Beginner Hikes up to 5K in and Around Bend

Beginner Hikes up to 5K in and around Bend These hikes are listed roughly in order of difficulty. Note that many of these recommended hikes are part of a larger trail network, so you could always add more miles (or do multiple loops) if you wanted to keep going. Hikes range from 0.5-4 miles in length, with minimal to 680 feet of elevation gain. This is a great introductory list if you want to start getting active on the trails! Hiking tips: Bring water, and remember to drink it. Watch the weather forecast and dress in layers. Use your hiking poles, especially on trails that require going up and downhill. Walk at a pace at which you can comfortably have a conversation with someone. Know your limits. It’s okay to turn around before your intended destination. If you don’t make it, call it a “scouting mission.” Every hike is a learning opportunity. Trail Miles Elevation Information Date gain completed Sawyer Park 0.5 mi + minimal NW Bend. A network of official and unofficial trails lead through the park and connects to the Deschutes River Trail. https://www.bendparksandrec.org/park/sawyer-park/ Canyon Loop 1.25 mi minimal At Riley Ranch Nature Reserve. No dogs. Easy to extend this hike up to loop 6.5 miles. https://www.bendparksandrec.org/trail/riley-ranch-nature- reserve-trails/ McGregor Loop 1.5 mi minimal FIELD TRIP: La Pine State Park. Other loop trails from 1 – 4.5 miles. loop https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/oregon/parks- wilderness/lapine-state-park Todd Lake Loop 1.6 mi 200’ FIELD TRIP: Easy hike around the lake. Very popular destination. Late loop spring to early fall. Limited entry permit only required if hiking above the lake. Otherwise, NW Forest Pass. https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/oregon/hikes/todd-lake- hike Pilot Butte Base 1.8 mi 160’ Circle around the base of Pilot Butte on a sandy trail with some ups and Trail loop downs. http://pilotbutte.weebly.com/park-info.html Lava River Cave 2 mi minimal FIELD TRIP: Walk a mile underground and escape the summer heat. Closed October-April. NW Forest Pass. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38396 Sparks Lake 2.3 mi 60’ FIELD TRIP: On Cascade Lakes Highway. NW Forest Pass required. loop Beautiful hike through the lava and Ponderosa Pine forest on the shore of Sparks Lake. Follow “Ray Atkeson Loop.” NW Forest Pass. Summer- early fall. https://www.trails.com/us/or/bend/ray-atkeson-memorial-trail Metolius Preserve 2.5+ mi minimal FIELD TRIP: Near Camp Sherman. Hike the Fir Trail loop for about 2.5 miles total. Add the pine trails for another 2 miles of walking. https://www.deschuteslandtrust.org/protected-lands/metolius-preserve Deschutes River 3.2 mi 100’ In Bend. One of many options for easy hikes along the Deschutes River. Trail: South loop https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/oregon/hikes/deschutes- Canyon river-trail-south-canyon-reach Otter Bench short 3.2 mi minimal FIELD TRIP: In Crooked River Ranch. Take Otter Bench Trail to its end hike and return the way you came or loop back on Horny Hollow Trail (open Sept. 1-Jan.31). http://blog.oregonlive.com/terryrichard/2010/04/directions_map_for_bl ms_new_ot.html Tumalo Falls 3.8 mi 680’ Skyliner’s Drive. Hike to the viewpoint and go straight for 1.7 miles to the loop upper falls. Turn around and return the way you came. This has more elevation gain than most; go slow and make it as short or long as you want. NW Forest Pass. http://www.oregon.com/attractions/tumalo-falls Smith Rock River 4+ mi 100’ FIELD TRIP: Terrebonne. Take the Canyon Trail down to the bridge Trail across the Crooked River, then turn left and follow the river trail around the bend. Go as far as you’d like. Watch for otters. https://smithrock.com/easiest-trails Visit JessBFit.com or email [email protected] to learn more about training for hiking. .

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