Deschutes, Oregon

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 forest around the back of some lake maintenance fac...

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 head starts about 1000 feet from the peak. It is a p...

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 back up to the upper lookout for a different view....

Located just 4.36 miles past the popular Elk Lake Day Use turnoff, the trailhead is on the right side of the highway, marked by a small 'trailhead' sign. The hike begins at the Senoj Lake Trailhead and climbs up to the lake for 1.26 miles. Once you reach the lake, you can choose to go left or rig...

Scott Lake Campground is truly a hidden gem off the McKenzie Pass Scenic Drive. Nestled right next to the Mt Washington Wilderness Area, this small campsite with only 20 primitive sites lining the lake gives spectacular views over toward the Three Sisters to the South-East.To get there - turn ont...

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...

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...

The Fall River Trail follows meanders through an old growth ponderosa pine forest along the banks of the Fall River. There are several pull-out parking spots along Forest Service Road 42 but probably the easiest is to start at the Fall River Campground day-use area. The day-use area has pit toile...

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...

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...

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...

This is an easy access, fairly short backpacking trip to a high mountain lake, which is good for kids. A super dusty, dry and smoke permeated trip to the base of Three Fingered Jack. Forest fires raging throughout the northwest poured smoke in to the entire western half of the state during this A...

Begin this 2-3 day backpacking trek at the Santiam Pass trailhead off Highway 20, 31 miles east of Detroit and 21 miles west of Sisters, Oregon. You can begin the loop either north on the PCT or East on trail #4014 towards Square Lake (as it is a loop) I would recommend heading east. It's a 2.2 ...

This hike is truly spectacular from the moment you step foot out of your car. Jack Lake lies at the beginning of the trail, and provides a beautiful sample of what's to come. Stop and take pictures if you feel so inclined, but don't stop here to camp, because it gets a LOT better!Follow the trail...

Crane Prairie Reservoir is one of the top-producing rainbow trout fisheries in Central Oregon. The record rainbow to date weighed just over 19 pounds, so there is a good chance of catching some lunkers while visiting here.The lake is located on the Deschutes National Forest, approximately 30 mile...

This loop might be on the shorter side, but the hike is more than worth it for the scenery. Start at Sahalie Falls, a 100-foot tall waterfall pouring into the river below and covering the moss-covered valley with cool mist. Continue down the trail, walking past the 70-foot Koosah Falls, and finis...