🌲 Central Oregon's Premier Hiking Directory  |  Deschutes National Forest  |  Trail conditions updated regularly

Explore Central Oregon's
Greatest Trails

From volcanic summits to river canyon walks β€” Bend sits at the heart of some of the Pacific Northwest's most stunning landscapes.

πŸ”οΈ Volcanic Peaks 🌊 Waterfall Hikes 🌲 Old-Growth Forest 🐾 Dog-Friendly Options πŸ—ΊοΈ USFS + State Trails
400+
Miles of Trails
15
Featured Trails
10
USFS Trails
4
Difficulty Levels
🌲 US Forest Service β€” Deschutes National Forest

Deschutes National Forest Trails

World-class hiking in the Cascades β€” volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, and ancient lava fields just outside Bend.

South Sister
Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes NF
Strenuous
11.6 mi round trip 4,900 ft gain

Oregon's most-climbed Cascade peak and the state's third highest at 10,358 ft. The trail climbs through wildflower meadows to a crater lake near the summit, rewarding hikers with jaw-dropping 360Β° views of the Cascades. A Wilderness Permit is required at the trailhead.

USFS Panoramic Views Summit Crater Lake
Green Lakes Trail
Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes NF
Moderate
8.6 mi round trip 1,000 ft gain

One of Bend's most beloved hikes β€” a trail through pine forest and stream valleys to a chain of brilliant turquoise alpine lakes nestled beneath Broken Top and South Sister. The vivid green-blue color comes from glacial silt. Timed-entry permits required in summer.

USFS Alpine Lakes Scenic Wildflowers
Tumalo Mountain
Mt. Bachelor Area, Deschutes NF
Hard
3.6 mi round trip 1,400 ft gain

A steep but rewarding climb to 7,775 ft with unobstructed views of Mt. Bachelor, the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and the Cascade Range. The trail is short but gains elevation quickly through open pumice slopes. Often used as a warm-up for bigger Cascade peaks.

USFS 360Β° Views Summit
Broken Top Crater
Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes NF
Strenuous
10.2 mi round trip 2,100 ft gain

An otherworldly hike into a collapsed volcanic crater with ice caves, glaciers, and a stunning turquoise glacial lake. Broken Top's dramatic jagged silhouette is one of the most recognizable in the Oregon Cascades. Route-finding required near the crater rim β€” bring a map.

USFS Glacier Volcanic Crater
Tam McArthur Rim
Three Creek Lake, Deschutes NF
Strenuous
6.2 mi round trip 1,950 ft gain

The ascent from Three Creek Lake to the rim at 7,723 ft offers some of the most spectacular views in Oregon β€” the Three Sisters, Broken Top, Mt. Jefferson, and Three Creek Lake far below. The climb through wildflower meadows and open ridgeline is unforgettable.

USFS Panoramic Views Ridgeline
Todd Lake Trail
Mt. Bachelor Corridor, Deschutes NF
Easy
1.0 mi loop 60 ft gain

A gentle one-mile loop around a beautiful alpine lake at 6,150 ft elevation with classic Cascade views. Perfect for families, beginners, and anyone wanting a serene mountain experience without a big climb. Excellent wildflower displays in July. Dogs welcome on leash.

USFS Dog Friendly Alpine Lake Family Friendly
Paulina Peak Trail
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Hard
8.0 mi round trip 2,400 ft gain

Hike to the 7,984 ft summit of Paulina Peak in Newberry National Volcanic Monument for sweeping views of the caldera lakes, obsidian flows, and distant Cascades. The peak is also accessible by road, but the trail is far more rewarding. Managed by the US Forest Service.

USFS Caldera Views Volcanic
Newberry Volcano β€” Obsidian Flow
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Moderate
4.0 mi round trip 400 ft gain

Explore the Big Obsidian Flow β€” a 1,300-year-old obsidian lava field that glitters in the sunlight. A one-mile interpretive loop (with ladder and elevated boardwalk) takes you through one of the youngest lava flows in Oregon. Newberry Caldera also offers 21 miles of trails.

USFS Obsidian Volcanic Interpretive
Lava Lands Visitor Center Trails
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Easy
1–2 mi loops Minimal gain

Easy interpretive trails winding through the Lava Butte cinder cone and ancient lava flows, with paved accessible options. The Trail of the Molten Land loops through lava caves and volcanic formations. Ride the shuttle to the Lava Butte summit for panoramic Cascade views.

