Deschutes County, Oregon

Located just 12 miles South of Bend and 5 miles Northeast of Sunriver in the Deschutes National Forest, the Lava River Cave is a unique experience the whole family can enjoy. To get there from Bend, drive South on Highway 97 for about 10 miles until you see a large sign for the Lava Lands Visitor...

...Deep in the central Oregon Forest is a cave that is surrounded by Juniper Trees, Ponderosa Pines and the landscape of a secret volcanic underground world! This short hike is located roughly 12 miles East of Bend, and makes for an epic adventure for all to enjoy. A little history on the cave.....

Blackrock Trail starts at the Lava Lands Visitor Center, which is about a 5-mile drive south of Bend on Highway 97. You can park at the Lava Lands Visitor Center and then take the trail marked Sun-Lava Trail. This will take you to Blackrock Trail, which you will see as a turn-off to the right abo...

Located 20 miles southeast of Bend, Boyd Cave is a well preserved lava tube stretching close to a mile. To get there, take Highway 97 South through Bend and turn left on China Hat Road. Go straight for exactly 9 miles. Turn left at mile 9 onto the trail at FS242. You will know it has been 9 miles...

Starting at Little Crater Campground, head north toward the hot springs (43.730, -121.247). If you're really looking to stretch your legs, you can extend the out-and-back hike to a full loop around the lake just shy of 8 miles. The water in the springs is around 95 degrees, and doesn't smell of s...

Just a mere 15 minutes outside of Bend, Oregon the Bessie Butte Trail is a wonderfully scenic hike to overlook Bend on one side and the Deschutes National Forest on the other. The butte provides an excellent view of the surrounding mountains of which there are many: Mount Bachelor, The South Sist...

East Lake is located in a very scenic part of Central Oregon about 30 miles East of the town of La Pine. At 6,400 feet in elevation, the lake is fed by snowmelt and underground springs. East Lake is know for it's trophy Brown Trout, Kokanee, Rainbow Trout and Atlantic Salmon. Because of the deep...

Distance: 6 miles, out-and-back (Can also be done as a 12 mile loop via Crater Rim Trail).  Starting at Paulina Lake, just past the Visitor Center lies a marked trailhead for Paulina Peak. The trail starts close to the road and winds through the forest around the back of some lake maintenance fac...

Paulina Peak with an elevation of 7,984 feet, and is about 4,000 feet higher than the terrain surrounding the volcano. There is a gravel fire road that winds to the top. This is a grueling climb with an 8000 foot elevation. Air please!The trail head starts about 1000 feet from the peak. It is a p...

First take the short 1/4 mile hike down to the lower lookout. Get there early to beat the crowd and get unobstructed views. The Paulina Falls is an 80 ft. twin waterfall. It's gorgeous. After you see the falls from the lower lookout, you can walk back up to the upper lookout for a different view....

The Deschutes River Trail is a must do mountain bike ride or hike in between Sunriver and Bend, Oregon. The river varies from calm water to waterfalls. The trail follows along the river and goes through pine forests, meadows, and lava flows. Most of the single track is smooth with a few more tech...

Deschutes River Trail: Benham Falls to Slough Meadow is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Bend, Oregon.

Deschutes River Trail: Lava Island Trailhead to Benham Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near La Pine, Oregon.

Deschutes River Trail: Meadow Day Use Area is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Bend, Oregon.

Deschutes River Loop via Farewell Bend Park is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Bend, Oregon.

There are quite a few urban trails along the Deschutes River, but my favorite runs just South of the Old Mill District near the Farewell Bend Park. Here you will find a gravel loop trail that is private and relaxing, but also very convenient to other amenities such as restrooms, shops, and resta...