I judged the hikes based upon two main criteria. The first is how much gas needs to be used to get to the trailhead. A couple of the hikes are a short drive but not more in gas than what you would spend in cash for one person to enter an amusement park. The second criteria is payoff. The one thing that I hate about some trails is that it follows a road, barely ever veering off into the wilderness, then ends at a viewpoint filled with cars. I understand that the journey is the most important part of any trip but I like to hike to get away from the cars and overcrowded viewpoints. Experience nature in its purest form if you will. The only other stipulation I judged the hikes on was how much I enjoyed them. Sounds easy enough, here's the list.
#10 - Black Butte
Even though this hike is pretty short (almost two miles each way) it's the elevation climb that really makes it worth it. 1,600 vertical feet is gained in this short hike making it fairly strenuous for the casual hiker, but the reward waiting at the top is amazing. On a clear day numerous Cascade mountain peaks are visible and if you hike Black Butte during fire season the lookout could be open.
#9 - Shevlin Park
Okay, so it's not the most strenuous workout and you can't see into another state from anywhere on the trail. It does however boast a great leisurely walk through small meadows, over a covered bridge, and around a creek. It's a great place to bring the family for a picnic lunch or just spend some quiet time after work. There's also lots of wild flowers and aspens just in case you have your camera with you.
#8 - Tam McArthur Rim
This 5 mile round trip hike has just about everything you can cram into a short day hike. First off, it starts out at a lake. It's almost like being rewarded for starting the hike. The only real climb you have is right at the beginning and the views are amazing the entire time. Once you pull out onto the top it's one of the most amazing views you can have of the Three Sisters and Broken Top. It's also from an angle that you rarely see in photographs, it's almost as if you are seeing the mountains for the first time. While staring at Broken Top to the South don't forget to watch where you're walking because the rim is right in front of you. It almost feels like you're standing on the edge of the Earth looking out over the valleys below with the Cascade giants at your back.
#7 - Tumalo Mountain
Another one of the short but rewarding day hikes, Tumalo Mountain lets you take in all the scenery after a stressful day at the office. It's only 15 minutes from downtown Bend and a 1.5 mile hike but when you get to the top you realize you would have hiked all day to get to where you're at. If you wanted to you could probably get a Starbucks coffee in town (which probably costs more than the gas to get there) and make it to the summit of Tumalo Mountain to enjoy your still warm coffee in hand.
#6 - Deschutes River Trail
I'm not talking about the part of the trail that runs through the middle of town and through the Old Mill. For anyone who hasn't made it further than the South Bridge, the Deschutes River Trail is a very nice trail that follows the Deschutes as it winds it way through the ancient lava flows and high desert meadows. Don't forget to hike around Benham Falls and Dillon Falls or start at Benham and hike into town to reward yourself with a dinner at Anthony's.
#5 - Smith Rock
Misery Ridge certainly has the natural beauty and views that everyone hopes for as they are climbing 600 feet to the top. Once on top the ground is fairly flat which is perfect because you won't want to look at your feet the entire time you are there. The Crooked River winds its way around this huge monolith and the high desert lies beyond scattered with farmland and sagebrush. Beyond that the Cascade Mountains rise out of the ground and almost always tipped with snow. It really is a sight to see. Also, apparently you can rock climb here.
#4 - Green Lakes
Green Lakes is one of those hikes where you can see everything that is beautiful about the Central Oregon Cascades. The trail follows a creek that flows through meadows and over lava flows. If you look hard enough you can find some hidden waterfalls along the way. Wildflowers bloom well into the summer and the end of the trail is a high mountain lake overlooked by a semi-active volcano. What more could you ask for?
#3 - Broken Top
Broken Top is a little bit longer than the Green Lakes hike and instead of ending at a lake, you end up straddling a giant decimated volcano. It really shows the destructive force of nature, while at the same time wildflowers can be found most of the summer all along the trail.
#2 - Tumalo Falls
I'm a sucker for waterfalls, especially if I can be there in five minutes from downtown Bend. Tumalo Falls is one of those hikes that really gives you something to take a picture of every few steps. Make sure not to stop at any of the waterfalls and complete the hike, you won't regret it. The unfortunate side is that since it is so close to downtown, it can get a little crowded.
#1 - South Sister
This is by far the hardest day hike, and by day hike I mean it will take the entire day. Make sure that you leave in the morning to give yourself enough time to spend on the top enjoying your reward. Also, remember that thunderstorms can sneak up on you quick and even quicker when you're above 9,000 feet. I've had this happen twice now and it's not fun to be in a thunderstorm that high. Another thing to remember is wear hiking boots. Digging cinder out of your boots the entire trip down is not fun. Now that all the warnings are out of the way, everything that is good about this hike. This trail is absolutely amazing! Multiple glaciers throughout the summer and the highest lake in Oregon, creeks, lava flows, breathtaking views, and a summit that is 10,200 feet high. The third highest in Oregon. From start to finish this never lets you down and although you may be feeling it in your legs the following couple of days , the amazing pictures you can get will last you a lifetime. My advice; be prepared, take food and water and snacks, start in the morning and be ready for a workout. It will be a very rewarding trip I promise you, for less than the price of a Venti skinny caramel latte.
Just because these are my favorite hikes that doesn't mean they are the best. If you disagree with my list please feel free to comment or email me. Don't forget to get your gear at Bivwak.
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