Central Oregon is home to some of the most impressive scenery on this planet.
You can find forests, mountains, volcanoes, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls around virtually every corner. What’s more, there’s a seemingly unlimited number of hiking trails that venture deep into this breathtaking nature and leave you contemplating whether you might have conjured these landscapes in a dream.
Red pill vs. blue pill, am I right?
In this article we’re going to explore the best hiking trails near Bend, Oregon. By the time we’re done you’ll have a better understanding of Central Oregon and the diversity of trails that can be found in this unique part of the world.
Tumalo Falls
As you can see from the picture above, Tumalo Falls is incredible. This hiking trail/waterfall combination is only 13 miles from Bend and can be reached in less than half an hour by car.
You’ll have to drive down a dirt road before arriving at a parking lot with an immediate view of the waterfall.
Although you could theoretically park, take some pictures and then leave, I would highly recommend sticking around and hiking the designated trail. After all, that’s why you’re reading this article, right?
Oddly enough, there’s more than just one waterfall along this route. If you continue hiking you’ll be rewarded by a constant stream of new waterfalls (pun sort of intended).
There’s no loop so eventually you’ll have to turn back around to return to your car. At least you’ll get to see the waterfalls a second time.
River Trail - Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is located 27 miles north of Bend and is easily one of Central Oregon’s most revered sites.
While great for hiking, Smith Rock is famous for its rock climbing. If you visit you’ll no doubt see numerous climbers attempting to scale the formidable rock formations that run throughout the park.
The easiest hike within Smith Rock is the River Trail. This flat trails runs alongside…you guessed it, the river. It’s perfect for casual hikers or just anyone who doesn’t want to destroy their glutes by scaling these mountainous landscapes (more on that below).
Misery Ridge Trail - Smith Rock State Park
The aptly named Misery Ridge trail is much more difficult than the River Trail. Although it’s fantastic once you make it to the top, the hike up is quite steep and it wreaks havoc on your legs.
However, eventually you’ll make it to what could be considered the summit of Smith Rock State Park and the views are spectacular. In fact, these panoramic views might make Misery Ridge the single best hiking trail near Bend, Oregon.
The trail loops for about four miles so you can either attempt to complete this loop or you can simply hike to the top, enjoy the views, and then hike back down.
At some point you’ll see a rock formation called Monkey Face (pictured above). Trust me when I say that no trip to Smith Rock is complete without seeing the famous Monkey Face. This landmark can be seen from the River Trail also but it looks much more impressive from atop Misery Ridge.
McKenzie River Trail - Williamette National Forest
Remember how I said that Misery Ridge was perhaps the best hiking trail near Bend, Oregon? Well the McKenzie River Trail might actually be better (although they’re quite different).
This breathtaking hiking trail runs along the McKenzie River in Williamette National Forest and features one of the most stunning waterfalls I’ve seen in my entire life, which is called Sahalie Falls.
The waterfall is located about 57 miles from Bend and it’s a great starting point for a hike along the McKenzie River Trail. Similar to Tumalo Falls, you can park your car and take in the grandeur of Sahalie Falls right away before roaming in whichever direction you feel like.
If you continue south along the trail you’ll run into another magnificent waterfall called Koosah Falls. As if Sahalie Falls itself wasn’t enough!
The combination of lush forest and enormous waterfalls make the McKenzie River Trail my personal favorite hiking trail in Central Oregon.
Sparks Lake
Sparks Lake is one of many alpine lakes that can be found west of Bend. They’re all relatively close to one another and each one boasts trailheads that zig-zag through the forests surrounding these stunning lakes.
As an added bonus, you can see Mount Bachelor in the background of many lookout points along these trailheads.
Although I haven’t visited all of them, Sparks Lake is a personal favorite of mine.
There’s a flat trail that loops around the area for a couple of miles and then returns you back to the parking lot. You’ll start out with views of the lake before turning inwards and finding yourself among a dense cluster of trees and an overwhelming sense of tranquility.
Deschutes River Trail
While you have to drive somewhere to reach every other trail on this list, the Deschutes River Trail actually winds through Bend! You could step out of your hotel and literally walk over to the trail, no problem.
Since the trail is so accessible, it’s more heavily trafficked than some others on this list. However, the scenery is so beautiful that you might not even notice if someone were to pass you by.
The Deschutes River Trail is perfect for anyone who wants to go on a scenic hike without leaving Bend. You can just find an entry point anywhere along the trail and let the river guide your way.
Now that I’ve shared my favorite hiking trails near Bend, you’re ready to go out there and get your shoes dirty. Whether it’s next to a river, a lake, or a dramatic rock formation, you’ll find the most amazing hiking trails in Central Oregon.
Plan Your Trip To Oregon
Accommodations: We recommend using Booking.com and Hostelworld for reserving accommodations. Both of these booking sites are easy to use and they feature a wide range of options. You can compare prices, view photos, and read reviews to help you find the perfect accommodation.
Our favorite accommodation in Bend:
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The closest major airport to Bend is the Portland International Airport:
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Great suggestions. We are working on planning a hiking/climbing trip in the West. We weren’t really thinking about Oregon but it sounds like it should be a destination to consider. Love the pics too 🙂
Thanks Jamie. You should definitely consider stopping in central Oregon!
Absolutely beautiful! I’d go hiking in Colorado Springs, but it’s not quite like this.. At least in the places I went hiking at. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for the comment Tamra! I imagine the hiking in Colorado is good too!
I’ve been to Oregon a few times and I have always been blown away by their rich greenery. I love that there are so many different places to check out and hike through. I like that these are options other than Multnomah falls! Oooh, I know I’d love the view from Deschutes. Thanks for sharing this!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
I’ve never been to Multnomah Falls but I just read today that it’s the single most visited recreation site in the entire Pacific Northwest! Thanks for the comment Nancy!
These photos are beautiful! I love the scenery!
I appreciate the comment Ellen, and yes the scenery is out of this world!
As always – great post! The pictures are amazing!! Another place to add to the “must see” list!!
Thank you so much Kimberly! I think Central Oregon should be on everyone’s must see list!
I love this list! Oregon is one of my favorite states but I’ve yet to hike the places they offer. Thanks for sharing this!
☼ cabin twenty-four
You’re very welcome Eena. Yes Oregon is great and the hiking there is phenomenal!
I love hiking in Europe, mostly in Britain, Spain and France where it’s possible to discover a huge range of scenery. I’ve visited America a few times but not yet Oregon. I shall be showing your post to my OH though as I am sure he would love this walks you highlight too. It looks glorious!
Thanks for the comment Stephanie. Yes Oregon is very glorious, I hope you’ll get to experience it someday!