocky ridges, and up steep scree slopes. You’ll need to be prepared for a strenuous climb to the summit, which reaches an elevation of 10,358 feet. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Cascade Range and the surrounding wilderness.
Mount Jefferson Trail
The Mount Jefferson Trail is a challenging 40-mile loop that takes you through the stunning Mount Jefferson Wilderness. The trail offers breathtaking views of the towering peak of Mount Jefferson, as well as the sparkling waters of Jefferson Park and the surrounding alpine meadows. The loop can be completed in three to five days, depending on your pace and experience level.
The trail starts at the Whitewater Trailhead and takes you through dense forests, over rocky ridges, and up steep mountain passes. You’ll need to be prepared for some strenuous climbs and descents, as well as fording streams and navigating rocky terrain. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to camp at some of the most beautiful backcountry sites in the region, such as Russell Lake and Bays Lake.
Diamond Peak Trail
The Diamond Peak Trail is a challenging 18-mile loop that takes you through the stunning Diamond Peak Wilderness. The trail offers stunning views of the rugged Diamond Peak and the surrounding alpine meadows, as well as the opportunity to camp at some of the most beautiful backcountry sites in the region. The loop can be completed in two to three days but requires excellent physical fitness and backcountry experience.
The trail starts at the Marie Lake Trailhead and takes you through dense forests, over rocky ridges, and up steep mountain passes. You’ll need to be prepared for challenging climbs and descents, as well as fording streams and navigating rocky terrain. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to camp at some of the most beautiful backcountry sites in the region, such as Marie Lake and Rockpile Lake.
*Note: The information provided in this section is for reference purposes only. Always consult with local authorities and experienced hikers before embarking on a trip.