USFS Dog Friendly Accessible Family Friendly
Benham Falls Trail
Deschutes River, Deschutes NF
Easy
4.0 mi round trip 100 ft gain

A flat, family-friendly trail through old-growth ponderosa pine forest along the Deschutes River to dramatic Benham Falls β€” a thundering whitewater cascade through a lava canyon. One of the most accessible scenic hikes near Bend. Dogs allowed on leash. Gorgeous year-round.

USFS Dog Friendly Waterfall Family Friendly
πŸ™οΈ Bend & Central Oregon

Local Trails & State Parks

World-class hiking starts right in Bend's backyard β€” from volcanic buttes to canyon rivers to old-growth parks.

Deschutes River Trail
Bend City Limits to Meadow Camp
Easy
Up to 10.0 mi Minimal gain

Bend's iconic river trail stretches from the Old Mill District through lava canyon and ponderosa forest along the wild Deschutes River. Multiple access points mean you can pick your distance. Popular with hikers, runners, cyclists, and families. One of Bend's greatest assets.

Dog Friendly River Views Multi-Use In Town
Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
Bend, Oregon
Easy
1.6 mi round trip 480 ft gain

A cinder cone volcano right in the middle of Bend offering 360Β° views of the Cascades, Mt. Bachelor, and the city below. The spiral trail to the summit is short but steep β€” great for a quick morning workout. The only urban cinder cone in the contiguous United States.

In Town 360Β° Views Sunset Spot Quick Hike
Shevlin Park Trails
Bend City Park, Tumalo Creek
Easy
2–5 mi loops 150 ft gain

A lush city park on Tumalo Creek with a network of forested trails through towering ponderosa pines and along the creek banks. Beautiful fall foliage from October cottonwoods. Multiple loop options from 2–5 miles. A beloved local spot for trail running, family walks, and dog exercise.

Dog Friendly In Town Creek Trail Family Friendly
Tumalo Falls Trail
Tumalo Creek, Deschutes County
Moderate
3.4 mi round trip 650 ft gain

The crown jewel of Bend-area waterfall hikes β€” Tumalo Falls plunges 97 feet in a spectacular display just 9 miles from downtown. The trail climbs alongside Tumalo Creek past multiple cascades to the base of the main falls. Spring snowmelt peak flow (May–June) is breathtaking.

Waterfall Scenic Most Popular
Smith Rock State Park
Terrebonne, Oregon (near Redmond)
Moderate–Hard
3–8 mi loops 800–1,400 ft gain

One of Oregon's Seven Wonders β€” dramatic 700-foot volcanic tuff columns rising above the Crooked River gorge. World-famous rock climbing destination with 1,800+ routes and 22 miles of trails. The classic Misery Ridge loop offers top-of-the-world views. Day-use fee. Dogs on leash welcome.

Dog Friendly Iconic Views Rock Climbing OR 7 Wonders
πŸŽ’ Local Experts

Bend Outfitters & Guide Services

Get the right gear, local knowledge, and guided experiences from Bend's best outdoor shops and adventure companies.

πŸ•οΈ
REI Bend
Full-Service Outdoor Retailer

Bend's flagship outdoor retailer with expert staff, hiking boots, packs, trail maps, and all the gear you need for Cascades adventures. REI Adventures also offers guided hiking trips in the region. Member dividends make it even better.

⛰️
Pine Mountain Sports
Specialty Outdoor Shop

Bend's beloved local outdoor shop with deep roots in the hiking and climbing community. Known for knowledgeable staff, expert trail advice, and top-tier selection of footwear, packs, and technical gear. A true local institution since 1969.

🚡
Hutch's Bicycles & Outdoors
Multi-Sport Outfitter

Though famous for bikes, Hutch's also serves the hiking and trail running community with footwear, hydration gear, and accessories. Two Bend locations with friendly staff who live and breathe Central Oregon's trail network.

πŸ§—
Central Oregon Adventures
Guided Tours & Adventures

Offering guided hiking, climbing, and multi-sport adventures throughout Central Oregon. Perfect for visitors wanting local expertise on backcountry routes, wilderness navigation, and summit hikes. Small group sizes ensure a personal experience.

