The Best Hikes in Bend
Bend is a hiker’s paradise with trails for all levels. Depending on the time of year, you can choose from alpine lakes, mountain summits, trail runs, waterfalls, and more. As the snow melts in the spring, you can go on a snow hike up to the Cascade Lake Byway or find a much warmer one closer to town.
With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down what the best hikes in Bend actually are. We think we’ve been able to do that. The best hikes in Bend are: Pilot Butte, Deschutes River South, Misery Ridge at Smith Park, Green Lakes Trail, Tumalo Falls, Tumalo Mountain, South Sister, Bend Glacier to No Name Lake, and Mt. Bachelor.
How To Make the Most of This Guide
This guide to hiking in Bend comprises a list of Easy, Moderate, and Hard hikes. You can pick based on your skill level or what you are looking for on that day. There is also an itinerary, 1-day, 3-day, and 7 Day time frames, at the end that shows how we would choose to hike Bend.
1. Green Lakes Trail
Green Lakes was one of our favorite trails in all of Bend. It’s on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and takes you up past a beautiful river with small waterfalls as you go. The payoff at the end is a view of both South Sister and Broken Top Mountain, with the two Green Lakes below. This is usually the most popular hike in the Deschutes National Forest, so be prepared for a busy hike in the warm months. It is a moderate 9 miles during the warm months, but it becomes moderate to hard when there is snow on the ground. We did this hike at the beginning of June; it was still packed with snow in most places, and the lakes were just thawing out. Lucky for us, we had the Green Lakes all to ourselves after 9 miles through the snow. Be prepared to wear spikes during the spring and fall, while snowshoes are a must when the snow starts again.
Distance: 9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1187
Peak Elevation: 6571
How Long Will It Take: 3.5-5 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets Allowed: Yes. There are seasonal restrictions, for on leash or off, based on the area.
Resources:AllTrails, Green Lakes Trail Official Site
2. South Sister
South Sister is a beast of a hike in the summer without snow on the ground. In the non-summer months, it becomes one of the hardest day hikes in the area. We had the pleasure of doing this as a snow hike in early June with only micro-spikes available. From start to finish, this was a slog and a true test, both physically and mentally. The day we were on the trail, there were 3 other groups spotted, and most had snowshoes and poles to get them by. If you decide to go in the winter, prepare with the minimum of spikes and poles, and ideally snowshoes. You will be rewarded with views of lakes, Broken Top, and obviously South Sister, as shown above.
Distance: 11.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 4986 feet
Peak Elevation: 10,349 feet
How Long Will It Take: 6-10 hours based on level and season. Give yourself more than the average 8 hours if this is a snow hike.
Difficulty: Hard to Very Hard. If there is still snow on the ground, into July, then you are looking at a snow hike. Come prepared with snowshoes, spikes, or both.
Pets Allowed: Yes. There are seasonal restrictions, for on-leash or off-leash dogs, based on the area.
Resources: AllTrails
3. Bend Glacier and No Name Lake
Another one of the most epic hikes in the Bend area. Bend Glacier and No Name aren’t nearly as hard as South Sister, but they will still provide an enjoyable challenge for most during the summer. In the winter, it becomes a test of wills as it becomes another tough snow sludge. Your reward during the summer is sweeping views of Mt. Bachelor and a beautiful view of No Name Lake to finish. During the winter, you still have epic views, but the lake is likely frozen over and covered in snow. During our early June hike, there was one other couple on the hike. GPS is required if you want to find your way in the winter, as there is no actual trail in sight.
Distance: 13.3 Miles
Elevation Gain: 2687 Feet
Peak Elevation: 8220 Feet
How Long Will It Take: 6-9 Hours
Difficulty: Hard. If there is still snow on the ground, into July, then you are looking at a snow hike. Come prepared with snowshoes, spikes or both.
Pets Allowed: Yes. There are seasonal restrictions, for on leash or off, based on the area.
Resources: AllTrails
4. Misery Ridge and Summit Trail at Smith Rock
Smith Rock State Park is a pleasant change in landscape from the mountains near Cascade Lakes. It features more of a rocky desert feel and does not disappoint with its sweeping views. From the top of Misery Ridge, you can see the peaks of the Cascade Mountains in the area and the river below. This is one you do not want to miss while in the Bend area. Start this hike clockwise to get the incline of Misery Ridge out of the way while you are fresh. We did this hike counterclockwise originally and definitely regretted it at the end. Also prepare during the late spring and summer for this to be a boiling hike, as you are exposed the entire time. There is water available down by the river before starting the hike.
Distance: 6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1774 Feet
Peak Elevation: 3297 Feet
How Long Will It Take: 3 to 4.5 Hours
Difficulty: Hard to Moderate
Pets Allowed: Yes
Resources: AllTrails
5. Tumalo Falls Via Tumalo Creek
Another one of the most popular hikes in Bend is to Tumalo Falls. The major attraction here is the waterfall, but the views and walk through nature really make this one a must do. Tumalo can get a little touristy as there is a bathroom and parking lot right in the falls area. You will obviously want to move past here as soon as you can and also get to the lot early to avoid parking issues. The well-maintained hike is best done counterclockwise and is also shared with mountain bikers.
