Chush Falls is Snow Free and Ready for Hikers

We have hiked Chush Falls several times, usually during the fall or winter with snow and ice. However, this Memorial Day weekend we elected to take the hike in the Three Sisters National Wilderness snow free. Unlike earlier hikes, many of the recently downed trees from the 2017 Milli Fire had been cut which enabled us to more easily hike the first two miles. However, the last quarter to half mile to the viewpoint had yet to receive this attention and scrambling over and under downed trees can always create challenges. The viewpoint overlooking Chush Falls is fairly obstructed by trees, so we typically take the very steep path down to the base of the falls, a path which should only be taken by people who are fit enough to make it both down and up.  We had never seen  the 60 foot Chush Falls as full as it was with the snow runoff from our wet winter really impacting the rivers and streams. Unlike winter time, if we got close to the falls, we would have been quite wet so we stayed a bit back and enjoyed the view from a distance.  

After clambering back up to the viewpoint, we decided to extend the hike to Upper Chush Falls, having never gone past Lower Chush Falls during our previous winter hikes. No attempt had been made to clear any downed trees, so hiking with GPS was very helpful since we often had to leave the path to maneuver around large fallen trees. It wasn't far past Lower Chush Falls that we reached the first lovely waterfall, the Cascades. Located on Whychus Creek just above the confluence with Park Creek, the Cascades is viewable just from the trail, without an easy way to get closer. Continuing past the Cascades, within a half mile we were surprised to see the spectacular, 200 foot Upper Chush Falls. For those of us familiar with Central Oregon waterfalls, Bend's popular Tumalo Falls is 97 feet. We didn't expect to see such a beautiful, towering waterfall. Following a social trail, we attempted to find a great viewpoint, but ended up on a steep ledge which felt a bit perilous, so we backtracked down to the base of the falls, getting as close as the vegetation would allow.  All in all, we were very happy with our decision to hike the extra distance to experience all 3 waterfalls. Per GPS, we traveled a total of 6.25 miles with 950 feet of elevation gain (more than most trails note due to our steep side trips). 

Laurenn Schiek Has Joined Bend Premier Real Estate

After spending many years on Maui, Laurenn moved to Oregon in 2019 and never looked back.

She was the accounting administrator for one of the largest landscape contractors on Maui, as well simultaneously functioning as the volunteer bookkeeper/office administrator for a Maui non-profit, and she served on the board as their assistant Treasurer. She has also worked as the bookkeeper for a busy Bend law firm.

Laurenn has a son & a daughter, and an incredibly joyful golden retriever named Winnie Monroe. When she is not at work you will find her adventuring somewhere in nature, cooking a beautiful meal, or finding creative ways to live in the moment with her children. She is passionate about health & wellness in the mind, body, heart & soul; and is currently pursuing her passion and earning her certificate to become a Functional Medicine Health Coach.

Lavonne Broadbent Has Joined Bend Premier Real Estate

Lavonne enjoys working with people from all walks of life; she believes that is what makes her job interesting and gratifying! She listens to her clients and works hard to find them the best property that fits their needs, whether buying a new home or selling their existing home. Lavonne knows it isn't about the money, but rather it's about creating a positive experience, healthy relationships, stable community, and satisfied homeowners and clients for life!

After living in several different parts of the country, Lavonne has been through the buying and selling process numerous times and understand the challenges her clients face. In fact, she landed in Bend Oregon after all these years for a reason: the lifestyle and outdoor recreation…hiking, fishing, biking, kayaking, snowmobiling, camping and so many other things that improve the quality of life.

Lavonne's husband Mike, along with her, has a back...

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What's in the May 2023 Bend Premier Newsletter?

• Bend Home Sales Take a Downward Turn
• Rancher Butcher Chef
• Downsizing for the Win?
• 6 Books to Change Your Real Estate Perspective
• Reasons to Sell Your House in Today's Market

Bend Home Sales Take a Downward Turn

The Bend real estate market has been on a roller coaster over the past few years. The Covid-19 pandemic triggered a massive boom in Bend single family home sales, resulting in multiple offers, dramatic price increases, and limited inventory.  However, since the peak in home prices the summer of 2022, home prices and home sales have dropped, inventory levels, days on market and interest rates have risen while new homes hitting the market are significantly down.  Many Bend homebuyers cannot find property that meets their needs. While more homes are on the market, the numbers are still not at balanced levels with less than 2 months of inventory. If we throw into the mix the shifting mortgage interest rat...

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