Trail Details

Summit: 6,778′
Distance: 7.6 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 1,831 ft
Dogs: Yes (booties recommended)
When to go: July-October

Getting to the Trailhead

This hike begins at the Pacific Crest Trail McKenzie Pass Trailhead, which is not actually at the pass. The trailhead parking is on the north side of McKenzie Highway 242 and 0.5 miles west of the Dee Wright Observatory. The road is closed seasonally (November through June). The trail is 15.5 miles west of Sisters on Highway 242, and roughly a one hour drive from Bend. The trailhead parking area is dirt and can accommodate 10-12 vehicles if parked politely. There is no toilet at the trailhead, but there is a pit toilet at the parking area for the Dee Wright Observatory.

Get turn-by-turn driving directions via Google Maps.

Hiking Belknap Crater

The trail begins in a patch of forest that might be considered deceiving, as most of this hike is over exposed lava fields and cinder talus.

The trail crosses a lava flow between two wooded hills, winding around the north side of the second hill before splitting off and heading north across the lava field.

Looking back (south) toward the Three Sisters.

At about the two mile mark, you reach a junction with the spur trail that heads due east to Little Belknap. This is a short side trip that adds about a mile to your total distance. Once you reach Little Belknap, there is a short scramble to the top. It’s worth the trip.

From Little Belknap, retrace your steps to the PCT and turn right (heading north). As you leave the lava field, the trail forks. To the right, the PCT continues north. To the left (there is no trail sign) the trail heads toward and up Belknap Crater.

One thing I’ll say about hiking across a lava field…it gives you a great appreciation for dirt. The initial approach to the base of Belknap Crater is a welcome, dirt respite.

Once you reach the crater, the terrain turns to a mixture of cinder and dirt that at times feels like climbing a sand dune. The trail switchbacks gracefully up and around the north side of the crater, then climbs to the bare summit.

When we hiked this in October, it was a beautiful, cool day — perfect conditions for hiking Belknap Crater except for the fierce winds at the summit. They were strong enough that we didn’t dawdle at the top. We soaked in the epic Cascade views and headed back down. Fortunately, as soon as we were in the shadow of the crater, the winds subsided and the remainder of the hike back to the trailhead was perfect.

Hiking back, we retraced our steps. Heading south, we had great views of North and Middle Sister, and Black Crater (another favorite hike in the area). We could make out the Dee Wright Observatory — worth a stop if you have time.

Belknap Crater Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Additional Belknap Crater Resources

• Advance permits are required from June 15th to October 15th. Day-use permits are released in two rolling windows: 10 days and then two days before the trip date. Online permit request form.
• Sun protection, layers and plenty of water are all a must on this hike.
• Dogs are allowed, but I would only consider bringing mine with booties. The lava rock is coarse, highly abrasive, and can be very hot in the sunlight.

The Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

Belknap Crater is part of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a self-paced hiking challenge that takes you up six iconic mountains, each a bit higher and harder. It’s a challenge in itself, or a great way to train for bigger adventures. And your registration help support some great outdoor-related non-profits.

Learn more and sign-up here.

Originally hiked with Joan on October 15, 2022.

The Oregon Coast is rugged, beautiful and often uncrowded. This bluff-top out-and-back hike starts and ends in Sunset Bay State Park and follows a section of the Oregon Coast Trail south to the Simpson Reef Overlook. Along the way there are opportunities for short side trips down to hidden coves and beaches, as well as the manicured gardens at Shore Acres State Park. It is a great taste of the Oregon coast, with a side helping of history.

Trail Details

Distance: 8.75 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 786 ft
Dogs: Yes, on leash
When to go: Year-round

Getting to the Trailhead

We were car camping at Sunset Bay State Park, and started our hike right from the campground. If you’re driving to the trailhead, you can park in the lot near the grassy area at the south end of the beach. The trailhead is about 13 miles from Coos Bay and takes about 25 minutes to drive.

From Coos Bay, head north on 101, then turn left on Newmark St (OR 540). As you approach the waterfront, Newmark turns left on Empire (still OR 540). You’ll stay on this (it becomes the Cape Arrago Highway) for almost eight miles, traveling through Barview, across the bridge and through Charleston and eventually reaching Sunset Bay State Park. Get turn-by-turn directions via Google Maps.

Hiking from Sunset Bay to Simpson Reef Overlook

This trail generally follows along the coast along the bluff, sometimes ducking into the forest. Look for the trailhead at the south end of the park. It starts by climbing up the bluff. As with much of the Oregon Coast, it can be frequently wet and slick depending on the weather. It’s definitely lush and green. We spied blackberries, deer fern and wintergreen along the trail.

Just before the two mile mark, we reached a spur trail that headed down to a cove. At low tide, it was a great area for exploring. The fog cloaked the beach in mystery.

Climbing back to the main trail, we continue south. Another 1/2 mile and we veered right at the trail junction, heading to the bluff-top trail through Shore Acres State Park.

Shore Acres State Park was at one time the estate of a timber magnate, and some of the original buildings and the arboretum are still maintained. Dogs are not allowed in the park, except when passing through on the Oregon Coast Trail on leash. The extensive botanical gardens are not covered in this guide, but are definitely worth a visit while you are in the area.

Once you’ve passed the walled gardens, you soon reach the lovely Simpson Beach. While most of the coast is rocky with tide pools, this sandy beach is relatively well-protected and surprisingly quiet. We were the only ones there, probably because it’s a hike to get here.

Continuing south on the trail, you wander the coastal bluff until finally converging with the road at Simpson Reef Overlook. It’s very likely you’ll see other people who drove to this point to walk around and look.

The reef itself extends into the Pacific Ocean quite far, and is teeming with seals, sea lions and other wildlife. Binoculars or a telephoto lens would be helpful here, though you can hear their barking from a distance.

This was our turnaround point. After reading about the reef and ogling the wildlife, we turned around and started back on the trail. There are some options in the network of trails along the coast, and we opted to stick closer to the road for a more direct route back to the trailhead and eventually camp.

The trail back was still beautiful, and we encountered artifacts from the days when Shore Acres was an estate — like the gate posts to one of the old entrances.

John Muir was said to despise the word “hiking” as it sounded all too serious and driven. He much preferred the term “sauntering.” Though we logged nearly nine miles on this trail, it was more of a saunter than a hike, best enjoyed at a leisurely pace with plenty of exploration and just enjoying the scenery of this beautiful coast.

Simpson Reef Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Additional Resources

• Sunset Bay State Park – official website
• Shore Acres State Park – official website
• No water is available on the trail. Be prepared to carry what you need.
• Bring shoes that will give you some traction in slick wet sections of the trail, and a rain jacket just-in-case.
• The trail is not always well signed, but the area is well defined. With the coast on one side and the road on the other.
• We did not have cell service for most of the hike.

Originally hiked July 29, 2021 with Joan and our two labradoodles, Lucy and Farley.

Maiden Peak sits on the Cascade crest, straddling the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests. Many people hike up Maiden Peak from the Gold Lake trailhead on the west side, but the Maiden Lake Trail offers an alternative that starts in the east, passing through a variety of forested habitats and meadows with an optional side trip to serene Maiden Lake.

Trail Details

Summit Elevation: 7,805′
Distance: 10.0 miles
Time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 3,000 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: July-October

Getting to the Maiden Lake Trailhead

From the center of Bend, Oregon to the Maiden Lake trailhead it’s almost exactly 60 miles and 1 hour, 15 minutes driving time. From Bend, head south on Highway 97 for 17 miles, then exit right onto Vandevert Road (south of the main Sunriver exit). In about one mile, turn left on S Century Drive. Follow Century Drive south for 1.1 miles, then turn right to stay on S Century Drive. You’ll take this 22.8 miles to Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. Turn left on Cascade Lakes, following it south for 11.8 miles. Turn right on NF-4600 and follow that for 5 miles. This forest service road ends at the Maiden Lake Trailhead. There are no facilities at the trailhead. There is space to park about six vehicles. At the time of writing, no pass is required for parking. Get turn-by-turn directions via Google Maps.

Hiking to Maiden Peak via the Maiden Lake Trail

The trailhead begins at an elevation of 4,922′ and climb steadily but gradually.

You’ll climb just half of the total vertical in the first three miles, where you reach the first trail junction. Maiden Lake heads to the left, but I recommend noting this for a potential side trip on your return down the mountain. For now, continue to the right.

Interesting to see the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) listed here as the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCNST)

About a mile before the summit, the trail gets steeper, finally joining the Maiden Peak Trail for the remainder of the route to the summit.

As you come around the west side of the peak, you finally get above the trees and the views really begin to open up.