Distance: 6.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 583 Feet
Peak Elevation: 5099 Feet
How Long Will It Take: 2.5-4 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets Allowed: Yes
Resources: AllTrails
6. Tumalo Mountain
Tumalo Mountain was another snow hike for us! This turned a moderate hike into a hard one, as the idea of a trail was a very loose one here. The views at the top of Tumalo are hard to beat, though. On one side, it feels like Mt. Bachelor is right on top of you, and at the finish, you get sweeping views of the Three Sisters and the valley below. This is one of the first hikes in the Cascade Lakes area to become doable and should be on every list of the best hikes in Bend.
Distance: 4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 779 Feet
Peak Elevation: 1423 Feet
How Long Will It Take: 2 to 3.5 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Pets Allowed: Yes
Resources: AllTrails
7. Mt. Bachelor Trail
The last on the list of mountain hikes in the Cascades Lake area is Mt. Bachelor. Bachelor is a popular ski and snowboarding destination during the winter and a hiking destination during the summer. This trail doesn’t have the mileage of South Sister and Bend Glacier, but the elevation gain is still significant in nearly half the distance. This isn’t one you do in the snow but makes for a great warm weather challenge.
Distance: 6.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 2742 Feet
Peak Elevation: 9070 Feet
How Long Will It Take: 4-5.5 Hours
Difficulty: Hard
Pets Allowed: Yes. There are seasonal restrictions, for on leash or off, based on the area.
Resources: AllTrails
8. Pilot Butte
Pilot Butte is an extinct volcano in Bend, one of only four volcanoes located within the boundaries of a city, and is one of the most popular hikes you will find. The short but rewarding hike will lead you to a view of the Cascades and the entire city of Bend. Pilot is a great warm-up hike when you get into town.
Distance: 1.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 452 Feet
Peak Elevation: 4130 Feet
How Long Will It Take: 40-90 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Pets Allowed: Yes
Resources: AllTrails
9. Deschutes River South
Deschutes River South is one of the quintessential things to do in Bend. This isn’t so much of a hike as it is a walk around the Deschutes River. The hike loops around the Deschutes, crossing a bridge at the halfway point, and features a view of the river. Depending on the season, you’ll see rafters and hikers on the river while sharing the trail with bikers.
Distance: 3.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 137 Feet
Peak Elevation: 3685 Feet
How Long Will It Take: 40-90 Minutes
Difficulty: Very Easy
Pets Allowed: Yes
Resources: All Trails
The Best Hikes in Bend for Beginners
Bend has hikes for all levels, including a variety of easier hikes for beginners. If you have little hiking experience or prefer to take it easy on your trip, you still have plenty of options. The best beginner hikes in the Bend area are Pilot Butte, Deschutes River South, and Tumalo Falls.
The Best Moderate Hikes in Bend
If you are looking to step things and take on more of a challenge you have even more to choose from. The best moderate hikes in the Bend area are Green Lakes Trail, Tumalo Falls, Tumalo Mountain, and Misery Ridge at Smith Rock State Park.
The Best Hard Hikes in Bend
For hard core hikers out there or those seeking a challenge, there is even more to choose from in Bend. Heading up toward the Cascade Lakes Byway presents several options. The best hard hikes in the Bend area are South Sister Trail, Bend Glacier to No Name Lake, and Mt. Bachelor.
Bend Hiking Itineraries
1 Day: Beginner Hiking Itinerary for Bend
If there is one hike to be named, the best in Bend it would be Green Lakes Trail. Green Lakes is the sweet spot between the touristy hikes like Pilot Butte and the more difficult South Sister. It’s easy enough for kids but also has the beautiful alpine lakes for those who want to get away. While the hike itself is easy, be aware that the length may be a challenge for some. If you are looking for an easier hike, that’s shorter, check out Pilot Butte. You’ll see some superb views and have some time to spare.
1 Day: Challenging Hiking Itinerary for Bend
For the more serious hikers that want to bag a peak, South Sister is at the top of the list, followed by Bend Glacier to No Name Lake.
3 Day: Beginner Hiking Itinerary for Bend
Day 1: Green Lakes
Day 2: Pilot Butte
Day 3: Smith Rock
3 Day: Challenging Hiking Itinerary for Bend
Day 1: South Sister
Day 2: Green Lakes
Day 3: Bend Glacier to No Name Lake
7 Day: Beginner Hiking Itinerary for Bend
Day 1: Deschutes River South
Day 2: Green Lakes
Day 3: Pilot Butte
Day 4: Tumalo Mountain
Day 5: Drive the Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway
Day 6: Tumalo Falls
Day 7: Smith Rock
7 Day: Challenging Hiking Itinerary for Bend
Day 1: Tumalo Mountain
Day 2: South Sister
Day 3: Tumalo Falls
Day 4: Bend Glacier to No Name Lake
Day 5: Green Lakes
Day 6: Misery Ridge at Smith Rock
Day 7: Mt. Bachelor
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