Hiking is one of the most popular summer activities here, but keep in mind that high-country trails may be closed by snow until late June or early July.
My favorite trail in the Bend area is the Deschutes River Trail, which parallels the Deschutes for nearly 9 miles. Any stretch of this trail is beautiful. To reach the trail, drive the Cascades Lakes Highway 6 miles west from Bend, turn left at a sign for the Meadow Picnic Area, and continue 1 1/3 miles to the trail head at the picnic area. Another enjoyable, though strenuous, hike is to the summit of Pilot Butte, a cinder cone within the Bend city limits. To find the trail head, drive east from downtown on Greenwood Avenue and watch for signs.
The Three Sisters Wilderness, which begins just over 20 miles from Bend and Sisters, offers secluded hiking among rugged volcanic peaks. Permits are required for overnight trips in the wilderness area and are available at trail heads. Currently, you'll also need a Northwest Forest Pass (available at the Bend and Sisters ranger stations) to park at area trail heads. Contact the Bend/Fort Rock Ranger Station, 1230 NE Third St., Suite A-262, Bend (tel. 541/383-4000; www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon), or the Sisters Ranger Station, Pine Street and U.S. 20 (tel. 541/549-7700; www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon) in Sisters for trail maps and other information.
