Deschutes, Oregon
Top Spots in and near Deschutes
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Linn County, Oregon
Tamolitch Blue Pool
5.03.56 mi / 253 ft gainThe hike out to Tamolitch Pool, or "Blue Pool," is 2 miles each way and follows the McKenzie River to a lava flow pool. Off Highway 126 14 miles east of McKenzie Bridge, turning into the Trailbridge Campground, drive right 1/3 of a mile to the trailhead. The trail is relatively flat, which gives ...Read more -
Sisters, Oregon
Hike around Clear Lake
4.74 miOnce you arrive at Clear Lake, I suggest to start the relatively flat hike around the lake. You'll walk through a beautiful forest with peek-a-boo views of the stunning lake. The hike around the full lake may take a few hours, so if you're not staying the night, make sure you have enough time to ...Read more -
Lane County, Oregon
Bigelow Hot Springs
2.0Unlike many other springs you'll find, this pool has basically no barriers to entry – it is accessible via a short hike, has no fee, and is available year-round. While the temperature is less than 100 degrees, the scenic surroundings make up for the slightly less than hot water.Read more -
Linn County, Oregon
Mountain Bike the McKenzie River Trail
26 mi / -2200 ft gainMountain biking the McKenzie River Trail should be on every serious mountain biker's to-do list, since this trail has repeatedly been cited as the best mountain biking in the United States. The whole trail is an all-day, 26 mile epic, losing 2200 feet of elevation as it parallels the McKenzie Ri...Read more -
Sisters, Oregon
Duffy Lake Trail
6.92 mi / 869 ft gainDuffy Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Idanha, Oregon.Read more -
Sisters, Oregon
Backpack to Santiam Lake via Duffy Lake Trailhead
9.94 mi / 1362 ft gainYou start by weaving through an old-growth forest, gaining a little elevation, appreciating the shade, before you come up out and into the alpine forest the majority of the hike will take place in. You will quickly reach your first of many intersections within ~.1 mile into the trail. Be sure t...Read more -
Sisters, Oregon
Snowshoe to the Mountain View Shelter
5.04 mi / 500 ft gainA short hike from the sno-park, the snow shelter is within an hour's reach of the trailhead. Make sure to print a trail map of the area's routes ahead of time, or take a picture of the map provided in the parking lot, as the network of trails can get you a little lost.From the parking lot, make s...Read more -
Madras, Oregon
White Water Raft Down the Deschutes River
4.5For first time rafters and those just looking to get back into some fun white water, the Deschutes is a great run and an easily accessible one at that. Guiding companies operate trips spring through late summer starting out of the quiet town of Maupin, Oregon with both half day (just river raftin...Read more -
Marion Forks, Oregon
Marion Falls
4.14.12 mi / 968 ft gainThis hike explores an off-trail trip to one of my favorite waterfalls in Oregon. To kick off this hike, you'll start at the Marion Lake trailhead. The road to this trailhead is Marion Creek Road at mile point 66.5 off Highway 22. It's 4.3 miles until you reach the parking lot and start your journ...Read more -
Lane County, Oregon
Kayak Camping at Waldo Lake
5.0Waldo Lake is at the top of most Oregon paddler’s lists for a late-summertime adventure. Not only is the lake perfectly set up for days of exploration, but the visibility of the water is staggering…and record setting. It’s been measured over 150 feet. It’s important to note that the future sereni...Read more -
Foster, Oregon
Hike the Middle Pyramid
4.5The Three Pyramids, half as tall as the better-known Three Sisters, are beautiful U-shaped glacial valleys, remnants of the Ice Age.To reach the top of Middle Pyramid, leave from the #3380 trailhead at the west end of the parking area. Early on there is a creek crossing (the bridge was still wash...Read more -
Idanha, Oregon
Hike Grizzly Peak
4.510 miAfter leaving your car at the Pamelia Lake trailhead, hike 2.3 miles along the trail following Pamelia Creek. The Grizzly Peak trailhead will be on the right just before the lake, which you should check out before or after your hike up to Grizzly Peak—there are several campsites around the lake t...Read more -
Idanha, Oregon
Hike up the South Slopes of Mount Jefferson
15 mi / 7400 ft gainSet out from Pamelia Lake Trailhead through dense old growth forest. You'll see giant cedars, mixed firs and stunning mountain streams carving their way thru very green forest. After a couple miles, you'll reach Pamelia Lake. This is a great place to grab a snack, water, take photos and camp if y...Read more -
Idanha, Oregon
Hunt's Cove via Pamelia Lake Trail
14.74 mi / 3150 ft gainThis loop through the Pamelia Lake Limited Entry Area is one of the premier backpacking trips in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. The trail offers sustained up-close views of Mount Jefferson and several lookout points provide panoramic views of the western Oregon Cascades. The several large back...Read more -
Idanha, Oregon
Pamelia Lake Trail
4.04.37 mi / 906 ft gainPamelia Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Idanha, Oregon.Read more -
Foster, Oregon
Iron Mountain
4.71.79 mi / 610 ft gainGetting There There are a couple of different routes to the summit of Iron Mountain. This adventure article focuses on the shorter but more strenuous hike to the summit of Iron Mountain. To get there, drive to the upper trailhead (Trail # 3389) via Highway 20. Take Forest Service Road (FSR) 035 ...Read more