Central Oregon
Central Oregon is a hiker’s paradise. This region of Oregon covers the east side of the Cascades, where the high desert meets really tall volcanic peaks. This area of Oregon contains the fun city of Bend and trails along rivers, up peaks, into desert canyons, and across volcanic landscapes.
Hiking Central Oregon
This collection of hikes is listed from north to south, but the table may also be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you pick your next hike. Click on any trail to see a full write-up complete with photos, GPS maps, elevation profiles, directions, and all the other information needed to locate and enjoy these hikes. You can also view hikes around Bend, Oregon on the Hike Finder Map.
| Trail | Description | Distance | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
 357 | West Metolius River Trail The hike follows the west bank of the Metolius River to impressive gushing springs and a fish hatchery. | 5.4 miles 100 feet | 44.5011, -121.6409 |
 360 | Head of the Metolius This short hike visits the surprising source of the Metolius River, a gushing spring accompanied by views of Mount Jefferson. | 0.5 miles 35 feet | 44.4341, -121.634 |
 364 | Black Butte The hike summits one of the most identifiable peaks in Central Oregon, which has fire lookout towers and panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains. | 4 miles 1550 feet | 44.3949, -121.6476 |
 370 | Archie Briggs Canyon Trail This short hike descends a ravine to clifftop views over a dramatic canyon on the Deschutes River. | 1.25 miles 325 feet | 44.0855, -121.3347 |
 377 | Shevlin Loop Trail This tour of Shevlin Park just a few miles east of Bend explores pine forests on both sides of Tumalo Creek. | 4.75 miles 240 feet | 44.083, -121.37785 |
 380 | Pilot Butte This hike spirals up the dominant landmark in Bend to offer sweeping views of majestic surroundings. | 1.8 miles 475 feet | 44.0579, -121.2785 |
 384 | Tumalo Falls See Bend's best waterfall from a downstream viewpoint and take a short hike to an overlook by the top of the falls. | 0.5 miles 105 feet | 44.032, -121.56635 |
 385 | Tumalo Falls Loop This circuit ventures above Tumalo Falls and explores numerous other waterfalls and cascades on Tumalo Creek, combining North Fork Trail, Swampy Lakes Trail, and Bridge Creek Trail. | 7.4 miles 1,100 feet | 44.032, -121.56635 |
 387 | Lava Butte This hike explores a cinder cone with a fire lookout tower and a crater-circling trail that offer panoramic views over Lava Butte Lava Flow and the Cascade Mountains. | 0.35 - 3.85 miles 110 - 520 feet | 43.9093, -121.3576 |
 390 | Trail of the Molten Land This paved partial loop cuts through Lava Butte Lave Flow and is packed with information and views. | 1.25 miles 135 feet | 43.9093, -121.3576 |
 395 | Trail of the Whispering Pines This interpretive botanical trail explores high desert plants on the edge of Lava Butte Lava Flow. | 0.4 miles 5 feet | 43.9093, -121.3576 |
 399 | Benham Falls This leisurely hike on Deschutes River Trail gathers views of aggressive cascades on a churning and tumbling stretch of the Deschutes River. | 1.9 miles 50 feet | 43.93125, -121.41335 |
 400 | Lava River Cave This underground hike explores a lava tube south of Bend that is filled with fascinating volcanic features. | 2 miles 150 feet | 43.8954, -121.3696 |
Camping in Central Oregon
This is just one of the places to camp in Central Oregon
 | Lower Canyon Creek Campground This spacious 7-site campground is sparsely shaded by pines next to the confluence of Canyon Creek and Metolius River. |
hikespeak
