Top 8 Natural Monuments around Bend

Bend's landscape is rich with volcanic history. You can explore the unique terrain at the Active Fire Lookout Lava Butte, an ancient cinder cone with a historic fire tower. For a deeper dive, venture into the mile-long Lava River Cave within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which offers a fascinating look at a lava tube.

Yes, several natural monuments are family-friendly. View of Bend from Pilot Butte is an extinct volcano within city limits, accessible by car or a short hike, offering panoramic views. The Active Fire Lookout Lava Butte is also considered family-friendly, allowing exploration of a cinder cone.

You can visit Dillon Falls, where powerful rapids drop roughly 65 feet over one-third of a mile. Another beautiful spot is Upper Falls — Deschutes River, known for its pristine water and surrounding aspen trees, ideal for birdwatching and rafting in summer. Tumalo Falls, a frequently photographed 97-foot waterfall, is also easily accessible via a short hike.

For unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of the Cascade Mountain Range, including the Three Sisters and Mount Bachelor, visit View of Bend from Pilot Butte. Another excellent spot is Bessie Butte, which offers secluded summit views of downtown Bend, the Cascades, and Newbury Caldera.

The region offers a wide range of activities. You can enjoy hiking, running, and gravel biking on numerous trails. For example, explore the hiking trails around Bend, or try the running trails that include routes like the Pilot Butte Extended Loop. The Deschutes River is popular for tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.

Yes, Smith Rock State Park, located just 30 minutes north of Bend, is renowned for its towering basalt cliffs and boasts over 1,800 climbing routes, making it a world-class destination for rock climbing.

Many natural monuments in Bend are captivating year-round. Tumalo Falls is stunning in all seasons, from lush summer greenery to frozen winter scenes. For activities like skiing and snowboarding, winter is ideal at Mt. Bachelor. Summer offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and water sports on the Deschutes River. Smith Rock State Park is popular in spring and fall for climbing and hiking, though it can be visited year-round.

The Oregon Badlands Wilderness provides an otherworldly landscape with ancient juniper trees and volcanic rock formations. Its remote desert trails are perfect for solitude and offer excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution.

Yes, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument includes Paulina Lake and East Lake, which offer opportunities for camping, fishing, and hot springs relaxation. Devils Lake, a 685-acre lake, is also excellent for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

For challenging hikes, consider the trails around Broken Top, an ancient volcano approximately 20 miles outside Bend. It offers trails that reach over 9,100 feet in elevation, providing incredible views and a unique high-elevation landscape. Smith Rock State Park also features challenging hikes like Misery Ridge.

Wildlife sightings are common across the region. At Smith Rock State Park, you might spot golden eagles and mule deer. The Upper Falls — Deschutes River is an excellent spot for birdwatchers, with many native species. Devils Lake is also great for wildlife viewing, including ducks, geese, and bald eagles.