These 5 Central Oregon hiking trails are the perfect stop on your Oregon road-trip or if you’re looking for some new hikes! Varying from waterfalls, viewpoints, lakes, and more. Each of these hikes provide such a variety of scenery and it’s beautiful being able to see the drastic change from these trails within a town or two from each other.
Things to know about before hiking these trails
• Some areas in this post fall within the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit System. Permits for day use and overnight backpacking trips are required before hitting the trail. These are all reservable on http://recreation.gov.
• Central Oregon is a hot spot during the warmer months for bikers, hikers, runners, and just about any outdoor activity. Be prepared to run into many people on these trails during busier times of day. I recommend getting to a trailhead before 8am.
5 Amazing Summer Hikes In Central Oregon
Tam McArthur Rim
Distance: 5.3 miles round trip
Elevation: 1,246 feet
Trail Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass/Permit: Central Cascades Wilderness Permit found on http://recreation.gov.
Tam McArthur Rim is a popular late spring/summer trail in Central Oregon. It over looks Little Three Creek Lake, which is perfect for camping, fishing, or relaxing after the hike! You’ll hike up several switch backs before coming to an open meadow just before the summit and while there’s still snow fields up there (through mid-July) glissading down is a blast!
Nearby Trails: Little Three Creek Lake Loop, Park Meadow
Mirror Lake
Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
Elevation: 672 feet
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass ($30), America the Beautiful pass ($80), or pre-purchase a $5 day pass. There isn’t a fee box at the trailhead.
This gorgeous trail near Mt. Hood is a very popular trail. I mean, how could it not be? Easy access, gorgeous forest, and a perfect alpine lake all within 4 miles. I recommend getting there early, before 8am, and going mid-week if you prefer more solitude!
Nearby Trails: Tamanawas Falls, Timothy Lake, Trillium Lake
Tumalo Mountain
Distance: 4.0 miles round trip
Elevation: 1,423 feet
Trail Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Tumalo mountain is probably my all time favorite hike near Bend, OR. It is without a doubt some of the best views of Broken Top, South Sister, and Mt. Bachelor. It’s a relatively short hike to the summit, but it is straight up with little switch backs until the very top. When you start to see long switch backs with minimal tree coverage, you’ll know you’re almost there.
Pass/Permit: In the summer months, you will need a Northwest Forest Pass ($30) ((May 1-October 30)), in the winter a Sno-Park pass is needed ($25) ((November 1-April 30)).
Nearby Trails: Mt. Bachelor, Devils Lake, No Name Lake
Trail of the Molten Land #3922
Distance: 1.0 mile round trip
Elevation: 124 feet
Hike Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Pass/Permit: America the Beautiful pass ($80), 3 day monument pass ($10), or a day use pass ($5).
Looking for a short, educational, family trail with incredible views? This hike is for you. It’s a short walk through lava rock from Lava Butte. It’s located in part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and is a must see if you’re limited on time or need to stretch the legs. The visitors center is loaded with information, maps, history, and souvenirs for you to enjoy. There is no shade on this trail and it warms up quickly. I recommend getting there early or stopping as a sunset adventure.
Nearby Trails: Lava Butte, Lava River Cave, Paulina Lake
Marion and Gatch Falls
Distance: 4.1 miles round-trip
Elevation: 849 feet
Hike Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Pass/Permit: Day use & overnight permit required at http://recreation.gov. Purchasable under “Marion Lake Trailhead”.
This hike is a must see close to Central Oregon. It’s a two tiered waterfall that they classify as two separate ones, Marion and Gatch. The hike up is beautiful and has a steady incline, you will come to a rock field and pass Lake Ann. Lake Ann is the perfect spot to pull out a chair and have a snack if you’re doing a longer hike or just want some down time to enjoy the views. About 0.3 passed Lake Ann there will be a split, you’ll want to stay right for the falls. Left takes you to Marion Lake. After a short walk from the first Y there will be a very faint turn off trail to the right, this drops down into the falls. The first time I did this trail, my maps stopped working and we passed it. Make sure to download offline maps before heading out so you don’t miss it!
Nearby Trails: Marion Lake Trail, Marion Mountain, Pamelia Lake
Reminders
• Always practice the 7 leave no trace principles. If you pack it in, pack it out. Leave the land better than you found it. Stay on the trail. Never carve on rocks or trees. Never feed or attempt to approach wildlife.
• Know that you may encounter wildlife on these hikes and any hike you may do in the future. It’s important to research before heading out and be prepared based on wildlife in the area.
• Be respectful to other hikers/runners/mountain bikers/horseback riders. Let faster hikers pass, know that uphill hikers have the right away. At viewpoints and popular areas, don’t hog them – always take a minute to take pictures then step aside so others can get theirs.
Let’s get adventuring!
Mariah
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