3 minute read
Hiking
WITH OVER 250 TRAILS TO CHOOSE FROM, CENTRAL OREGON IS A HIKERS PARADISE.
Redmond o ers great hikes in every direction. From the gorgeous views of Smith Rock in the north, stunning views of the Ochoco Mountains to the east, the numerous majestic views of the Cascade Lakes Highway to the south, and lush forests of the mountains to the west. Redmond is the ideal place to experience the best Central Oregon has to o er.
Maybe you are looking for a hike a little closer in. If that's you, Redmond has a lot to o er. e Dry Canyon Trail runs through the heart of Redmond, o ers beautiful views of nature, and shows o the interesting geology of the region.
Whether you're a seasoned veteran seeking a grueling mountain trail, or a novice just looking to experience more nature, Redmond is the best place to see it all.
BLACK BUTTE
About 4 Miles Round Trip - It's Pretty Difficult. e almost symmetrical Black Butte looks somewhat out of place in the middle of the at High Desert landscape. Once you reach the top, you will be pampered with a panoramic view of the Cascade Mountain Range from Broken Top to Mt. Adams in Washington. .
Get there: Take Hwy 126 west to Sisters and continue on Hwy 20 west for 5.4 miles, turn right on Indian Ford Rd/FS 11. Continue on FS 11 for 3.7 miles, turn left on FS 1110 for 5 miles to the trailhead.
STEELHEAD FALLS
About 2 Miles Round Trip - It's Not Too Difficult. A simple but beautiful hike through the Deschutes River Canyon to a 15-foot waterfall. If you are hiking in the hot summer months, bring your bathing suit and take a jump from the 15-25 foot cli s that line the river below the falls.
Get there: Take Hwy 97 north to Terrebonne, take a left on Lower Bridge Way, right on 43rd, left on Chinook, left on Badger, right on Quail, and left on River. River Street will turn to gravel and lead you to a parking area.
TODD LAKE
About a Mile and a Half - It's Pretty Easy. Todd Lake is one of the rst lakes you stumble upon on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Highway. e trail circles the lake and o ers picture perfect views of Broken Top, but if you want to see Mt. Bachelor, you need to scramble up the ridge along the backside of the lake. is lake is popular on the weekends so be sure to get there early as parking is very limited.
Get there: Take Hwy. 97 south to Bend, take exit 138 for Downtown/Mt. Bachelor. Turn right on Colorado and continue on to Century Dr., at MP 23 turn right and follow the signs to the parking area.
TAM MACARTHUR RIM
About 5 Miles Round Trip - It's Pretty Difficult. A short hike with great rewards! Be sure to pack a lunch or, in true Central Oregon style, a few beers to enjoy while you sit and take in this view. Smith Rock, the city of Redmond, ree Creek Lakes, and the Cascade Mountain Range, from Broken Top to Mt. Hood, and much more, are there for your viewing pleasure.
Get there: Take Hwy 126 west to Sisters, turn left on Elm St./FS 16 for about 16 miles, the trailhead is opposite the entrance for Driftwood Campground.
TAM-A-LAU TRAIL
About 6 Miles Round Trip - It's Not Too Difficult. Lake Billy Chinook, the meeting place of the Metolius, Crooked, and Deschutes Rivers, is not just for boaters & anglers. e 6 mile Tam-a-lau Trail takes you up to a plateau called e Peninsula and gives you views of the Deschutes & Crooked Rivers owing into Lake Billy Chinook.
Get there: Take Hwy 97 north to Terrebonne. After you go through Terrebonne and cross the Crooked River Bridge and at MP 106, turn left at signs for Cove Palisades. Follow the signs for 5 miles to the entrance to the park.
CLINE FALLS STATE PARK
About a Mile Round Trip - It's Pretty Easy.
Cline Falls State Park is one of Redmond's hidden gems. e falls themselves are a great place to rest and refresh within minutes of downtown. Until 2017, Cline Falls was dammed for use in electricity production. e dam was removed, and the falls have reclaimed their territory with a vengeance. De nitely worth the short hike along the Deschutes to witness their splendor!
Get there: Take Hwy. 126 out of town, turn left at Cline Falls State Park sign, into Parking Lot. To get to the Falls themselves, hike under the bridge and follow trail.