The summit of the peak is broad, and marked by a pile of rocks and rusty debris.

This is an out-and-back route, so return the way you came. If you have time and energy, take the side trail to Maiden Lake. It’s a hidden gem that is worth the short hike. There is no outlet for this lake, and it’s amazingly clear.

Maiden Peak via Maiden Lake Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Maiden Peak Tips and Resources

• Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and the other ten essentials.
• Also check out the route to the summit from the Gold Lake trailhead.
• Layer up! It can be cold and windy at the summit.

The Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

Maiden Peak is part of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a self-paced hiking challenge that takes you up six iconic mountains, each a bit higher and tougher.

It’s a challenge in itself, or great training for still bigger adventures. And your registration helps support some great outdoor-related non-profits. Learn more and sign up here.

Originally hiked on October 20, 2020. 

Black Butte is an iconic mountain that stands alone, prominent and proud. The 6,436′ extinct start volcano lies 10 miles northwest of Sisters, Oregon along Highway 20. There are two ways to hike Black Butte. The shorter route from the Upper Trailhead is only four miles round trip, but requires a long drive up a washboard gravel forest service road. Starting from the Lower Trailhead is an easy drive, but a much longer hike. You begin at the base of the mountain and climb over three miles before joining the Upper Trailhead to continue your hike to the summit. The total roundtrip distance from the lower trailhead is 10.5 miles, with 3,400 feet of vertical gain.

Trail Details

Summit: 6,436′
Distance: 10.5 miles
Time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 3,400 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Spring-Fall

The popular trail is well-maintained and can usually be hiked earlier in the season when the roads to other trailheads are still closed.

Getting to the Black Butte Lower Trailhead

From Sisters, Oregon head west on US Highway 20 for ten miles. Turn right to head north on Camp Sherman Road. Follow Camp Sherman for 2.6 miles, then turn right onto SW Metolius River Road. Turn right at 0.2 miles (the first possible turn) onto the dirt and gravel Forest Service Road 1430 (there is no sign). A few hundred yards on your right is the parking area, with room for about 10 vehicles. There are no posted requirements for parking fees or passes, and there are no toilets or water at this trailhead. Get turn-by-turn directions via Google Maps.

Hiking Black Butte from the Lower Trailhead

From the dirt parking area, look for the Black Butte Trail sign. You will see the mixed use trail heading due west, mostly flat for the first mile. This trail winds around the mountain at the base, so you’ll want to watch for the wood posts to turn on the hikers-only connector trails that head uphill. There are two options, and when you look at the map at the bottom of this trail guide, you’ll see we took the first option on the way up the mountain (~.75 miles from the trailhead), and the other on the way down (~1 mile from the trailhead). The second option is the more popular route.

From here, the trail begins a relentless but mostly gradual climb up and around the mountain. You will cross two forest service roads as you climb; watch for the hiker trail on the other side of the road and do a map check to make sure you’re on the correct route. At 3.2 miles you reach the Upper Trailhead. There is a picnic table and this is a great spot to take a break.  50 yards down the parking area here are pit toilets.

Note that the sign for the trail back down to the Lower Trailhead (from which you just hiked) is more prominent than any sign for the summit. On my most recent hike here, I helped two separate hikers parked at the upper trailhead who started hiking down the mountain until I asked them if they meant to hike to the summit.

For a detailed guide from the Upper Trailhead to the summit, read Hiking Black Butte from the Upper Trailhead. The trail for the upper section is the same for both routes. From here, it’s a bit over two miles to the summit. The trail up has one switchback, then spirals upward toward the summit.

As you climb above the tree line, you are rewarded with sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains.

You’ll see the tall fire lookout tower that is actively manned during the summer months. As you round the east side of the mountain, you’ll hike through the scars of two modern wildfires before finally reaching the broad summit.

Once on the top of the butte, follow the trail to the northwest to visit the historic cupola (look for the rock carved by the “Bachelor of Black Butte” a century ago). Continue past the cupola to the new viewpoint deck. On a clear day, you can see Mount Hood and even Mount Adams.

When you’ve finished soaking in the views, retrace your route back down the mountain.

Black Butte Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Black Butte Hiking Tips

• At the top, please stay on the marked trails to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem.
• Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and the other ten essentials.
• Check out William Sullivan’s 100 Hikes / Travel Guide Central Oregon Cascades (affiliate link) for more on the history and flora on Black Butte.
• For a shorter version of this hike that still goes to the summit, read our guide for Hiking Black Butte from the Upper Trailhead.
• This mountain gets snow in the winter and becomes a more technical climb. Check the conditions before you go. I’ve used snowshoes on this trail during the month of January and microspikes and trekking poles can be helpful even into June depending on the snowfall.

The Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

Black Butte is part of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a self-paced hiking challenge that takes you up six, iconic peaks–each one a bit higher and tougher.

It’s a challenge in itself, or great training for still bigger adventures. Learn more and sign-up here.

Originally hiked on February 17, 2022 with David and Ethan.
Latest hike on May 21, 2022 with Scott.

Sutton Mountain gives you a sense of just how big Oregon is. Nestled between the Painted Hills unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and the tiny old town of Mitchell (population 142), this hike starts with a well-hidden trailhead, then follows an old jeep trail most of the way before requiring a short off-trail climb to the high point.

Trail Details

Summit: 4,692′
Distance: 7 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,612 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: October-June

The Sutton Mountain Wilderness Study Area gets hot in the summer, so this trail is best hiked in the fall through spring. May and June are great months, when the wildflowers are blooming.

Getting to the Sutton Mountain Trailhead

From Bend, Oregon it’s about 92 miles to the Sutton Mountain Trailhead. From Prineville, follow US 26 East for 29 miles. Turn left on OR-207 N (just before you reach Mitchell, but after the turn to the Painted Hills). Follow OR-207 N for 9.3 miles and the trailhead is on your left. There is no sign for the trailhead, and the gravel drive to the parking is easy to miss due to the brush. Get driving directions with Google Maps or use the trailhead coordinates 44°39’50.3″N 120°07’26.8″W with the navigation software of your choice.

When you turn on the driveway, there is a wire fence that you’ll need to open (and close behind) you. The parking area is a flat area with dirt and grass that can accommodate at least a dozen vehicles. It can get muddy, so bring a pair of shoes to change into after your hike.

Hiking Sutton Mountain

Once you’ve found the parking area, head to the northwest following a faint jeep trail. You’ll see a sign marking the Wilderness Study Area. Follow this track up and around the hill.

When we hiked this in February, there was still snow on the ground. The ground itself was frozen on our way up, but thawed to mud on the way down.

Most of the trail is bare dirt and rock; the vegetation scraped away over years of use.

At the 2.1 mile mark you pass through and opening in a a fence (seen below) and turn 90-degrees left. Imagine the cattle roaming the plain.

Follow the old jeep track uphill another 1.2 miles. The ridge that comprises Sutton Mountain looms to your left.

From here, you leave the old road and choose your own adventure, zig-zagging up the brushy incline to the ridge.

Once at the ridge, soak in the views!

Looking south from Sutton Mountain

Cliff on south side of Sutton Mountain

Make your away along the ridge to the highpoint. There is a survey mark and a post. When we hiked, we were accompanied by a curious dog from a ranch near the trailhead. He followed us all the way up and back, escorting us to make sure we found our way.

After taking in the views, retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

Sutton Mountain Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Sutton Mountain Tips

• There is no water nor facilities at the trailhead nor anywhere on the trail. Plan accordingly.
• Carry the 10 Essentials. We had no cell service for most of the trail, with spotty service at the summit.
• After the hike, stop in Tiger Town Brewing in nearby Mitchell. They have great sandwiches, wings and a namesake Sutton Mountain IPA.
• After lunch in Mitchell, visit the nearby Painted Hills unit of the John Day Fossil Bed National Monument.
• Check out the latest Sutton Mountain trip reports to see current trail conditions
• Find this hike and others in William Sullivan’s 100 Hikes: Eastern Oregon guidebook (Amazon)

Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

Sutton Mountain is part of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. This self-paced hiking challenge includes six hikes in Central Oregon. They are a great way to explore the area, train for bigger adventures, and you’ll be doing good, with a portion of the net proceeds going to support Big City Mountaineers.

The annual challenge runs between January 1st and October 31st.

Originally hiked on February 6, 2022 with David and Rebecca.

Trail Details

Distance: 9.6 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,625 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: June-October

One extra perk? After the first mile, you’ll leave the crowds behind. 

