There are some truly stunning backpacking trails near Bend that should be on your list!
From expansive views to glacial alpine lakes to lush pine forests, backpacking in Central Oregon is something special.
Within an hour’s drive from Bend, you can take your pick from dozens of exciting and memorable backpacking trails in Central Oregon.
With so many options, it can be hard to choose the best trail for you. In this article, we’ll cover the best backpacking trails near Bend.
Whether you are looking for an overnight trip or a multi-day trek, these are the best backpacking trails in central Oregon for all skill levels.
Backpacking Central Oregon: Overview
Residents and visitors of Central Oregon are lucky to have such incredible backpacking opportunities to explore!
The table below shows some of the best backpacking trails in Oregon mentioned in this article.
| Trail | Distance From Bend | Length | Elevation Gain | Brief Summary |
| Camp Lake | 1 hr | 15 miles | 1,800 ft | A pleasant pine lake with close-up views of Middle and North Sister and mild hike in. |
| Green Lakes | 40 min | 9 miles | 1,100 ft | A moderate hike to three stunning lakes right between South Sister and Broken Top. |
| Six Lakes Trail | 1 hr | Variable (6 – 20 miles) | Variable (minimal) | An excellent flat, beginner trail that passes several lakes. Great for flexible miles. |
| Horse Mountain | 50 min | 12 miles | 1,500 ft | A relatively flat, shaded, and less traveled hike. |
| Broken Top Loop | 1 hr | 25 miles | 4,200 ft | A stunning and popular loop with incredible views. |
| Three Sisters Loop | 40 min | 48 miles | 7,000 ft | The most popular long loop in the Three Sisters Wilderness. |
| Pamela Lake and Hunt’s Cove Loop | 1.5 hr | 17 miles | 3,200 ft | A rewarding a beautiful trail in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. |
| Timberline Loop Trail | 2.75 hr | 40 miles | 10,340 ft | A beautiful loop around one of Oregon’s best mountains: Mt. Hood. |
Best One-Night Backpacking Trails Near Bend
If you’re time-limited, or just looking for a less committing experience in the backcountry, one-night hikes are a great option!
Fortunately, there are lots of great backpacking trails in Central Oregon suitable for an overnight excursion. These are some of the best overnight backpacking trips near Bend.
Camp Lake
Camp Lake is a beautiful alpine lake nestled at the base of Middle Sister, near the center of the Three Sisters Wilderness.
Although the lake and surrounding area is mostly exposed, there are some scraggly trees that offer a bit of protection.
Distance From Bend: 1 hour to Pole Creek Trailhead
Length: 15 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
Known For: Alpine lake with close-up views of Middle and North Sister, mild hike in
Downsides: Fairly long drive in on a dirt road, fairly exposed
Permit Required: Yes, Overnight Cascade Wilderness Permit
Campsites are scattered around the rim of the lake, usually within the clumps of the sparse forest.
The lake itself is crystal clear and fed by glacier-melt alpine streams. In fact, there are often glaciers bordering the lake, and their magnificent white contrasts sharply with the rugged brown rock of Middle and North Sisters.
Don’t forget about the incredible sunsets, sunrises, and views of the night sky.
The most common hike to Camp Lake starts at Pole Creek Trailhead and follows Camp Lake Trail, but there are of course other routes.
This variation is about 15 miles round-trip and presents reliable views throughout much of its length.
As a result, there is not much protection from the sun, so prepare accordingly for high exposure.
Overall, Camp Lake is a great out-and-back overnight backpacking trip near Bend.
This trail is suitable for beginning backpackers as it is not too long, steep, or demanding. There is at least one stream along the trail and all the water you can drink at the lake.
Local Tip: Stop by Angelina’s Bakery and Cafe in Sisters on your way up to the trailhead. Pick up some coffee, a pastry, or a breakfast sandwich to get you fuelled up for the hike!
