Difficult Hikes under 10 miles around Bend

Now that you’ve got your trail legs, it’s time to climb some mountains. Here are some recommended destinations that are worthy day-trips from Bend. They are listed roughly in order of difficulty. Hikes range from 5.7-9 miles in length, with 1990 to 3300’ feet of elevation gain. Some of these hikes involve some travel above treeline, and finding the route may be difficult in low visibility conditions. Always be prepared to turn around early and come back another day. Find excellent trail descriptions in books and maps; use the websites below as starting points.

Hiking tips:

 Carry the ten essentials on every hike.  Read the weather forecast before heading out. Know that mountain weather can change rapidly.  Practice Leave No Trace Principles when exploring public lands (see lnt.org for more information)  Try to find an “all-day pace” as you walk to minimize breaks and increase your overall efficiency.  Do your homework: know which trails you need to follow, what parking passes are required and what seasonal conditions you may encounter.

Trail Miles Elevation Information Date gain completed Hager Mountain 8 1990’ Hike 4 miles to a rentable fire lookout with views across Eastern Oregon. from Road 28 Well-marked for snow travel in winter. Lookout rental information here: https://bit.ly/2rlgAzH Hike information here: “100 Hikes/Travel Guide Eastern Oregon” by William Sullivan. Crescent 9 2200’ Quiet trail off of Highway 20 west of Santiam Pass. Hike through forest Mountain and wildflower meadows to a highpoint with remains of an old fire lookout. Late spring to early fall. https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Crescent_Mountain_Hike Rooster Rock 6.6 2300’ Take the Trout Creek Trail to the top of Rooster Rock and back, visiting an old fire lookout site. Accessible April – November. https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Rooster_Rock_via_Trout_Cre ek_Trail_Hike Trail Miles Elevation Information Date gain completed Black Crater 7.8 2500’ Hike through the Milli Fire burn to one of the best viewpoints along Old McKenzie Pass Highway. Best summer-early fall. NW Forest Pass. https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/oregon/hikes/black-crater Mt. Bachelor 5.7 2700’ Dusty, rocky trail leads through the woods to the boulder-strewn summit of Mt. Bachelor. Accessible only when the resort is closed to skiing. Mid- to late summer is best. https://www.theoutbound.com/oregon/hiking/hike-mt-bachelor-sunrise- to-summit Tumalo Mountain 8 2900’ Hike it twice! A quick drive brings you to Tumalo Mountain, accessible all Two-fer year round (bring snowshoes in winter). NW Forest Pass or Oregon Sno- Park Pass, depending on the season. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/tumalo-mountain Bear Point 7.4 3030’ Very steep hike up to the rocky top of Bear Point with spectacular views of Mt. Jefferson. Huckleberries for days if you hit it right in August. Summer to early fall. Limited entry permit required. http://www.nwhiker.com/bearPT.html Eula Ridge 8.6 3300’ Two hours from Bend is the best conditioning hike in Oregon. Trail climbs relentlessly uphill to a wooded summit. Watch for mountain bikers. Accessible most of the year. https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/oregon/hikes/eula-ridge- hike

Visit JessBFit.com or email [email protected] to learn more about training for hiking.