Cinder Hill is a lesser-known hike in Newberry National Volcanic Monument, yet it offers one of the best views in the area. Situated at the top of the rim on…
Paulina Peak is the high point of Newberry Volcanic National Monument and features an impressive view of the entire caldera. Directly below are Paulina and East Lakes, as well as…
The Oregon Badlands is a BLM Wilderness area designated by President Obama in 2009. About 30 minutes east of Bend, it offers hiking in the often harsh desert environment, along…
A short drive to the east of Bend is the Lower Crooked Wild and Scenic River, and this past weekend I thought it would be an interesting place to seek…
Steins Pillar is a rocky outcropping in the Mill Creek area of Ochoco National Forest. Similar to the rock formations of Smith Rock, this is a less crowded place to…
Belknap Crater and Little Belknap Crater are two summits within the middle of a lava flow along the Pacific Crest Trail. Feeling more like a walk through Mordor than a…
The Chimney Rock trail is a short and scenic hike in the Lower Crooked Wild and Scenic River. The hike includes views of the river, fascinating geology, and ends at…
Lava Butte, a crowded tourist destination in the summer, is much quieter in the winter. This details the route to hike, snowshoe, or ski up the butte when the visitor…
The Painted Hills is a small, remote unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. It is known for its colorful hills and fossil remains, and is a popular place…