Bend, Oregon is known for its world-renowned dirt, paved and water trails, along with breweries and beautiful views. Some paths traverse the Deschutes National Forest or the Oregon Badlands Wilderness Area, while others traverse the heart of town, offering adventure right from your front door. There are trails suitable for the entire family and those reserved only for experienced hikers. So, grab your boots, spend some time in nature and earn your post-adventure meal or beer!

Family Friendly Trails

Deschutes River Trail—Pioneer Reach

The Deschutes River Trail (DRT) is a true gem of urban hiking in Central Oregon. Stretching over 12 miles, it offers a picturesque journey along the Deschutes River, meandering through pine and juniper forests, canyons and other geological marvels. The trail's most popular sections link downtown Bend with several parks, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Pioneer Reach section of the DRT begins at McKay Park, just north of the Old Mill District, though there are several parking locations along the way for easy access. Start walking south along the DRT towards the Colorado Avenue Bridge, where the Bend Whitewater Park’s River surfers and whitewater kayakers show off their skills. Once across the bridge, take a left and walk north up the east side of the river towards the relatively new Millers Landing Park. Look for various types of waterfowl, such as trumpeter swans or eagles, vegetables growing in the community garden, sunbathers and river floaters.

Continue heading north, where the trail becomes a sidewalk path through the Old Bend neighborhood and then pops back out at the southern end of Drake Park. Here, you’ll find dogs playing in the water, floaters and boaters exiting the river, and cyclists and runners using the Drake Park trails on their way to town.

If your little ones are still full of energy, cross the Wooden Bridge at Mirror Pond and take a break at the popular “Boat Park” playground of Harmon Park. After exploring Drake Park, you can choose to leave the trail and explore downtown Bend. Alternatively, you can continue the trail, pass under the Newport Avenue Bridge via the boardwalk, and head towards your destination of Pioneer Park, one of Bend’s oldest riverfront parks. And if you're still not ready to call it a day, keep going to the River Run Reach section towards Sawyer Park to extend your adventure.

Notes:

• Trail length: 1.7 miles one way. Surface lengths include 0.75 paved miles, 0.17 compacted gravel miles and 0.82 road or sidewalk connection miles.
• Feel free to bring your leashed dog!

BendParksAndRec.org/Trail/Deschutes-River-Trail-Pioneer-Reach

Riley Ranch Nature Reserve

If you and your family are looking for a more rural hiking experience but are still close to town, head to the Riley Ranch Nature Reserve on the north side of Awbrey Butte. The 184-acre river-adjacent park of mostly rugged terrain packs a one-two punch with Cascade Mountain and river canyon views. The landscape ranges from open meadows to juniper and pine forests and is home to many native plant species, migratory birds and wildlife. Above the canyon, the Riley Ranch Trail is 1.57 miles of compacted dirt trails, while the Canyon Loop features a 1.25-mile rugged trail. Follow the Riley Ranch Trail all the way to Tumalo State Park if you’re feeling adventurous.

Notes:

• Trails Lengths: 3.2 total miles. Surface Lengths are 1.59 compacted gravel miles and
  1.60 natural surface miles.
• Because Riley Ranch is a nature reserve, please leave your dogs at home.

BendParksAndRec.org/Park/Riley-Ranch-Nature-Reserve

Moderate Trails

Pilot Butte Summit

Northeast Bend's Pilot Butte State Park was created from an extinct cinder cone formed approximately 188,000 years ago. Pilot Butte is the base of Bend's brilliant firework celebration, while the rest of the year, the park's seven miles of trails are enjoyed by hikers, cyclists and even skiers when snow falls.

Many Pilot Butte disciples hike the summit on the Pilot Butte Nature Trail and descend on the Summit Road Trail for a two-mile journey. Others circumnavigate it on the two-mile Base Trail. State Park officials ask everyone to stay on the trails and keep dogs on a leash to not disturb the fragile ecosystem of Western juniper trees, sagebrush, bitterbrush and rabbitbrush. Each spring, the wildflowers burst into bloom with a colorful display.

Your reward for the steep one-mile climb to the top is an impressive 360-degree view of prominent Oregon landmarks, including many of the mountains that call the Pacific Northwest home.

Notes:

• Trail length: Both the summit route and circumnavigation are two miles long.
• Parking and a trailhead are available at the southeast corner of the butte.
• Restrooms are available at the summit.
• After reaching the summit, take some time to read the interpretive panels that detail the area's natural history, geology and geography.

OregonStateParks.org

Badlands Wilderness Area

About 20 minutes east of Bend lies the rugged, 29,180-acre Oregon Badlands Wilderness. Established in 2009, the Badlands’ geological features were formed by the relationship between the Badlands volcano and the Horse Ridge volcanoes. Though a desert area, be prepared to see mule deer, antelope, yellow-bellied marmots and maybe even a bobcat roaming on the ground, as well as prairie falcons and golden eagles flying above.

The relatively flat Oregon Badlands Wilderness hiking trails have some warnings reserved for desert hiking, including a land navigation skills recommendation, as there are few trail signs in the area. The six-mile Badlands Rock Trail cuts across the wilderness area and can be extended by taking either the Castle Trail (7.7 miles) or the Tumulus Trail (12.3 miles). The trailhead is 18 miles east of Bend and roughly one mile off State Highway 20. Park at the Bureau of Land Management kiosk and head towards the large rock outcrop with 360-degree views of Central Oregon.

Notes:

• The trail length is six miles round trip but can be extended to 12.3 miles.
• Dogs are welcome!

BLM.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/oregon-washington/oregon-badlands

Adventurous Trails

Central Oregon is surrounded by trails suited for the adventure-minded and not for the faint of heart. The longer routes should be approached with caution, and hikers need to be prepared with the necessary equipment and the 10 essentials. Several trails can be pieced together in town to create a full day’s worth of hiking. Try parking at the Deschutes River Trail - Mount Washington parking area and grabbing the Archie Briggs Canyon Trail for the summit of Awbrey Butte.

Three Fingered Jack Circumnavigation

The nine-and-a-half-hour Three Fingered Jack Circumnavigation can be done as a long day’s hike or a backcountry camping excursion. The trailhead is on Santiam Pass, 43.2 miles west of Bend on US-20. The terrain is not extremely difficult, but it is very exposed, so bring your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The counterclockwise hike starts where the Pacific Crest Trail moves across the mountain's east side. The trail goes from dry and sandy to rocky depending upon the area.

Keep your eyes on some white mountain goats as you approach the western flank of Three Fingered Jack after crossing a few dry creek beds along the way. The Jefferson Wilderness has a stunning view of the Jefferson Wilderness, highlighting other potential hikes and forest areas. From the northern tip of the loop, get ready for a breathtaking view of Three Fingered Jack, complete with rock layers and receding glaciers. A few hundred feet past the spectacular Wasco Lake viewpoint, take the steep Summit Lake Trail #4014 to Wasco Lake for a nice halfway stopping point. The next six miles towards Square Lake is an open walk through the B&B Complex fire burn area. A few more trail splits toward Booth Lake and Square Lake, and then you’re back to your car to remove your boots and feel good about your accomplishment!

Notes:

• The trail length is a 21.5-mile loop with a 2,500 ft. elevation gain.
• Permits: Free self-issue wilderness permit from June 15 - October 15 and a Northwest Forest Pass for parking.