Posts with tag 'Places to See in Central Oregon'

Black Butte Provides for Stunning Views and a Great Aerobic Workout

During the Covid-19 Pandemic with many of the most popular trails shut down, we have been looking for places to hike that may still be open and accessible this time of year. Yesterday we hiked Black Butte Trail for the first time. We have lived in Central Oregon since 1985, but have never attempted this hike before. The drive to the trail head was over 5 miles of dirt road (Forest Service Road 1110), after leaving paved Forest Service Road 11 with that last mile of road very rough. But we discovered that this is a very popular hike and the parking lot was full; forest passes are required to park.

We had had a light dusting of snow the night before, so our hike started in the pines with the path highlighted by the snow on both sides. As we climbed, the snow was more prevalent in the trees and once we got close to the top, we had to traverse a slippery snow patch to reach the summit. But the views were stunning and all who were there seemed to appreciate wandering around the old fire lookout buildings and finding the best place to enjoy lunch and the Cascade views.

The hike was just under 4 miles up and back with the elevation gain 1600 feet. This is a moderate hike, not too long, with the trail pretty well maintained. With the high Cascades still closed, Black Butte has become our favorite Central Oregon hike for this time of year.

Fast Flowing River, Springs and Easy Walk

We have lived in Central Oregon since 1985.  During this time we have never hiked the Metolius River until this weekend. The day was overcast and light rain came and went. When we started the hike, we only saw one person for the first 2 miles - a fisherman casting his line in a quiet place on the river.  

We started our hike at the Canyon Creek Campgound at the West Metolius Trailhead and followed the river downstream over 2.5 miles until we reached the Wizard Falls fish hatchery.  The hatchery was closed due to Covid-19 and the bridge over the river was blocked. However, since we were on the hatchery side of the river, we walked on the bridge to view the beautiful blue water of Wizard Falls before returning the same way we came upstream back to the campground.  We stopped to enjoy the early blooms of wildflowers scattered along the trail and the stunning spring flowing into the river 1/3 mile from the campground.

All in all, the hike was easy with little elevation change and a little over 5 miles total. To access the hike, travel west of Sisters on Hwy 20 until you reach the road to Camp Sherman. Travel on road 1419 4.8 miles until you reach road 1420. Travel straight on this 3.3 miles until you reach the sign for Canyon Creek Campground. Travel 1 mile on this dirt road until reaching the trail head.

With Oregon State Parks Closed, Try Something Different

Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Central Oregon five weeks ago, we have been looking for places to hike which are still fairly easy to access yet not subject to closure restrictions. This weekend we found Gray Butte.  Every Central Oregonian knows iconic Smith Rock with its fabulous rock formations and the destination of many rock climbers from around the world. We have often hiked in this state park and enjoyed watching those climbing and rappelling down Monkey Face or the other cliffs many times. We have climbed Misery Ridge and enjoyed hiking many of the trails as well. One path we have never hiked before, however, is the looming Gray Butte immediately to the east of Smith Rock - although we have noticed peop...

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Fall River Trail is an Easy Option to Bend's River Trail

We have hiked Bend's River Trail from Healy Bridge up the Deschutes River many times. However, this hike has often been very crowded and less than relaxing.  Yesterday we drove past Sunriver and took South Century Drive west 15 miles to the Fall River day use area and hiked the Fall River Trail.

First we hiked a short distance west past the bridge to the headwaters of Fall River and then returned and took the hike down the river to the end; the full hike was an up and back and was just short of 6 miles.  

There were very few people along the trail with the handful we met usually accompanied by one or more dogs. The walk was easy with little elevation change and although we had a couple of wet and icy spots to transverse, the majority of the hike was dry. There were a few fly fishermen on the river and we enjoyed watching them cast their fishing lines. We can imagine that in summer, families with young children may enjoy playing in the slow moving river or picnicking along its banks. 

For those looking for another easy walk along a river that may be less crowded than Bend's River Trail, give the Fall River trail a try!

Steins Pillar Trail Little Traveled Early April 2020

We have focused most of our hikes in the Cascades during our time living in Central Oregon.  However, the Ochocos, east of Prinveille, offer wonderful, less traveled hikes with beautiful vistas and interesting geology.

We traveled an hour out of Bend to find the Steins Pillar trailhead, traveling at the end first on a gravel road for several miles and then a single lane dirt road the last two miles.  When we arrived at 10:00 am, there was no one else there and we enjoyed our two mile hike into the Steins Pillar without seeing any other people. The hike had a few icy sections and patches of snow were still evident on more shaded areas, but the end of the hike being able to see Steins Pillar was well worth it.

Steins Pillar is a 350 foot remnant of a volcano dating back 38 million years. The hike to the Pillar has rock outcroppings, views of the Ochocos, viewpoints of the Pillar when you get closer to it and wildflowers.  The four mile round trip (out and back) is considered moderate and can be accomplished in a couple of hours, depending on how long you spend admiring the pillar when you reach its base.

During our trip out, we passed 4 other parties hiking in.  There were plenty of places to step aside and keep good social distancing. And all the people we passed appeared to be enjoying, as we were, the opportunity to be out of their home.