Hiking this out-and-back route up Belknap Crater you’ll traverse an other-worldly lava field on a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. Take the short spur trail up Little Belknap for a glimpse of the views to come and a peek at lava tubes. Finally, climb trail up Belknap Crater itself, ascending soft, loamy cinder and […]
Hiking to the Simpson Reef Overlook on the Oregon Coast Trail
The Oregon Coast is rugged, beautiful and often uncrowded. This bluff-top out-and-back hike starts and ends in Sunset Bay State Park and follows a section of the Oregon Coast Trail south to the Simpson Reef Overlook. Along the way there are opportunities for short side trips down to hidden coves and beaches, as well as […]
Maiden Peak via the Maiden Lake Trailhead
Maiden Peak sits on the Cascade crest, straddling the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests. Many people hike up Maiden Peak from the Gold Lake trailhead on the west side, but the Maiden Lake Trail offers an alternative that starts in the east, passing through a variety of forested habitats and meadows with an optional side […]
Hiking Black Butte from the Lower Trailhead
Black Butte is an iconic mountain that stands alone, prominent and proud. The 6,436′ extinct start volcano lies 10 miles northwest of Sisters, Oregon along Highway 20. There are two ways to hike Black Butte. The shorter route from the Upper Trailhead is only four miles round trip, but requires a long drive up a […]
Hiking Sutton Mountain
Sutton Mountain gives you a sense of just how big Oregon is. Nestled between the Painted Hills unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and the tiny old town of Mitchell (population 142), this hike starts with a well-hidden trailhead, then follows an old jeep trail most of the way before requiring a […]
Hiking the Tumalo Falls Loop
Hiking to Tumalo Falls is one of the “must-see” sights in the outdoor mecca that is Bend, Oregon. The namesake waterfall is a short walk from the trailhead parking, but most people don’t realize that there is so much more to see – if you’re willing to put in some miles. This route forms a loop […]
Hiking to Chush Falls in the Three Sisters Wilderness
Beautiful Chush Falls on Whychus Creek is a local favorite in Central Oregon. The trail is an easy trek that parallels Whychus Creek with views of South Sister looming above. The first time we took this trail, we were looking for something easy for our two dogs, who were training for longer distances. We headed here […]
Hiking the Canyon Creek Meadows Loop in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness
There is something about an alpine meadow filled with wildflowers with craggy mountain peaks as a backdrop that gives me a sense of peace. Beautiful cascading creek? Check. Craggy peaks? How about Three Fingered Jack? Alpine meadow? Hit it in late July and you’ll have abundant wildflowers. Optional scramble to a saddle with even bigger […]
