Hike Oregon
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  • Oregon Sno-Parks
    • Maxwell Sno-Park
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      • Brandenburg Shelter
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      • Meissner Shelter Loop
      • Nordeen Shelter
    • Gold Lake Sno-Park
      • Westview Shelter to Eagle Rock Overlook
      • Marilyn Lakes Loop
  • Southern Washington
    • Hamilton Mountain
    • Dog Mountain
    • Coyote Wall
    • Mount St. Helens
  • Portland
    • Powell Butte
    • Forest Park
    • Latourell Falls
    • Multnomah/Wahkeena Falls
    • Eagle Creek
    • Mitchell Point
    • Table Rock
    • Tamanawas Falls
    • Trillium Lake
    • East Zigzag Mountain (members only)
  • Salem
    • Abiqua Falls
    • Silver Falls State Park
    • Dome Rock
    • Marion Lake to Marion Mountain
    • Jefferson Park
  • Corvallis
    • Marys Peak East Ridge
    • Marys Peak North Ridge
    • Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls
    • Corvallis to Sea Trail - Sugarbowl Creek segment (members only)
  • Sweet Home
    • Crescent Mountain
    • Iron Mountain
    • McDowell Creek Falls
    • Middle Santiam River (members only)
    • Lower Soda Creek Falls (members only)
    • Rooster Rock (members only)
  • McKenzie Bridge/Blue River
    • Macduff Mountain
    • Proxy Falls
    • Clear Lake
    • Sahalie/Koosah Falls
    • Blue Pool
    • Erma Bell Lakes
    • Olallie Mountain
    • Horsepasture Mountain
    • Tidbits Mountain
    • Castle Rock
    • Lowder Mountain (members only)
    • East Fork Trail (members only)
    • Rainbow Falls Overlook (members only)
    • Frissell Point (members only)
    • Chucksney Mountain (members only)
    • Substitute Point (members only)
  • Sisters/Santiam Pass
    • Coffin Mountain
    • Trappers Butte and Scar Mountain
    • Maxwell Butte
    • Black Butte
    • Whychus Creek Trail
    • Tam McArthur Rim
    • Black Crater
    • Scott Mountain
    • Obsidian Trail
    • Metolius Preserve
    • Three Fingered Jack Loop
    • Square Lake
    • Canyon Creek Meadows
    • Patjens Lakes
    • Craig Lake (members only)
    • Chush Falls (members only)
    • Rockpile Lake (members only)
    • Santiam Lake (members only)
    • Camp Lake (members only)
    • Park Meadow to Golden Lake (members only)
  • Bend/Redmond/LaPine
    • Steins Pillar
    • Chimney Rock
    • Steelhead Falls
    • Tumalo State Park
    • Tumalo Falls
    • Tumalo Mountain
    • No Name Lake
    • Green Lakes
    • Moraine Lake
    • South Sister Summit
    • Horse Lake
    • Muskrat Lake
    • Paulina Peak
    • Peter Skene Ogden Trail (members only)
  • Eugene
    • Ridgeline Trail
    • Mount Pisgah Summit
    • Mount Pisgah Arboretum
    • Shotgun Creek
    • Mount June
    • Lawler
    • Tire Mountain
    • Goodman Creek
    • Brice Creek
    • Trestle Creek Falls
    • Moon Falls
    • Elijah Bristow State Park
    • South Willamette Trail (members only)
    • Eula Ridge (members only)
    • Eagle's Rest (members only)
  • Oakridge
    • Deception Creek
    • North Salmon Creek
    • Grasshopper Ridge
    • Larison Creek
    • Bunchgrass Ridge
    • Salt Creek Falls
    • Waldo Lake Loop
    • South Waldo Loop
    • The Twins
    • Rosary Lakes
    • Yoran Lake
    • Fawn Lake
    • Windy Lakes
    • Divide Lake
    • Diamond Peak Summit
    • Cowhorn Mountain
    • Wall Creek Warm Springs (members only)
    • Moon Point (members only)
    • Bobby Lake (members only)
    • Lillian Falls (members only)
    • Middle Fork Willamette Trail (members only)
    • Pool Creek Falls (members only)
    • Dead Mountain (members only)
    • Larison Rock (members only)
    • Quinn Lakes & Eddeeleo Lakes (members only)
    • Waldo Mountain Lookout (members only)
    • Blair Lake to Spring Prairie (members only)
    • Rigdon Lakes loop (members only)
  • Oregon Coast
    • Cascade Head
    • Drift Creek Falls
