If you're thinking about buying a Bend home, chances are you've got mortgage interest rates on your mind. You've heard about how they impact how much you can afford in your monthly mortgage payment, and you want to make sure you're factoring that in as you plan your move.

The problem is, with all the headlines in the news about rates lately, it can be a bit overwhelming to sort through. Here's a qu...

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Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend Oregon

Nestled in the heart of Bend's Old Mill District along side the Deschutes River, Hayden Homes Amphitheater stands as a testament to the harmony between nature and music. With its picturesque surroundings and state-of-the-art facilities, it has become a beacon for music enthusiasts and performers alike.

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Discovery West is a New Westside Bend Oregon Subdivision

Discovery West is the latest subdivision in the NorthWest Crossing area of Bend's Westside. Developed west of Summit High School and with 40 acres of parks with miles of trails, the project offers a variety of housing options, ranging from apartments, town homes, cottages and single-family homes. Discovery West is being built under the "transect" concept of urban development in which the housing density decreases the further out people go from the urban core. The goal with this type of development is to help mitigate wildfire risk and the impact on wildlife. 

Discovery West is Popular With Bend Home Buyers

There is a lot of new construction occurring in Discovery West.  As a new subdivision, many contractors are building spec homes, but also custom dev...

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What's in the April 2024 Bend Premier Real Estate Newsletter?

• Bend Home Prices Up and Inventory Levels Down
• Minty Salsa Verde
• 7 Paint Colors to Decorate With This April
• Alder Springs is a Little Known Central Oregon Hike
• Top 5 Reasons to Hire an Agent

Hike Alder Springs Ideally in Fall or Spring

The hike to Alder Springs outside of Sisters limits motorized access from December 1st through March 31st to protect the winter rangeland of the local deer populations. However, access to the trail head is on rough dirt roads for which 4 wheel drive and high vehicle clearance is recommended. Directions to the official trail head can be found on the USDA website. The "unofficial" route involves travel on Locust Street (Camp Polk Road) in Sisters 3.1 miles north from East Cascade Avenue. Take this to Wilt Road, staying on Wilt when the pavement ends 4 miles. Past Rimrock Ranch the road is less maintained. Travel another 2.2 miles until you see a sharp unmarked turnoff to the right onto a rough dirt road. Travel on this past a gate until you reach a picnic area next to Whychus Creek which provides for a water crossing during dry times of the year. There is a beautiful mesa above the crossing and signage for a Native American archaeological site.

The unofficial trail parallels Whychus Creek for over 3.5 miles from the picnic area down the western side of Whychus Canyon eventually dropping to Alder Springs. The trail has some sections which are difficult to locate and other areas where the tract comes close to the canyon rim and the steep drop to the creek. In the summer the exposure with limited trees would make the hike very warm; hikers should be careful to bring plenty of water. Alder Springs is where the "official" trail crosses Whychus Creek and hikers using this trail need to wade across the stream to go any further; in April the water is cold.

Hikers can enjoy the shade from the many trees and the water bubbling up from rocks at Alder Springs, eventually flowing into Whychus Creek. Or they can continue down Whychus Creek another 1.5 miles to the confluence of the creek with the Deschutes River. This section of the hike has far more vegetation which creates more shade, but also more obstacles to push aside, walk around or over. Close to the confluence is a stone cliff from which a spring flows creating a lovely waterfall. Access to this involves stepping around shrubs and trees to see it and as the vegetation grows later in the spring, many hikers will probably miss the waterfall as it will be hidden from the path.  At the confluence, a large rock formation provides the perfect space for lunch and enjoyment of the flowing water and towering rock formations.

All in all, traveling the unofficial route will take more time, but the beauty of the high desert is very much displayed during the hike. Just over 1000 feet of elevation change, 11+ miles, and keeping feet dry make this unofficial route to Alder Springs a wonderful spring or late fall hike.