Hiking and trekking have become a regular sport among health-conscious individuals. Not only does it give one to be in the surroundings of nature and fresh air, but it also provides a lot of health benefits. There are a lot of physical and mental health benefits associated with hiking and trekking. Mental blocks are reduced, there is increased stamina, the body tends to get active and much more are the health benefits. If you are in Bend, Oregon and are interested in the sport or planning to start up hiking or trekking, it is to be known that there are a lot of such spots available. We further list 10 such spots below where you can plan your next hiking and/or trekking trip in Oregon. Whether you like to go on a solo hike or in a group, check out the list for the best hiking and trekking spots in Bend.
1. Discovery Trail
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of the most-visited spots for hiking and trekking in Bend, Oregon, is Discovery Trail. This trail also connects Haul Raod Trail to Shevlin Park. The trail is 7.72 km (4.8 mi) long. Along the trail, the hikers pass through Three Pines Park, the Discovery Park and the Skyline Sports Complex. Parking is available. Pet dogs are allowed on this trail too. It should be remembered that some part of this trail is private property. So, hikers and trekkers should keep track of the assigned path. Subsequently, camping is not allowed on this trail.
Discovery Trail
Address: Bend, OR 97703, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Deschutes River Trail
Deschutes River Trail stretches along the Deschutes River. The trail is connected to Archie Briggs Natural Area, First Street Rapids Park and Sawyer Uplands Park. The trail is visited by lots of bird watchers too as you get to watch migratory birds. This trail is also listed in the Oregon Cascade Birding Tour route. Also, there are picnic spots at some points along the trail and, therefore, families can also visit this trail to enjoy a day out.
Deschutes River Trail
Address: Old Mill District, Bend, Oregon
3. Archie Briggs Canyon Open Space
The Archie Briggs Canyon Open Space is located near the Deschutes River on the northern side of Bend. From the top of the trail, one gets panoramic views of Mount Jefferson. The forested land is a must for hikers and trekkers in the region as it has great landscapes. This is a popular hiking and trekking spot for locals throughout the year. Also, people come here for bird watching.
Archie Briggs Canyon Open Space
Address: Bend, OR 97701, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Farewell Bend Park
Farewell Bend Park is one of the most popular spots for hiking and trekking. It has a 3620 ft (1103.4 m) elevation. It is also a place where families like to plan a picnic to spend time with their loved ones surrounded by a scenic landscape. There is a spot that accommodates up to 36 people and can be booked for private parties. It is located just along the Deschutes River on the base of the Bill Healy Memorial Bridge. It also has a boat launch area. This location is also visited by bird watchers.
Farewell Bend Park
Address: 1000 SW Reed Market Rd, Bend, OR 97702
Opening hours: 5am – 10pm (daily)
5. Pilot Butte Neighborhood Park
With a wonderful playground to boost off, Pilot Butte loop hike is a regular spot for the locals for hiking and trekking. It is considerably an easy hike for beginners. It remains open all-year-long and is usually crowded. There is a picnic area in the park which has picnic tables and benches. The whole park is surrounded by different types of trees and a good place to spend a day in natural surroundings.
Pilot Butte Neighborhood Park loop
Address: NE Hwy 20, Bend, OR 97701
Opening hours: 5am – 10pm (daily)
6. Shevlin Park
The timings of Shevlin Park are from sunrise to sunset and this park is a place where one can find a number of hikers and trekkers on any given day. The area of the park is almost 1000 acres (404.7 hectares). It is a highly crowded 4.7 km (2.9 miles) trail and offers a jungle setting. It can be accessed by hikers of all skill levels. The trail for hiking and trekking is suitable all through the year. Bring your dogs too but keep them on the leash.
Shevlin Park trail
Address: 18920 NW Shevlin Park Rd, Bend, OR 97701
Opening hours: 5am – 10pm (daily)
7. Huntington Wagon Road Interpretive Trail
Huntington Wagon Road Interpretive Trail is next on our list of the best hiking and trekking spots in Bend, Oregon. This trail is 1.93 km (1.2 mi). This road was originally built in 1867 as the medium to deliver materials from the US Government to the Klamath Indian Agency. The trail has interpretive signs along the route. The trail has historical importance and hence is also visited by history lovers.
Huntington Wagon Road Interpretive Trail
Address: 64300 McGrath Rd, Bend, OR 97701
Website: Huntington Wagon Road Interpretive Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Riverbend Park
Located on the Potomac River, Riverbend Park is also a popular spot among locals for hiking and trekking purposes. It has beautiful landscapes and a wide selection of flora and fauna. It provides solitude for hikers and trekkers who seek it. Facilities provided at the park include the possibility of hiring a naturalist and boat rental. Schools organize field trips too to this park and it is a popular site for families to celebrate occasions or have a picnic.
Riverbend Park
Address: 799 SW Columbia St, Bend, OR 97702
Opening hours: 5am – 10pm (daily)
9. Lava Island Trailhead
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Another trail on the banks of Deschutes River, the Lava Island Trailhead, is rated as a difficult trail as there is a presence of an island of lava on it. The lava is Lava Butte. The trail is steep too and should be avoided by beginners. To have a glimpse of the waterfall, one needs to make a difficult climb. These aspects make it interesting for some hikers and trekkers to undertake this trail in Bend.
Lava Island Trailhead
Address: Bend, OR 97702, United States
10. Riley Ranch Nature Reserve
Riley Ranch Nature Reserve is the last mention on our list and stretches 6.5 mi (10.5 km). The terrain is mostly mountainous and is a worthwhile experience. It is situated near the Deschutes River. You get mesmerizing views from the top of the trail. This trail also constitutes beautiful meadows and pine forests and has multiple trails in the area including The Juniper Loop, Robins Run, The Canyon Loop, etc. Bikes are not allowed in the reserve and no pets either.
Riley Ranch Nature Reserve
Address: 19975 Glen Vista Rd, Bend, OR 97701
Opening hours: 5am – 10pm (daily)
Go hiking and trekking near Bend
Bend is surrounded by lakes and peaks making the city an ideal place to start your hiking or trekking expedition. Three Sisters Wilderness and the Cascade Range and Smith Rock State Park are some prominent places to enjoy hiking and trekking.
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