    • Sweet Creek Falls
    • Beaver Creek Falls
    • Kentucky Falls
    • Hobbit Trail to Heceta Head
    • Valley Trail to China Creek
    • North Fork Smith River (members only)
    • Cummins Ridge (member's only)
    • Horse Creek (members only)
    • Siltcoos Lake (members only)
  • Southern Oregon
    • Fall Creek Falls
    • Watson Falls
    • Wild Rogue Loop
    • Mt. Thielsen
    • Crater Lake National Park
      • The Watchman
      • Mount Scott
      • The Pinnacles
    • Lower Table Rock
    • Pilot Rock
    • Wagner Butte
    • Mt. McLoughlin
    • Lemolo Falls (members only)
    • Fern Falls (members only)
  • Eastern Oregon
    • Painted Cove
    • Anthony Lake Loop
    • Mount Howard
    • Eagle Cap summit
    • Schneider Cabin (members only)
    • Strawberry Lake & Strawberry Falls (members only)
  • Oregon PCT sections
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Leave No Trace
    • How To Pick The Right Backpacking Tent
    • Top Tips For Hiking With Infants And Toddlers
    • Poison Oak, Ivy and Sumac
    • How to dress for cold weather hikes
    • Outdoorsy Holiday Gift Guide 2022
    • Hiker Holiday Gift Guide 2019
    • Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide 2018
    • Hiking Holiday Gift Guide 2017
  • Reviews/Gear
    • Stay Kühl This Summer
    • Outdoor Herbivore Backpacking Food Review
    • Osprey Aura AG 65 Backpack review
    • Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 review
    • REI Quarter Dome 1 review
  • Adventure Stories
    • Hiking The Rae Lakes Loop
    • 110 Miles on the PCT
    • Three Fingered Jack Adventures
    • Jefferson Wilderness
  • Home
  • *Store*
  • About the author
  • How to use this site
  • Resources
    • Wildflowers
    • Videos
  • Best Oregon Hikes
    • Top Fall Foliage Hikes In Oregon
    • Top 10 Oregon Fall Hikes
    • 20 Best Oregon Waterfall Hikes
    • Top 10 Oregon Hikes for Kids
    • Sno-Parks In Central Oregon
    • Top 10 Oregon Winter Hikes
    • Top Low Elevation Winter Hikes
    • 9 Amazing Oregon Summit Hikes
    • 20 Central Oregon Day Hikes
    • 20 Epic Oregon Wildflower Hikes
    • 5 Weekend Backpacking Trips in Oregon
    • Top One Night Backpacking Trips in Oregon
    • Top 10 Oregon Summer Hikes
    • Top 10 Swimming Spots In Oregon
    • Top 10 Oregon Spring Hikes
  • Oregon Sno-Parks
    • Maxwell Sno-Park
    • Potato Hill Sno-Park
    • Ray Benson Sno-Park
      • Brandenburg Shelter
    • Santiam Sno-Park
    • Three Creek Sno-Park
    • Virginia Meissner Sno-Park
      • Meissner Shelter Loop
      • Nordeen Shelter
    • Gold Lake Sno-Park
      • Westview Shelter to Eagle Rock Overlook
      • Marilyn Lakes Loop
  • Southern Washington
    • Hamilton Mountain
    • Dog Mountain
    • Coyote Wall
    • Mount St. Helens
  • Portland
    • Powell Butte
    • Forest Park
    • Latourell Falls
    • Multnomah/Wahkeena Falls
    • Eagle Creek
    • Mitchell Point
    • Table Rock
    • Tamanawas Falls
    • Trillium Lake
    • East Zigzag Mountain (members only)
  • Salem
    • Abiqua Falls
    • Silver Falls State Park
    • Dome Rock
    • Marion Lake to Marion Mountain
    • Jefferson Park
  • Corvallis
    • Marys Peak East Ridge
    • Marys Peak North Ridge
    • Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls
    • Corvallis to Sea Trail - Sugarbowl Creek segment (members only)
  • Sweet Home
    • Crescent Mountain
    • Iron Mountain
    • McDowell Creek Falls
    • Middle Santiam River (members only)
    • Lower Soda Creek Falls (members only)
    • Rooster Rock (members only)
  • McKenzie Bridge/Blue River
    • Macduff Mountain
    • Proxy Falls
    • Clear Lake
    • Sahalie/Koosah Falls
    • Blue Pool
    • Erma Bell Lakes
    • Olallie Mountain
    • Horsepasture Mountain
    • Tidbits Mountain
    • Castle Rock
    • Lowder Mountain (members only)
    • East Fork Trail (members only)
    • Rainbow Falls Overlook (members only)
