Deschutes County, Oregon

Looking for the best hiking 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 Hiking Spots in and near Deschutes County

  • Lane County, Oregon

    Summit Middle Sister via Renfrew Glacier

    20 mi / 6000 ft gain
    If you’ve been anywhere near Central Oregon, you’ve seen the Three Sisters Mountains dominate the skyline. Each of these volcanoes exceeds 10,000 ft. and are some of the highest peaks in the state of Oregon. Though they are truly considered sister peaks to one another, each has unique climbing ro...
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  • Deschutes County, Oregon

    Dee Wright Observatory

    4.7
    0.93 mi / 20 ft gain
    On your way to Proxy Falls from Bend? Stop by the Dee Wright Observatory to take some photos of the gorgeous mountains. The Observatory is at the summit of McKenzie Pass in Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Built right in the middle of a large lava flow, the open structure itself is actually construct...
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  • Terrebonne, Oregon

    Steelhead Falls

    4.8
    1.98 mi / 148 ft gain
    Following along the Dechutes river for half a mile you will see where the river progressively gets more aggressive. On both sides of the trail you will see beautiful mountain inclines and jagged cliffs. If your lucky you might just see a bald eagle soaring high above! Along with Steel Head being ...
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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

    4.7
    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

    Linton Falls

    4.5
    4.6 mi / 1026.68 ft gain
    NOTE: There is no development of viewing areas or trails, which makes for more of a wilderness experience than other waterfalls in the region. There may also be fallen trees blocking the trail, making this adventure more challenging.  Hiking to Linton Falls accounts for the two larger waterfalls...
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  • Proxy Falls Trailhead, Oregon

    Proxy Falls

    5.0
    1.51 mi / 374 ft gain
    Proxy Falls: Oregon's Stunning Two-Waterfall Easy Hike Proxy Falls veils over 226 feet across two streams, creating one of the most amazing waterfalls in Oregon. The size is unbelievable—especially when you're standing right underneath it, which I would recommend anyone to do (just be prepared f...
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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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  • Lane County, Oregon

    Tenas Lakes via Benson Lake Trail

    3.5
    4.93 mi / 755 ft gain
    Starting from Scott Lake in the Willamette National Forest, take the Benson Lake Trail head that starts at the end of the road. This climbs gradually up to Benson Lake, a large, deep, cold lake. From there follow the trail up until you see a junction and a sign to Tenas Lakes. Follow this trail u...
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  • Crescent, Oregon

    Fuji Mountain Summit via Waldo Road

    11.3 mi / 2329 ft gain
    Background Fuji Mountain has been known by mountain bikers for years, since it sits just off the circuit of popular biking routes around Waldo Lake and makes for a notoriously difficult climb on a bike. Word hasn't spread to the hiking community yet, despite the spectacular views from the summit...
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  • Deschutes County, Oregon

    Skylight Cave

    4.5
    0.2 mi / -25 ft gain
    The hardest part about getting to Skylight Cave is the drive. Start by coming from Sisters, Oregon, and use the driving directions below to find it. The Google Maps pin is accurate, and if you like coordinates, you can use 44°20'55.3"N 121°42'55.9"W as well. It's recommended you download an offl...
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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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  • Silver Lake, Oregon

    Crack-in-the-Ground Trail

    5.0
    1.59 mi / 131 ft gain
    Crack-in-the-Ground Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Christmas Valley, Oregon.
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  • Cascade Summit, Oregon

    Diamond Creek Falls

    5.0
    2.92 mi / 443 ft gain
    The beginning of this trail starts at the parking lot of Salt Creek Falls, right off of the 58 freeway. During the winter months, there's a gate blocking the road to the parking lot. You can park at the gate and it's a 0.6 mile walk to the beginning of the Salt Creek Falls trailhead. If you haven...
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  • Sisters, Oregon

    Suttle Lake Loop

    5.0
    3.66 mi / 128 ft gain
    Beginning at the Suttle Lake Lodge just off Highway 20, the Suttle Lake Loop follows a wide dirt path that circumnavigates the entire lake. Hug the lake whenever the trail opens up to camping areas or pavement - it's nearly impossible to become lost on this track. Pass campsites, kayakers, and r...
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