Oregon State Parks
Posted inOutside

Guided First Day hikes—get ’em while you can

This is the ninth year that the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is offering free, guided First Day Hikes in state parks around the state.
Avatar photo Nicole Vulcan

What’s better than spending the first day of the new year hiking with family and/or friends? Hiking with family and/or friends for free—along with a guide to help show you what’s what. This is the ninth year that the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is offering free, guided First Day Hikes in state parks around […]

Posted inOutside

Twin Bridges Loop

The “must-do” ride for roadies
David Sword

Bike riders come from near and far to ride bicycles in Central Oregon, and although the suspension-needy flock to the ever-growing maze of mountain bike singletrack, those who desire the smooth roll of paved roadways also come to the region to play. Nominated by locals and sponsored by Oregon State Parks, Central Oregon hosts three […]

Posted inOutside

Day Trips Without Cars

Change of scenery without the drive
Danielle Meyers

There are so many sights to see near Bend, you don’t even have to drive. This week ditch the car and grab your bike, take a shuttle or use your two feet and the Cascades East Transit to take an adventure. Oh, shift! Why drive? There are plenty of places to escape on two wheels […]

Posted inNews

Get Your Free Camp On

Oregon State Parks offers free sites June 2
Chloe Green

Saturday June 2 is State Parks Day and parks across Oregon will be celebrating with free camping, free parking and a whole host of other events you can be a part of. Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department will offer free camping for all tent, RV and horse campsites at over a dozen parks June 2 […]

Posted inScout

Getting Out and About?

Here’s what you need to get before you hit our trails and sno-parks
Chris Miller

Sno-park Info: Shoes, water, snacks, itinerary left with a friend—check, check, check, check. Now don’t forget your parking permit. They’re required in the Deschutes National Forest parking areas including Tumalo Falls, Dillon Falls picnic site and Benham West Trailhead. They’re $5 per day or $30 for the season. Buy them online and print at home, […]

Posted inNews

BREAKING: Deschutes River Trail bridge off the table, at least for now

Oregon Parks director decides against rule change
Avatar photo Nicole Vulcan

The dream of a pedestrian bridge crossing the Deschutes River along Bend’s southern boundary may have slipped downstream—at least for the foreseeable future. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director Lisa Sumption announced this morning that she will not pursue a rule amendment on the Upper Deschutes State Scenic Waterway. State parks rules currently dictate that […]

Posted inOutside

Go Here 9/21-9/28

Russ Axon

Discover Nature Festival Nature is one of the greatest classrooms where kids and adults can learn about wildlife, outdoor skills and get in shape. The Children's Forest of Central Oregon, Bend Park and Recreation District and U.S. Forest Service will celebrate all that nature has to offer with the annual Discover Nature Festival at Riverbend […]

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