Bend is any outdoors enthusiast’s dream destination all year round. In this post, I’ll go over just a few of my favorite winter hiking/snowshoeing/skiing spots.

Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls is a fan favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whether you visit with fresh powder falling down or on a clear bluebird day, this waterfall will be sure to take your breath away!

The road to the falls parking lot is closed, therefore you have to hike in. I say hike very lightly, it’s a relatively flat gravel road that you’ll walk down. Parking at the gate is limited, I always say go early or during the week. If you’re snowshoeing please be mindful of ski tracks!

Distance: (From the entrance road) 5.4 miles Round Trip

Elevation: 348 feet

Hike Type: Out & Back

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park is one of the Seven wonders of Oregon & should be on your bucket list! During the colder months, you’ll find more solitude, a little bit of snow if you’re lucky, and most importantly; no rattlesnakes…

Stop by for lunch or tackle one of the many trails the park has to offer, you will not be disappointed!

Top Trails in Smith Rock State Park:

• Misery Ridge (3.5 miles)

• Burma Road (7 miles)

• Summit Loop (6 miles)

Swampy Lakes Snow Shelter

A quick drive outside of Bend towards Mt. Bachelor leads you to a beautiful sno-park with plenty of trail systems, one leading to Swampy Lakes Snow Shelter. I have snowshoed this trail several times and love it more each time.

Distance: 3.2 miles (Out & Back)

Elevation: 291 feet

Hike Type: Option to loop or out & back

Difficulty: Easy

Nordic Ski or Snowshoe to enjoy some hot cocoa or lunch in the shelter.

Tumalo Mountain

Distance: 2.6 miles (Winter Route)

Elevation: 1,420 feet

Hike Type: Out & Back

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult depending on snowfall/conditions. Always be prepared for any type of weather and do your research.

Tumalo Mountain is one that pops up whenever I’m writing a blog post or someone asks for recommendations. It’s just one of those mountains that sticks with you. Beautiful any time of year!

Gorgeous views of Bachelor and the surrounding Cascade Mountain Range on a clear day! Popular spot for skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers.

My favorite snow day adventures all within a 30 minute drive from Bend. I hope you get the chance to check them out!

And as always,

• Please 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