Lane County, Oregon

Looking for the beauty and serenity of a backcountry campsite, but with the convenience of car camping? These 20+ secluded paddle-in campsites along the shoreline of Sparks Lake are just for you. Park your car, load up your watercraft of choice with all of your camping supplies, and paddle out to...

Sparks Lake is the perfect place to bring the whole family for a hike and to see the beauty of the Cascade Mountains reflecting on the water. This spot is slightly typicaly less crowded than nearby lakes and this trail tends to be less popular than other trails around Sparks Lake. Don't expect to...

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...

If you’re chasing alpine lake magic, No Name Lake is one of those hikes that sticks with you. Starting from the Green Lakes / Soda Creek trailhead, the route takes you through forest, meadows, creek crossings, and finally opens up above tree line to reveal the glacier-fed beauty of No Name Lake. ...

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...

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...

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...

Beautiful spot to set your tent up for a night or longer.About 12 spots scatter the immediate campground area, but while hiking we spotted several more dispersed throughout the towering Ponderosa Pine trees. Most of the spots circle a small lake. The ground in this site is a VERY soft dirt, perfe...

Todd Lake is a beautiful yet small lake just 24 miles West of Bend. Its location is perfect for accessing Broken Top Mountain, and even better for the view of Mount Bachelor. Spend a day at Todd Lake and enjoy fishing (mostly rainbow trout), swimming, and free access to three different locations...

It’s so peaceful to be out snowshoeing through the Cascade Mountains. There are views of Mt. Bachelor, the South Sister and Broken Top on a clear day. Also, feeding the birds at the end is really fun! The trail is a little over 6 miles round trip (it's a loop if you go around the lake at the end...

The forest on Mt. Bachelor is a winter wonderland when it is covered in snow. The Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center grooms the track-set trails daily, and there are trails for all skill types. Choose your own adventure my skiing loops of all different lengths and difficulties, and then warm up by the fi...

About 50 miles southwest of Bend, Davis Lake is one of the major fishing destinations among the cluster of lakes in central Oregon. The lake was once known as a go-to spot for really big rainbow trout, but largemouth bass were illegally introduced to the Davis Lake in the 90s and they have now ta...

The 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...

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...

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...

There is an official trail to the summit that begins just North of the Dutchman Flat Sno-Park parking area. The trail is signed and states 1.5 miles to the summit. When there is snow on the ground, you will not see the the official trail. You will need snowshoes or skins, but you just head straig...