Getting to Tumalo Falls

The trailhead parking area is 13.5 miles west of downtown Bend. Take Skyliners Road to Tumalo Falls Road, crossing Tumalo Creek on a one-lane bridge, and following a washboard gravel road another 2.5 miles to the parking area. There is a fee station that takes cash or cards for day use parking. If the parking area is full, you can also park on the side of the road (obey all signs). The fee still applies. Get turn-by-turn driving directions via Google Maps.

There is no water at the trailhead, but there are pit toilets.

Hiking the Tumalo Falls to Farewell Loop Trail

Start with a a look at the Tumalo Falls viewpoint, just steps from the trailhead.

Head back to the trail and start up hill. After a short climb, you’ll come to a overlook trail with a railing. There are several viewpoints along the way to the top of the falls.

This is where most people stop and turn around, missing out on the beauty of Tumalo Creek and it’s many falls and cascades. Head back to the main trail as it parallels the creek and heads upstream.

At one mile, you’ll see a signpost for a viewpoint on the cliff, overlooking the aptly named Double Falls.

At the two-mile mark, you reach Upper Tumalo Falls.

A quarter mile past Upper Tumalo Falls, you cross the Middle Fork of Tumalo Creek via a log bridge.

There are numerous cascades and falls, now on the south side of the trail.

At 3.5 miles, you join the Swampy Lakes Trail.  Continue to the right towards Happy Valley. You get a break from the climbing as the trail continues. At 4 miles, you reach the junction with the Metolius-Windigo Trail. Here you turn north, crossing the creek on another log bridge and begin climbing towards the ridge.

Note that this is the last chance for water on the trail. The remainder of the trail is dry and has more sun exposure. If you do refill water bottles here, be sure to filter or treat it.

Near the ridgeline, the trail briefly joins Forest Service Road #4601. Turn right (east) and in about 20 yards, take the Mrazek Trail to the right.

The Mrazek trail parallels the Forest Service road, lower on the ridgeline. At ~6.25 miles you reach the junction with the Farewell Trail. Turn right and follow this trail back down to Tumalo Falls. The views begin to open up, give you a chance to see Tumalo Mountain (with Mount Bachelor peeking over it’s shoulder), Broken Top and South Sister.

This descent on the Farewell Trail has more exposure, and can get hot in the afternoon sun.

Tumalo Falls to Farewell Loop Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Tumalo Falls Tips & Resources

• Looking for something a little shorter? Hike up to the Swampy Lakes Trail, then turn around and turn it into an out-and-back. You could choose your own halfway point — Double Falls, Upper Tumalo Falls, or further.
• This route is also perfect for mountain biking. Note that while hikers can travel in either direction on the North Fork trail, bikes are only allowed uphill.
• Check the official Deschutes National Forest website for latest trail restrictions and conditions.

Originally hiked on July 4, 2020 with Joan and our two Austrailian Labradoodles, Lucy and Farley.

Beautiful Chush Falls on Whychus Creek is a local favorite in Central Oregon.

Trail Details

Distance: 5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 500 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: June-October

Getting to the Trailhead

From Highway 242, in downtown Sisters, turn south on Forest Service Road 16, signed for Three Creek Lake (do not follow FR 15, signed for Squaw Creek, west of town). After 7 miles, turn right onto FR 1514, and proceed just under 5 miles to FR 1514-600. Immediately before crossing Whychus Creek on a large concrete bridge, and turn left. You’ve got five miles of gravel Forest Service road to reach the trailhead, but it’s well worth the car wash you’ll need later.

I was able to use Apple Maps and it got me there without issue.

Hiking the Chush Falls Trail

We reached the trailhead at 8:45am (a late start for us) and were just the third vehicle at the trailhead parking. The trailhead is clearly marked, and the sign suggests the distance to the overlook (end of trail) is two miles, though we clocked a bit more recording on GaiaGPS.

The initial trail is fairly flat, taking you the burned remains of a past forest fire, through manzanita and blossoming snowbrush. It may be bittersweet to see the charred trunks standing as a reminder of the wildfire, but it also opens up views of South Sister and Broken Top — both of which feed the Whychus Creek, making Chush Falls so spectacular.

Dogs are allowed, on leash.

Wildflowers were blooming in late June. We saw lupine, skyrocket and wild roses. What we didn’t see were crowds. On our way to the falls, we saw one other person and her dog on their way back to the trailhead. Other than that, we had the trail to ourselves.

There were a lot of downed trees across the trail (we counted about 27), but the dogs made a game out of finding the best way to pass them. Bounding over most and ducking under some, they made it look easy and fun. After a little more than two miles, we could hear the roar of the falls. The end of the trail came into view.

To the left of the sign is an overlook where you can see the falls through the trees, but you really need to do a little extra scramble to the base of the falls to get the best views.

Look for a social trail to the right of the TRAIL ENDS HERE sign. It descends fairly steeply through the tree-lined canyon. Taking our time, we were able to pick our route downhill using the trees as handholds at times. No butt-scooting required.

There’s not a lot of room at the base for many people, so were were grateful to be the only ones there. The dogs were more curious about the snacks they smelled in our backpack than the spectacular roaring falls.

When you’ve had a chance to take your photos and enjoy a moment of zen, it’s a scramble back to the top, then an easy hike back the way you came to the trailhead.

If you’re looking to extend the adventure, there is an upper cascade accessible via a social trail another half mile upstream.

On our return to the trailhead, we encountered numerous of groups making their way toward the falls. If you prefer solitude in the morning, start before 9am.

Chush Falls Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Chush Falls Tips & Resources

• A free wilderness permit is required, available for self-issue at the trailhead
• A valid recreation pass is required for parking.
• Official Deschutes National Forest overview of the Chush Falls Trail
• No water or toilets available at the trailhead.
• Get driving directions to the trailhead via Google Maps.
• Remember to follow the seven Leave No Trace principles.
• Dogs are allowed on leash.
• We had no cell service on this trail. I had downloaded the maps for the area into GaiaGPS for offline use, although the trail itself is easy to follow.
• After the hike, check out Three Creeks Brewing in Sisters. The back patio is dog-friendly.

Originally hiked on June 27, 2019 with Joan and our two labradoodles, Lucy and Farley.

There is something about an alpine meadow filled with wildflowers with craggy mountain peaks as a backdrop that gives me a sense of peace. Beautiful cascading creek? Check. Craggy peaks? How about Three Fingered Jack? Alpine meadow? Hit it in late July and you’ll have abundant wildflowers. Optional scramble to a saddle with even bigger views? Yes, this hike to Canyon Creek Meadows in Central Oregon’s Mount Jefferson Wilderness fits the bill. And if you’re lucky, you might even spy mountain goats, like we did!

Trail Details

Distance: 5-7.3 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
Elevation gain: 980-1,580 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Summer

Getting to the Jack Lake Trailhead

This hike begins at the Jack Lake Trailhead, and part of the adventure is getting there. The trailhead is about a 85 minute drive northwest of Bend, Oregon. From Bend, head west on Highway 20 33 miles, turning right on Suttle Sherman Road. In one mile, turn left onto paved Jack Lake Road (NF-12) for 4.4 miles, then turn left on one-lane Road 1230. At the end of the pavement, fork left onto NF 1234 , following it as it twists, turns and climbs over a washboard gravel surface for the next six miles. There were plenty of sedans at the trailhead, so high-clearance isn’t absolutely required, but expect to go slowly and carefully in some of the rutted areas. Get turn-by-turn directions via Google Maps.

Hiking to Canyon Creek Meadows

Find the trailhead for Canyon Creek Meadows and follow it around the east side of shallow Jack Lake. Shortly after you reach a junction with Trail 4014. For now, keep left (the Forest Service recommends this to reduce crowds) and continue up the ridge and in the shade.

After a mile of climbing, the trail dips down  into Canyon Creek Meadows and begins to follow roughly parallel to Canyon Creek.

The trail continues climbing and passes through several meadows. Even in August there was still plenty of wildflower color to be found. You’ll find blue lupine, red paintbrush, and many other wildflowers.

Two miles in, the trail connects with another trail coming from the right. Stick left to follow the canyon uphill, but make a mental note of this junction. You’ll take this other trail on the way back for a change of scenery.

Along the way, there are a couple of wilderness campsites. While the trail is quite popular on weekends, you could come here on a weekday afternoon, and after a short hike have a beautiful spot for a quick getaway.

At roughly 2.5 miles, the maintained trail ends. This makes a fine spot to stop for a break, and if you’re hiking with kids, probably turn around for the return trip. In our case, we decided to continue to the junction, with a bit of exploring beyond.

