Sunriver, Oregon

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 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...

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...

Just 140 miles southeast of Portland, and 27 miles north of Bend, lies a clustering of rocks more prominently referred to as Smith Rock.This intricate rock formation is a mecca for climbers during the warm summer months, however the landmark unveils a new face during the snowy season that few eve...

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...

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...

Cache Mountain offers amazing views of Mt Jefferson, 3 Fingered Jack, Mt Washington and the North and Middle Sisters. In the summer months, it is also known as one of the best single track mountain biking spots in Central Oregon. This is a great spot for a multi-day camping trip; set up camp and ...

This is a great and relatively easy winter overnight trip for cross-country skiiers and snowshoers alike into the crest of the Oregon Cascades. The route offers tremendous views of Diamond Peak, Willamette Pass, and the western Oregon Cascades. While it can be done in a day, take advantage of th...

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...

If there were a river in heaven it would be the Metolius. This gem located near Sisters Oregon offers year-round fly-fishing (only) to anyone who wishes to do so. The area offers multiple types of accommodations from tent camping to staying in resort-like cabins on the river. The best time to go...

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...

Once 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 ...

At 8,743 feet, Diamond Peak is almost as tall as the other iconic volcanoes of the Oregon Cascades, but sees just a fraction of the people. Outside the range of casual Portland day hikes and hard to see from the highway and from other peaks, Diamond Peak and the spectacular wilderness surrounding...

You 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...