    • Frissell Point (members only)
    • Chucksney Mountain (members only)
    • Substitute Point (members only)
  • Sisters/Santiam Pass
    • Coffin Mountain
    • Trappers Butte and Scar Mountain
    • Maxwell Butte
    • Black Butte
    • Whychus Creek Trail
    • Tam McArthur Rim
    • Black Crater
    • Scott Mountain
    • Obsidian Trail
    • Metolius Preserve
    • Three Fingered Jack Loop
    • Square Lake
    • Canyon Creek Meadows
    • Patjens Lakes
    • Craig Lake (members only)
    • Chush Falls (members only)
    • Rockpile Lake (members only)
    • Santiam Lake (members only)
    • Camp Lake (members only)
    • Park Meadow to Golden Lake (members only)
  • Bend/Redmond/LaPine
    • Steins Pillar
    • Chimney Rock
    • Steelhead Falls
    • Tumalo State Park
    • Tumalo Falls
    • Tumalo Mountain
    • No Name Lake
    • Green Lakes
    • Moraine Lake
    • South Sister Summit
    • Horse Lake
    • Muskrat Lake
    • Paulina Peak
    • Peter Skene Ogden Trail (members only)
  • Eugene
    • Ridgeline Trail
    • Mount Pisgah Summit
    • Mount Pisgah Arboretum
    • Shotgun Creek
    • Mount June
    • Lawler
    • Tire Mountain
    • Goodman Creek
    • Brice Creek
    • Trestle Creek Falls
    • Moon Falls
    • Elijah Bristow State Park
    • South Willamette Trail (members only)
    • Eula Ridge (members only)
    • Eagle's Rest (members only)
  • Oakridge
    • Deception Creek
    • North Salmon Creek
    • Grasshopper Ridge
    • Larison Creek
    • Bunchgrass Ridge
    • Salt Creek Falls
    • Waldo Lake Loop
    • South Waldo Loop
    • The Twins
    • Rosary Lakes
    • Yoran Lake
    • Fawn Lake
    • Windy Lakes
    • Divide Lake
    • Diamond Peak Summit
    • Cowhorn Mountain
    • Wall Creek Warm Springs (members only)
    • Moon Point (members only)
    • Bobby Lake (members only)
    • Lillian Falls (members only)
    • Middle Fork Willamette Trail (members only)
    • Pool Creek Falls (members only)
    • Dead Mountain (members only)
    • Larison Rock (members only)
    • Quinn Lakes & Eddeeleo Lakes (members only)
    • Waldo Mountain Lookout (members only)
    • Blair Lake to Spring Prairie (members only)
    • Rigdon Lakes loop (members only)
  • Oregon Coast
    • Cascade Head
    • Drift Creek Falls
    • Sweet Creek Falls
    • Beaver Creek Falls
    • Kentucky Falls
    • Hobbit Trail to Heceta Head
    • Valley Trail to China Creek
    • North Fork Smith River (members only)
    • Cummins Ridge (member's only)
    • Horse Creek (members only)
    • Siltcoos Lake (members only)
  • Southern Oregon
    • Fall Creek Falls
    • Watson Falls
    • Wild Rogue Loop
    • Mt. Thielsen
    • Crater Lake National Park
      • The Watchman
      • Mount Scott
      • The Pinnacles
    • Lower Table Rock
    • Pilot Rock
    • Wagner Butte
    • Mt. McLoughlin
    • Lemolo Falls (members only)
    • Fern Falls (members only)
  • Eastern Oregon
    • Painted Cove
    • Anthony Lake Loop
    • Mount Howard
    • Eagle Cap summit
    • Schneider Cabin (members only)
    • Strawberry Lake & Strawberry Falls (members only)
  • Oregon PCT sections
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Leave No Trace
    • How To Pick The Right Backpacking Tent
    • Top Tips For Hiking With Infants And Toddlers
    • Poison Oak, Ivy and Sumac
    • How to dress for cold weather hikes
    • Outdoorsy Holiday Gift Guide 2022
    • Hiker Holiday Gift Guide 2019
    • Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide 2018
    • Hiking Holiday Gift Guide 2017
  • Reviews/Gear
    • Stay Kühl This Summer
    • Outdoor Herbivore Backpacking Food Review
    • Osprey Aura AG 65 Backpack review
    • Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 review
    • REI Quarter Dome 1 review
  • Adventure Stories
    • Hiking The Rae Lakes Loop
    • 110 Miles on the PCT
    • Three Fingered Jack Adventures
    • Jefferson Wilderness

