Posts with tag 'Places to See in Central Oregon'

Fast Flowing River, Springs and Easy Walk

We have lived in Central Oregon since 1985.  During this time we have never hiked the Metolius River until this weekend. The day was overcast and light rain came and went. When we started the hike, we only saw one person for the first 2 miles - a fisherman casting his line in a quiet place on the river.  

We started our hike at the Canyon Creek Campgound at the West Metolius Trailhead and followed the river downstream over 2.5 miles until we reached the Wizard Falls fish hatchery.  The hatchery was closed due to Covid-19 and the bridge over the river was blocked. However, since we were on the hatchery side of the river, we walked on the bridge to view the beautiful blue water of Wizard Falls before returning the same way we came upstream back to the campground.  We stopped to enjoy the early blooms of wildflowers scattered along the trail and the stunning spring flowing into the river 1/3 mile from the campground.

All in all, the hike was easy with little elevation change and a little over 5 miles total. To access the hike, travel west of Sisters on Hwy 20 until you reach the road to Camp Sherman. Travel on road 1419 4.8 miles until you reach road 1420. Travel straight on this 3.3 miles until you reach the sign for Canyon Creek Campground. Travel 1 mile on this dirt road until reaching the trail head.

With Oregon State Parks Closed, Try Something Different

Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Central Oregon five weeks ago, we have been looking for places to hike which are still fairly easy to access yet not subject to closure restrictions. This weekend we found Gray Butte.  Every Central Oregonian knows iconic Smith Rock with its fabulous rock formations and the destination of many rock climbers from around the world. We have often hiked in this state park and enjoyed watching those climbing and rappelling down Monkey Face or the other cliffs many times. We have climbed Misery Ridge and enjoyed hiking many of the trails as well. One path we have never hiked before, however, is the looming Gray Butte immediately to the east of Smith Rock - although we have noticed peop...

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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.