Central Oregon

Central Oregon is a hiker’s paradise. This region of Oregon covers the east side of the Cascades, where the high desert meets really tall volcanic peaks. This area of Oregon contains the fun city of Bend and trails along rivers, up peaks, into desert canyons, and across volcanic landscapes.

Hiking Central Oregon

This collection of hikes is listed from north to south, but the table may also be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you pick your next hike. Click on any trail to see a full write-up complete with photos, GPS maps, elevation profiles, directions, and all the other information needed to locate and enjoy these hikes. You can also view hikes around Bend, Oregon on the Hike Finder Map.

TrailDescriptionDistance Location
West Metolius River Trail357West Metolius River Trail
The hike follows the west bank of the Metolius River to impressive gushing springs and a fish hatchery.
5.4 miles
100 feet
44.5011,
-121.6409
Head of the Metolius River Trail360Head of the Metolius
This short hike visits the surprising source of the Metolius River, a gushing spring accompanied by views of Mount Jefferson.
0.5 miles
35 feet
44.4341,
-121.634
Black Butte Trail364Black Butte
The hike summits one of the most identifiable peaks in Central Oregon, which has fire lookout towers and panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains.
4 miles
1550 feet
44.3949,
-121.6476
Archie Briggs Canyon Trail370Archie Briggs Canyon Trail
This short hike descends a ravine to clifftop views over a dramatic canyon on the Deschutes River.
1.25 miles
325 feet
44.0855,
-121.3347
Shevlin Park Loop Trail377Shevlin Loop Trail
This tour of Shevlin Park just a few miles east of Bend explores pine forests on both sides of Tumalo Creek.
4.75 miles
240 feet
44.083,
-121.37785
Pilot Butte Bend380Pilot Butte
This hike spirals up the dominant landmark in Bend to offer sweeping views of majestic surroundings.
1.8 miles
475 feet
44.0579,
-121.2785
Tumalo Falls384Tumalo Falls
See Bend's best waterfall from a downstream viewpoint and take a short hike to an overlook by the top of the falls.
0.5 miles
105 feet
44.032,
-121.56635
Tumalo Falls Loop385Tumalo Falls Loop
This circuit ventures above Tumalo Falls and explores numerous other waterfalls and cascades on Tumalo Creek, combining North Fork Trail, Swampy Lakes Trail, and Bridge Creek Trail.
7.4 miles
1,100 feet
44.032,
-121.56635
Lava Butte Hike Bend387Lava Butte
This hike explores a cinder cone with a fire lookout tower and a crater-circling trail that offer panoramic views over Lava Butte Lava Flow and the Cascade Mountains.
0.35 - 3.85 miles
110 - 520 feet
43.9093,
-121.3576
Trail of the Molten Land Bend390Trail of the Molten Land
This paved partial loop cuts through Lava Butte Lave Flow and is packed with information and views.
1.25 miles
135 feet
43.9093,
-121.3576
Trail of the Whispering Pines Bend395Trail of the Whispering Pines
This interpretive botanical trail explores high desert plants on the edge of Lava Butte Lava Flow.
0.4 miles
5 feet
43.9093,
-121.3576
Benham Falls399Benham Falls
This leisurely hike on Deschutes River Trail gathers views of aggressive cascades on a churning and tumbling stretch of the Deschutes River.
1.9 miles
50 feet
43.93125,
-121.41335
Lava River Cave Hike Bend400Lava River Cave
This underground hike explores a lava tube south of Bend that is filled with fascinating volcanic features.
2 miles
150 feet
43.8954,
-121.3696

Camping in Central Oregon

This is just one of the places to camp in Central Oregon

Lower Canyon Creek CampgroundLower Canyon Creek Campground
This spacious 7-site campground is sparsely shaded by pines next to the confluence of Canyon Creek and Metolius River.

 

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Cape Lookout State Park Campground Tillamook Coast Campsites Oregon Beach Camping
Jutting out from the coast of Oregon west of Portland, Cape Lookout is a prominent promontory with tall cliffs towering hundreds of feet above the Pacific Ocean. The campground in Cape Lookout State Park is not as soaring. Luckily for beach-lovers, the campground is tucked right behind a big, beautiful beach on the north side of the cape. Cape Lookout State Park Campground is a major... Read more.
By: Published: Last updated: June 29, 2021
Whalen Island County Campground Tillamook Coast Camping Oregon Sand Lake Estuary
Camping by the ocean should be easy and relaxing – Fun in the sun and toes in the sand. That's what you can expect to find at Whalen Island County Campground in Tillamook County. This 33-site campground sits inside the Sand Lake Estuary, a special spot along the Three Capes Scenic Loop between Cape Kiwanda and Cape Lookout on the Oregon Coast. Right from the campground, it is easy to... Read more.
Tagged with · Ocean Views · Tent Camping · Tillamook
By: Published: Last updated: June 29, 2021
Maple Ridge Loop Silver Falls State Park Maple Ridge Trail Canyon Trail Lower South Falls Waterfall Hike Oregon
Maple Ridge Loop travels behind two breathtaking waterfalls and goes through miles of wonderful forest in Silver Falls State Park. This 2.8-mile loop (with 375 feet of elevation change) is a combination of two trails, Canyon Trail and Maple Ridge Trail. Canyon Trail goes down the trough carved by South Fork Silver Creek, taking hikers amazingly close to South Falls and Lower South Falls. ... Read more.
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Tagged with · Oregon State Parks · Silver Falls State Park · Sublimity · Waterfalls
Distance: 2.8 miles · Elevation change: 375 feet
By: Published: Last updated: June 14, 2021
Cape Lookout Trail Coastal Hike Cape Lookout State Park Oregon
What is Whalen Island? It's not quite an island. It's not quite on Oregon's ocean shore. What it is... is a place that is unique, soothing, and beautiful. Wrapped be beaches and shaded by shore pines, Whalen Island sits at the heart of Sand Lake Estuary. Whalen Island – which only becomes an island during seasonal high tides - is just inland from the ocean (close enough to see the waves)... Read more.
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Tagged with · Beaches · Free Trails · Ocean Views · Oregon State Parks · Sand Dunes · Tillamook
Distance: 1.5 miles · Elevation change: 40 feet
By: Published: Last updated: June 28, 2021
Munson Creek Falls Trail Tillamook Coast Range Waterfall Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site Oregon
Measuring 319 feet tall, Munson Creek Falls is no tiny trickler. In fact, this is Oregon's tallest waterfall west of the Willamette River. Munson Creek Falls has picturesque silky tiers framed by canyon greenery. The trek to the waterfall, Munson Creek Falls Trail, is just a quarter mile long (half a mile round trip) with 90 feet of elevation change. The trail explores a lush and lovely... Read more.
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Tagged with · Creeks · Free Trails · Oregon State Parks · Tillamook · Waterfalls
Distance: 0.5 miles · Elevation change: 90 feet
By: Published: Last updated: June 28, 2021