Trail it up in Bend, Oregon

In Central Oregon, “Spring” can be warm and sunny, or, it can be cold and snowy, so locals jokingly call this time of year “Spring-ter. This year has brought a ton of late snowfall, but it’s still looking good to get outside. (Let’s face it; we Oregonians will head outside whatever the weather…) Keep in mind that snow/ice are still on many walkways and trails, so plan accordingly.

If you’re visiting Central Oregon, you’ll see why we locals are proud to call it home.  The amazing views we get to see every day are almost unreal. From the mountains, to the rivers, to the wooded forest land, to the amazing waterfalls, each trail you hike (or run, or bike) offers its own charm, beauty, and ‘personality’.  And, it doesn’t matter how many times you explore the same trail, it never ever gets old.

Hit the trails: Around Town

Hike, bike, or run, we’ve got you covered with 65+ miles of managed trail in town and hundreds more throughout Central Oregon, so there’s always a new adventure to be found. 

One of our personal favorites, and a favorite to many locals and visitors alike, is the Deschutes River Trail. You can hop on the trail at numerous ‘starting points’ and go as far as you’d like – a mile or 10+ miles. And, no matter how far you go, the scenery along the way doesn’t disappoint.

The great thing about this river trail is that it hooks up to many other trail systems around town, so you can start at the Old Mill District shopping area (fuel up with caffeine at Strictly Organic) and ultimately end up in the middle of the woods.  Or, do a quick 3 mile loop past Farewell Bend Park, along the river, and back to the Old Mill area/Riverbend Park.

 

QUICK LINKS:

 

Hit the trails: Snowshoeing

With the recent heavy snowfall, you may want to strap on some snowshoes and do some mountain (or in town) exploring. Make sure you have the correct gear (all available to rent or purchase in town ) and head up to the trails for some peaceful  – or heart-pounding – snowy adventures away from the hustle and bustle.

For those looking to break fresh tracks on their own, there a number of retail stores that rent equipment and sell trail maps. All five Sno-parks along or near Century Drive allow snowshoeing. Be courteous to your cross country ski friends and make your own tracks alongside the established ski trails. (Source: Visit Bend)

You can even experience a guided snowshoe tour during the daytime, in the moonlight, around a bonfire, or with beer (because, Bend).

 

 Map – Snowshoe rentals in Bend, Oregon:

QUICK LINKS:

Hit the trails: Mountain + Fat Biking

Central Oregon is a mecca for bike riders all year long. With more than 300 miles of singletrack throughout the area – from Sisters to Prineville, Sunriver to Bend to Redmond – mountain bikers come to town to take advantage of the plethora of trails.

The meticulously maintained trails cater to riders of all abilities and disciplines, from beginner and kid-friendly cross country, to downhill and dirt-jumping. The only thing that makes Bend’s mountain bike scene even better, is that Mt. Bachelor has a lift-served bike park. (Source: Visit Bend)

All trails are multi-use trails in that hikers, runners and walkers can use any trail they want. Other users are excluded sometimes (bikes, horses, motos) — but never foot users. Some trails are prone to high speed bike traffic and have short visibility corridors — so eyes forward and ear-buds out for safety. (Source: BendTrails.org)

 

 Map – Bike rentals in Bend, Oregon:

 QUICK LINKS:

Your Post Trails Trail: The Bend Ale Trail

Hiking, biking, and exploring can be thirsty work! Luckily, we’ve got you covered with the largest beer trail in the west, the Bend Ale Trail.

Pick up a map and a passport and start your trail tour. Collect a passport stamp at each brewery location to earn prizes! Take your completed passport to the Bend Visitor Center for a commemorative Bend Silipint (10 stamps) and additionally a Bend Ale Trail bottle opener (18 stamps). Get the full Bend Ale Trail details here and remember to please drink responsibly; it’s probably wise not to attempt the trail all in one day.

 

 

Whichever trail you choose to explore, please don’t forget your manners. We take trail etiquette pretty seriously around here, so know the rules before you head outside.  Happy trails to you!

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About Keeley Mannila

As the co-founder and owner of Fred Real Estate Group, Keeley is the driving force behind company culture, branding, and creative marketing strategy.