Posts in category 'Why We Love Central Oregon'

Fall River Trail is an Easy Option to Bend's River Trail

We have hiked Bend's River Trail from Healy Bridge up the Deschutes River many times. However, this hike has often been very crowded and less than relaxing.  Yesterday we drove past Sunriver and took South Century Drive west 15 miles to the Fall River day use area and hiked the Fall River Trail.

First we hiked a short distance west past the bridge to the headwaters of Fall River and then returned and took the hike down the river to the end; the full hike was an up and back and was just short of 6 miles.  

There were very few people along the trail with the handful we met usually accompanied by one or more dogs. The walk was easy with little elevation change and although we had a couple of wet and icy spots to transverse, the majority of the hike was dry. There were a few fly fishermen on the river and we enjoyed watching them cast their fishing lines. We can imagine that in summer, families with young children may enjoy playing in the slow moving river or picnicking along its banks. 

For those looking for another easy walk along a river that may be less crowded than Bend's River Trail, give the Fall River trail a try!

Steins Pillar Trail Little Traveled Early April 2020

We have focused most of our hikes in the Cascades during our time living in Central Oregon.  However, the Ochocos, east of Prinveille, offer wonderful, less traveled hikes with beautiful vistas and interesting geology.

We traveled an hour out of Bend to find the Steins Pillar trailhead, traveling at the end first on a gravel road for several miles and then a single lane dirt road the last two miles.  When we arrived at 10:00 am, there was no one else there and we enjoyed our two mile hike into the Steins Pillar without seeing any other people. The hike had a few icy sections and patches of snow were still evident on more shaded areas, but the end of the hike being able to see Steins Pillar was well worth it.

Steins Pillar is a 350 foot remnant of a volcano dating back 38 million years. The hike to the Pillar has rock outcroppings, views of the Ochocos, viewpoints of the Pillar when you get closer to it and wildflowers.  The four mile round trip (out and back) is considered moderate and can be accomplished in a couple of hours, depending on how long you spend admiring the pillar when you reach its base.

During our trip out, we passed 4 other parties hiking in.  There were plenty of places to step aside and keep good social distancing. And all the people we passed appeared to be enjoying, as we were, the opportunity to be out of their home.

Peter Skene Ogden Trail Provides Waterfalls and Privacy

Three weeks into the coronavirus pandemic in the United States and one week into the shut down of Oregon's State Parks, we have been searching for options where we can enjoy a hike with plenty of space to keep six feet away from others which is now the norm. Yesterday we traveled 23 miles south of Bend and took the road toward Paulina National Monument, turning off on the dirt road to McKay Crossing.  The campground at the crossing was closed, but the Peter Skene Ogden Trail was open and we hiked roughly 3.5 miles up the trail until snow accumulation kept us from going further.

We have hiked this trail before, going all 7 miles up to Paulina Falls at Paulina Lake in the Newberry Crater.  However, this early in the season snow is a factor.  The weather was cool - no higher than the low 40's - and it started snowing as we returned to our car. However, the chance to take a moderate hike with views of Paulina Creek and waterfalls in an early spring setting was so welcome after days of isolation at home.

During the hike we saw a total of 6 people and one dog - all during our return trip.  There were plenty of places on the trail to step aside to keep social distancing in place. 

Bessie Butte is a Little Known Bend Hike

Just a short drive east on China Hat Road in SE Bend you can find Bessie Butte. A quick 1.5 mile round trip, the hike has 500 feet elevation gain and easy access. Although not as well known or used as Pilot Butte, Bessie Butte is a great hiking option and provides for wonderful views from the top.

On Sunday, March 22, 2020, after being at home during the Covid-19 pandemic, we drove the short distance to the Bessie Butte trail head and hiked to the top. During the walk, we did pass several parties coming down, but there were plenty of places to step aside and keep the distance needed to maintain safe separation. It was a beautiful day and although we wished the hike could have been longer, the views were stunning.  

If you have hiked Pilot Butte State Park in the past and want to experience a d...

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Whitewater Creek Trail Open

Jefferson Park, located on the north side of Mt. Jefferson, Oregon's second tallest Cascade mountain, is a hidden gem with stunning views, pristine alpine lakes, and beautiful meadows full of wildflowers during the mid summer months. Two years after the lighting caused Whitewater fire closed the most popular access trail to Jefferson Park, the Whitewater Creek trail opened this month. Last Saturday we hiked the trail to this popular destination.  

The Whitewater Creek trail head is at the end of a 7.4 mile gravel road off Hwy 22 ten miles east of Detroit. The area was burned during the fire and while loggers have removed much of the dead trees around the parking lot, there are still slash piles which impact the number of cars which can safely park. We arrived just before 9:00 am, but shortly after we parked, several cars came and the available parking was already gone.

The first 4 miles of the hike to Jefferson Park is in an area hard hit by the fire which burned roughly 25 square miles. Acres of burned old growth trees are abundant, but signs of life are returning with ferns, blackberry, Oregon grape and other plants growing among the blackened tree trunks. Very young seedling trees are starting to emerge from the soil, but it will take decades for the area to fully recover. 

Shortly after you leave the burn area and cross Whitewater Creek, you join up with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) which runs through Jefferson Park itself.  Once you reach the park, several side trips provide access to Bay, Scout, Park and Rock lakes, all clean and clear alpine lakes with sandy bottoms with many camping areas nearby.  We hiked to Russell Lake, the furthest lake, and enjoyed our lunch on the shore. The hike back to the Whitewater trail head went relatively quick, allowing for stops to make way for the campers coming up the trail, and we arrived back at the parking lot with plenty of time to get back to Bend before evening.  This hike is sure to become one of our favorites and a "must do" for many summers to come.