Bend

Mt. Bachelor Village is ideally located to numerous hiking trails along the Cascade Lakes Hwy.  Meander down to the Deschutes river trail and take in the sights of the towering pines and wildlife or visit the Three Sisters Wilderness for breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains. Here are our top 5 family friendly hikes in Bend: Deschutes River Trail The Deschutes River Trail can be easily accessed directly from Mt. Bachelor Village resort.  This trail is great for kids of any age! Benham Falls Pack your lunch and snacks for your kiddos and spend the afternoon hiking along the Deschutes River and checking out a few waterfalls along the trail.  There are a few sloughs and picnic areas along the way which are great resting points for the family. Tumalo Falls Bend’s iconic and year round accessible trail.  Snowshoe or cross country ski in the winter to view the falls which is about 2.5 miles from the parking area.  In the warmer months, you can park closer to the falls and continue your hike for several miles. Todd Lake This trail is open during the summer months only and is fantastic for all ages.  The trail is a 1.5 mile loop around the lake with little elevation gain.  You will not be disappointed in the wildflowers and mountain views.  If you are lucky enough to visit in early summer, you will see hundreds of baby frogs! Pilot Butte Located in the center of Bend, sits Pilot Butte.  The Butte is open year round and is about 1.5 miles round trip.  During the summer months, you can drive to the top of the butte for 360 degree views of Bend!  Often times you can see all of the mountains in the Cascades, along with Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood. Make the most of your trip by booking a vacation rental in Bend, OR, and enjoy your trip to its fullest.

Bend is a summer hiking paradise. There’s nothing better than spending a day in the Cascades with your friends and family. Get out and explore.  Here are some some of the trails we like to hike near Bend: Oregon Desert Trail The Oregon Desert Trail passes through some of the most breathtaking natural areas on the state, including the Oregon Badlands Wilderness, Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, Steens Mountain, and Pueblo Mountains. Pilot Butte State Park Come and visit an ancient cinder cone located just east of Bend. Hiking up and around on one of three routes is a must. The trails wind through stands of juniper and sage bushes. All of the paths lead to the top. Prepare for a stunning panoramic after reaching the top. Upper Deschutes River Trail Located 7 miles south of Bend, the Deschutes River Trail starts at the Meadow Day Use Area and is accessible via several access points and parking areas. Lava Island, Big Eddy, Aspen, Dillon Falls, Slough, Benham Falls West, and Benham Falls East all have parking areas and access points to the Deschutes River Trail. From May 15 through September 15, dogs must be on a leash.There are certain sections that are designated to foot traffic only, so mountain bikers follow the signs and stay on your own designated trails.  Lava Butte Meet the 3.8-mile out-and-back trail near Sunriver, Oregon, and make friends. Considered a moderate difficulty path, it takes on average 1 h 41 min to complete. This is a popular walking and hiking route, but you may still get some peace and quiet at certain times of the day. The ideal months to go trekking here are March through November. Tumalo Falls Trail Tumalo Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Central Oregon.. The falls are beautiful, and the trail is easy to follow. It’s only about a mile round trip. Todd Lake Trail In the summer, Todd Lake is a fantastic place to get away from the heat. The lake is encircled by trees, and there are several fishing spots available. There’s a three-mile round trip trek to the lake. This is a short stroll from the parking lot where you can take in the views of Broken Top. During peak season, this area becomes very popular for picnics and fishing. Sparks Lake Sparks Lake is another great option for a summer hike. The trail around the lake is easy, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Bachelor and South Sister. Green Lakes The trailhead offers views of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor. On the journey, you’ll pass several waterfalls that drop from cliffs up to 100 feet high. At the higher elevations, there are extensive meadows with wooded areas surrounding them on both sides. On the route’s western slope there are two switchbacks; they are the only switchbacks you encounter on the entire journey. You will pass an outlet creek from the lakes near the end of the trek, with a ridge on the other side containing obsidian. There are views of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor at both ends of this hike. Hiking Devil’s Lake Discover this 1.6-mile out-and-back path in Sisters, Oregon. It’s considered a Moderate trek, taking around 36 minutes to complete on average. This is a popular trail for birding, camping, and hiking, but you may still get some peace and quiet at quieter times of day. The peak season is May through October, and dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash. Mirror Lake Sisters Mirror Lake Loop is an easy, scenic hike that takes you around Sisters Mirror Lake. This is a great option if you’re looking for a short hike with stunning views. Are You Ready to Explore Bend’s Trails? Stay with Meredith Lodging! Stay with Meredith Lodging for your hiking trip! Check out our collection of Bend, Oregon vacation rentals.

Calling all outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and thrill-seekers! If you really want to get your heart racing, then you must try whitewater rafting in Bend, Oregon. Whether you are looking for a great family-friendly experience or a wild ride through the most intense rapids, the Deschutes River has something to offer for everyone. We’ve put together a list of the best whitewater rafting tour companies in Bend to help you plan your next excursion. Check it out and choose the adventure that’s right for you! After an exciting day of whitewater rafting in Bend, Oregon, come relax and unwind in one of our luxurious Sunriver vacation rentals. From cozy lodges to large family homes, Meredith Lodging offers a wide array of luxurious vacation rentals for your next mountain getaway. Make sure to take advantage of our current specials in Sunriver and start planning your next trip. We look forward to seeing you soon! Spend An Amazing Day White Water Rafting in Central Oregon Are planning to go whitewater rafting in Bend, Oregon? Here are some of the best tour companies in the area: 1. Ouzel Outfitters – Oregon Rafting Whether you prefer a full day, half day, or custom trip, Ouzel Outfitters is our go-to for any rafting adventure. Their professional and experienced staff will go above and beyond to ensure that your experience is both a safe and unforgettable one. Day Trip on the Deschutes River – Class III Rapids The one-day trip down the Deschutes River is one of the most popular excursions, and visitors can enjoy navigating class III rapids, swimming, rock jumping, and more. This tour company can also accommodate larger group sizes, so bring all of your family and friends along! 2. Sun Country Tours You haven’t truly experienced whitewater rafting until you’ve signed up for an excursion with Sun Country Tours! The Big Eddy Thriller – Class III Rapids One of their most popular whitewater rafting adventures is The Big Eddy Thriller, which is a 3-mile trip down some of the wildest Class III rapids on the Deschutes River. Sun Country Tours also offers tours down the McKenzie, Lower Deschutes, and North Umpqua rivers. On select Wednesdays in the summertime, you can even go whitewater rafting while sipping a cold craft beer! No matter which experience you choose, you can expect to have an unforgettable time. 3. Bend Whitewater Park Located on the Deschutes River near the Old Mill District, the Bend Whitewater Park offers tons of on-water fun. From tubing and kayaking to surfing and rafting, you can enjoy a wide range of activities here. The Whitewater Channel of the park offers four different wave features with varying levels of difficulty. The unique combination of natural and man-made features creates the perfect conditions for a whitewater rafting trip. Plan the Ultimate Central Oregon Vacation With Meredith Lodging If you are searching for the best accommodations near Bend, we invite you to stay with Meredith Lodging! Our luxurious Sunriver vacation rentals feature top-notch amenities, and they are just minutes away from Bend and the Deschutes River. Whether you are searching for a cozy mountain lodge, a large family home, or a pet-friendly rental, we can help you find your perfect home-away-from-home. Browse through our Sunriver vacation rentals or our Bend vacation rental collection and contact us at 1-541-418-4555 to book your next mountain getaway today. We can’t wait to hear all about your whitewater rafting adventures!