Green Lakes
Green Lakes Trail is a popular overnight backpacking trip and day hike near Bend. The hike starts at Green Lakes Trailhead (right off Cascade Lakes Highway) and heads north on Green Lakes Trail.
Adding the optional Soda Creek Trail and Broken Top Trail can make this hike into a loop rather than an out-and-back.
Distance From Bend: 40 minutes
Length: 9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Known For: beautiful lakes, mountain views
Downsides: buggy early in the summer, lots of sun exposure
Permit Required: Yes, Overnight Cascade Wilderness Permit
This pleasant hike follows a nice creek the entire way to Green Lakes, which are actually a few separate lakes.
There is good coverage for most of the trail until it reaches the lakes basin where the forest becomes sparser. There are a variety of campsites scattered around the lakes.
With a moderate length (less than 5 miles one-way) and moderate elevation gain (1,100 feet), this trail is an excellent option for beginner backpackers looking to spend a night in the wilderness.
That said, due to the popularity and proximity to Bend, you probably won’t be too alone.
Local Tip: If you’re up for a challenge, start early and set up camp at Green Lakes, then hike up and summit South Sister. This is not an easy hike. With 3,000 feet of elevation gain and no shade, make sure you’re prepared. Go earn those great views!
Six Lakes Trail
Six Lakes Trail is a relatively flat and forested hike that passes by a handful of refreshing mountain lakes within the Three Sisters Wilderness.
Distance From Bend: 1 hour
Length: Variable (6 – 20 miles)
Elevation Gain: Variable ( – feet)
Known For: Beginner-friendly, mellow out-and-back hike
Downsides: Limited views, very buggy early in the summer
Permit Required: Yes, Overnight Cascade Wilderness Permit
Starting at Six Lakes Trailhead, the trail passes by Doris Lake, Blow Lake, and Cliff Lake before continuing west where it passes smaller lakes before finally rounding Mink Lake.
Cliff lake is my personal favorite lake to camp at on the trail but Mink Lake is great as well.
One of the best parts about this trail is the possibility for trips of varying distances. The table below shows the distance each lake is from the trailhead.
Having these different options is a good piece of mind for beginner backpackers who are not sure how far they want to hike in.
| Blow Lake | 1 Mile |
| Doris Lake | 2.5 Miles |
| Senoj Lake (a bit off trail) | 4 Miles |
| Cliff Lake | 7 miles |
| Porky Lake | 8 MIles |
| Mink Lake | 9 Miles |
Overall, Six Lakes Trail is a fantastic option for backpackers looking to find their trail legs, test out their gear, or just enjoy a casual sleep in the woods next to a beautiful lake.
Local Tip: Bring an ultralight backpacking towel to dry off after swimming in the lakes! If the weather is hot, you can probably just omit the towel and air dry. Don’t pass up a good swimming opportunity!
Horse Mountain
Horse Mountain is just north of Six Lakes Trail. This fun and accessible partial loop passes its own set of lakes and also includes an optional summit of Horse Mountain.
In this way, hikers are granted more opportunities for pleasant views of the surrounding mountains, when compared to Six Lakes Trail.
Distance From Bend: 50 minutes
Length: 12 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Known For: Pleasant walk through the woods, near lakes, with nice views
Permit Required: Yes, Overnight Cascade Wilderness Permi
The trail starts at Elk Lake Trailhead, and heads west on Island Meadow Trail, although loop variations can be made using Horse Mountain Trail. In fact, there are a variety of possible loops available.
This hike is not as popular as many of the other trails along the Cascade Lakes Highway. However, that is no reason to pass it up.
In fact, this hike is a pleasant stroll through the trees which provide shade for most of the hike but are occasionally broken up by open meadows. There are ample camping spots along the many lakes that you pass on the trail.
Furthermore, there are a variety of other trails nearby which offer other options for loops. Overall, Horse Mountain is a less-traveled but worthwhile hike that is a great option for all skill levels.