It’s readily apparent that the trail is not maintained. It’s loose with scree, and it climbs higher towards the saddle, becomes a spiderweb of trails criss-crossing the steep incline. Trekking poles are extremely helpful.

Looking back at the Cirque Lake with Mount Jefferson in the distance.

As you climb, stop to take in the views of what once was the Canyon Glacier (now just a snowfield) with craggy Three Fingered Jack looming above.

From the saddle, there are views of the Three Sisters to the south, and Mount Jefferson to the north. Not pictured, but definitely felt were the strong winds. We were glad to have a shell to cut the brutal, chilling wind.

You might be able to spy someone climbing Three Fingered Jack (we did not). We opted to explore to the north east where social trails wandered to a little plateau, exploring a bit before heading back down. On our way down, we did see two mountain goats, and even caught one in the photo below.

Can you spot the mountain goat?

Heading down we turned left at the junction at the lower meadow to follow the creek and form the “loop” portion of this hike. At the junction with the trail from Wasco Lake, keep right. There are several beautiful cascades to enjoy before the trail head back toward Jack Lake through the new forest growth sprouting up from the 2003 fire that burned this area.

Canyon Creek Meadows Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Canyon Creek Meadows Resources

• Late July/Early August is the peak time for wildflowers. See what’s blooming there now.
• Depending on the season’s snowfall, there can be snow on the trail to the upper meadow even in late July. Flexibility and preparedness is key.
• Stay off the meadows (stay on the trails) and collect only photos of wildflowers, abiding by the seven Leave No Trace principles.
• Backpackers must camp 100 feet away from trails and water, and only on durable surfaces (not on a meadow).

Originally hiked on August 4, 2018 with Joan and Daniel. 

Gray Butte is not particularly rugged nor jagged. The soft-shouldered butte is home to a cluster of antennas and a utility road the climbs there. But this 13.3 mile out-and-back route begins and ends in beautiful Smith Rock State Park, taking you down across the Crooked River before climbing out of the park, across a private land easement, and into the Crooked River National Grassland where Gray Butte stands tall over Central Oregon.

Trail Details

Summit Elevation: 5,108′
Distance: 13.3 miles
Time: 5-7 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 2,830 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Fall through Spring

This trail is considered strenuous mainly for the net vertical gain and the distance, but the climb itself is moderate, with no overly steep or gnarly sections.

Getting to the Trailhead

We began at the Smith Rock State Park visitor center in Terrebonne, Oregon (get driving directions here). The parking at this popular park fills up early, especially on nice weekends. In late December, we had plenty of parking, although it was full by the time we returned to our car in the afternoon. If you don’t have an annual Oregon State Parks pass, there is a self-serve fee station where you can purchase a day pass to put on your dashboard. At the time of writing, it cost $5 to park for the day, a one-year Oregon Park State Pass was $30 and a two-year pass $50. Annual passes are available for sale in the Visitor Center when it’s open.

Hiking to Gray Butte

Beginning at the Visitor Center, head about 0.2 miles north on the Rim Rock Trail (parallel to the road), then turn left (northwest) on the Valley Trail. This begins as a paved trail and is a magnet for tourists as it’s the main route down to the river. There is a pit toilet just before the bridge should you need it. The views of the canyon from the bridge never fail to amaze.

Once you cross the bridge, turn right and follow the Wolf Tree Trail.

This trail winds along beside the Crooked River for about 1.25 miles before connecting with the Burma Road Trail. Now the climbing begins.

The trail exits Smith Rock State Park and follows Burma Road alongside a canal that actually tunnels through the mountain. You climb two switchbacks on this double-track utility road, with the views opening up as you climb higher. From here you get an incredible view of not only Smith Rock State Park, but the Cascade Range to the west.

Look closely at this photo and check out the “wave”-like clouds in the distance. I had never seen anything like them before.

At roughly 2.25 miles in you reach the junction with the Summit Trail (which descends to the left and you do not take) and the Gray Butte Trail to the right. The next three miles are relatively flat as the trail winds long the north-face of Eagle’s Nest to the Gray Butte Saddle Junction.

From the junction, you have two options. There is a trail that winds around the north side of Gray Butte, or you can take the double-track utility road up the south side. We opted to turn left on the dirt double-track and follow that to the summit, since there had been some snow recently and the north side was certain to hold more of it.

This winds its way up to the summit where there is a small cluster of antennas. This rounded summit of Gray Butte is 5,108′ high with 1,908′ of prominence, making it a great spot for 360-degree views of much of Central Oregon.

The summit is a great place to take a break and refuel. You have hiked half the total distance. The trip back is mostly downhill, with a climb out of the canyon from Smith Rock at the very end. This is also where Ben and agreed this would be a fun mountain bike trek, and in fact, mountain bikes and horses are allowed.

We hiked this in late December and once we headed uphill, only saw two people on the way. On our way back, we began to see more and more people, especially as we got back to Smith Rock State Park.

This trail was a great way to get a good overview of Smith Rock State Park, but kept away from the crowds for 99% of the route.

Gray Butte Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Additional Gray Butte Tips and Resources

• Smith Rock State Park – official website
• Crooked River National Grassland – official website
• Carry the 10 essentials
• Learn more about the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

Smith Rock State Park Weather Forecast

[forecast width=”100%” location=”97760″]

Originally hiked on December 27, 2019. Special thanks to my friend Ben for joining me! 

The Maiden Peak Trail begins in the Willamette National Forest on Gold Lake Road, and climbs gradually and persistently to the 7,805′ high peak on the border with Deschutes National Forest. The trail is well-forested until very near the summit, and well-engineered and maintained. You will cross the Pacific Crest Trail, but the real pay-off is comes from the unusual lack of crowds and the amazing views.

Trail Details

Summit: 7,805′
Distance: 12 miles
Time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 3,000 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: July-October

Getting to Maiden Peak

The trailhead is roughly 73 miles from Bend, Oregon. Head south on Highway 97 for 47 miles, turning right at Crescent Road. Follow Crescent Cutoff Road for 12 miles, then turn right (west) on Highway 58. After about 11.5 miles, turn right onto NF-500 (aka Gold Lake Road). There is a gate on this road that may be closed in winter months. Follow this gravel road for 1.6 miles to a small trailhead parking area with room for about three cars. The parking area is on the left, and the trailhead is on the right. You can get turn-by-turn driving directions to the trailhead via Google Maps. There are no facilities at the trailhead or anywhere on this trail.

Hiking the Maiden Peak Trail

The trailhead sign informs you that Trail No. 3681 is open to hikers, bikers and horses. We saw mountain bike and boot tracks, but didn’t see any other people, bikes or horses on our entire hike–a pleasant surprise since so many of the trails get quite busy. No permits or passes are required to hike this until the Sno-Park opens.

For the first two miles, the trail follows the contour of the mountain, climbing very gradually. After you cross Skyline Creek, the climb gets a little more serious.

At very nearly the halfway point to the summit (about three miles in) you reach a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. The signage is minimal, so check your bearings and make sure you are continuing in the right direction.

The trail continues through tall forest, only giving way to the lower, sparse white bark pines as you get about half a mile from the summit. Finally the views begin to open up around you.

The summit is rocky and (when we hiked it) very windy. There is a rock pile at the summit (along with some rusted junk from yesteryear) and we were able to sit on the protected side to eat our lunch before turning around and heading back down.

The Maiden Peak Trail is in great condition. It’s a long hike, but the shady trail makes it a comfortable one. And the views were fantastic. I’d like to come back and try snowshoeing this on a bluebird winter day.

Maiden Peak Trail Map & Elevation Profile

After the hike, we took a five mile detour west on Highway 58 to check out Salt Creek Falls. Well worth it, if you haven’t been there before.

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It’s Waterfall Wednesday! Show us your most recent waterfall adventure. For us? It was the Salt Creek Falls near Oakridge, Oregon. We had just hiked Maiden Peak, but heard this was a worthwhile detour. The 286 foot waterfall was pretty impressive. 9.24.18

A post shared by SoCalHiker (@thesocalhiker) on Sep 26, 2018 at 7:32am PDT

Maiden Peak Tips & Resources

• Layer up! It can be cold and windy at the summit.
• Since you are in the area, be sure to stop by Salt Creek Falls after your hike. It’s only five miles further west on Highway 58, and it’s the second tallest waterfall in Oregon.
• Get turn-by-turn driving directions to the trailhead via Google Maps
• Book: This is hike #99 in William Sullivan’s 100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades
• Forest Service description of the Maiden Peak Trail
• View Maiden Peak hike logs on SocialHiker.net

Maiden Peak Weather Forecast

[forecast width=”100%” location=”97492″]

For more a more detailed forecast for the summit, check mountain-forecast.com.

Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

This hike is part of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. This self-paced hiking challenge includes six hikes all easily reached from the great Phoenix metropolitan area. They are a great way to explore the area, train for bigger adventures, and you’ll be doing good, with a portion of the net proceeds going to support Big City Mountaineers.

Originally hiked on September 24, 2018 with Joan. We didn’t see a single soul on the entire hike. 

Mount Bachelor is best known as the sixth largest ski resort in the United States. When the snow melts, the lower half is turned into a mountain biking park. Less well known is the Mt Bachelor Trail, which let’s you hike from the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway all the way to the 9,056′ summit. Hiking Mount Bachelor gives you a great view of the surrounding area, and puts the mountain in a whole different perspective.

Trail Details

Summit: 9,056′
Distance: 6.4 miles
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 2,664 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: When the ski resort closes

Getting to the Trailhead

The trail starts near the Sunrise Lodge, which is closed in the off season. In fact, the entire parking area is closed off, so you’ll have to park off of Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, walk around the gate and head for the area where the parking lot ends and the ski area begins.

In the trees along the last parking lot, you’ll find a dirt trail with an easily overlooked sign marking the beginning of the Mount Bachelor Trail (download the maps on GaiaGPS before you head to the trailhead).  This sole hiking trail leads directly to the summit.

Hiking the Mount Bachelor Trail

The first mile and a half the trail travels through forest with occasional views onto what would be ski runs in the winter. It’s a pleasant, easy-to-follow trail.

Once in a while you traverse an open area below the ski lifts. Covered in snow earlier in the year, now wildflowers bloom.

As you climb higher, the trees become thinner and the terrain rockier. Stone cairns such as the one below help mark the trail. When it’s dry, the trail is pretty easy to follow, but if patches of snow remain, these cairns help you stay on course.

The trees thin out at 1.6 miles as you continue across a dirt maintenance road. It’s not uncommon to find snowfields year round here, and the trail footprint may be obscured. Keep in mind that the trail stays roughly parallel and left (south) of the Summit Express lift. Watch for the rock cairns, and refer to your GPS.

As you near the top, the mountain becomes mostly talus, scree and chunks of basalt, but the path is fairly well defined. It pays to stop occasionally and turn around to soak in the views. You can see Tumalo Mountain (just off to the left in the photo below) across the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway in the valley below.

As you near the summit, you first reach the top of the Summit Express ski lift. The summit is northwest of the ski lift.

The large summit area has a couple of cauldrons with trails circling them, and no distinct peak.  It’s worth exploring the summit area and checking out the views in each direction before retracing your path back to the trailhead.

The return trip is 3.8 miles back down the mountain using the same trail you climbed up.

Mount Bachelor Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Mount Bachelor Hiking Resources

• Check the Mount Bachelor Events Calendar before planning your hike, to confirm that the skiing is over and there aren’t conflicting events (like the annual mountain running event).
• Carry the ten essentials. Conditions on the summit can vary greatly from those at the trailhead, with bitter cold and high winds.
• The main lodge further north on Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway has limited dining facilities open mainly to support the mountain bike park.

Bend Area Weather Forecast

[forecast width=”100%” location=”97701″]

Get a more detailed forecast for Mt Bachelor from Mountain Forecast.

Commemorate your achievement with a replica benchmark!

The Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

Mount Bachelor is part of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a self-paced hiking challenge that takes you up six, iconic peaks–each one a bit higher and tougher.

It’s a challenge in itself, or great training for still bigger adventures. Learn more and sign-up here.

Originally hiked solo on July 26, 2017. All photos by the author. 

Black Crater is a “broken” cinder cone with a glacier-carved valley and quite possible the best views of the Three Sisters.  The 7,251′ summit was once home to a fire lookout, and when you hike to the summit, you’ll understand why. You can see for miles up and down the Cascade Range.

Trail Details

Summit: 7,251′
Distance: 7.3 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
Elevation gain: 2,260 ft
Dogs: Yes, on leash
When to go: Mid-July to late October
Download GPX

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead for Black Crater is about 12 miles west of Sisters on the McKenzie Highway 242 (three miles east of the pass). The trailhead parking is well-marked, and there is only one trail heading from the lot.

You can get driving directions to the Black Crater Trailhead via Google Maps here.

Hiking to the Summit of Black Crater

The trail begins at the southwest corner of the gravel parking lot. Take a moment to review the trailhead information board for the latest on rules for this area.

The first half of this route is well-forested, with hemlock, fir and pine. You will see signs of the origin of Black Crater as you pass volcanic debris. To the north, watch for glimpses through the trees of Mts. Washington and Jefferson.

At 2.3 miles you crest a small ridge and enter the glacier-carved valley for about another 0.5 miles. You’ll see open meadows and plentiful lupine.

At 2.8 miles, the trail begins climbing reaching the eastern flank and switchbacking through sparse forest. We encountered several patches of snow in mid-July, but nothing that required technical gear. Depending on snow conditions and the time of year, this may require traction or even snowshoes.

Wildflowers and butterflies line the eastern flank of Black Butte in July. It was quite beautiful.

The views north and east are stunning, and on a clear day, you can see across much of Central Oregon.

The final push to the top is a gentle, winding trail across a barren cinder plateau. On one side, the twisted limbs of scraggly whitebark pines provide a wind break; on the other, the crater cliffs fall away steeply.

The very top requires minor scrambling to reach.

One odd note: the very highest point buzzing with a thick swarm of big flies. A fellow hiker said these are always here, and neither of us could figure out why. If you know the answer, let us know in the comments below!

The summit provides great views of the Three Sisters, Mounts Washington, Jefferson and (if it’s really clear) even Mt. Hood. There used to be a fire lookout on the flat area near the summit, but only a few foundation remnants remain.

[vr url=”https://socalhiker.net//wp-content/uploads/2017/10/UUXO1929.jpg” view=360]

To finish the hike, retrace your steps back down the same trail.

Black Crater Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Black Crater Tips & Resources

• A $5 Northwest Forest Pass or National Parks annual pass is required for trailhead parking.
• Bring water (I’d recommend a minimum of one liter), sun protection, and the other ten essentials. There are no creeks or springs along this trail.

Sisters Weather Forecast

Sisters is the nearest town and provides a rule of thumb for the weather. Note that the summit of Black Crater is over 4,000′ higher than Sisters, so the weather can be 40 degrees colder.

[forecast width=”100%” location=”97730″]

Originally hiked with Joan on July 15, 2017.

South Sister is the third tallest mountain in Oregon. At 10,363′ it’s the highest of the Three Sisters, and also the youngest, geologically-speaking. The cauldron holds the highest lake in Oregon–when it’s not frozen and buried in snow. It’s home to eight glaciers, including Prouty Glacier, the largest in Oregon. And it’s a great non-technical ascent that caps the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge.

Trail Details

Summit: 10,363′
Distance: 12 miles
Time: 6-9 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 4,820 ft
Dogs: Yes, on leash
When to go: Late July to early October
Download GPX

Getting to the Trailhead

The South Sister Climber’s Trail begins at Devil’s Lake. A $5 Northwest Forest Pass is required, but if you have a National Parks annual pass and a hang tag, that will suffice. The parking lot fills up early, and overflow parking is available along the roadside. The trailhead is about 30 miles west of Bend on Cascade Lakes Highway. You’ll pass the Mount Bachelor Ski Resort, then Sparks Lake, finally turning left into the Devil’s Lake Campground turnoff.

You can get driving directions to the South Sister Climber’s Trailhead via Google Maps here.

Hiking to the Summit of South Sister

Follow the trail, exercising caution when crossing back over Cascade Lakes Highway. When you reach the information board, you’ll need to stop to fill out a free, self-issue wilderness permit. The original goes in the box; keep the copy with you on your hike.

The trail begins gently, but steepens as it switchbacks up the canyon to the plateau.

Just over two miles up the trail, you reach a junction with the Moraine Lake Trail and the beginning of a long, rolling section of easy hiking across a plateau. This is where Dan and I looked ahead at South Sister looming in the the distance and thought “we’re going up there?” Indeed, we were.

The Climber’s Trail skirts the edge of the plateau, providing a great view of Moraine Lake from above. There are campsites down there, and it would make an excellent place to camp on an overnight trip up South Sister.

At about 3.5 miles, the plateau gives way to the mountain once again, and climbing begins in earnest. In mid-July, we hit numerous patches of snow, but being a popular route, all had good tread. We were able to traverse them safely without traction or gear other than our trekking poles.

