Recreation From leisurely strolls along rushing rivers to challenging treks to mountain tops, Central Oregon offers an array of hiking experiences suited to every adventurer’s preference. Central Oregon is a hiker’s paradise where you will discover alpine lakes, Ponderosa pines, waterfalls, lava flows and mountain views. Sunriver is the jump-off place to the listed trailheads. Visit sunriverchamber.com/hike-trek-and-explore/ for details on listed hikes and the “Hiker’s Checklist.” HIKES IN SUNRIVER Discovering Sunriver by exploring the 34 miles of paved pathways is an enchanting experience where hikers are treated to scenic views of the Deschutes River and rambling meadows punctuated with wildflowers. Stroll across the Cardinal Landing Bridge, near Circle 5, to the Sunriver Trails. While designed for mountain biking, the trails are open to hikers and trail runners. THE SUN LAVA TRAIL A 5.5-mile paved bike path connects the Sunriver Resort with the Lava Lands Visitor Center. EASY HIKES Benham Falls: Embark on an accessible trail along the Deschutes River to Benham Falls. Dry River Gorge: A fall hike to discovermysterious petroglyphs. Fall River Trail: Start your hike at the headwaters of the spring-fed river. Lava Cast Forest: See ancient trees cast in lava from a volcanic eruption 7,000 years ago. Lava Lands Visitor Center: Hike to the top of Lava Butte or Trail of Molten Lands. Lava River Cave: Explore a lava tube, great on hot days. Pilot Butte: There are three trails to the top of the old cinder cone in Bend. Riley Ranch Nature Reserve features meadows, juniper and pine forests, lava flows, cliffs and the river’s rocky canyon. Shevlin Park is Bend’s largest park with trails along Tumalo Creek and on the canyon rim. Steins Pillar: Visit between April to October to witness vibrant wildflowers. Todd Lake Loop Trail: A loop trail around the lake. Tumalo Mountain Trail: Uphill trek is worth the views of the Cascade Mountains. MODERATE DAY HIKES Ann’s Butte: This butte has two peaks with a saddle between them. Badlands Wilderness, Flatiron Rock/Ancient Junipers: Year-round accessibility to see old-growth junipers and volcanic rock formations. Green Lakes Trail: Walk beside waterfalls and lava flows to reach the lake. Newberry National Volcanic Monument has more than 100 miles of trails including Paulina Lakeshore Loop, Little Crater, Big Obsidian Flow, Paulina Peak, Paulina Balls and Crater Rim. Tam MacArthur Rim Trail: Views of the Cascade Mountains and alpine lakes. Wake Butte: An untamed recreation and scenic wonder with panoramic vistas. LONG DAY HIKES Broken Top: Start at the Todd Lake trailhead to hike to No Name Lake and view the Cascade Mountains. Deschutes River Trail: An epic 20-mile hike from Sunriver’s Circle 7 on the Deschutes River Trail will take you to Bend’s Old Mill District Mt. Bachelor Summit: Hike to the 9,065-foot summit to see Mt. Bachelor’s “summer side.” Peter Skene Ogden Trail: A hidden gem, the hike has creeks, waterfalls, volcanic rocks and viewpoints starting at Paulina Creek to Paulina Lake. South Sister: Only endurance and legs of steel needed to climb the tallest local volcano. Three Sisters Loop is a 50-mile trek around the Three Sisters. Overnight adventure. Winopee Trailhead travels along Cultus Lake with access to Long, Muskrat, Snowshoe, Teddy and Winopee lakes. Places to stop and swim. ...A hiker’s paradise. Photo by Kristine Thomas Photo by Kristine Thomas Photo courtesy of Visit Central Oregon 2024-25 | SunriverChamber.com 27
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