What to do and see in Central Oregon, Central Oregon: The Best Hiking Trails

August 24, 2021 Trinity Boughner

Discover the best top things to do in Central Oregon, United States including Deschutes River Trail, Middle Sister, Brasada Trails, Tam McArthur Rim Trail, Alder Springs Trail, Broken Top Trail, Peterson Ridge Trail, Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint, Proxy Falls, Oregon Badlands Wilderness Trails.
Restaurants in Central Oregon

1. Deschutes River Trail

Bend, OR +1 541-389-7275 http://www.bendparksandrec.org/trail/deschutes-river-trail-awbrey-reach/
Excellent
88%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 58 reviews

Deschutes River Trail

A popular 10.5-mile mountain biking trail in Oregon's Deschutes National Forest.

Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, United States

We stayed at a hotel adjacent to the trail and went out for a peaceful walk at sunset. The paved trail follows along the banks of the Deschutes River, so the scenery is great. It's suitable for wheelchairs and strollers and passes through Riverbend Park and Farewell Bend Park where there is a playground and some picnic shelters. We easily walked about 2 miles, crossing bridges over the river to go down both sides. There were a lot of people out walking or jogging and we saw people fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding on the river. Waterfowl were abundant and didn't seem bothered by the company. The Mill District shopping area is right next to the trail; it would make a fun date night to have dinner at one of the restaurants there and then take a walk along the river.

2. Middle Sister

Pole Creek Road, Sisters, OR 97413
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Middle Sister

Https://www.mountaineers.org/activities/routes-places/middle-sister

3. Brasada Trails

16986 SW Brasada Ranch Rd, Powell Butte, OR 97753-1700 +1 855-318-4960 [email protected] http://www.brasada.com/equestrian.php
Excellent
93%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 43 reviews

Brasada Trails

Brasada Trails is home to some of Bend Oregon's best horseback riding. Our trusty troop of Mustangs, Draft-Cross and Western Pleasure horses come complete with instruction for all ages and abilities in indoor and outdoor arenas as well as trail riding experiences over 900 acres within the resort and thousands more on adjoining lands. Customize your trail ride and take a private lesson.

Reviewed By SeattleDoc2010 - Seattle, United States

Great range ride for beginners, with an entertaining wrangler, wonderful views, and beautiful horses.

4. Tam McArthur Rim Trail

Three Creeks Road, Sisters, OR
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 16 reviews

Tam McArthur Rim Trail

Reviewed By Brittany_11_10 - Los Angeles, United States

We started at Three Creeks Trail and went counter clockwise on the Broken Top Loop trail, so I suppose we only came down Tam McArthur Rim Trail as opposed to doing it as an out-and-back, but it was a nice walk and I wouldn't say too difficult. There is some scree hiking--if you choose the west side--(the other side was more of a hard-packed trail), but even then it was okay.  The views along the way are nice, but the views from the top are stunning; definitely try to make it to the top if you can!  You can park at Three Creeks Lake and easily find the trailhead, and from there, the path is easy to follow (minus the one section where you have a choice to take, mentioned above). It's worth it as well to check out No Name Lake, which you'll see from the top if you make it that far.  This trail is fairly exposed, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat. Not buggy at all in mid-August. It's a beautiful place to hike.  

5. Alder Springs Trail

Nf-6360, Sisters, OR
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Alder Springs Trail

6. Broken Top Trail

24.0 miles west on Cascade Lakes Hwy, Bend, OR https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38808
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Broken Top Trail

7. Peterson Ridge Trail

800 Buckaroo Trl, Sisters, OR 97759-9425 [email protected] http://www.sisterstrails.com
Excellent
64%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 39 reviews

Peterson Ridge Trail

8. Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint

Us 20, Bend, OR 97701 +1 800-551-6949 http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_42.php
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 707 reviews

Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint

Reviewed By E4823BPbenv - Spokane, United States

We hiked up the road which was in the sun and a steady grade. It was tougher than I expected for a trail ranked as easy on AllTrails. Hiked down the dirt trail and it was more scenic and shaded and less steep. The 360 degree view was worth the 1.2 mile hike. Appreciated the signs that pointed out each of the peaks in the distance. Stunning!

9. Proxy Falls

Hwy 242 McKenzie Pass, Sisters, OR http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110618&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110000000000000&recid=4458&ttype=recarea&pname=Willamette%20National%20Forest%20-%2
Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 82 reviews

Proxy Falls

Reviewed By ksrich - Linwood, United States

An interesting trail to 2 wonderfully beautiful waterfalls. It says it is only 1 1/4 mile trail but after you are sure you have gone more than that, you all of a sudden find a waterfall. The trail could be rough for some people but an average person should be able to get within sight of the falls. We climbed down to the bottom of the lower falls and found it rather interesting getting back to the main trail. A very beautiful area.

10. Oregon Badlands Wilderness Trails

Flatiron Trailhead, 16 miles east of Bend, Oregon on State Highway 20, Bend, OR 97701 http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/badlands/
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Oregon Badlands Wilderness Trails

Reviewed By mo_ruch - Portland, United States

Did a guided ATV trip here with the family. Fascinating trip and worth doing with family. There are so many different trails you can take. Be prepared for the dust especially if you go in a groups of atvs

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