Deschutes River Trail (Riverfront Trail through downtown Bend)
Running along the backside of Bend Riverside, this multi‑section urban trail parallels the Deschutes River through parks, the Old Mill District, and scenic riverside stretches. It’s highly accessible and popular for walking, running, or biking, offering a continuous connection to natural vistas and town amenities. It’s a perfect blend of city and nature right in Bend.
Distance: 12 miles one way (can be broken into shorter loops or sections)
Elevation gain: About 200 feet
https://www.bendparksandrec.org/trail/deschutes-river-trail-old-mill-reach/
Pilot Butte Summit Trail
This short but sharp climb up a volcanic cinder cone rewards hikers with panoramic
views of Bend and the nearby Cascade peaks. It’s an easy, family‑friendly hike that starts right in town and is ideal for catching sunrise or sunset over the high desert.
Distance: About 1.8 miles round‑trip
Elevation gain: About 456 feet
(About 10 minutes, 2.9 miles from Bend Riverside)
Shevlin Park Canyon Loop (or Tumalo Creek Trail)
Set in a 981‑acre forested park just west of Bend, this loop meanders through pine and aspen groves beside Tumalo Creek, with peaceful woodland scenery throughout. The terrain is gentle and well‑maintained, making it great for hiking, trail‑running, and cross‑country skiing.
Distance: About 4.6 miles
Elevation gain: 324 feet
(About 11 minutes, 4.5 miles from Bend Riverside)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/shevlin-loop-trail
Tumalo Falls (via Tumalo Creek Trail)
This trail leads to a majestic 97‑ft waterfall set in a pine forest, with options to extend the hike deeper into the Deschutes National Forest. Even the short version is scenic and accessible, while longer outings offer more elevation and lush volcanic landscapes.
Distance: About 6.4 miles
Elevation: 557 feet
(About 32 minutes, 14.5 miles from Bend Riverside)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/tumalo-creek-trail-to-tumalo-falls
Green Lakes Trail
The Green Lakes Trail gently ascends along Fall Creek before opening up into an alpine basin filled with three stunning emerald-hued lakes, flanked by the dramatic peaks of South Sister and Broken Top. It’s a moderate trail, typically completed in about four hours. The trail is well-maintained, mostly smooth, and favored by trail runners. A permit is required for both day hikes and overnight stays during summer and early fall.
Distance: 9.1 miles
Elevation gain: 1,174 feet
(About 37 minutes, 27.3 miles from Bend Riverside)