20 Central Oregon Day Hikes

​

that don't require a limited entry permit

​
In 2020 the Forest Service implemented the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit system, that requires you to pre purchase a limited entry permit for day hikes for 19 trailheads and for overnight trips for ALL trails in the Three Sisters, Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson Wildernesses. You are required to get permits from recreation.gov from June 15 - October 15 every year, and most of the day hike and overnight permits sell out within minutes of being released on the website. This makes it extremely difficult for folks to plan summer day hikes in Central Oregon, so I put together this list of incredible Central Oregon day hikes that don't require you to pre purchase a permit online, so that you can go hiking spontaneously as your schedule, the weather, snowmelt and wildflower blooms allow. **Keep in mind that just because these hikes don't require you to purchase a day use permit, many of these hikes do require a permit for overnight use, so if you are wanting to backpack, please plan accordingly.  

1) Coffin Mountain

Wildflowers at Coffin Mountain
Fire lookout at Coffin Mountain
Closest town: Sweet Home & Idanha
Hike features: Summer wildflowers, mountain views, fire lookout
Mileage: 2.75 miles round trip w/ 1,100 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail usage: ​High on weekends during wildflower blooms, low on weekdays and during the fall
Best time to hike this trail: July for best wildflower viewing

About the hike: This area (the old Cascade Crest) is one of the best places for wildflower viewing in July. Coffin Mountain, Bachelor Mountain and nearby Cone Peak are all known for epic wildflower blooms. Coffin Mountain has a spectacular view of Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters as you make your way up to the fire lookout through massive meadows full of bear grass. From the summit you can also see Detroit Lake to the north and the thousands of acres that were burned in the Lionshead and Beachie Creek fires of 2020. 
(Click here for more information and directions)

2) ​Trappers Butte & Scar Mountain

Three Fingered Jack from Trappers Butte
Closest town: Idanha
Hike features: Mountain views
Mileage: 6 miles round trip w/ 1,670 ft. elevation gain (to Trappers Butte summit)
10.6 miles round trip w/ 3,000 ft. elevation gain (to Scar Mountain summit)
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Trail usage: ​Low
Best time to hike this trail: August to early December

