7 Best Hikes Near Bend, Oregon
If you’re looking for the best hikes in Bend, Oregon, you’re in the right place. Although there are not a lot of hikes IN Bend, the hikes NEAR Bend, Oregon are awesome. If you like waterfalls, The Three Sisters Wilderness of Central Oregon will not disappoint. Many hikes that are near water and nicely shaded are buggy, so make sure you check the most recent All Trails reviews for trail conditions.
1. Chush Falls
Trail Stats:
- Distance from Bend:
- Distance: 5.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 853 ft
- Starting Elevation: 4,446 ft
Chush Falls is about 40 minutes past Sisters, OR but is one of my favorite hikes, but is probably for more experienced hikers as there are sometimes trees to climb over and a couple of scrambles. You will drive on a bumpy gravel road for the last couple of miles, until you reach the small parking area. There was a fire up there, so the beginning and end of your out-and-back hike will be sunny and exposed. The trail to Lower Chush falls is easy and technically ends at the top of the hill where the waterfall is visible.
2. No Name Lake & Broken Top
I’m usually a “waterfalls or bust” kind of hiker, especially in Oregon. But what this lacks in waterfalls makes up for with a varied trail, stunning views, and a “nameless” glacial lake. This is one of my favorite hikes of all time. Although long and strenuous, it is super rewarding. Just note it is very busy in the summer and you’ll need to make reservations in advance online through www.recreation.gov. (here’s the Three Sisters – Todd Trailhead link where reservations can be made. The All Trails link below starts at the Todd Lake Trailhead!)
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 14 miles
- Starting Elevation: 6,200 ft
- Elevation Gain: 2,657 ft
3. Misery Ridge & River Trail at Smith Rock State Park
This is a super unique hike in the Bend area. Misery Ridge is actually misery and all of the elevation gain is right at the beginning. There are many areas to pull over and rest on the way up though, no shame in that game. Once you get through Misery Ridge, you’re rewarded with an amazing view at the top and really the entire way down the backside next to Monkey Face Rock. The river trail is beautiful and you’ll likely see rock climbers.
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 3.6 Miles
- Starting Elevation:
- Elevation Gain: 908 ft
5. Proxy Falls
Proxy Falls Trail #3532 is an easily accessible and very popular waterfall. The first part of the trail is very exposed (think lava fields), so get an early start! This waterfall is over 200 feet tall and absolutely stunning.
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Starting Elevation: 3,100 ft
- Elevation Gain: 164 ft
4. Tumalo Falls
Tumalo Falls has endless trail variations, and I normally do the loop that is about 10 miles, but by the last mile, I’m never having fun, so I recommend doing an out-and-back from Tumalo Falls to Happy Valley. You’ll see plenty of waterfalls, and Happy Valley really is so happy on a sunny day!
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 7.5 miles
- Starting Elevation: 5,000 ft
- Elevation Gain: 1,230 ft
6. Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool)
You’ve probably seen this stunning blue pool all over Instagram. This is a “looking” pool, not a “swimming” pool with ice-cold temperatures of 37 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. You can learn more about this pool on the Willamette National Forest website.
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 3.9 miles
- Starting Elevation: 2200 ft
- Elevation Gain: 351 ft
7. Three Creek Lake Trail
This specific trail is a short out-and-back with a beautiful view of the lake.
But like any trail system, can be combined with many other trails to make it a little lengthier.
Harder option: Take this to Tam McArthur Rim trail and go all the way to Broken Hand & No Name Lake (roughly 9-10 miles out & back).
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 1.1 miles
- Starting Elevation: 6,550 feet
- Elevation Gain: 278 ft
Now that you know where to hike, where are you going to stay? Check out our blog post on Where to Stay In Bend, Oregon.
