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Deschutes County, Oregon

Looking for the best backpacking in Deschutes County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Deschutes County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Deschutes County

  • Deschutes County, Oregon

    Broken Top Trail to No Name Lake

    4.7
    4.84 mi / 1198 ft gain
    The hike takes you along a glacial lake and to unbeatable mountain views at the end. It’s a hidden gem! The trail isn’t marked and the best way to get there is know someone that’s been before. The lake is unbelievably beautiful with deep blue glacial water and the view of the mountains at the end...
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  • Bend, Oregon

    Tam McArthur Rim, Green Lakes, Park Meadow Tie Loop

    3.3
    22.58 mi / 3675 ft gain
    This loop trip around Broken Top is one of the premier backpacking loops in Oregon. The trail winds past numerous alpine lakes, including the popular Green Lakes area, and offers near-constant views of Broken Top, the Three Sisters, and Mount Bachelor. To top it all off, the clear skies typical o...
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  • Bend, Oregon

    Green Lakes Trail

    4.7
    9.19 mi / 1240 ft gain
    This 8.5 mile roundtrip hike to Green Lakes basecamp gains elevation gradually as it meanders along beautiful Fall Creek with numerous small cascades. Depending on the season (expect significant snow on the trail through early-to-mid June) the stark contrast of the snow with creek is beautiful, t...
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  • Deschutes County, Oregon

    Hike to Moraine Lake Beneath South Sister

    5.0
    5 mi / 1476 ft gain
    The lake is less than 3 miles from Devils Lake. Starting from the Trail head along Cascade Lakes Highway you gain 1,476 feet of elevation. You will follow the South Sisters Climbers trail, it is well traveled, and well marked. The majority of the elevation gain occurs in the first two miles, as y...
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  • Deschutes County, Oregon

    Matthieu Lakes via Lava Camp Lake Trail

    2.0
    6 mi / 922 ft gain
    Begin your hike at the Lava Camp Lake Trailhead. The trail winds through a forest flush with hemlock and fir while opening up into black lava flows. Continue for a little over two miles until you reach North Matthieu Lake. This is your first stop. Go for a swim out to the little island and have a...
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  • Lane County, United States

    Backpack the Obsidian Area

    4.4
    6 mi / 1800 ft gain
    The Obsidian area is at least six miles from the closest trail head and 1800 feet of elevation gain. The best way to see the area is to plan a multi-day backpacking adventure. It is limited entry which is strictly enforced by the Forest Service. Only 30 day hikers and 40 overnight hikers are al...
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  • Deschutes County, Oregon

    Summit Black Crater

    5.0
    8 mi / 2211 ft gain
    The Black Crater Trailhead parking lot is accessed off the McKenzie Pass (Hwy 242). The trailhead starting elevation is 5,040ft. (using the iPhone app "Topo Maps". Great app) with a 3.8 Mile hike one way to the Black Crater Summit at 7,251ft of elevation. Some parts of the trail are steep and g...
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  • Crescent, Oregon

    Odell Lake

    5.0
    10 mi / 65 ft gain
    This spot in central Oregon is a beautiful, natural lake where you can combine a nice hike with an afternoon of fishing. There are opportunities for multiple hikes surrounding the lake that are moderately challenging hikes and also remain scenic throughout the 10 mile trek around the lake. Relax...
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  • Lane County, Oregon

    Hike to Linton Falls

    4.5
    Hiking to Linton Falls accounts for the two larger waterfalls on the cascading Linton Creek. The hike begins at the trailhead to Linton Lake, off the Mackenzie Pass Highway (242) about 8 miles east from the junction with Highway 126.The first 1.5 miles of the trail to Linton Lake is relatively ea...
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  • Lane County, Oregon

    Substitute Point via Foley Ridge Trail

    9.75 mi / 1900 ft gain
    This is a viewless hike until you reach Substitute Point. You are then rewarded with an amazing view. From the trailhead (#3511) you will travel 4.3 miles on an unmaintained trail into the Three Sisters Wilderness to the junction of Substitute Point. The trail has lots of fallen trees you must c...
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  • Crescent, Oregon

    Diamond View Lake via Trapper Creek

    9.88 mi / 1070 ft gain
    Diamond View Lake is relatively unknown compared to many of the other lakes in the Oregon Cascades, yet the views it delivers of Diamond Peak are top-notch. While it can also be done as a summer backpack, winter brings out the best aspects of the scenery - low-angle light on Diamond Peak, long n...
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  • Camp Sherman, Oregon

    Black Butte

    4.5
    3.94 mi / 1493 ft gain
    Just outside of Sisters Oregon is the stunning and popular day hike to the summit Black Butte (Elevation 6,436 feet). At the top, spectacular views of the surrounding Cascades await the intrepid hiker. To get to the trailhead, turn off of Highway 22 onto National Forest Road (NFR) 11, also known...
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  • Sisters, Oregon

    Winter Camp on Cache Mountain

    5.0
    2 mi
    Cache Mountain offers amazing views of Mt Jefferson, 3 Fingered Jack, Mt Washington and the North and Middle Sisters. In the summer months, it is also known as one of the best single track mountain biking spots in Central Oregon. This is a great spot for a multi-day camping trip; set up camp and ...
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  • Sisters, Oregon

    Camp at Big Lake

    The crystal clear waters of Big Lake sit at an elevation of 4,600 ft. in the Willamette National Forest, on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range. The Big Lake Campground (N 44 22.439 W 121 53.599) lies on the western shore of Big Lake, at the top of the Santiam Pass near Hoodoo Ski Re...
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