Lindsey Banks

Located just 12 miles South of Bend and 5 miles Northeast of Sunriver in the Deschutes National Forest, the Lava River Cave is a unique experience the whole family can enjoy. To get there from Bend, drive South on Highway 97 for about 10 miles until you see a large sign for the Lava Lands Visitor Center. You can stop at the visitor's center, or take the fork to the left, following the signs for...

Blackrock Trail starts at the Lava Lands Visitor Center, which is about a 5-mile drive south of Bend on Highway 97. You can park at the Lava Lands Visitor Center and then take the trail marked Sun-Lava Trail. This will take you to Blackrock Trail, which you will see as a turn-off to the right about 0.3 miles in.Blackrock Trail is a 4.2 mile long singletrack trail. It is relatively flat dirt wit...

Head East out of Bend, Oregon towards Prineville Reservoir State Park and Highway 27, which runs along the Crooked River. It is about an hour outside of Bend. Once you reach Highway 27 (Crooked River Highway), there are several campgrounds and pull-outs along the side of the road where you can stop and fish.I recommend a guide for your first time. I used Fly and Field Outfitters located in Bend...

First take the short 1/4 mile hike down to the lower lookout. Get there early to beat the crowd and get unobstructed views. The Paulina Falls is an 80 ft. twin waterfall. It's gorgeous. After you see the falls from the lower lookout, you can walk back up to the upper lookout for a different view. Continue along the trail beyond the upper falls lookout, which will take you along the Paulina Cree...

Starting on the Crater Lake East Rim Drive near the Phantom Ship Overlook, take the Pinnacles Road 1.2 miles until you see the Plaikni Falls trailhead on your left.The Plaikni Falls trail is an easy 2.0 mile roundtrip hike through an old-growth forest to a waterfall.The first 3/4 of the trail is wheelchair accessible. The final climb to the falls may be too steep.The forest trail is a beautiful...

There are quite a few urban trails along the Deschutes River, but my favorite runs just South of the Old Mill District near the Farewell Bend Park. Here you will find a gravel loop trail that is private and relaxing, but also very convenient to other amenities such as restrooms, shops, and restaurants. Start out by parking in the Old Mill District parking lot near Bond Street. You can begin w...