At 5.7 miles, the trail reaches the western edge of the largest glacier in Oregon, the Prouty Glacier. Over 1 square kilometer in area, it was an impressive sight.

At this point, there is less than a mile to the crater rim, yet the going is slow. The “trail” spiders into a series of multiple routes, scurrying up steep volcanic scree that takes half a step back for each step forward. The trail is fully exposed. We were thankful to be hiking in the cool air of the early morning, but we could tell that it was heating up. The sun was intense.

Finally at about six miles, we reached the crater rim. The summit itself is on the far north side of the crater, but it’s an easy hike with a short section of boulder scrambling.

Some chose to forge straight across the snow-filled cauldron, but the snow conditions were questionable and we made better time on solid ground.

Numerous groups of hikers were resting near the summit. The high point is atop a cluster of boulders.

The views on this crystal-clear day were incredible, with a stunning vista of Middle and North Sister and well beyond.

Heading back along the crater rim, the views of Broken Top and Mount Bachelor were amazing, too.

Making our way back was much easier. At times, multiple footpaths through snowfields required us to check our bearings to choose the most efficient and direct route to the actual trail, but it was pretty straightforward.

South Sister Trail Map & Elevation Profile

South Sister Tips & Resources

• A free wilderness permit is required and can be self-issued at the information board about 100 yards into the trail. A $5 Northwest Forest Pass or National Parks annual pass is required for trailhead parking.
• Bring plenty of water (I’d recommend a minimum of three liters), sun protection, and the other ten essentials. There may be water available along the trail depending on snow melt, but be prepared to treat.
• Carry food to keep your body fueled. This is a grueling trek, both in mileage and vertical climb.

South Sister Weather Forecast

Here’s the forecast for the summit of South Sister.

The Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

South Sister is part of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a self-paced hiking challenge that takes you up six, iconic peaks–each one a bit higher and tougher.

It’s a challenge in itself, or great training for still bigger adventures. Learn more and sign-up here.

Originally hiked with Daniel on July 15, 2017.

Paulina Peak is the highest point on Newberry Crater, one of the largest shield volcanos in North America. The 7,985 feet tall summit sits on the edge of a 21 mile-long crater rim. The geology of the area is fascinating. Well east of the Cascades, Paulina Peak offers views that extend from Mount Shasta to Mount Adams. You’ll see not one but two “crater lakes”, an obsidian lava flow and the steep, craggy crater walls. If you’re so inclined, you can soak in a natural hot spring or visit an 80-foot waterfall afterwards.

Trail Details

Summit: 7,985′
Distance: 4.3 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,393 ft
Dogs: Yes, on leash
When to go: Mid-June to early October
Download GPX

Getting to the Trailhead

The Paulina Peak Trailhead is 23 miles south of Bend, Oregon on Highway 97, then 13 miles east on Paulina Lake Road. Turn south (right) on Forest Road 2100 500 and you’ll find the trailhead parking about 3/4 mile on the right. A $5 Northwest Forest Pass is required for entry to Newberry National Volcanic Monument, though they also take the National Park annual pass.

You can get driving directions to the Paulina Peak Trailhead via Google Maps here.

Hiking to the Summit of Paulina Peak

The trail is well-engineered, beginning with a gentle, persistent climb through shady forest. The trail to Paulina Peak is part of the longer Crater Rim Trail that’s popular with mountain bikers, though this segment is off-limits to bikes.

The trail actually follows the crater rim pretty closely as you’ll see on the topo map below, but the first half mile looks much like a typical forest trail, with a few glimpses of the lake.

At about 1.1 miles in, the view opens up and you see Paulina Peak towering above as well as the steep-sloped caldera of the Newberry Crater.

Here the forest becomes more sparse, dotted with old snags of Whitebark Pine that are over 500 years old. The trail returns to the rim of the crater briefly.

At about the two mile mark, watch closely for the true trail, which veers away from the rim. There is a false trail that hugs a steep section along the rim that should be avoided to prevent erosion. A fall here could be fatal.

At the summit, you are rewarded with tremendous view over the crater, the Cascades to the west and a good portion of Central Oregon. You can even catch a good view of the Big Obsidian Flow.

There’s also a parking lot and a restroom. Oh well.

When you’ve finished soaking in the views, return to the trailhead via the same trail you ascended.

Paulina Peak Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Paulina Peak Tips & Resources

• At the time of writing, no permits were required. A $5 Northwest Forest Pass or National Parks annual pass is required for entrance to the park.
• Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and the other ten essentials.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument Weather Forecast

[forecast width=”100%” location=”97739″]

The Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

Paulina Peak is part of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a self-paced hiking challenge that takes you up six, iconic peaks–each one a bit higher and tougher.

It’s a challenge in itself, or great training for still bigger adventures. Learn more and sign-up here.

Originally hiked with Joan on July 14, 2017.

Tumalo Mountain is a shield volcano that lies just northeast of Mount Bachelor.  This trail begins at the Dutchman Flat Sno-Park, and climbs steadily up the west flank of the cinder cone. Tumalo gives you great views of not only Mount Bachelor, but also Broken Top and South Sister.

Trail Details

Summit: 7,779′
Distance: 4.2 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,312 ft
Dogs: Yes, on leash
When to go: Mid-July to mid-October
Download GPX

Getting to the Trailhead

This part is easy; head to the Dutchman Flat Sno-Park lot. If you’re heading west on Cascade Lakes Highway (trust me, you are), it will be on your right about 1/4 mile past the Mount Bachelor Sunrise Lodge entrance. You can get complete turn-by-turn driving directions to the Dutchman Sno-Park via Google Maps here.

Hiking to the Summit of Tumalo Mountain

The trail begins at the north end of the parking lot near the restroom. It immediately crosses a mountain bike trail and proceeds to wind up and around Tumalo Mountain.

Initially the trail views are obscured by the forest, but turn around once in a while to capture a glimpse of Mount Bachelor to the west.

As you climb, the forest thins and wildflowers like lupine abound.

The dirt trail winds among the gnarled ghosts of whitebark pines, giving way to reddish cinder.

The “summit” is relatively flat, sloping upward to the highpoint on the far north end. Follow the rock-lined path that loops around the top of Tumalo Mountain and avoid trampling the fragile crust and the ecosystem it supports.

From the top of Tumalo Mountain, you have a great view of Mount Bachelor to the west.

To the north, South Sister, Middle Sister and Broken Top give you plenty to soak in.

You will also find a large cairn near the high-point.

[vr url=https://socalhiker.net//wp-content/uploads/2017/09/GUER0023-1.jpg view=360]

Tumalo Mountain Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Tumalo Mountain Tips & Resources

• At the time of writing, no permits were required.
• Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and the other ten essentials.
• Tumalo Mountain is also a popular destination for snow-shoeing in the winter.
• Check out William Sullivan’s 100 Hikes / Travel Guide Central Oregon Cascades (affiliate link) for more on the geology and flora of Tumalo Mountain.

Bend Weather Forecast

[forecast width=”100%” location=”97701″]

The Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

Tumalo Mountain is part of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a self-paced hiking challenge that takes you up six, iconic peaks–each one a bit higher and tougher.

It’s a challenge in itself, or great training for still bigger adventures. Learn more and sign-up here.

Originally hiked with Joan on July 21, 2017.

Black Butte is an extinct stratovolcano that sits east of the Cascades, rising 3,076′ above the surrounding plain.  This symmetrical cone-shaped butte is home to an active fire lookout tower, as well as a historic cupola that you can easily imagine must have been the coolest summer digs ever, with spectacular views of Mt Washington, The Sisters and beyond.

Trail Details

Summit: 6,436′
Distance: 4.4 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,443 ft
Dogs: Yes, on leash
When to go: Mid-June to early October
Download GPX

Getting to the Trailhead

There are two options for hiking Black Butte. The Upper Trailhead starts roughly half-way up the butte. It requires several miles of driving on a bumpy gravel road that narrows to one lane in sections, and results in the shorter hike described here. The road does not require high clearance or 4WD in dry conditions. The trailhead has plenty of parking and pit toilets. There is no water available. The Lower Trailhead begins just off Highway 20, and doubles the length and vertical gain. The route you choose is up to you.

You can get driving directions to the Upper Black Butte Trailhead via Google Maps here.

Hiking to the Summit of Black Butte

The trail is well-engineered, beginning with a gentle, persistent climb through shady forest.

Many of the trees are covered in moss, giving the forest a moody feeling that’s a perfect start for our morning hike.

About a mile up the trail, the forest clears and the wildflowers abound. This area on the south side of the butte is shady if you hit it early enough, but fully exposed as the sun rises higher in the sky.