Local Tip: Because this trail gets less traffic, the trail may be overgrown in places. It is a good idea to bring a GPS device such as your phone with a downloaded map to help you find the trail.
Best Multi-Night Backpacking Trails Near Bend
If you can swing it, getting out into the backcountry for multiple nights is often more immersive and more fun than a single night! These are some of the best multi-night backpacking trails near Bend.
Broken Top Loop
The Broken Top Loop is one of the most popular backpacking trails near Bend. This beautiful yet challenging hike offers stunning views of nearby mountains, alpine lakes, dense forests, and pleasant meadows.
At the highest point, hikers get up close and personal with Broken Top Mountain and No Name Lake.
Distance From Bend: 1 hour
Length: 25 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,200 feet
Known For: Glacial lake, gorgeous view of the Cascade Range
Downsides: Buggy early season, can be crowded and hard to get a permit
Permit Required: Yes, Overnight Cascade Wilderness Permit
Rounding out at about 25 miles, this hike starts and ends at Tam McArthur Rim Trailhead. Water sources are plentiful as there are a number of lakes and streams.
Although most commonly done in two or three days, a variety of camp locations make different variations possible. Clockwise and counterclockwise are both good options.
Overall, the Broken Top Loop is a Central Oregon classic backpacking trip. Although it is a challenging hike, it is still very manageable for the average backpacker.
Plus, it is a good length for a regular weekend hike, starting on Friday and ending on Sunday.
Three Sisters Loop
The Three Sisters Loop is the ultimate adventure within the Three Sisters Wilderness. This 48-mile hike is one big loop around all three sisters, granting you views of these beautiful mountains from all sides.
During this trail, you pass by refreshing lakes, crusty lava fields, calm forests, and plenty of crisp views of Central Oregon’s special landscape.
Distance From Bend: 40 minutes to Green Lakes Trailhead
Length: 48 miles
Elevation Gain: 7,000 feet
Known For: Long hike exploring a large portion of the Three Sisters Wilderness
Downsides: Burn section about 5 miles long
Permit Required: Yes, Overnight Cascade Wilderness Permit
It is most common to start the loop at Green Lakes Trailhead, but you can also start it at Tam McArthur Rim Trailhead or Lava Camp Lake Trailhead.
This loop can be done clockwise or counterclockwise and many different variations are possible to add on or remove mileage from the total length.
For example, you can do an optional summit of South Sister or remove the South Sister portion entirely by doing the North & Middle Sister variation.
It is usually done in 4 days, but of course, you can do it in more or less. Water availability is decent, but it can be dry in parts, particularly from Soap Creek to South Matthieu Lake.
Overall, the Three Sisters Loop is one of the most immersive ways to experience this stunning corner of the world.
However, it is best reserved for the more experienced backpacker. As always, respect the hot sun and cold high-desert nights in this climate and pack accordingly. Learn more about packing for a backpacking trip near Bend at the end of this article.
Local Tip: This trail follows the famed Pacific Crest Trail for about 15 miles. As a result, there is a good chance you will see some dusty thru-hikers. Make their day by packing a bit of trail magic for them such as a candy bar, dried fruit, or other snack/beverage. They will be super appreciative!
Pamela Lake and Hunt’s Cove Loop
The Pamela Lake and Hunt’s Cove Loop is an exciting but manageable loop in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.
This diverse trail explores steep climbs, lush forests, calm lakes, and quaint meadows, and offers some magnificent views of Mt. Jefferson, the second-highest peak in Oregon behind Mt. Hood.
Distance From Bend: 1.5 hours
Length: 17 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,205 feet
Known For: Beautiful views, gradual climbs
Downsides: Hornets can sometimes be an issue
Permit Required: Yes, Overnight Cascade Wilderness Permit
This hike is accessed from Highway 22 on the way to Detroit Lake. Don’t let the long drive from Bend stop you from experiencing this beautiful yet rugged landscape. Be sure to learn more about the Pamela Lake area before you head out!
