Top Hikes in Central Oregon in 2025
Top Hikes in Central Oregon in 2025
Spring and summer continue to be the prime seasons for hiking in Central Oregon, making 2025 an ideal year to plan those long-anticipated bucket-list trails, especially iconic routes like the South Sister summit hike. With alpine lakes, lava fields, waterfalls, and Cascade peaks, Central Oregon offers an incredible range of hikes for beginners, families, and experienced trekkers alike.
Staying close to the trailheads makes all the difference. Meredith Lodging vacation rentals in Bend, Sunriver, Sisters, and Mt. Bachelor Village place you near many of the region’s most popular hikes while giving you a comfortable place to unwind after full days on the trail. Cozy living spaces, private decks, and easy access to town amenities make these homes a smart basecamp for your hiking getaway.
Central Cascades Wilderness Permits (2025 Update)
Many of the most popular hikes in Central Oregon require a Central Cascades Wilderness Day Use Permit. These permits help manage trail traffic and protect fragile wilderness areas. Day-use permits are required per person, per day, and apply to specific trailheads.
Permits are released seasonally in advance and remain limited, with high-demand trails often selling out quickly—especially on weekends and during peak summer months. Advance planning is strongly recommended for 2025 trips, particularly if South Sister, Green Lakes, or other Cascade favorites are on your list. All permit reservations and up-to-date rules are managed through Recreation.gov, where you’ll also find trailhead-specific details and seasonal access information.
Start Planning Your 2025 Central Oregon Hiking Trip
From challenging summit climbs to scenic lakeside strolls and family-friendly forest trails, Central Oregon delivers unforgettable hiking experiences year after year. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best hikes in the region along with helpful tips to make planning your 2025 adventure smooth, safe, and memorable.
South Sister (Permit Required)
South Sister is the third tallest mountain in Oregon and the tallest of the Three Sisters. This trail is on many a hiker’s bucket list, and it is easy to see why. At just over 12 miles in length with an elevation gain of nearly 5,000 feet, this trek is recommended for experienced hikers only. Best used from June to October, and dogs are allowed to join you in this hike but must be kept on leash. A long, straightforward climb that offers spectacular views from the summit of Middle Sister, North Sister, Three Fingered Jack, and views all the way to Mt. Hood and Mt. Washington on a clear day. To the South of the summit, you will see gorgeous views of Mt Bachelor and Broken Top. A must-do for summit-seekers!
Three Sisters Green Lake Trailhead (Permit Required)
Alpine lake lovers will love this trail! This hike is located near Sunriver, Oregon and is best used from June to October. It is a 9.1 mile long out and back and has an elevation gain of 1187 ft. Along the way you will be richly rewarded with water views almost the entire length of the trail – including picturesque small waterfalls and gorgeous Green Lake views. Dogs are allowed whenever the trail is open but must be on leash during summer months.
Broken Top Trailhead to No Name Lake (Permit Required)
This hike is labeled as difficult mostly due to the length of the trail (13.2 miles). There is a shorter loop but be aware it requires a high clearance vehicle and accessing the trailhead requires driving some rough road!
On the 13.2-mile route, the elevation gain is gradual, and the only truly difficult part is when you have to scramble up the creek bed for a bit. Please note when the waters are likely to be rougher (late July and August), this can be tricky, so it is recommended to do this hike later in the season (September and October would be better than mid-summer).
No matter when you hike, you will be treated to expansive views of emerald-green No Name Lake and the crown of Broken Top. The trail sees moderate to heavy usage and most of the trail does not have tree cover, so remember to bring your hats and sunscreen when you tackle this stunning climb.
Tumalo Falls Hike ($5/vehicle, payable onsite)
This picturesque loop trail is 6.8 miles long, heavily trafficked, and popular due to its gorgeous waterfall views. The hike is considered moderate and is accessible year-round (though it can get lots of snow and ice in the winter, so please do your research). This route is popular for hiking and bird watching, so bring your binoculars! Dogs are only allowed on the first part of this trail and not inside the watershed. The 97-foot Tumalo Falls waterfall is one of the tallest and most beautiful in Central Oregon and certainly worth the trip!
Proxy Falls Loop Trail ($5/vehicle, payable onsite)
Looking for a short, family-friendly (think 2-mile loop, 100 ft. elevation gain) hike with breathtaking views? Look no further than the Proxy Falls Loop Trail! Part of the stunning McKenzie Pass wilderness area, Proxy Falls is considered a good hike for all skill levels and best enjoyed from March to November. Dogs are welcome to join you but must be kept on leash.
After a day of trail time, you will be ready to rest-up a bit…may we suggest a Meredith Lodging Bend or Sunriver vacation rental with a private hot tub? A soak under a sky full of stars will have you rested and ready to do it all over again the next day. A stay at a Mt. Bachelor Village vacation rental will have the family-friendly Deschutes River Trail right outside your door! View our entire Central Oregon and Mt. Bachelor Village collection at MeredithLodging.com.