Deschutes, Oregon

Todd Lake is a beautiful yet small lake just 24 miles West of Bend. Its location is perfect for accessing Broken Top Mountain, and even better for the view of Mount Bachelor.Spend a day at Todd Lake and enjoy fishing (mostly rainbow trout), swimming, and free access to three different locations o...

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 st...

Looking for the beauty and serenity of a backcountry campsite, but with the convenience of car camping? These 20+ secluded paddle-in campsites along the shoreline of Sparks Lake are just for you. Park your car, load up your watercraft of choice with all of your camping supplies, and paddle out to...

If there were a river in heaven it would be the Metolius. This gem located near Sisters Oregon offers year-round fly-fishing (only) to anyone who wishes to do so. The area offers multiple types of accommodations from tent camping to staying in resort-like cabins on the river. The best time to go...

East Lake is located in a very scenic part of Central Oregon about 30 miles East of the town of La Pine. At 6,400 feet in elevation, the lake is fed by snowmelt and underground springs. East Lake is know for it's trophy Brown Trout, Kokanee, Rainbow Trout and Atlantic Salmon. Because of the deep...

The West Metolius River trail is one of the finest river trails in Central Oregon due to its easy terrain, beautiful blue water, volcanic spring fed waterfalls, and forest views.  The hike starts just downstream from the Lower Canyon Creek Campground, where there is a bathroom and some picnic tab...

The Fall River Trail follows meanders through an old growth ponderosa pine forest along the banks of the Fall River. There are several pull-out parking spots along Forest Service Road 42 but probably the easiest is to start at the Fall River Campground day-use area. The day-use area has pit toile...

The crystal clear waters of Big Lake sit at an elevation of 4,600 ft. in the Willamette National Forest, on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range. The Big Lake Campground (N 44 22.439 W 121 53.599) lies on the western shore of Big Lake, at the top of the Santiam Pass near Hoodoo Ski Re...

This is an easy access, fairly short backpacking trip to a high mountain lake, which is good for kids. A super dusty, dry and smoke permeated trip to the base of Three Fingered Jack. Forest fires raging throughout the northwest poured smoke in to the entire western half of the state during this A...

Crane Prairie Reservoir is one of the top-producing rainbow trout fisheries in Central Oregon. The record rainbow to date weighed just over 19 pounds, so there is a good chance of catching some lunkers while visiting here.The lake is located on the Deschutes National Forest, approximately 30 mile...

About 50 miles southwest of Bend, Davis Lake is one of the major fishing destinations among the cluster of lakes in central Oregon. The lake was once known as a go-to spot for really big rainbow trout, but largemouth bass were illegally introduced to the Davis Lake in the 90s and they have now ta...

I went for a quick overnighter. The end of August is great for weather, very little bugs, and perfect time to meet and chat with PCT through hikers.The weather was absolutely perfect for night photography and lounging around camp. It's also one of the best views in Oregon if you ask me.If you're ...

From the Breightenbush Lake PCT trailhead (5,600ft Elevation) you hike through a thick forest until you reach an old burn area. This area was burned from a forest fire and has rebirthed lush green plants and bushes to help feed all the animals in the area. After a mile of climbing through the bur...