At the 2 mile mark, the trail wraps around the east end of the butte, traveling through the remnants of a wildfire as you make the final ascent to the summit.

The top of Black Butte is broad, with an active fire lookout tower on the east end, and a historic cupola on the west end. There used to be a cabin just west and directly below the cupola, but it was removed. You can still see the foundation.

On a clear day, you can see up and down the Cascade Range, and east over much of Central Oregon.

[vr url=https://socalhiker.net//wp-content/uploads/2017/09/AEON6497.jpg view=360]

Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

Black Butte Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Black Butte Tips & Resources

• At the top, please stay on the marked trails to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem.
• At the time of writing, no permits were required, but a Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead May 1 to September 30. You can purchase a pass at the trailhead with $5 cash. If you have a hang tag with an annual National Parks pass, that will also work.
• Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and the other ten essentials.
• Check out William Sullivan’s 100 Hikes / Travel Guide Central Oregon Cascades (affiliate link) for more on the history and flora on Black Butte.
• Want more of a challenge? Start at Camp Sherman for double the mileage and the vertical climb!

Sisters Weather Forecast

[forecast width=”100%” location=”97730″]

The Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

Black Butte is part of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a self-paced hiking challenge that takes you up six, iconic peaks–each one a bit higher and tougher.

It’s a challenge in itself, or great training for still bigger adventures. Learn more and sign-up here.

Originally hiked with Joan and Dan on July 14, 2017.  

Smith Rock State Park in Central Oregon is a rock climber’s playground. The Crooked River carved through layers of hardened volcanic ash to create a landscape that reminded me of Utah. Hiking here is a treat, and the Misery Ridge Loop is the perfect way to tour Smith Rock. It takes you across the river and up to the panoramic views on Misery Ridge. You will get a front-seat view of the popular climbing areas like the Red Wall, Monkey Face, Morning Glory Wall, and the Phoenix Buttress. And you might even spy otters frolicking in the river.

Getting to Smith Rock State Park

Trail Details

Distance: 5.0 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 850 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Spring-Fall

You enter the park at the top of the southeast bluff. There are restrooms, picnic tables and a climbing area for youngsters. And lots and lots of people, especially on the weekends.

Hiking the Misery Ridge Loop

After picking up a free map at the Welcome Center and hanging our pass on the rear view mirror of our rental car,  we followed the Rim Rock Trail north to the Canyon Trail. There are some great views of Smith Rock, so take your time and soak it in.

The Canyon Trail begins as a broad paved trail that allows stroller-pushing parents to access the bottom of the canyon, but we cut off at The Chute — a steeper, shorter section that heads pretty much straight down toward the Crooked River and the bridge crossing. Look across the river and you’ll see the switchbacks of the Misery Ridge Trail.

At the bottom of the canyon there is a information kiosk with a map of the area — which you don’t really need because you brought your free map from the Welcome Center, right? It also has all the typical warnings about carrying plenty of water, watching for rattlesnakes in hot weather, staying on the trail and leave no trace.

This is also a good place to ponder the phrase “misery loves company” because when you cross that bridge over the river, you’re going to soon find out.

Immediately across the bridge you’ll see the initial steps of the Misery Ridge Trail climbing in front of you. Take a deep breath and head up. Take a breather below the Red Wall, one of several popular climbing locations you will hike past on this loop, and watch the climbers defying gravity. In case you catch the climbing bug, Smith Rock is also a great place to learn climbing, with a number of schools leading courses here.

The Misery Ridge Trail climbs pretty relentlessly, but is well engineered with steps to help prevent erosion. Remember to stay on the established trails, and be sure to stop every so often and soak in the ever-changing views. Soon, you’ll well above the bluff you began on.

Looking back down on the trail you’ve climbed you get a sense of how steep it is, and why they call it Misery Ridge. The geology of the park is on full display, with multi-colored layers of compressed volcanic ash.

The top of the ridge makes a great place for a break. You’ve hiked about 2-1/2 miles and reached the high-point of this loop. And the views are pretty nice, too.

Looking west, you can see the snow-capped Cascade Mountains.

Follow the signs for the Misery Ridge Trail to the west. At about the 3.0 mile mark, you’ll see use trails that lead to an overlook of the icon Monkey Face column. Bear right at that junction to stay on the loop and begin the descent via a dozen steep switchbacks.

If you have trekking poles, this is a good time to use them. The loose gravel and sand can make this steep trail slippery.

When you reach the bottom of the canyon, bear left to follow the River Trail back to the bridge. It’s normally an easy, rolling trail, but with higher-than-usual water levels, parts of it were submerged. We had one section that involved a light scramble to follow the detour. It was fine for us, but could be tricky with young children or dogs.

As you get closer to the bridge, you’ll pass by several other popular climbing area and see more and more people on the trail. The River Trail is the only trail in the park where mountain bikes are also allowed, so be alert for bikers.

Take time to enjoy the river and watch for wildlife. Otters, geese and deer all call this area home.

Misery Ridge Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Smith Rock State Park Tips

• The best time for taking photos at this beautiful park will be early morning and the golden hour before sundown. Note that the park closes as sundown, so be respectful.
• Even though this is a popular park, I recommend bringing the 10 essentials. Weather conditions are unpredictable, and it’s better to be prepared.
• Please stay on all marked trails. This will help minimize erosion.
• A day use pass is $5, but if you think you might come back here, one-year and two-year passes are also available.

More Smith Rock State Park Resources

• There is no backpacking at Smith Rock State Park, but there is a walk-in tent camping area near the entrance
• Official Smith Rock State Park website
• Get directions via Google Maps

Smith Rock State Park Weather Forecast

[forecast width=”100%” location=”97760″]

Photo credit: Jeff Hester. Originally hiked on March 26, 2017.

 The magical, mystical Metolius River is one of the many reasons we loved visiting Central Oregon during our spring break road trip. This short river springs from the side of a mountain, has lush forested banks and surreal blue water. Our friend Kolby (aka The Hike Guy) had recommended this trail over dinner in Bend the night before. It was even better than we imagined.

Trail Details

Distance: 4.6 miles
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 250 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Spring-Fall

The fish hatchery is working to restore the natural balance, and is itself an interesting destination. Parking is free, and you can wander around the hatchery to see how they transfer fish from tank to tank. Don’t miss the “escapee” pond, where some unusually large fish are enjoying their retirement. The spot is also a favorite hangout for the fish-loving local bald eagles, often seen flying nearby.

From the parking lot at Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, face south and you’ll see the trailhead for the Metolius River Trail. This trail winds along the western bank of the Metolius, sometimes climbing  the hills where the incline is too steep; other times running right next the river’s edge.

One of the first and most striking features of the Metolius River is the brilliant blue water. It’s crystal clear with an iridescence that is captivating.

We hiked along the trail, sometimes tracking further inland and higher up the hills. The river is flanked by towering pine trees, and lush micro-landscapes along the way.

The real surprise of this out-and-back trail were the falls. These were our destination, and are astounding. Across the fast-moving Metolius springs a waterfall right out of the side of the mountain. There is no stream feeding it — it just appears and cascades into the the river.

Geologists used to believe this water came from an underground spring at nearby Black Butte, but current thinking is that it actually follows underground lava tubes from miles away. Either way, it is remarkable to see a waterfall streaming from the side of a mountain.

Metolius River Trail Map

Photo Gallery

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Metolius River Trail Tips

• Spend some time exploring the fish hatchery. It’s pretty interesting in itself. Don’t miss the “escapee pond.”
• Layer for unexpected changes in weather, and bring the ten essentials.

More Metolius River Resources

• Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery – official website
• GPS user? Download the GPX file (right-click and save as)

Book Recommendation

One of the hiking books that I really liked for the Bend area is Bend, Overall by Scott Cook. This book is written in a fun, casual style but has a lot of trails with some great details.

Highly recommended.

Metolius River Weather Forecast

[forecast width=”100%” location=”97730″]

The Deschutes River Trail is a wonderful river-front loop that starts at the edge of the Old Mill district in Bend, and magically transforms into a remarkable wilderness trail before you know it. This is an out-of-bounds trail — meaning that it’s not in Southern California. In fact, it’s in Bend, Oregon — our third destination from our spring break road trip.

Trail Details

Distance: 3.7 miles
Time: 60-80 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 50 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

We had parked near the Deschutes River at the public park and were kind of turned off initially. It started out as a paved path with a lot of moms and strollers. Now I’ve got nothing against moms or strollers, but that wasn’t my idea of a hiking trail. We stuck with it for a little further, and as we passed under the bridge, the pavement ended and the dirt began.