About the hike: If you want to avoid the crowds of Iron Mountain and Coffin Mountain but still stay in the Old Cascade Crest area, this is the trail for you! The hike can be a challenge as it has quite a bit of elevation change as it meanders along the ridge crest, but the views of Mount Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, Mount Washington and the Three Sisters from both Trappers Butte and Scar Mountain are absolutely worth the the climb! 
(Click here for more information and directions)
view from Scar Mountain summit

3) ​Maxwell Butte

Mount-Hood-Mount-Jefferson-Duffy-Lake-Duffy-Butte-from-Maxwell-Butte
Mount-Washington-Three-Sisters-Hoodoo-from-Maxwell-Butte
​Closest town: Sisters
Hike features: Some summer wildflowers, mountain views, lake
Mileage: 9.75 miles round trip w/ 2,515 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail usage: ​Low
Best time to hike this trail: Mid-September through November for epic fall foliage.

About the hike: Maxwell Butte is one of the best view-laden hikes in the Santiam Pass area and it is most definitely worth the climb! The trail offers solitude, some summer wildflowers and you even pass by a lake. On the way up you will get views of Hoodoo, Mount Washington, the Three Sisters, Broken Top and Diamond Peak to the south and from the summit of Maxwell Butte you will have a close-up view of Three Fingered Jack, and to the north you will see Mount Jefferson and Mount Hood. 
(Click here for more information and directions)

4) ​Crescent Mountain

The Three Sisters from Crescent Mountain
​Closest town: Sweet Home
Hike features: Summer wildflowers, lush old growth forest, mountain views
Mileage: 9.3 miles round trip w/ 2,350 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail usage: ​Low
Best time to hike this trail: July for wildflowers. But there are also mosquitoes during that time. If you want to avoid the bugs and are just going for the views, September is the perfect time.

About the hike: This hike is a seriously underrated wildflower hike also located in the Old Cascades. The trail takes you through a beautiful lush forest and then up to wildflower meadows with views of the Cascade Mountains. Wooden remains of an old fire lookout can be seen at the top.
(Click here for more information and directions)
Crescent Mountain Trail

5) ​Square Lake & Booth Lake

Square Lake
Booth Lake
​Closest town: Sisters
Hike features: Summer wildflowers, mountain views, alpine lakes, backcountry camping
Mileage: 4.8 miles round trip w/ 550 ft. elevation gain (to Square Lake and back)
9.4 miles round trip w/ 860 ft. elevation gain (to Square Lake & Round Lake and back)
8.3 miles round trip w/ 1,100 ft. elevation gain (to Square Lake & Booth Lake and back)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trail usage: Medium on summer weekends, low on weekdays
Best time to hike this trail: June and then again towards the end of September through November when the weather is cooler.
About the hike: The lakes on the southern edge of the Mount Jefferson Wilderness are beautiful and underrated. Due to the B&B Fire, the views through burnt snags are plentiful and you backcountry camping options are as well. Because there is no shade, it can get really hot in the summer months, but that makes it perfect for swimming in these deep blue alpine lakes. 
(Click here for more information and directions)

6) ​Patjens Lakes Loop

Patjens Lake
Mount Washington from Patjens Lakes Trail
​Closest town: Sisters
Hike features: Summer wildflowers, mountain views, alpine lakes, backcountry camping
Mileage: 6.8 mile loop w/ 845 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail usage: ​Medium on summer weekends, low on weekdays
Best time to hike this trail: July for best wildflower viewing and September, October and early November when the fall colors are beautiful and the temperatures are cooler.
About the hike: This loop is perfect for the whole family and offers incredible mountain views, wildflower meadows and lakes that you can swim in. The scenery and landscape along this trail are varied as the trail takes you through old burn and green forest. Many different wildflowers pop up along the trail in July, like lupine, bear grass, Washington lily, scarlet gilia, penstemon, fireweed and many more. 
(Click here for more information and directions)

7) ​Black Butte

Mount Washington from Black Butte Trail
Old fire lookout at the summit of Black Butte
​Closest town: Sisters
Hike features: Mountain views, fire lookouts
Mileage: 4 miles round trip w/ 1,600 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail usage: ​Very high on summer weekends, high on summer weekdays, low during the spring and fall
Best time to hike this trail: June until the snow flies (usually early December)

