Top Adventures in Deschutes County
Explore the Lava River Cave
Located just 12 miles South of Bend and 5 miles Northeast of Sunriver in the Deschutes National Forest, the Lava River Cave is a unique experience the whole family can enjoy. To get there from Bend, drive South on Highway 97 for about 10 miles unt...
Explore Arnold Ice Caves
...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...
0.8 miles
40 ft gain
Mountain Bike Lava Lands Blackrock Trail to Benham Falls
Blackrock Trail starts at the Lava Lands Visitor Center, which is about a 5-mile drive south of Bend on Highway 97. You can park at the Lava Lands Visitor Center and then take the trail marked Sun-Lava Trail. This will take you to Blackrock Trail,...
Hike to Paulina Lake Hot Springs
Starting at Little Crater Campground, head north toward the hot springs (43.730, -121.247). If you're really looking to stretch your legs, you can extend the out-and-back hike to a full loop around the lake just shy of 8 miles. The water in the sp...
2.4 miles
Hike Bessie Butte
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 wh...
1.5 miles
500 ft gain
Camp and Fish on East Lake
East Lake is located in a very scenic part of Central Oregon about 30 miles East of the town of La Pine. At 6,400 feet in elevation, the lake is fed by snowmelt and underground springs. East Lake is know for it's trophy Brown Trout, Kokanee, Rainb...
Relax at East Lake Hot Springs
This 100-120 degree pool is located along the south shore of the lake, with great views of the water. It's not likely to be crowded, although it does have a strong sulfur smell.
0.6 miles
Hike up Paulina Peak
Distance: 6 miles, out-and-back (Can also be done as a 12 mile loop via Crater Rim Trail).
Starting at Paulina Lake, just past the Visitor Center lies a marked trailhead for Paulina Peak. The trail starts close to the road and winds through the f...
6 miles
1800 ft gain
MTB the Crater Rim Trail
Paulina Peak with an elevation of 7,984 feet, and is about 4,000 feet higher than the terrain surrounding the volcano. There is a gravel fire road that winds to the top. This is a grueling climb with an 8000 foot elevation. Air please!The trail he...
Paulina Falls Hike to Paulina Lake
First take the short 1/4 mile hike down to the lower lookout. Get there early to beat the crowd and get unobstructed views. The Paulina Falls is an 80 ft. twin waterfall. It's gorgeous. After you see the falls from the lower lookout, you can walk ...
0.6 miles
300 ft gain
Bike or Hike The Deschutes River Trail
The Deschutes River Trail is a must do mountain bike ride or hike in between Sunriver and Bend, Oregon. The river varies from calm water to waterfalls. The trail follows along the river and goes through pine forests, meadows, and lava flows. Most ...
22 miles
1280 ft gain
Hike the Deschutes River Trail
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 ot...
3 miles
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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La Pine, Oregon
Cinder Hill Campground
Overview Cinder Hill Campground sits at the edge of beautiful East Lake in the caldera of Newberry Volcano. The area is part of the Newberry National Monument in Deschutes National Forest. The area... -
Little Crater Campground
Little Crater Campground
Overview Situated on the edge of the beautiful Paulina Lake, Little Crater Campground is conveniently located within Newberry National Monument. Visitors to this area are taken aback by the incred... -
La Pine, Oregon
East Lake Campground
Overview East Lake Campground sits at the edge of beautiful East Lake in the caldera of Newberry Volcano. Most sites in this campground are on the lake or no more than a few minutes walk away. Ther... -
La Pine, Oregon
Paulina Lake Campground
Overview Paulina Lake Campground is located 6,350 ft. above sea level in the caldera of Newberry Volcano, on the edge of the beautiful Paulina Lake. Conveniently located within Newberry National Mo... -
La Pine, Oregon
Chief Paulina Horse Camp
Overview Chief Paulina Horse Camp is the only horse campground located in Newberry National Volcanic Monument in Deschutes National Forest. A favorite for horse enthusiasts, the campground provides... -
La Pine, Oregon
Newberry Group Camp Site
Overview Boasting some of central Oregon's most spectacular scenery, Newberry Group Campground is the only exclusive group site area within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.Located along the...