Mt. Jefferson does not get as much attention from most central Oregon hikers. There are just so many great hikes closer to Bend.
Local tip: To add on an extra 6 miles and almost 2,000 feet of elevation, hike up Grizzly Peak from Pamela Lake. This peak grants hikers expansive views of Mt. Jefferson and the lakes below.
How to Prepare for a Backpacking Trip Near Bend
Now that you’ve seen some of the best backpacking trails near Bend, you’ll want to make sure you are appropriately planned for your adventure! Check out these extra tips when backpacking in Central Oregon.
Central Oregon Climate
The climate in Central Oregon can be pleasant but also harsh. As a high elevation desert the summers are hot and the winters are cold.
Also, when the sun goes down the temperatures drop fast, even in the summer. In fact, it is not uncommon for temperatures to swing 50 degrees F between the daily high and the low.
Furthermore, many of the trails near Bend are exposed without any protection from the sun.
For this reason, it is essential to prepare accordingly for both relentless sun and bitter-cold nights.
Make sure you are comfortable with your gear before committing to an overnight trip.
What to Pack?
Backpacking in Central Oregon warrants similar packing requirements to most other regions, with special attention to a few specific items.
For example, it rarely rains in the summer so you can almost certainly leave the raincoat at home. Of course, check the forecast.
Also, sun protection is a must. In my opinion, sunscreen is not enough. Long sleeves, a large hat, or a sun hood are critical to protecting your skin from the sun.
I love sun shirts because they are light, breathable, and they protect you from the sun. I recommend pairing a sun shirt with a brimmed hat.
In addition, make sure you pack layers for cold nights. Gloves, hats, and sleeping socks are wonderful. A lightweight puffy jacket is also a good move.
Permits and Passes
You will most likely need a permit when backpacking (or even day-hiking) near Bend.
You will probably need a Northwest Forest Pass (or day pass equivalent) for parking at trailheads.
In addition, you need an Overnight Cascade Wilderness Permit for some trails when sleeping in the backcountry.
To learn more about permits, head over to the Forest Service Permit Information Page.
Are Dogs Allowed on Trails?
Dogs are allowed on many trails in Central Oregon. In fact, there are few trails where dogs are not allowed. However, they must be on a leash in certain areas that are generally more crowded trails.
Bonus Trail: Mt. Hood Timberline Loop
The Timberline Loop Trail is a 40-mile, popular trail that circumnavigates Mt. Hood. This trail is special in that you hike completely around Mt. Hood and are rewarded with views in all directions.
You can see Mt. Jefferson to the south, the Willamette Valley to the west, the mountains in Washington to the north, and the Central Oregon desert to the East.
Distance From Bend: 2.75 hours
Length: 40 miles
Elevation Gain: 10,340 feet
Known For: Beautiful views, lush forests, stream crossings
Permit Required: No
We included this as a bonus trail because it is a bit of a drive from Bend, and more toward northern Oregon. While not truly “near” Bend, it is definitely worth the extra drive. Also, this trail does not require a permit, which makes planning easier.
This is one of our favorite backpacking routes in Oregon. It is best done slowly in 4 days, but we enjoy doing this trail overnight on a normal weekend. Seriously, don’t overlook this hike if you haven’t done it. It is amazing!
Local Tip: Generally, the west side of the mountain is more scenic and lusher, while the east side is rugged and dry. Most people enjoy the west and north side the most.
Go clockwise to enjoy the better parts while you’re fresh and push through the dry sections. Go counterclockwise to save the best for last and avoid the brutal final sandy climb! We love both options.
Conclusion
Hopefully you found this information helpful and maybe even a little inspiring! We wish you the best on your time backpacking in Central Oregon.
If you’re looking for day hikes, check out our favorite day hikes near Bend and the best of hiking in Central Oregon.
If you are visiting Bend, check out our traveler’s guide for things to do in Bend. Happy trails!
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