10 Little adventures in Bend and beyond

Madeline Bell, Staff photographer | Published March 25, 2025

Intro:
As most people who live in or visit Bend, Oregon, know, there is no shortage of things to do when it comes to the outdoors. From the snowy Cascade mountains to the chilly rivers and lakes, those seeking adventure have plenty to do. Here are 10 quick and fun adventures within an hour of Bend that are all great experiences and can satisfy the itch to get outdoors.

Deschutes River Float
How far from Bend campus

The Deschutes river float runs along the Old Mill District. (Photo courtesy of Jon Bell)

: Approximately 10 minutes, 2.5 miles
Description: In the summer, the Deschutes River section between River Bend Park and Drake Park becomes a popular place for water activities and a place to cool down. One of the most common activities is floating on an innertube through the Old Mill District in the gentle currents as well as some rapids. Don’t have a tube? Many rental companies provide innertubes so you can float. There are multiple places to start the float as well as shuttles that can take you back to your car when you are finished cooling off for the day.
How long to complete: Two options are shorter and the third is a little bit more lengthy. Option one is to leave from Riverbend Park and end at McKay park, which takes about 75-90 minutes roundtrip. The second option is to leave from McKay Park and end at Drake Park, which takes about 75-90 minutes as well. Finally, if you are wanting to have a nice long float, then you are going to want to leave from Riverbend Park and end at Drake Park, which takes about 120-140 minutes.

Pilot Butte Hike
How far from Bend campus:

The view from the top of Pilot Butte, all of the Sisters as well as Mt. Jefferson, Black Butte, and Mt. Hood can be seen on a clear day. (Madeline Bell)

Approximately 20 minutes, 3.4 miles
Description: Located in the middle of Bend, Pilot Butte is an old cinder cone that rises up 500 feet. In the warmer months, visitors can drive up to the top of it and experience the amazing views of Bend and the Cascades. Open year-round is a trail that goes up the side of it so you can still experience the views, you just have to work a little harder to get them.
Trail length: 1.8 miles roundtrip; usually takes people about an hour to complete.

Smith Rock Misery Ridge Hike
How far from Bend campus:

The end of Misery Ridge which overlooks Monkey Face and the Crooked River. (Photo courtesy of Jon Bell)

Approximately 40 minutes, 23 miles
Description: Misery Ridge gets its name for a reason – it’s tough and, in the summer, it’s hot. This 4-mile loop trail climbs almost 1,000 feet up from the Crooked River at Smith Rock State Park. Once up high, the views from the ridge are incredible, and they make up for the misery of the climb up. The trail takes you right by Monkey Face, and you get a close-up view of the rock climbers who tackle it. The trail then drops down for a flat and easy hike back along the river.
Trail length: About 4 miles roundtrip; takes about two hours to complete.

Tumalo Falls
How far from Bend campus:

The top of the Tumalo Falls viewpoint, it looks directly down into the falls and is surrounded by trees and steep cliffs. (Madeline Bell)

Approximately 30 minutes, 11 miles
Description: At 97 feet tall, Tumalo Falls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades just outside of Bend tucked in a tree-filled canyon. A short walk from the parking lot takes you to either the bottom of the waterfall and next to Tumalo Creek or up to the viewpoint, which looks directly down into the waterfall and out into the canyon.
Trail length: The viewpoint for Tumalo Falls is a short 5 minute walk from the parking lot that takes you up an incline to get there. If you are wanting something more rigorous than a viewpoint of the waterfall, then you might consider doing the North Fork, Metolius Windigo, Mrazek and Farewell Loop, which is a 9.7-mile loop that takes you past Tumalo Falls and along Tumalo Creek. This trail is popular for those who want a challenging mountain bike trail. It takes about 4 hours and twenty minutes to complete.

Peter Skene Ogden Trail
How far from Bend campus:

McKay falls about 3 miles down the Peter Skene Ogden trail. (Madeline Bell)

Approximately 36 minutes, 23 miles
Description: Right along Paulina Creek, the Peter Skene Ogden trail is a peaceful and serene trail with a few waterfalls along the way. If you are looking for a good day hike, McKay Falls lies about 3 miles down the trail and offers an up-close view of the falls and a great place to dip your toes in after the long trek.
Trail length: The McKay Falls hike is about 6 miles roundtrip and takes about 2 hours to complete. However if you want to do the entire trail, then you are looking at about a 17-mile out-and-back trail that takes you up to Paulina Lake.

Deschutes River Trail

How far from Bend campus: Approximately10 minutes, 2.5 miles
Description: Running through the popular Old Mill District, the Deschutes River Trail follows the edge of the river between rocky cliffs and trees. This trail takes you right through the most popular places in Bend, but also winds you through peaceful areas where you can enjoy the beauty of the river and the sights that surround it.
Trail length: The Deschutes River loop is 4.4 miles long and usually takes an hour-and-a-half to complete.

Cascades Lakes National Scenic Byway
How far from Bend campus:

Sparks Lake, which can be accessed from the Cascades Lakes Highway, provides amazing views of Broken Top and South Sister for those who enjoy kayaking. (Photo courtesy of Jon Bell)

Approximately 30 minutes if heading West toward Mount Bachelor
Description: The Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway gives you a taste of everything Central Oregon has to offer. The road passes by many lakes and provides amazing views of the Cascades mountain range. Some of the more notable lakes include Sparks Lake, Elk Lake, Devils Lake and Hosmer Lake. In the summer, many people flock to these lakes to cool off and go for a scenic paddle. An access point to the highway starts right by the iconic Mount Bachelor.
Highway length: 66 miles long

Mckenzie Highway

View from the summit of the Mckenzie Pass, a large field of lava rocks and some of the Sisters. (Madeline Bell)

How far from Bend campus: Approximately 40 minutes from Bend
Description: Whether you are just driving to get to Eugene or driving through for the views, the Mckenzie Highway is a breathtaking drive full of wildlife, lava fields and mountains. The windy road, which takes you along steep cliffs and through narrow lava fields, provides an experience that will keep any driver on their toes but is absolutely worth it – especially if you are looking for unique views and lots and lots of lava rock.
Highway length: 82-mile loop

Whychus Canyon Rim and Creek Loop
How far from Bend campus:

View of the Sisters from the Whychus Canyon preserve hike. (Photo courtesy of Vivio Greninger)

Approximately 45 minutes, 15 miles
Description: Going along Whychus Creek, this challenging trail takes you through the forest and into Whychus Canyon. Throughout the trail and between large rocks there are picturesque views of the Sisters and the canyon. This hike offers a unique experience with stunning views and steep inclines.
Trail length: 4.7-mile loop; takes about an hour and 50 minutes to complete.

Shevlin Park Loop
How far from Bend campus

View from a Shevlin Park bridge that goes over Tumalo Creek. (Madeline Bell)

: Approximately 10 minutes, 1.5 miles
Description: With its canyons, wildlife, old growth forests and Tumalo Creek, Shevlin Park provides the feeling of being far from the city when it’s really just 10 minutes away. There are multiple trails that run through the park, including the loop trail, Tumalo Creek Trail and a popular mountain bike trail. This park is the best place to go if you are looking for a quick escape to the outdoors without having to go far.
Trail length: 4.6-mile loop, takes about an hour and 40 minutes to complete.

About the Contributor

Madeline Bell, Staff photographer

Madeline Bell is a staff photographer for The Broadside. She enjoys photography and writing and has had experience with journalism through three years of high school yearbook. Bell is a communications major and hopes to transfer after she is done at COCC. Outside of school, she enjoys skiing, camping, hiking and exploring new places throughout the Pacific Northwest.