Horse Butte Loop

Just a mere 15 minutes outside of Bend, Oregon the Bessie Butte Trail is a wonderfully scenic hike to overlook Bend on one side and the Deschutes National Forest on the other. The butte provides an excellent view of the surrounding mountains of which there are many: Mount Bachelor, The South Sister, The Middle Sister, The North Sister, Mount Hood, and in the distance, Mount Adams. Be aware that...

Located 20 miles southeast of Bend, Boyd Cave is a well preserved lava tube stretching close to a mile. To get there, take Highway 97 South through Bend and turn left on China Hat Road. Go straight for exactly 9 miles. Turn left at mile 9 onto the trail at FS242. You will know it has been 9 miles if you see a cattle guard and the road becomes unpaved just a few feet ahead. The small park sign w...

...Deep in the central Oregon Forest is a cave that is surrounded by Juniper Trees, Ponderosa Pines and the landscape of a secret volcanic underground world! This short hike is located roughly 12 miles East of Bend, and makes for an epic adventure for all to enjoy. A little history on the cave...it was created by a basalt lava flow roughly 80,000-90,000 years ago. It was originally called "Cro...

Deschutes River Loop via Farewell Bend Park is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Bend, Oregon.

Looking for something fun to do in Bend when the weather gets warm? Look no further. The easiest way to make this happen is to take your crew down to Riverbend Park. There's ample parking, on-site rentals of all kinds, and a beach for launching. The park also features a lot of nice grass areas for picnics and relaxing. If you're planning on floating the river, there is a shuttle service that wi...

There are quite a few urban trails along the Deschutes River, but my favorite runs just South of the Old Mill District near the Farewell Bend Park. Here you will find a gravel loop trail that is private and relaxing, but also very convenient to other amenities such as restrooms, shops, and restaurants. Start out by parking in the Old Mill District parking lot near Bond Street. You can begin w...