The adventure-filled, sunny days of Central Oregon are calling. Whether you’re a solo adventurer looking to get outdoors or a family visiting Bend for the first time, this region offers an abundance of natural beauty. From scenic hikes, to breathtaking viewpoints, I’ve curated a short list of outdoor places to explore that showcase Central Oregon’s landscape.
Sahalie and Koosah Falls
Nestled in the scenic McKenzie River area near the McKenzie Pass, Sahalie and Koosah Falls are two natural wonders that are a must-see if you’re traveling through Central Oregon. Connected by the picturesque McKenzie River Trail, the waterfall loop trail offers an accessible and family-friendly hike, leading to breathtaking views.
Little Lava Lake
Situated next to Lava Lake along the scenic Cascade Lakes Highway, Little Lava Lake is a small forest lake that offers a tranquil escape and stunning views. The emerald-colored lake has a pristine backdrop of Mt. Bachelor and South Sister, drawing outdoor enthusiasts for camping, fishing and boating adventures. While popular lakes like Sparks Lake, Elk Lake and Hosmer attract summer crowds closer to Bend, Little Lava Lake remains a serene haven, often overlooked by many Central Oregon visitors.
Tumalo Falls
In the heart of the Deschutes National Forest lies Tumalo Falls, a cascading 97-foot waterfall that stands as an iconic landmark. Just a brief drive west of Bend, the majestic waterfall enchants visitors with its natural beauty. From the parking area, visitors can bask in the glory of the falls or take the exploration further by venturing onto the various trails that lead through the surrounding forest.
Broken Top
Among Central Oregon’s iconic Cascade Range, Broken Top resides within the Three Sisters Wilderness just 20 miles west of Bend. Starting from the Broken Top trailhead, adventurers can embark on a journey, ascending steep trails to reach No Name Lake. The turquoise gem nestled within the crater offers a breathtaking vista of Three Sisters peaks. A wilderness permit is required for this unforgettable hike.
Blue Pool at Tamolitch Falls
A little over an hour drive from Bend lies a hidden gem of striking beauty: Tamolitch Falls, home to the legendary Blue Pool. Nestled amid the forest along the McKenzie River Trail, the striking azure pool awaits to be discovered by adventurers. The trail to Blue Pool is an approximately 4-mile-out-and-back-hike that is considered suitable for all hikers to embark on an unforgettable journey, and enjoy the picturesque views of the natural wonder at Tamolitch Falls.
Bonus: Painted Hills
Visiting the Painted Hills is like stepping back in time or traveling to another world altogether. Named for the vibrant sunset tones painted across the landscape, The Painted Hills are a striking feature of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, located in Mitchell, just a two-hour drive from Bend.
This article appears in Source Weekly June 13, 2024.
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I hope people stop wading in Blue Pool, or it won’t be blue much longer.
I have lived and worked in this area for 35 years, 8 of which were on the McKenzie River. Blue Pool, (aka Tamolitch Falls), Sahalie and Koosah Falls are all beautiful and well loved, but as our population increases and people are drawn to these delights, it is troublesome to see them despoiled by people climbing around off trail causing erosion and impacting the pristine vegetation and water quality. Posting pictures with people camping and climbing down by the falls is not helpful to maintaining the environment.
Savannah, when writing these articles, please remind folks that they are not alone in their visitation, that every step they take is an impact to the fragile environment, and to take care to treasure these places so future visitors may enjoy these spectacular treasures.