About the hike: Black Butte has one of the best views in all of Central Oregon and you can get to the top in just 2 miles! The first part of the trail takes you through a beautiful ponderosa pine forest and once you crest the tree line, you will have spectacular views of the central Cascades. The 1923 cupola-style fire lookout is really neat to see and it is one of the few in this style that are still standing in Oregon. Because of the short trail and epic views, this trail is popular, especially in the summer, so going early in the morning is best.  
(Click here for more information and directions)

8) ​Whychus Creek Trail

Whychus Creek
view of the Three Sisters from Whychus Creek Trail
​Closest town: Sisters
Hike features: Spring wildflowers, mountain views, small waterfall, creekside trail
Mileage: 6.4 miles round trip w/ 660 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail usage: ​Medium
Best time to hike this trail: April and May for wildflowers, July and August for being able to splash in the creek water. October and November if you want to be able to cross the creek and continue on the Metolious Windigo Trail.
About the hike: This quaint trail is great for stretching your legs especially on days when you don't have a lot of time to go on an all day excursion. Even though it is short, this trail truly has everything, mountain views, wildflowers, lava rock and it follows the creek pretty much the entire time. The trail is great for the whole family and can be accessed year-round.
(Click here for more information and directions)

9) ​Chush Falls

Chush Falls in the winter
North Sister from Chush Falls Trail
​Closest town: Sisters
Hike features: Mountain views, creekside trail, some wildflowers, waterfalls
Mileage: 5 miles round trip w/ 660 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Easy
Trail usage: ​Medium on summer and fall weekends, low on weekdays
Best time to hike this trail: June through early December
About the hike: This short but sweet hike takes you to Chush Falls located in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Along the way you will see some early summer wildflowers and on a clear day you can see that you are at the base of the Three Sisters and Broken Top. Whychus Creek rages below the trail, creating numerous beautiful pools and waterfalls. 
(Click here to read more about this hike and to get directions- this post is for members only, you can purchase the seasonal membership for $9.99)

10) ​Black Crater

Mount Washington, Three Fingered Jack and Mount Washington from Black Crater summit
Three Sisters and Broken Top from Black Crater summit
​Closest town: Sisters
Hike features: Trail through burn scar, 360 degree mountain views
Mileage: 7.1 miles round trip w/ 2,325 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail usage: ​Medium to high on summer weekends, low on weekdays
Best time to hike this trail: July, August and September. The road to the trailhead usually closes in mid-November.

About the hike: Because this trail takes you through the 2017 Milli Fire scar, you will get non-stop views the entire way to the summit. At the summit you will see the crater that this hike is named for, and the Three Sisters are so close you feel like you could reach out and touch them. To the south you will see the large lava flow, Mount Washington, Three Fingered Jack and Mount Jefferson. The red lava rock that you are walking on is very unique to this area and the silver wind blown trees often creak in the wind that whips around at the summit. This hike is not super difficult but it is steep so take your time, especially in the summer heat. 
(Click here for more information and directions)

11) ​Tumalo Falls to Happy Valley

Tumalo Falls
Middle Fork Tumalo Falls
​Closest town: Bend
Hike features: ​Creekside trail with multiple waterfalls, mountain views, backcountry camping
Mileage: 4 - 8.2 miles w/ up to 2,635 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trail usage: ​High to very high from mid-May to mid-September, medium foot traffic in the fall
Best time to hike this trail: June, July, August, September

About the hike: ​Only 30 minutes from Bend, this is one  of the most iconic waterfall hikes in all of Central Oregon and for good reason.  This hike can be very short (to the viewing platform and back or up to the bridge), or you can make it into an 8 mile loop up to Happy Valley. Even if you're not up for an 8 mile hike, it is worth it to walk up river a bit because 98 foot Tumalo Falls isn't the only waterfall to see here. As you head upstream, there are many no name falls that are just as beautiful as the main attraction. This is a great family friendly hike!
(Click here for more information and directions)

