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.

The post 7 Best Hikes Near Bend, Oregon appeared first on Sites Worth Seeing.

Hotels in Bend, Oregon

When selecting a hotel, I consider location, amenities included with the property, distance to what I’m there to see, cost, and I require access to at least a kitchenette. I need a fridge and microwave! Here’s where I would recommend staying, in no particular order.

The Element Hotel in Downtown Bend

The Element in Bend is ideal if you’re looking for easy access to downtown, great freeway access, and want to stay in something modern without sacrificing function.

And if you’re a Marriott Rewards Member, see about using your points for your stay! You can even use your points to reduce the out-of-pocket cost.

Property Highlights:

• Each room has a kitchenette
• Complimentary Continental Breakfast
• Super comfortable bed
• The bathrooms have doors! (it’s hilarious to me that I even have to mention that, but in the world of trendy, sliding barn doors, it’s worth noting that these bathrooms are in fact, more functional and have real doors)
• Complimentary bicycle use (subject to availability)
• Complimentary Happy Hour (when I was there they were serving wine, cheese, olives, crackers, and beer)
• Communal outdoor area with comfortable, modern furniture and cornhole
• Walking distance to downtown (great for the Thursday night Munch & Music Free Concert Series at Drake Park)
• Walking distance to a park across the street
• Free parking
• .5 miles from the Albertson’s Grocery Store
• a 2 minute drive to the last Blockbuster in the United States!

I loved my stay at the Element and didn’t want to leave.

Seventh Mountain Resort in Bend, Oregon

Ok technically not a hotel, but worth considering! Seventh Mountain Resort always feels like summer camp to me. Nestled at the base of Mt. Bachelor in the heart of Central Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor adventure. I love this place because I don’t actually feel like I HAVE to leave unless I really want to. And if you’re a Wyndham Rewards member, consider using your points for your stay!

Property Highlights:

• Multiple Pools & Hot Tubs
• Sauna
• Mini-Golf
• Gym
• BBQ’s (BYO charcoal)
• Fire pits (although these are not turned on during a very dry fire season)
• Weekend Entertainment
• Large Lawn
• Short hike and pond on the property
• Restaurant on site
• Giant lawn games
• Free Parking
• Close to the Cascade Lakes Welcome/Ranger Station, where you’ll need to get your parking passes for hiking and biking in the area
• Great proximity to numerous hiking and biking trails in the Mt. Bachelor area

You can check out the full list of what they have to offer (but things I don’t personally use – like Tennis Courts and Playgrounds) on their website.

Seventh Mountain River Company is operated out of here too, so for an additional cost, you can take the bus from Seventh Mountain Resort and go White Water Rafting on the Deschutes River!

White water rafting honestly wasn’t for me, but other people in my raft loved it. Just note that the 1.5 hours on the website includes load-in and drive time in each direction, so you’re not on the water for the full 90 minutes.

Hotels in the Bend, Oregon Old Mill District

I personally love the Old Mill District. I haven’t stayed overnight in this area, but the Hilton Garden Inn Bend, Residence Inn by Marriott Bend, and My Place Hotel-Bend all are great choices for hotels in Bend. On my next trip, I’ll probably try the Hilton Garden Inn for those river views!

Location Highlights:

• In the Old Mill District
• Great access to riverfront restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping
• Easy access to the Deschutes River Trail (a paved trail lining the river)
• Great access to main roads and highways
• 1 mile or less from Downtown/Old Town Bend
• All of these hotels have microwaves and mini-refrigerators in each room at a minimum

Hope this has helped you find the right place for you! Let me know your favorite places to stay in Bend in the comments.

The post Where to Stay in Bend, Oregon appeared first on Sites Worth Seeing.