Bend, Oregon, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an incredible variety of trails that showcase the region’s diverse landscapes. From volcanic formations to alpine lakes, ancient forests to rushing rivers, the area delivers year-round opportunities for hikers of all skill levels.
The combination of sunshine, mountain vistas, and accessible wilderness makes Bend a premier destination for anyone looking to explore nature on foot. Central Oregon’s hiking scene offers something truly special throughout all four seasons.
Here are 20 outstanding hikes around Bend that capture the essence of this remarkable region.
Tumalo Falls
This accessible hike rewards visitors with spectacular views of the 97-foot waterfall just minutes from the trailhead. The main viewpoint requires minimal walking, while the complete 7-mile loop follows Tumalo Creek through lush forests with several smaller cascades along the way.
The trail offers excellent shade during summer months and becomes a winter wonderland when snowfall transforms the landscape.
Smith Rock State Park
Perhaps Central Oregon’s most iconic natural landmark, Smith Rock delivers dramatic scenery with its towering tuff and basalt cliffs rising above the Crooked River. The Misery Ridge Trail climbs steeply for about 1.5 miles, offering sweeping views of the Cascade Range and eagle-eye perspectives of rock climbers tackling the challenging routes below.
Morning or evening hikes here provide the most striking lighting for photographs.
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Green Lakes Trail
This stunning 8.5-mile round-trip journey takes hikers alongside beautiful Fall Creek before reaching the namesake alpine lakes nestled between South Sister and Broken Top mountains. The trail gradually gains elevation through mountain meadows, often filled with wildflowers in summer.
The pristine waters of Green Lakes reflect the surrounding peaks, creating perfect conditions for a mid-hike rest or picnic.
Deschutes River Trail
Following the region’s lifeline waterway, this extensive trail system offers multiple access points and hiking distances suitable for casual strolls or longer adventures. The section between Meadow Camp and Benham Falls provides easy hiking with constant river views and opportunities to spot wildlife like deer, beavers, and various bird species.
The riverside path remains relatively flat, making it ideal for families and beginners.
Tam McArthur Rim
This 5-mile round-trip trail delivers tremendous scenic rewards for hikers seeking expansive views with relatively moderate effort. Starting from Three Creek Lake, the path climbs through forests before emerging onto the dramatic rim overlooking the Cascades. On clear days, hikers enjoy panoramic vistas spanning from Mount Hood to Mount Bachelor and beyond, with Three Creek Lake sparkling below.
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Newberry Volcano Caldera
This massive shield volcano offers several distinct hiking experiences within its collapsed caldera. The Big Obsidian Flow trail winds through America’s youngest lava flow, featuring glossy black volcanic glass formed just 1,300 years ago.
Nearby, paths around Paulina Lake and East Lake provide gentler options with geothermal features and impressive volcanic formations throughout the area.
Shevlin Park Loop
Located just minutes from downtown Bend, this 4.7-mile loop follows Tumalo Creek through a canyon filled with ponderosa pines and aspen groves. The relatively flat trail offers tranquility surprisingly close to the city, with creek access points providing refreshing stops during warmer months.
Fall brings brilliant yellow aspen leaves that create a spectacular contrast against the evergreen backdrop.
Pilot Butte
This extinct cinder cone rises prominently within Bend city limits, offering accessible summit trails with outstanding 360-degree views. The 1-mile path to the top gains about 500 feet in elevation, providing excellent exercise with Cascade Mountain vistas as your reward.
Sunrise and sunset hikes here deliver particularly memorable experiences as light plays across the landscape and distant peaks.
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Black Butte
This perfectly formed cinder cone stands as a recognizable landmark near Sisters. It offers a moderately challenging 4-mile round-trip hike to its summit. The trail climbs steadily through changing forest zones before reaching the top, where hikers enjoy unobstructed views of Mount Washington, Three Fingered Jack, Mount Jefferson, and the Three Sisters.
The historic fire lookout adds a layer of interest to the summit experience.