12) ​Tumalo Mountain

Three Sisters from Tumalo Mountain summer
Mount Bachelor from Tumalo Mountain summer
​​Closest town: Bend
Hike features: Summer wildflowers, mountain views
Mileage: 4 miles round trip w/ 1,380 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail usage: ​High on weekends (summer and winter), medium on weekdays in the summer, low on weekdays in the winter
Best time to hike this trail: July - October for hiking, December - mid-April for snowshoeing/cross-country skiing
About the hike: Tumalo Mountain is another great viewpoint hike that gives you 360 degree views of the mountains. Right across from Mount Bachelor, this trail is accessible year-round (lots of people enjoy snowshoeing or skinning to the top and then skiing or snowboarding down in the winter). The trail takes you through the forest at first and once you leave the trees, there are wildflower meadows and insane views as far as the eye can see. Broken Top and the Three Sisters take center stage though, creating that iconic photo that you've likely seen before on Instagram.  
(Click here for more information and directions)

13) ​Horse Lake Loop

Mount Bachelor from the Pacific Crest Trail
Sunset Lake Oregon
​​Closest town: Bend
Hike features: Lakes, huckleberries, some mountain views
Mileage: 9 mile loop w/ 1,050 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail usage: ​Low during the week, medium on weekends
Best time to hike this trail: 
Mid-August and September when there are no more mosquitoes. And October and early November when the fall colors are glorious.
About the hike: This loop is very underrated is perfect for a long summer day hike because there is a nice lake to enjoy dipping your feet in during your lunch break. The trail takes you mostly through the forest which is littered with tiny huckleberry bushes. There are creeks, meadows and lakes along the way and the crowning jewel of this hike is Horse Lake, which makes for the perfect lunch and swimming spot.  
(Click here for more information and directions)

14) ​Muskrat Lake

Trapper's cabin at Muskrat Lake
Cultus Lake
​​Closest town: La Pine
Hike features: Trail through a lodgepole pine forest and numerous lakes along the way, backcountry camping
Mileage: 10.2 miles round trip w/ 885 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail usage: ​Low
Best time to hike this trail: End of August, 
September, October and early November when the temperatures are a little bit cooler and in October the resort closes so there are no more loud boats on Cultus Lake.
About the hike: This hike is one of the best hidden gems along the Cascade Lakes Highway! Enjoy the sandy beaches of Cultus Lake, the very easy and almost flat trail leading up to Teddy Lakes, and the sinking cabin in the middle of Muskrat Lake. This is a unique hike that can be enjoyed towards the end of August and through the fall when the mosquitoes are gone. 
(Click here for more information and directions)

15) ​Maiden Peak

Diamond Peak from Maiden Peak summit
Davis Lake from Maiden Peak summit
​​Closest town: Crescent 
Hike features: Mountain and lake views
Mileage: 11.4 miles round trip w/ 3,100 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail usage: ​Low
Best time to hike this trail: Mid-August through October

About the hike: Maiden Peak is one of the most underrated Oregon Cascade summits! The hike is steep and long as the trail takes you through a thick forest where in August you can eat ripe huckleberries along the way. You don't get views until you are almost at the summit, but the views are absolutely worth the climb. To the south you will see Rosary Lakes, Odell Lake, Crescent Lake and Diamond Peak, to the east you will see Davis Lake, Wickiup Reservoir and Crane Prairie, and to the north you can see Mount Bachelor, Broken Top and the Three Sisters. It is a unique view and you can definitely find solitude on this hike. 
(Information for this hike can be found in the book 'Oregon's Best Views')

16) ​Rosary Lakes

Middle Rosary Lake in the summer
Middle Rosary Lake in the winter
​​Closest town: ​Crescent & Oakridge
Hike features: Trail through old growth forest leading up to three alpine lakes with backcountry camping
Mileage: 7 miles round trip w/ 800 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail usage: ​Medium during the week, high on weekends
Best time to hike this trail: August through November. Best time to go snowshoeing is mid-December through mid-March
About the hike: Rosary Lakes are a popular destination for swimming, camping and fishing. The trail is fairly easy as it takes you through a stunning forest and up to three incredible turquoise alpine lakes at the base of Pulpit Rock. You can enjoy a view of all three lakes from above by continuing up the Pacific Crest Trail just a bit to an awesome viewpoint.  
(Click here for more information and directions)

