HIKING CENTRAL OREGON
OUR FAVORITES

Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park, just 22 miles from Brasada Ranch, protects a sanctuary of majestic rock spires that rise above the winding Crooked River in Central Oregon’s high desert, serving as a world-class rock climbing destination and hiker’s paradise. The dramatic appearance of the park area is a testament to the cumulative force of volcanism and the erosive power of running water. Millions of years ago this area was a major center of volcanic activity. After a period of localized eruptions, lava flows entered the canyon and crowded the ancestral river into the flanks of the main volcanic structure. Forced to establish a new channel, the Crooked River eventually eroded the interior of the volcanic vent. The wondrous and multicolored formations left behind are composed of rock known as “welded tuff ”—volcanic ash erupted under conditions of extreme heat and pressure. Several miles of developed trails access the top of Misery Ridge and parallel the popular rock climbing areas of the Christian Brothers, the Dihedrals, and Morning Glory Wall.

Trail loops start at just 500 feet and top out with the 2.5 mile River Trail. The Misery Ridge trail is only two-thirds of a mile in length, but its 700-foot elevation gain makes it grueling, but with an awesome reward. The view from the top is of nearly the entire stretch of the Cascade Range, as well as the high desert and agricultural lands of Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties. An even longer trek, but not quite as steep, is the Burma Road connector to the River Trail, which climbs to the top of the northeastern end of the formation, then drops down the backside, to the base of a stunning rock tower called Monkey Face. The trail continues around the entire formation, making for about a six-mile journey. Avoid any hills by sticking to the River Trail, which follows the Crooked River around three-quarters of the base of Smith Rock and is almost all level, except for the steep hike down from the parking area. Maps are available at Smith Rock State Park.

Smith Rock State Park Website

Smith Rock State Park Brochure and Trail Map

Deschutes River Trail

This trail in and around Bend is the crowning jewel in a local parks system that consists of dozens of gorgeous, well-planned parks. The River Trail consists of almost 19 miles of paved and dirt trail, and provides nearly uninterrupted access to the Deschutes River, which runs through the heart of Bend. Pick up a map at Parks headquarters (799 S.W. Columbia St.; (541) 389-7275; www.bendparksandrec.org) or simply head for the river, pick up the trail and walk as far as you’d like.

Cascade Range – Cascade Lakes Highway

Extending west out of Bend is the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, which passes past several incredible mountain peaks, crystal blue lakes and a gorgeous Oregon subalpine forest. Like spokes from a wheel, hiking trails extend from the highway into the wilderness, around lakes and up mountains. Trails maps may be obtained from the U.S. Forest Service, www.fs.fed.us.

Shevlin Park

While it’s located just a couple of miles out of the bustling city limits of Bend, the very popular Shevlin Park still manages to seem unpopulated. Even on a crowded weekend, take off on the trail and within a few minutes discover the shelter that only a wide-open forest can provide. Add to that the park’s eco-diversity, and it’s nearly the perfect hiking destination. Within its confines are countless varieties of wildlife, a pond, a covered bridge, developed and undeveloped trails, massive old trees, and plenty of peace and quiet. Nearly ten miles of trails give lots of options, some of which are level and easy enough to please the oldest and youngest members of one’s hiking party. Shevlin Park is located three miles west of Bend on Shevlin Park Road.

Tumalo Mountain

A motivated hiker can drive from Bend to Tumalo Mountain, summit the uber-steep shield volcano, descend and be sitting at the bar at one of Bend’s famous breweries in two-and-a-half hours, door-to-door. Saner hikers might want to cut themselves a little bit of slack. This hike is only a mile and a half round-trip, but climbs 1500 feet and is consistently rated “difficult” by trail guides. It’s worth the effort. The trail begins under a canopy of fir and hemlock and climbs to a rocky, exposed top with exquisite views of Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, the Three Sisters and Tumalo Creek. Tumalo Mountain is one of the toughest hikes that is easy to get to in Central Oregon. Tumalo Mountain is located 21 miles southwest of Bend on the Cascade Lakes Highway.