Hiking in Bend, OR

If you are to know anything about Bend, know that there is hiking everywhere and the opportunity to be outdoors. Hiking in Bend made us fall in love with this city. We were only in Bend for a short time and on a budget. We didn’t want to buy gear (snowshoes, skis, etc.) so we tried to find things in the area we could do without snowshoes. With some bad weather and health issues, we didn’t get to do as much as we hoped. However, Bend has amazing hikes in the summer and winter. Surrounded by mountains, lakes, caves and waterfalls there is something for everyone. The other awesome thing about Bend is that they are so dog friendly and everyone has a dog. There are different guidelines depending on the path and time of year, but they are welcome almost everywhere. Here are three hikes that were awesome in the winter (and would be equally as awesome in the summer) and a couple more options!

1 Tumalo Falls

In the summer you can drive all the way to the falls and hike or mountain bike the many trails that start here. In the winter, they close the road right after the bridge. So this hike is a 5 mile RT hike. Snowshoes would be good, but there were car tracks the entire way from one vehicle that is allowed back there. It is an easy hike with a beautiful destination.

You can read about our summer hike here: Tumalo in the Summer

2 Misery Ridge Trail – Smith Rock State Park

Whomever named this trail did not lightly. Head north on 97 towards terrebonne to get to Smith Rock State Park. This is the toughest trail in the park, as it’s just a climb the entire way with drop offs and in the winter the trail can be sheer ice. We were determined to see the view and get up there and the dogs were troopers! The trail we took was short, about 2.5 miles RT, you can do the loop and it’s 6. The snow deterred us so we headed down after enjoying the views. Take a walk along the river to see some otters that live there. There was wildlife everywhere. This area is also popular for rock climbing too!

3 Steelhead Falls Trail

I did a separate post on this trail as we decided to do the 52 hike challenge and it was no. 1! You can read more about it here: Steelhead Falls Trail

In town hikes for all!

Deschutes River trail (Old Mill District) – This can be as short or as long as you want and it’s a paved trail. A lot of parking and dog friendly to see the river and in the summer, tubers and SUPers.

Perfect hike for dogs!

On your way to Mt. Bachelor is Good Dog Trail. Off leash, fun area for the dogs to be near the river in the summer and play in the snow in winter! Look for a small sign that will point you to your left and there is a new parking lot there.

Hikes that you will definitely need snowshoes or very sturdy feet for!

Proxy Falls Trail Loop (Sisters, OR) – In the summer it’s a 2 mile RT, but in the winter when the road is closed it turns into a 7 mile RT.

Todd Lake (from Mt. Bachelor) – In the summer it’s 1.25 mile RT, but in the winter from Mt. Bachelor it is a 6 mile RT.

Koosah Falls (Sisters, OR) – 2.6 mile RT hike that is family friendly.

Got a snowmobile?

Spark Lake (Bend, OR) – You need a snowmobile or cat to get you out there. But the area is stunning and you can get some beautiful pictures of the lake. Otherwise it would be a tough 7+ mile RT snowshoe or ski

Some hikes we missed…

Pilot Butte (Bend, OR)

Lost Lake (Sisters, OR)

Three Sisters Wilderness Loop (Sisters, OR)

Three fingered Jack (Bend, OR)

Hike we skipped

Lava River Cave (Bend, OR)

A summer hike we liked!

If you are there in the summer, definitely check out Green Lake Trail. It’s close to Bend, but after a short hike you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. People go there to back country camp next to this beautiful lake and it’s a dog friendly area! Read about it here: Green Lake Trail

Hikes that require a drive.

Crater Lake National Park

Painted Hills (Mitchell, OR)

I am definitely missing a ton, but this list will get you started! Please let me know what your favorites are! We will be back to check a couple more off the list!

Last But Not Least

We did miss the free snow shoe tour at Mt. Bachelor, but this would be great for anyone new to snow shoeing. You can get more information here: Snow Shoe Tour

What was your favorite hike in Bend?!