Marion Forks, Oregon

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Starting in the "Old West" town of Sisters, Oregon and ending at Smith Rock State Park outside the small town of Terrebonne, this route takes riders past a variety of historical sites, shows the gentle curves of the Deschutes River and frames spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains, and ends w...

Bend, Oregon has a deserved reputation as one of the top mountain bike destinations in the country. Unless you are from the area, you might not be familiar with nearby Sisters. Sisters is a sleepy western-themed town of 3,000 better known for it's annual rodeo and quilt festival but the locals ha...

Soda Creek Falls flows 150 feet down a curvy basalt rock groove at Cascadia State Park. The trail follows Soda Creek through a lush Oregon rain forest. The site was a former hotel and health spa with the mineral water from the creek as the main attraction. The park has a small campground, and pic...

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...

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...

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...

Just outside of Sisters, Oregon, near Bend, is a beautiful hike to a picturesque waterfall. It is rarely crowded thanks (and no thanks) to the Pole Creek Fire, which ravaged the area several years ago. Because of the fire, the hike and landscape have been drastically altered. What used to be a 2-...

From Scott Mills Follow Crooked Finger RD NE for 13.3 Miles to the Upper Butte Creek Trailhead. The last 2-3 miles or so is gravel road with some potholes but most cars shouldn't have a problem. The path down to the falls starts near the bathrooms. A short .3 mile walk on a few switchbacks and...

Timothy Lake is one very large, man-made lake in the heart of Mt. Hood National Forest, and can be considered one of the best summer camping spots in the area. With more than ten campgrounds to choose from, this area can accommodate almost every type of camping possible - everything from cabin re...

The Wild and Scenic Clackamas River above the North Fork Reservoir is a great destination for paddlers and only about an hour drive from downtown Portland. This popular 13.5 mile section of river lies within the Mt. Hood National Forest and offers continuous class II-III boating with a little cla...

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 ...