Tumalo Mountain
Tumalo Mountain is a relatively easy 4 mile round trip trail with spectacular views of the Three Sisters, Broken Top and Mt. Bachelor accessible during all seasons. Because it is relatively easy, and with its close proximity to Bend, this hike extremely popular not only in the summer season, but also in the winter season when folks head up on a clear day with their skis or snowshoes.
(*The trail sign does say 1.5 miles to the top, however when we hiked it with the GPS it was a total of 2 miles to the summit, which makes it 4 miles round trip. If you're snowshoeing your trek might be shorter or longer since you are not following the actual trail and are just heading up the mountain).
**Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed here between November 1 and May 1.
(*The trail sign does say 1.5 miles to the top, however when we hiked it with the GPS it was a total of 2 miles to the summit, which makes it 4 miles round trip. If you're snowshoeing your trek might be shorter or longer since you are not following the actual trail and are just heading up the mountain).
**Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed here between November 1 and May 1.
(Dutchman Flats sno-park parking area)
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You will find the trailhead sign at the far end of the Dutchman Flat sno-park parking lot. In the summer time you will need to display your Annual Northwest Forest Pass or pay $5 at the trailhead. In the winter you need to have a Sno-Park Pass or pay $5 at the trailhead. From here the trail starts off with a steady incline and there are a total of 5 switchbacks within the first half mile. The trail meanders through Hemlock and Pine forest, and it can get quite dusty in the dry summer and early fall months. After the switchbacks, in June and early July you will climb through meadows of Lupine, and these openings in the trees reveal glimpses of Mt. Bachelor. |
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(Mt. Bachelor, April 2018)
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After about a mile of occasional meadows, the trail really opens up and will start to climb steeply for the last half mile. There are no more switchbacks here, and the trail pretty much goes straight up the cinder cone. Towards the top, the gnarled white bark pines create a really cool landscape, and red lava rocks have been laid out to line the trail. This area is extremely fragile, so please don't stray from the marked trail, because you could disturb the growth of very delicate wildflowers.
(South Sister, Middle Sister, Broken Top)
The summit of Tumalo Mountain is pretty much barren, with only a few gnarled trees. To the east you will get sweeping views of Bend and the lush meadows of Sunriver below. To the north there are stunning views of the Three Sisters and Broken Top, and towards the south if you look past Mt. Bachelor, you can even see Mt. Thielsen's sharp spire.
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Overall, this is a very family friendly hike. Even though it is steep, it is fairly short, so it's not too strenuous. In the winter time a lot of folks snowshoe up to the top, or they will skin to the top and ski down and beat the crowds and fees at Mt. Bachelor ski area next door. Keep in mind that if you do snowshoe here, there is no official snowshoe trail (marked by blue diamonds), so make sure you have navigation handy and be equipped for very cold temperatures. This hike is an absolute gem in the Bend area, and whether you are a tourist or a long time resident of Oregon, you must go check out Tumalo Mountain! |
Approximate hike time: 1 hour 35 minutes (add about an hour if you're snowshoeing)
Suggested seasons: Summer and fall (hiking), winter and early spring (snowshoeing)
(Best time to go is in early August when the Lupine is blooming. September and October are also gorgeous times to go and there will be less people the later in the season that you go. If you want to go snowshoeing here, December, January, February, March and April are going to be your prime months).
Trail usage: Heavy
Directions: Drive 21 miles west of Bend on the Cascade Lakes Highway. Half a mile after the first Mt. Bachelor ski area exit, turn right into the Dutchman Flat sno-park. This is where the trailhead is.
You will need your Annual Northwest Forest Pass, or pay $5 for parking if you don't have one. If you come here in the winter you will need a special sno-park pass.
Suggested seasons: Summer and fall (hiking), winter and early spring (snowshoeing)
(Best time to go is in early August when the Lupine is blooming. September and October are also gorgeous times to go and there will be less people the later in the season that you go. If you want to go snowshoeing here, December, January, February, March and April are going to be your prime months).
Trail usage: Heavy
Directions: Drive 21 miles west of Bend on the Cascade Lakes Highway. Half a mile after the first Mt. Bachelor ski area exit, turn right into the Dutchman Flat sno-park. This is where the trailhead is.
You will need your Annual Northwest Forest Pass, or pay $5 for parking if you don't have one. If you come here in the winter you will need a special sno-park pass.
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*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.
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