Where to go hiking in the winter around Bend: my top spots (so far)
Looking for some local inspiration to lace up those trail runners and go explore somewhere new? Here are my favourite spots to go for a winter hike around Bend, Oregon. Plus some hikes I’ve got my eyes on for the coming weeks…
Winter hiking around Bend
First off the bat, a disclaimer: this is my first full winter in Bend so I’m certainly not a local expert yet. But what I am, is a person who needs to get outside and hike regularly or they go a little mad. And I love exploring new places.
Although the mountains around Bend are off limits to those without skis or snowshoes right now, there’s still plenty of trails to keep me occupied around Bend. Here’s some of my favourite hiking spots so far, and a couple I’m planning on checking out this year before all the snow melts.
Bessie Butte and beyond
For a quick blow out the cobwebs hike, my husband and I love Bessie Butte. It’s only a short trail up to the top for fantastic 360 views. On a clear day you can see Newberry Caldera, the Sisters, Mt Washington and Mt Jefferson, north to Smith Rock and out across the badlands towards the Ochocos.
It’s a fairly popular local spot, especially for sunset over the Sisters, and you very rarely get it all to yourself. But it never feels ridiculously busy either.
There’s lots more to explore in this area too. Depending on the snow level you might not want to drive out towards the buttes near Swamp Wells (at least not for a hike), but I’d recommend going out to explore the caves in this area. Boyd cave is a lot of fun to explore but my personal favourite is the Arnold Ice Cave (which may also be called ‘Hidden Forest Cave’ on some maps).
Note that the Forest Service is closing this area on 1 May 2025 to support forest restoration efforts. The Cabin Butte forest closure is expected to last at least one year and includes Bessie Butte and Boyd Cave. So if you’re planning a hike out there, don’t delay!
Around the Oregon Badlands Wilderness
Another great winter option! I love the ancient Juniper trail for a quick loop. Or the loop out to Flatiron rock if I have more time. It’s a reasonably popular dog walking spot but it never feels overcrowded.
Just south of the wilderness area, you can get a little more of a workout and an overview of the badlands by hiking up Horse Ridge. It’s probably more popular with mountain bikers than it is with hikers (so watch out for any bikers hurtling downhill!).
Also nearby is probably my favourite hike in this area: the Dry River canyon. It’s a short but scenic hike down/up the juniper and sage-filled gorge that can be combined with a hike over Horse Ridge for more of a day hike. It’s closed from 1 February to 31 August to protect nesting prairie falcons and golden eagles (please respect the closure!) which makes autumn or early winter the only (and therefore best!) time to go.
Although I have been out once before, this year I’m looking forward to doing some more exploring on the trails on the northern end of the Oregon Badlands, particularly the Nighthawk and Tumulus trails from Reynolds Pond.
Deschutes River
Depending on how icy it is, and where you pick up the trail, this could be a bit treacherous in winter in parts. In Bend itself it shouldn’t be a problem, but you might want to have microspikes to hand if you’re planning a hike to one (or several) of the falls along the river, including Benham Falls, Dillon Falls or Lava Island Falls.
I really like Riley Ranch Nature Preserve for a short but diverse hike taking in open meadows, juniper and pine forest, cliffs and lava flows as well as the river canyon. You can also hike along the river from here to Tumalo State Park.
Cove Palisades State Park
I love going out to the Metolius river and I’ve been curious for a while about the reservoir it runs into, Lake Billy Chinook. I only recently realised that the reservoir is also the confluence of the Metolius, the Deschutes and the Crooked River! And so earlier this week I finally made my way there.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. There aren’t a whole lot of hiking options, but the Tam-a-láu trail was great – much quieter than I anticipated with fabulous views from the rim, over the Deschutes and Crooked River arms of the reservoir and out to Mt Hood, Mt Jefferson and the Sisters.
The geology of the area was interesting and I love the high desert juniper landscape up top. There were also tons of birds! More American Robins than I have ever seen together – the air was thick with their chatter! And we saw a Golden Eagle and either three Bald Eagles, or three sightings of the same Bald Eagle.
I imagine this park is much, much busier in the summer as it seems to be a very boat-y area. So if you’re thinking of checking out the Tam-a-láu trail, winter seems like a good time to go.
Smith Rock State Park
Ok, I would be remiss not to include this one. Although its popularity frequently puts me off (and I have a hard time convincing my husband to go for the same reason) it’s undeniably beautiful, and presumably much less busy in the dead of winter. I’m planning on heading out there in the next few weeks so we shall see…
Although hiking along the Crooked River is the main attraction (along with Misery Ridge), I really like the longer Summit loop to escape the crowds and get a different perspective on the park.
On my list to hike this winter
Christmas may be over but I know winter isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. So here are a couple of hikes I’ve got my eye on in the coming months…
The Crooked River Gorge
I once drove with my husband from the Prineville reservoir down through the Crooked River Gorge and my first impressions were really good. But we didn’t have time to stop, so I’d like to go back and take a bit more time exploring.
The trail up Chimney Rock looks short but sweet (and really the only option in terms of hiking in the gorge). I’m also curious to check out the wetlands on the outskirts of Prineville too.
La Pine State Park
Another place I’d probably, in all honesty, want to avoid in the busy summer months. I feel like winter might be the time for me to finally go check out La Pine State Park. The Fall River loop looks like a good option for a scenic little hike and birdwatch.
Tell me your favourite winter hiking spots
I’d love to hear where you like to go hiking in the winter in and around Bend. Get in touch and tell me about your favourite local trails!
Need some colour to beat the winter blues?
Visit my online gallery to see artwork inspired by some of the beautiful places I’ve been lucky enough to hike.
