One of our favorite all time destinations, Bend Oregon truly has it all. From waterfalls, mountains, red rocks, desserts, all surrounding the excellent city of Bend make this an outdoor lovers dream location. The high desert meets the cascade mountain range here to create some of the most beautiful hiking you’ll find in the United States! With the Deschutes River running right through the town of Bend.
Know Before You Go
The trails in Bend are part of a very delicate ecosystem, always practice Leave No Trace principles, stay on the trail at all times, and make sure to leave the area as beautiful as you found it. More information regarding how you can recreate responsibly during your visit can be found here https://www.visitbend.com/the-bend-pledge/
Weather in Bend can be unpredictable, always double check road closures leading up to your trip and have a backup plan in place.
Service in some of the hiking areas can be limited. We always recommend Pre downloading your maps before leaving!
Where To Stay
Wall Street Suites This is the perfect place to stay during your visit to Bend. Located minutes away from the downtown area that is home to plenty of shops and restaurants. The rooms were beautifully furnished, and the folks at the front desk were very knowledgeable on the area and kindly pointed us in the direction of all the local spots to hike, eat, and visit!
Closest Airport
Redmond Municipal Airport is the closest to Bend, located just 20 minutes away. If you’re looking for more of a major airport Portland International is roughly a 3 hour drive.
Best Time To Visit
Although you can find something to do in Bend year round, if you’re looking for more options when hiking and exploring all the area has to offer, we’d recommend June through September as the prime months to go. You will never run out of activities during these months as all the trails will be open and ready for you to explore!
Hikes We Recommend
Clime Falls
Difficulty (easy)
Distance (1.2 miles)
Estimated hike time (25 minutes)
This short hike on the Deschutes River leads you to a beautiful view of Cline Falls. Perfect hike to add on to a day of adventuring with great rewards for minimal work!
Misery Ridge
Difficulty (hard)
Distance (3.5 miles)
Estimated hike time (2 hours)
A must do hike at Smith Rock State Park. This is a tough hike that pays off with some of the best views of the unique rock formations of Smith Rock State Park. There is a $5 fee per vehicle to enter the State Park, but rest assured, these are some of the best views in the area.
Steelhead Falls
Difficulty (moderate)
Distance (2 miles)
Estimated hike time (50 minutes)
This was the first hike we did in Bend and it’s an amazing one to get started. This beautiful trail leads you alongside a stream until you arrive at the beautiful Steelhead Falls! Perfect place to sit down and have a picnic, make sure to leave no trace when visiting!
Tumalo Falls and Double Falls
Difficulty (easy)
Distance (4.6 mile)
Estimated Hike Time (1 hour)
A must do when in Bend! This is a heavily trafficked trail so if you’re looking to avoid crowds make sure to come early/late. Tumalo Falls is one of the most recognizable places in Bend and located almost directly by the parking lot!
Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls
Difficulty (easy)
Distance (4.6 mile)
Estimated Hike Time (1 hour)
Hands down our favorite hike in Bend! This is one of those trails we’ll find ourselves thinking about for years to come. Both of these waterfalls are amazing and the walk in between the two has no shortage of views!
Trail of The Molten Land
Difficulty (easy)
Distance (1 mile)
Estimated Hike Time (25 minutes)
We added this hike at the very end of our trip and we were so glad we did. One of the most unique hikes in the area, this trail takes you around a volcano, and winding through lava that has formed into rock over the years. A very informative trail with a ton of signage along the way.
This town and hiking really surpassed our expectations and quickly became one of our all time favorite places visited. From the scenery, to the town, and the people. This was truly a trip of a lifetime and needs to be on everyone’s bucket list!