Lane County, Oregon

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 ...

Not only is South Sister a stunning image and visible from hundreds of miles throughout Central Oregon, but it is a great beginner climb to introduce hikers to high altitude mountain life. As long as you’re mentally prepared, have good physical endurance, and pack right, there’s no reason why thi...

The lake is less than 3 miles from Devils Lake. Starting from the Trail head along Cascade Lakes Highway you gain 1,476 feet of elevation. You will follow the South Sisters Climbers trail, it is well traveled, and well marked. The majority of the elevation gain occurs in the first two miles, as y...

Crane Prairie Reservoir is one of the top-producing rainbow trout fisheries in Central Oregon. The record rainbow to date weighed just over 19 pounds, so there is a good chance of catching some lunkers while visiting here.The lake is located on the Deschutes National Forest, approximately 30 mile...

Just a quick 26-mile drive from Bend you'll find Sparks Lake, where shallow water, amazing lakeside camping grounds, and the possibility of catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis make for some of the best weekend camping in Oregon.Pay for a site or park along the road before you come to the "C...

Looking for the beauty and serenity of a backcountry campsite, but with the convenience of car camping? These 20+ secluded paddle-in campsites along the shoreline of Sparks Lake are just for you. Park your car, load up your watercraft of choice with all of your camping supplies, and paddle out to...

Mountain biking the McKenzie River Trail should be on every serious mountain biker's to-do list, since this trail has repeatedly been cited as the best mountain biking in the United States. The whole trail is an all-day, 26 mile epic, losing 2200 feet of elevation as it parallels the McKenzie Ri...

Sparks Lake is the perfect place to bring the whole family for a hike and to see the beauty of the Cascade Mountains reflecting on the water. This spot is slightly typicaly less crowded than nearby lakes and this trail tends to be less popular than other trails around Sparks Lake. Don't expect to...

This 8.5 mile roundtrip hike to Green Lakes basecamp gains elevation gradually as it meanders along beautiful Fall Creek with numerous small cascades. Depending on the season (expect significant snow on the trail through early-to-mid June) the stark contrast of the snow with creek is beautiful, t...

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...

On your way to Proxy Falls from Bend? Stop by the Dee Wright Observatory to take some photos of the gorgeous mountains. The Observatory is at the summit of McKenzie Pass in Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Built right in the middle of a large lava flow, the open structure itself is actually construct...

Begin your hike at the Lava Camp Lake Trailhead. The trail winds through a forest flush with hemlock and fir while opening up into black lava flows. Continue for a little over two miles until you reach North Matthieu Lake. This is your first stop. Go for a swim out to the little island and have a...

Beautiful spot to set your tent up for a night or longer.About 12 spots scatter the immediate campground area, but while hiking we spotted several more dispersed throughout the towering Ponderosa Pine trees. Most of the spots circle a small lake. The ground in this site is a VERY soft dirt, perfe...

Todd Lake is a beautiful yet small lake just 24 miles West of Bend. Its location is perfect for accessing Broken Top Mountain, and even better for the view of Mount Bachelor.Spend a day at Todd Lake and enjoy fishing (mostly rainbow trout), swimming, and free access to three different locations o...

It’s so peaceful to be out snowshoeing through the Cascade Mountains. There are views of Mt. Bachelor, the South Sister and Broken Top on a clear day. Also, feeding the birds at the end is really fun!The trail is a little over 6 miles round trip (it's a loop if you go around the lake at the end) ...

The forest on Mt. Bachelor is a winter wonderland when it is covered in snow. The Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center grooms the track-set trails daily, and there are trails for all skill types. Choose your own adventure my skiing loops of all different lengths and difficulties, and then warm up by the fi...