17) ​Yoran Lake Loop

Diamond Peak across Yoran Lake
Lils Lake Yoran Lake Trail
​​Closest town: Crescent & Oakridge
Hike features: Alpine Lakes
Mileage: 11.3 mile loop w/ 1,215 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail usage: ​Low during the week, medium on summer weekends
Best time to hike this trail: August through November

About the hike: This loop offers access to 5 alpine lakes in the Diamond Peak Wilderness. Yoran Lake is the biggest lake and the also the best for swimming. With views of Diamond Peak and Mount Yoran, this destination will truly take your breath away. It is an easy trail to hike and makes for the perfect long day hike or a one night backpacking trip for the whole family. 
(Click here for more information and directions)

18) ​Divide Lake

Notch Lake
​​Closest town: Oakridge
Hike features: Trail through old growth trees and huckleberry bushes leading to some beautiful lakes with backcountry camping
Mileage: 1.8 miles round trip w/ 230 ft. elevation gain (to Notch Lake)
8 miles round trip w/ 1,435 ft. elevation gain (to Divide Lake)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trail usage: ​Low on weekdays, medium on weekends
Best time to hike this trail: August for ripe huckleberries. Mid-September through early October for fall foliage.
About the hike: Tucked in between Mount Yoran and Diamond Peak, Divide Lake is an incredible summer destination! This is a great day hike, but you can also backcountry camp here and do day excursions from the lake, or just set up the hammock and enjoy the day swimming and reading a good book. 
(Click here for more information and directions)
Divide Lake in the fall

19) ​Diamond Peak Summit

Diamond Peak false summit
Diamond Peak summit
Closest town: Oakridge
Hike features: Forested trail leading to the rocky climber's trail to the summit of Diamond Peak
Mileage: 11.25 miles out and back w/ 3,190 ft. elevation gain
Difficulty: Very difficult (some route finding is involved)
Trail usage: ​Low to medium (depending on if it's PCT thru-hiker season - usually early August) 
Best time to hike this trail: August through October

About the hike: Diamond Peak is one of Oregon's most underrated mountains to summit. The majority of the hike is along the Pacific Crest Trail, which is an easy trail leading you through alpine forest and past small lakes. The last 1.5 miles of the hike are pretty grueling and this summit does involve some route finding and making sure you have secure hand and foot holds. This is not a hike for the inexperienced hiker. Once you reach the summit, you can see the very unique wide base of Diamond Peak, and the views span from the Three Sisters down to Mount Thielsen and all the mountains and lakes in between.
(Click here for more information and directions)

20) ​Timpanogas Lake to Cowhorn Mountain

Cowhorn Mountain ridge walk
Indigo Lake
​​Closest town: Oakridge
Hike features: Old growth forest trail leading up to the rocky summit of Cowhorn Mountain
Mileage: 9.6 miles round trip w/ 2,260 ft. elevation gain (Timpanogas Lake to Cowhorn Mountain summit and back)
11.5 miles loop w/ 2,390 ft. elevation gain (Timpanogas Lake - Cowhorn Mountain loop hike)
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail usage: ​Low
Best time to hike this trail: August through November 

About the hike: This is one of the best hikes in the Diamond Peak Wilderness and offers hikers a summit, alpine lakes and an abundance of huckleberries in early August. Cowhorn Mountain is a great summit and gives the climber 360 degree views of the area with all of the lakes below and Diamond Peak, Maiden Peak and the Three Sisters in the distance to the north. To the south you can see Mount Bailey and Mount Thielsen. 
(Click here for more information and directions)
​*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: The trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.
© Hike Oregon 2023
P.O. Box 41911
​Eugene, OR 97404
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