The trail meanders along the pine-forested shore of the Deschutes River, traveling upstream on land that the city was able to negotiate easements for. And while nearby condos peak through the trees on the hills above the river, it really does feel more “wild” than “city.”

The river runs through steep-walled canyon. It was warm enough to get by with just a fleece, but there were still a few patches of snow.

At 0.6 miles we passed under the Reed Market Road bridge, and the trail becomes much more natural.

It’s not uncommon to see geese, ducks and other birds feeding along the banks of the Deschutes River.

Just before the 2 mile mark, you reach a pedestrian bridge that crosses the river. This is the turnaround point; the trail does not continue further upstream.

While the turnaround point might sound almost like an out-and-back route in concept, in reality, it feels more like a loop. The scenery and views are entirely different returning along the opposite bank of the Deschutes. This is also where we encountered the biggest climb on an otherwise gentle, almost flat trail.

At the 2.5 mile mark, the trail follows a short boardwalk around a underground hydroelectric power plant. You’ll see the signs to “stay on the trail” and it’s obvious where the water from the plant rejoins the Deschutes. What’s remarkable is how they were able to build this in such an unobtrusive manner. If I didn’t know there was a hydroelectric power plant there, I might not have even noticed. It blends right in with the natural setting of the river.

At 3.0 miles, the trail becomes a paved path, once again passing under the Reed Market Road bridge and heading through Farewell Bend Park. There are restrooms here, and a rock-climbing playground for children. They start young in Bend.

The Deschutes River Trail was an easy, scenic hike. It’s right in town, so you’ll see locals hitting the trail for a lunch-time trail run. It’s close enough to the Old Mill shopping district that some might opt to hike while others go shopping. And there are several great breweries in the area to whet your whistle afterwards.

Deschutes River Trail Map

Photo Gallery

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Bend Resources

• Bend Parks & Recreation Trail List
• Old Mill District – They’ve got a great REI!
• Read more about our trip to Bend, Oregon

Book Recommendation

One of the hiking books that I really liked for the Bend area is Bend, Overall by Scott Cook. This book is written in a fun, casual style but has a lot of trails with some great details. Highly recommended.

Bend Weather Forecast

[forecast width=”100%” location=”97701″]

What a road trip! We began in San Diego as guests of Honda. Celebrated a birthday in the Bay Area, exploring Marin County. And we were just getting warmed up!

The third leg of our spring break road trip took us up to beautiful Bend, Oregon. We said goodbye to San Francisco and cruised through Northern California. Neither of us had ever been to Bend, but we had heard great things about the area and were really looking forward to checking it out.

To get from Bend from San Francisco, we traveled about 500 miles. Lance (our ’05 Xterra) kept us comfortable and audiobooks kept us entertained. Once we passed Shasta, we peeled off Interstate 5 at Weed and were greeted with snow flurries. The flurries were short-lived, and we made good time in the relative quiet of Highway 97 — our road to Bend.

The Glory Hole

One of my favorite parts about road trips are the off-the-wall sights seen along the way. Such was the glory hole at Grass Lake.

What is a glory hole? Don’t Google it. Just trust me that in geological context, it’s a feature akin to a bathtub drain. When water accumulates in Grass Lake, it drains through this depression and into underground lava tubes. According to the sign, no one is sure where the water goes from there. Weird and cool.

Bend!

We cruised into Bend, Oregon at dusk. We booked a perfect little studio in an home via AirBnB right in the historic center of the city. Parked and unpacked, we walked down to the Bond Street Public House for dinner and to sample the beer from one of the best known local breweries: Deschutes.

The have a lot of beers on tap, including some special casket ales. Our tasting included the Mirror Pond Pale Ale, the Cinder Cone Red, Heart Throb Dubbel, Double Impact IPA, Black Butte Porter, and the Nitro Obsidian Stout. My faves? Heart Throb Dubbel — a really nice Beligian-style Dubbel that was ever-so-slightly sweet with a nice dry finish; and the Black Butte Porter — creamy with notes of chocolate and coffee.

Oh, and the food was good, too.

We had read about Bend, and talked to friends about Bend. We’d even taken a virtual stroll down Bend thanks to Google Streetview. But you can’t really get a feel for the chemistry of a place without being there in person. In that sense, we weren’t sure what to expect.

Walking through downtown Bend was awesome. Living in L.A., the closest I get to the small town experience is in some of the neighborhoods — each of which has their own unique character and charm. Bend was charming in an organic sense. Small town with a great, outdoorsy vibe that made us feel right at home.

One of the more notable characteristics of downtown Bend was what we didn’t see. No big-chain fast-food joints. Lots of mom-and-pop local enterprises serving the community with a personal touch. It’s awesome.

Snow!

It was April 1st, and our first full day in Bend. Mother Nature decided that the best prank to play on a couple of visiting Southern Californians would be to drop a pile of snow on our heads. We loved it!

We frolicked with Frosty the Snowman at Drake Park. We hung out sipping lattes and reading books at Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe while big, fluffy snowflakes blanketed downtown Bend. And then we did what anyone would do on a snowy rest day — headed to Crux Fermentation Project. 

I’d heard good things about Crux from Rebecca at Calipidder, and I was not disappointed.

Our tasting, from left to right (and dig the great oak casket taster tray): Prowell Springs Pre-Prohibition Lager, Crux Pilsner, Crux Marzen, Ella (a great double IPA), Peated Scotch Ale, and Impasse (favorites in bold).

But my favorite isn’t pictured here, and I enjoyed an entire pint of it: Vicky’s Got a Secret, an experimental double IPA that made a Crux fan out of me.

Hiking in Bend

The snow melted, the sun emerged, and we hit one of the most popular local trails — the Deschutes River Trail. This is a really easy loop that follows the Deschutes River. What’s remarkable is that it starts on the edge of the old mill district, and quickly feels like you’ve stepped into the wilderness. Of course, it’s proximity also means that it’s a popular trail for local runners out for a quick workout, so the illusion wasn’t quite complete. But it is a very scenic trail and a model for other cities looking to provide outdoor recreation — right in town.

Meeting Friends in Bend, Old and New

One of my hiking friends (whom I’ve yet to hike with) relocated to Bend after his 2011 hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. Kolby Kirk — aka The Hike Guy — met us with Jasmine for dinner at another Bend favorite: McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School. This former school is now a boutique hotel, restaurant, theater and pub. This is a fun place, and the restaurant is lively with good food and great beer. They brew their own beer, too, though the real treat was learning about the local’s fave: O’Kanes. This is just one of four bars at the McMenamin’s complex, and it’s tucked away in the former church parking lot. Now it’s a beautiful patio space with fire pits to sit by while you enjoy a beverage and swap stories.

We had thought about heading to ever-popular Smith Rock, but with the snow and ice, Kolby had a better idea. Our last day in Bend we would hike at the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery and see the headwaters of the Metolius River. I wasn’t sure what to expect — and hadn’t heard of either — but trusted the recommendation. Once again, we weren’t disappointed.

The Metolius River Trail

About a 45 minute drive northwest of Bend lies Black Butte. Just beyond Black Butte lies the magical Metolius River. This river is remarkable for many reasons, but mainly because at its headwaters the Metolius literally springs from the side of a mountain. Not a trickle, but a full-blown river, just percolating out the side of a mountain. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Further downriver is the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, where they are working to reintroduce native species of trout and salmon that were lost due to dams built over the years, cutting off migration paths for entire lines of fish. It was pretty cool to see how they raised the fish, moving them from tank to tank as they get larger. But the monster “escapees” in the nearby pond (a favorite dining spot for the local bald eagles) were impressive.

We hiked the Metolius River Trail — an out-and-back hike that darts along the western bank of the Metolius to yet another remarkable first — a spring-fed waterfall. While this trail along the blue waters of the Metolius is beautiful in its own right, the sight of a waterfall appearing out of nowhere was surreal.

More Craft Beer, Please

Untappd

Looking for a great way to keep track of the beer you like (and discover new ones)? Check out Untappd. Let’s connect!

We did our darndest, with stops at Deschutes Brewery, Crux Fermentation Project, McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School, Old Mill Brew Wërks, Three Creeks Brewing Company and Worthy Brewing. Not a bad brewery in the bunch, but less than half of the entire Bend Ale Trail. I guess that makes us Ale Trail section hikers.

Home to Los Angeles

Bend would be the third and final leg of our road trip. We loved our time in Bend. It’s a great town and a veritable playground of outdoor activities, with great climbing, hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddling…you get the idea. We headed back to LA and promised to return and spend more time exploring Bend in the not-too-distant future.