Recreation Waterfalls, meadows of wildflowers, pristine alpine lakes, scenic views from mountain tops and ancient lava flows added together equate to Central Oregon being a hiker’s paradise. Sunriver is the jump-off place to the listed trailheads. Find books on hiking in Oregon and Central Oregon at Sunriver Books. Visit sunriverchamber.com/hike-trek-and-explore/ for details on listed hikes and the “Hiker’s Checklist.” HIKES IN SUNRIVER Sunriver has 34 miles of paved pathways providing hikers with an enchanting experience as they walk along the Deschutes River, meadows and forests. Stroll across the Cardinal Landing Bridge, near Circle 5, to the Sunriver Trails. While designed for mountain biking, the trails are open to hikers and trail runners. THE SUN-LAVA TRAIL A 5.5-mile paved bike path connects the Sunriver Resort with the Lava Lands Visitor Center. HIKES CLOSE TO SUNRIVER Ann’s Butte: The 4.5-mile loop trail has two peaks with a saddle between them. Average 2 hours to complete. Benham Falls: The 1.7 mile out and back trail from the parking lot, across the bridge and to the waterfalls is an easy route, perfect for families. Deschutes River Trail: An epic 20-mile hike from Sunriver’s Circle 7 on the Deschutes River Trail will take you to Bend’s Old Mill District. Arrange a ride back to Sunriver. Fall River Trail: Start at the headwaters of the spring-fed river for this easy 5.9-mile out and back trail that meanders next to Fall River. Options for shorter hikes. Lava Cast Forest: The paved 1-mile interpretive loop trail allows you to discover the strange world of tree molds formed 7,000 years ago by molten lava. Lava Lands Visitor Center: Hike to the top of Lava Butter or explore the Trail of the Molten Land. Start here to hike to Benham Falls and back. Lava River Cave: Explore the lava tube, great escape on hot days. Reservations required. Wake Butte: An untamed recreation and scenic wonder with panoramic views. HIKES IN BEND Pilot Butte: There are three trails to reach the top of the old cinder cone. Riley Ranch Nature Reserve features meadows, juniper and pine forest, lava flows and the river’s rocky canyon. Various lengths of hikes. Shevlin Park: Bend’s largest park with 5-mile loop along Tumalo Creek and the canyon rim. Tumalo Falls: An almost 7 mile loop beginning at Tumalo Falls parking lot. Extend the hike to go to Happy Valley. HIKES SOUTH OF SUNRIVER Cougar Woods & the Big Pine: Visit La Pine State Park to discover easy hiking trails along the river and in the forest. Be sure to see Big Pine, a more than 500 year old Ponderosa. Deer Lake, a 4-mile trail in a shady forest canopy. Starts at Little Cultus Lake and ends at Deer Lake. Newberry National Volcanic Monument has more than 100 miles of trails including Peter Skene Ogden Trail, Paulina Lakeshore Loop, Little Crater, Big Obsidian Flow, Paulina Peak, Paulina Falls, Lost Lake, Cinder Hill and Crater Rim. CASCADE LAKES HIGHWAY Broken Top: Start at Todd Lake to hike to No Name Lake and then to crater’s rim. Pack a lunch to enjoy the view at the top. About 15 miles out and back. Green Lakes: 9-miles roundtrip. Follow the trail along Fall Creek with its roaring waterfalls, across narrow wooden bridges to a lava flow canyon and finally a wildflower meadow to Green Lakes. Mt. Bachelor Summit: Step into the heart of Oregon’s wilderness and start your trek at one of Mt. Bachelor’s curated hiking trails. From volcanic lava fields to blooming wildflowers and ancient White Bark Pine trees, every section of trail is photo-worthy. The new Evergreen trail marks the first designated multi-use easy hiking and downhill bike trail, spanning just under 4.5 miles from the West Village base area to Pine Marten Lodge. This trail provides sweeping views of surrounding mountains and lakes. Soda Creek and Lower Crater Creek Falls: 4.5 miles roundtrip travels through shaded forests and meadows before reaching Lower Crater Creek Falls. Good family hike. South Sisters Summit: The 11-mile roundtrip hike requires endurance to reach the third highest peak in Oregon. This hike earns unlimited bragging rights. Sparks Lake: Two intertwining loops around the lake area including the Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail. Stunning views. Three Sisters Loop is a 50-mile trek around the Three Sisters. Overnight adventure. Todd Lake Loop Trail – Easy almost 2-mile walk around the lake. Bring a picnic or a kayak for after your hike. Tumalo Mountain: The 4-mile roundtrip is worth the views of the Cascade Mountains. NEAR SISTERS Park Meadow trail to Golden Lake: 13.3 miles round trip. This challenging hike is worth the stunning views, sparkling lakes and wildflowers at Park Meadows. Tam McArthur Rim: 5 miles roundtrip. Amazing views of the Cascade Mountains and alpine lakes. ...A hiker’s paradise. 2025-26 | SunriverChamber.com 27
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