Some of the best hiking can be found in Bend, Oregon. There are hikes for every age, ability and desire. But where should you start. This article will give you options for easy hikes for everyone in Bend, Oregon.
Hiking in Bend, Oregon
In no particular order, here are hikes to add to your list the next time you are in Bend.
1. Benham Falls
A 1.5 mile hike to a beautiful waterfall. As you can see this hike is available all year long.
2. Todd Lake
Up in the cascades, this is a 2 mile hike around a lake with views of Mt. Bachelor.
3. Deschutes River Trail
This trail is actually really long but you can do it in multiple segments. You can either pick it up at the Old Mill District, near first street or just off of Cascade Lakes Highway by the visitor center.
4. Boyd Cave
Ever wanted to explore a cave? Bend has many and one of our favorites is Boyd.
5. Hidden Forest
Hidden Forest is a fun adventure to find. This sunken area has a cave and the hidden forest.
6. Tumalo Falls
The most popular attraction in Bend, is Tumalo Falls. You can see the waterfall from the road or hike a quarter of a mile closer to get a view from the top.
7. Shevlin Park
This is a great park to hike around. It has a stream, fishing pond and single track hiking and moutain biking. Make the hike as long or as short as you want.
8. River Trail
This is a paved path along the river. You walk through the Old Mill District and near Hayden Homes Amphitheater (formerly Les Schwab). There are three bridges in the walk so you can make this as short as 1 mile or as long as you want. There are multiple city parks, kayaking, SUPing, floating, surfing and shopping you can do in this small area. There are playgrounds for kids and restaurants too.
9. Steelhead Falls
Open all year round, this is a 2 mile round trip hike to Steelhead Waterfall. In the summer it is a popular water hole for swimming.
10. Cline Falls
An easy one mile hike along a river to Cline falls. This is also open all year round. A little closer to Redmond, it is still easy to get to from Bend.
One of the great things about all of these trails are that they are dog friendly! There are different rules regarding leashes throughout the year and if you are on public or private land, so make sure to know before you go. Just know though that they are always welcome!
A few hiking tips and etiquette.
- When you are hiking hikers always have the right of way to bikes and horses always have the right of way to hikers and bikers.
- If you are hiking up or down, the people hiking up have the right of way to the people hiking down. UNLESS it is safer for the people hiking up to move to the side.
- Bend sits at 3,600' and so make sure to drink enough water if you are not used to the elevation. While not too high, it's still can create some altitude sickness symptoms.
- LEAVE NO TRACE - which means don't litter and if you started with it you end with it.
- ALWAYS pick up after your dog. Your dog's poo is your poo. It carries diseases and it's just gross to walk along a beautiful path with dog crap everywhere.
- Do not cut, gather or damage flowers and plants.
- ALWAYS enjoy your time!
- RESPECT it as you would want someone to respect where you live.
Make sure to follow along as I will post two more articles about hiking in Bend, Oregon. Moderate hikes and hard hikes. Just a little something for everyone!
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