πŸ¦…
High Desert Museum Trails
Nature & Interpretive Trails

The High Desert Museum offers interpretive nature trails on its 150-acre campus, blending wildlife exhibits with outdoor exploration. Walk through ponderosa pine forest, visit native animals, and learn about the high desert ecosystem. Great for families.

πŸŒ‹
Wanderlust Tours
Guided Nature Tours

Bend's premier guided nature tour company specializing in lava tube cave tours, snowshoe adventures, and hiking excursions through Central Oregon's volcanic landscape. Expert naturalist guides make every trip educational and unforgettable. A local favorite since 1995.

❓ Trail Questions Answered

Hiking FAQ β€” Bend & Central Oregon

Everything you need to know before hitting the trail in Central Oregon.

The best hikes near Bend include South Sister (strenuous, 11.6 mi) β€” Oregon's third highest peak with crater lake views, Green Lakes (moderate, 8.6 mi) β€” stunning turquoise alpine lakes beneath Broken Top, Smith Rock State Park (moderate–hard, 3–8 mi loops) β€” one of Oregon's Seven Wonders, Tumalo Falls (moderate, 3.4 mi) β€” a spectacular 97-foot waterfall, Pilot Butte (easy, 1.6 mi) β€” 360Β° Cascade views right in town, Tam McArthur Rim (strenuous, 6.2 mi) β€” some of the best views in Oregon, and Benham Falls (easy, 4 mi) β€” flat riverside hike to dramatic whitewater. Bend sits at the gateway to Deschutes National Forest, giving access to volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, lava landscapes, and river canyon trails all within an hour.
Yes! Many trails near Bend welcome leashed dogs. Dog-friendly favorites include the Deschutes River Trail, Shevlin Park, Benham Falls, Lava Lands Visitor Center trails, Todd Lake loop, and Smith Rock State Park. Important note: Dogs are NOT permitted in the Three Sisters Wilderness without proper permits, which affects access to South Sister, Green Lakes, and Broken Top. Always check current regulations on the Deschutes National Forest website before your trip, keep dogs on leash at all times, and pack out all waste. Water sources are abundant on most trail systems, so bring a collapsible bowl.
Bend has excellent easy hikes for families and beginners: Pilot Butte Summit Trail (1.6 mi, 480 ft β€” great city and Cascade views), Shevlin Park Loop (2–5 mi, minimal elevation, beautiful creek and forest), Deschutes River Trail (up to 10 mi flat β€” pick any distance, stunning river scenery), Benham Falls (4 mi flat through ponderosa forest to dramatic rapids), Todd Lake Loop (1 mi loop at 6,150 ft elevation, alpine lake, minimal effort), and Lava Lands Visitor Center (1–2 mi paved interpretive loops, accessible options available). The Lava Lands also has a paved accessible trail β€” great for strollers and mobility-limited visitors.
Tumalo Falls is the premier waterfall hike near Bend β€” a spectacular 97-foot cascade just 9 miles from downtown. The trail (3.4 mi round trip) follows Tumalo Creek past multiple smaller cascades to the base of the main falls. Peak flow during spring snowmelt (May–June) is breathtaking. Benham Falls on the Deschutes River is another excellent option β€” a dramatic series of whitewater rapids and cataracts through a lava canyon, accessible on a flat 4-mile trail. The Green Lakes Trail also passes numerous stream cascades fed by glacial snowmelt from Broken Top. For dramatic rushing water without a big hike, Benham Falls is hard to beat.
Northwest Forest Pass: Required for trailhead parking at most Deschutes NF locations ($5/day or $30/annual). America the Beautiful Pass also works. Wilderness Permit: The Three Sisters Wilderness (South Sister, Broken Top, Green Lakes, Tam McArthur Rim) requires a free self-issue permit at the trailhead β€” fill out the tag and keep it with you. Timed-Entry Permits: Green Lakes and South Sister trailheads may require timed-entry reservations during peak summer season (July–September) to reduce crowding. Check Recreation.gov in spring. Newberry Volcano: Entry fee for Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Always verify current requirements at fs.usda.gov/deschutes before your trip.
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