Madeline Bell
Start of the Tumalo Mountain trailhead.
Are you looking for a moderately challenging day hike with rewarding views? Tumalo Mountain might be the hike for you. Only 30 minutes west of Bend, Oregon in the Deschutes National Forest, the 4.1-mile out-and-back trail offers a 1,400 foot-elevation gain on the way up with expansive views of the Sisters, Broken Top and a unique view of Mount Bachelor.
To get there, take Century Drive all the way up to the Dutchman Flat trailhead, park there. The only permit required is a sno park permit from Nov. 1 until May. 1 so no need to have one when doing this hike in the summer or spring! There is a restroom available at the base of the trailhead.
The first mile of the trail winds through the forest and is uphill the entire way. Good hiking shoes or solid tennis shoes would be good for this hike because of the rocks and roots that scatter the trail. Once out of the trees, up-close views of Mount Bachelor unfold behind you. You’ll also notice the trees starting to thin and more open views of the valley below. The final mile of the trail consists of a few switchbacks and an even more expansive look at everything around you.
Once you reach the summit, continue along the trail to the edge of the mountain where you will be able to see the Three Sisters and Broken Top. You can also go to the other side of the summit and get a good view of Mount Bachelor through some trees. Hopefully you’ve packed a lunch and can enjoy the scenery from the top!
The 2-mile return hike heads down the same trail you came up. It is a breeze, Mount Bachelor will be in your face as you descend into the trees back toward the trailhead.
This hike is semi-challenging on the way up but well worth the views at the top. It takes anywhere between 1.5-3 hours depending on how fast you pace yourself.
Take a morning to do it and you will be back in time to enjoy the rest of your day.