Bend, Oregon, has become one of the Pacific Northwest’s most dynamic outdoor destinations, with hiking trails highlighting the region’s volcanic origins, alpine lakes, and high-desert terrain. The city is uniquely positioned between the Cascade Range and the open landscapes of central Oregon, giving hikers access to everything from shaded creekside paths to rugged mountain summits.
Trailheads begin right in town and extend outward into forests, lava fields, and alpine basins, making it possible to experience an incredible range of environments within a short drive. For new residents and long-time locals, hiking defines the rhythm of life in Bend and reinforces why the area remains a magnet for those who value access to nature.
Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
Pilot Butte rises directly from Bend’s urban core, offering one of the most accessible summit hikes in the region. The main trail ascends roughly a mile to the top, where hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Cascade Range, including peaks such as Mount Bachelor, Broken Top, and the Sisters.
The path is well-maintained and gains about 500 feet in elevation, making it a straightforward option for those looking to combine a workout with scenic reward. Because of its proximity to downtown, many residents treat Pilot Butte as a routine. Hiking in Bend OR often begins here, as it offers a consistent trail that introduces the larger geography of central Oregon.
Tumalo Falls Trail
The
Tumalo Falls Trail is one of Bend’s most iconic routes, beginning with a dramatic 97-foot waterfall. A short half-mile path leads to an overlook, but the full North Fork Trail extends further into the Deschutes National Forest. Following Tumalo Creek upstream, hikers encounter smaller cascades and dense stands of fir and pine.
The trail network in this area allows for loops and extensions that provide several miles of hiking. The rushing water, forest cover, and gradual elevation gain keep the route engaging. Hiking in Bend OR is strongly associated with Tumalo Falls because it demonstrates the combination of volcanic geology and lush forest that defines the eastern slope of the Cascades.
Shevlin Park
Located just a few miles west of downtown Bend,
Shevlin Park offers 650 acres of terrain crossed by Tumalo Creek. The main Shevlin Loop Trail runs for about 4.5 miles and follows the creek through ponderosa pine forests and open meadows. The wide path accommodates steady walking or running, and footbridges provide easy crossings over the water.
Branching trails climb into the surrounding canyon walls, offering additional perspectives and various routes. Because of its size and layout, Shevlin Park is a year-round destination. It captures much of what makes hiking in Bend OR appealing — easy access, well-marked paths, and diverse ecosystems within a short distance of town.
Deschutes River Trail
The
Deschutes River Trail runs directly through Bend, linking multiple parks and natural areas along the river corridor. The trail can be broken into segments, with popular sections connecting Farewell Bend Park to Sawyer Park. The paths alternate between paved and dirt surfaces, passing basalt cliffs, riparian zones, and viewpoints overlooking rapids.
One highlight is the Dillon Falls section, where the river narrows into a powerful chute. Trails in this area climb along lava formations, showcasing the volcanic foundation of central Oregon. With multiple access points, the Deschutes River Trail allows hikers to choose distances that suit their schedule while staying close to the city.
Green Lakes Trail
The
Green Lakes Trail lies west of Bend along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, offering a longer backcountry route into alpine terrain. The trail stretches about 4.5 miles each way, gradually ascending alongside Fall Creek. Along the way, hikers pass waterfalls, lava flows, and old-growth forest.
The destination is a basin of lakes set beneath South Sister and Broken Top, two of the region’s most prominent peaks. Clear alpine water, volcanic rock, and expansive meadows combine for a complete high-elevation experience. For those who want a longer and more immersive route, this trail represents one of the premier examples of hiking in Bend OR.
Lava Lands and Lava Butte
South of Bend lies
Lava Lands Visitor Center and Lava Butte, part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Trails here showcase the region's volcanic origins, with routes crossing cinder fields, lava flows, and pine forests. The Trail of the Molten Land is a paved interpretive path that winds through lava rock formations, providing a close look at the geologic processes that shaped the area.
Hikers can also ascend Lava Butte, a cinder cone offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The summit trail loops around the crater rim, highlighting both the scale of the eruption and the subsequent regrowth of forest.
Smith Rock State Park
Though about 30 miles north of Bend,
Smith Rock State Park is often included in discussions of local hiking because of its significance. The park’s towering volcanic tuff cliffs rise above the Crooked River, and its trails provide both scenic and physical challenges. The Misery Ridge Trail is the most famous, climbing steeply to panoramic views of the park’s spires and the Cascade Range beyond.
Other routes, such as the River Trail, follow gentler terrain along the water, providing closer views of climbers scaling the cliffs. The contrast between the arid high desert and the lush river corridor makes Smith Rock distinct from the forested hikes closer to Bend. For those seeking variety, it provides an entirely different hiking environment within a short drive.
Tumalo Mountain Trail
The
Tumalo Mountain Trail is a short but steep hike near Mount Bachelor. The path climbs just under two miles to the summit, gaining about 1,300 feet in elevation. At the top, hikers are rewarded with unobstructed views of Mount Bachelor, Broken Top, and the Three Sisters.
Because of its proximity to the Cascade Lakes Highway, the trail is often paired with other hikes in the region. The summit plateau provides a wide-open vantage point, making it a favorite spot for sunrise or sunset treks. The Tumalo Mountain Trail captures the alpine side of Bend’s hiking options, offering high-altitude views within easy reach of the city.
Find Your Home in Bend with The Ladd Group
If Bend’s trails, rivers, and mountains inspire you,
The Ladd Group can help you find a home that keeps you close to it all. Their team specializes in properties that connect residents with the best of central Oregon living, whether you want to be near cityside paths like the Deschutes River Trail or have quick access to the Cascade Lakes Highway. If you’re considering moving to Bend, let The Ladd Group guide you to a home that matches your lifestyle and your passion for the outdoors.