Broken Top Loop
For experienced hikers seeking alpine adventure, this challenging 26-mile loop circumnavigates one of Central Oregon’s most distinctive mountains. The trail passes through varied terrain, including forests, meadows, and rocky sections with several water crossings.
No overnight permits are currently required, making this an excellent multi-day backpacking option during the summer hiking season.
Sparks Lake Ray Atkeson Trail
Named after a famed Oregon photographer, this gentle 2.5-mile path showcases some of the most photogenic landscapes in Central Oregon. The trail winds along the edge of Sparks Lake with South Sister and Broken Top mountains creating a dramatic backdrop.
Early morning visits often reward hikers with mirror-like reflections on the lake’s surface and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
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Proxy Falls
Just over the Cascade summit from Bend, this relatively short 1.5-mile loop leads to one of Oregon’s most photographed waterfalls. The trail winds through lush forest and over ancient lava flows before reaching the 226-foot tiered cascade.
Water flows over moss-covered basalt, creating countless miniature streams that catch sunlight when conditions align perfectly.
Todd Lake Loop
As one of the closest mountain lakes to Bend, Todd Lake offers an accessible 1.7-mile loop suitable for most fitness levels. The trail circles the shallow alpine lake with minimal elevation change, passing through meadows that burst with wildflowers during the brief summer season.
Early summer visits might require navigating some wet areas, but the rewards include peaceful mountain reflections and abundant bird life.
Soda Creek Trail
This often-overlooked gem provides access to Green Lakes without the crowds found on the main trail. The 12-mile round-trip route follows Soda Creek through forests and meadows before connecting with the more popular path.
Spring hikers enjoy rushing waters from snowmelt, while late summer brings huckleberries along sections of the trail.
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Whychus Creek Preserve
This 930-acre conservation area protects a critical stream habitat just outside Sisters. Several interconnected loops totaling about 5 miles showcase the restoration work that has revitalized this ecosystem.
The relatively flat trails follow the creek through ponderosa pine forests with excellent views of nearby mountains and opportunities to spot diverse wildlife.
Metolius River Trail
Beginning at the headwaters, where the river mysteriously emerges fully formed from underground springs, this trail follows the crystal-clear Metolius for miles. Hikers can choose their distance, with multiple access points available along the route.
The path remains mostly level as it winds through forests, with constant views of the turquoise water rushing over volcanic rocks.
Matthieu Lakes Loop
This moderate 6-mile loop passes both North and South Matthieu Lakes while offering stunning views of North Sister and Mount Washington. For part of the journey, the trail connects with the Pacific Crest Trail, giving hikers a taste of the famous long-distance route.
Summer brings colorful wildflower displays in meadows between forested sections.
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Alder Springs
Located in the high desert near Terrebonne, this 3-mile out-and-back trail descends into a dramatic canyon to reach the confluence of Whychus Creek and the Deschutes River. The path drops about 900 feet in elevation, requiring a climb on the return journey.
The desert ecosystem contrasts sharply with many other hikes around Bend, offering unique plant communities and geological features.
Paulina Creek Falls
This family-friendly 2-mile round trip follows Paulina Creek to an impressive 80-foot double waterfall within Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The relatively flat trail provides access to viewing platforms above and below the falls, with several safe water access points along the creek.
The area remains particularly refreshing during hot summer days when the mist from the falls cools the surrounding air.
Upper Deschutes River Trail – Benham Falls Section
This easy 1.5-mile section highlights one of the most impressive features along the Deschutes River. Benham Falls demonstrates the power of water as the river narrows and drops through an ancient lava channel.
Several viewpoints provide different perspectives of the churning rapids, while interpretive signs explain the geological forces that shaped this dramatic landscape.
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Endless Adventures Await
Bend’s hiking scene continues evolving with trail improvements and conservation efforts protecting these natural treasures for future generations. Local organizations like the Deschutes Land Trust and Bend Park and Recreation District work tirelessly to maintain access while preserving the ecological integrity that makes these areas special.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or living as a full-time resident, these trails provide endless opportunities to connect with Central Oregon’s remarkable landscapes in all seasons.
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