I found Green Peter Reservoir on the map and decided to drive out to see what it was like. The…read moredrive out to Sweet Home and then out to Green Peter is beautiful. You drive through expansive green farm lands, past cute farm houses and then into the trees on a windy road out to the reservoir. Sweet Home is the last town you hit before you drive about 15-20 minutes to the reservoir. Since there was recently a big storm, there was still a lot of debris in the pull off areas and some of the trails down to it. We ended up parking next to a big bridge that people were fishing off of and making our own trail down to an area by the water. It was at an incline so not the best spot for kids but it was just fine for us. It was so quiet out there besides the sounds of boats every so often and a couple cars here and there. The was was gorgeous but still very cold. The sun was shining and the air was nice and crisp! I'm not sure what parks are around here, we did see one campground on the way there but wanted a spot more private. We saw a lot of cars pulled over in random spots so there must be a few secret spots around this reservoir. We didn't drive around the whole thing but it was a fun adventure and an absolutely beautiful place to go.

When exploring a new town or city, I always am on the lookout for parks. We came upon this park…read morewhile visiting the town of Sisters,Oregon. This park offers plenty of picnic tables, a beautiful covered bridge that is built over the creek and lovely, tall mature trees. The grass is so green but that's Oregon for you. It is an extremely clean park. We stopped and had a snack and just enjoyed the sounds of the creek. We walked along the gravel path just taking in the views but then it began to drizzle so we had to take cover. I would definitely recommend and I hope I get to return here someday.

I came here to see the source of the Metolius and was blown away by how well done they've made this…read morespot. Big parking lot, a beautiful paved path through the forest with a really nice rustic wood fence along the entire stretch. Takes you right to the source, which you can kind of see bubbling up out of the earth through the trees. There's also a nice view of the river with a snowy mountain (Jefferson?) in the background. I don't know that I need to come back, but I'm really glad I stopped by.

I'm a big fan of the Metolius River, it's just a stunning place for a hike. We didn't pull off to…read moresee the head last time so we decided to when passing through this weekend. While the air of mystery associated with the head is very cool...the river seems to appear from nowhere...the actual visual reward once there in person was definitely underwhelming. It's a very nice trailhead with lots of parking, picnic tables, and toilets (which were very clean). A short, paved, flat walkway takes you directly to the head. I'm not sure what I expected to see, but there's honestly nothing to take in. Maybe it would've been better to leave the head of the Metolius as a mystery! :) It's an easy find and a peaceful leisurely stroll to the head, but one and done. Save your time with this and just hike the beautiful river instead!

Cool 1/2 mile interpretive trail set amid a wildlife preserve. While you can't venture further into…read morethe valley without permission, taking in the views from the rim trail or from this preserve location while getting to learn about its history is worth the visit. The trail is short, flat, and well-maintained...easy for anyone. They have interpretive signs along the route, as well as beautiful trees and wildlife. While there for only 1/2 hour or so we saw loads of birds, turkey, and a buck wander by. It's a brief stop, but easy to get to from town. They have a handful of parking spots and a porta potty. Peaceful and lovely spot...so appreciative it's there for wildlife!

This is a clothing optional Hotsprings, we learned this the hard way after driving 5 hours my…read moregrandson was not so pleasantly surprised lol. So we immediately left..our bad. Oops....But the host was so friendly gave us recommendations on when to come back without him. What the best times are and nearby campgrounds. $12 a person 12 and up. Short walk from the parking lot up to the springs. Pack it in pack it out, porta pots in the lot. We will be back.

My partner is a hot springs enthusiast and always seems to have this on his list for how he wants…read moreto celebrate his birthday. The drive out from Portland is long, but after you get here the trip is really enjoyable, we often try to plan a night somewhere closer. It's 12$ for a 2 hour visit, they do take credit cards. We tend to be here mid week mid day so we have not had any issue with parking. There are always other people present, but it has never seemed overly busy. The staff we interact with are always very pleasant. There is a bathroom in the parking lot. It's a short walk up to the hot springs, I'm confident mostly anyone could do this. It's nice to feel like you are in nature. I imagine this was a much more beautiful area before the fires, but I am thankful that it did reopen and is usable. Do make sure you bring some water to stay hydrated while hot springing. Do be aware that sometimes people are unclothed at hot springs. Also know that hot springs are hot and this may not be how you want to spend a hot day. There are multiple pools of multiple sizes which do vary in heat. There is a small stream with cold water running nearby. There are places to sit where you can be partially in the water. If you are planning to walk around a lot you may want water shoes as these rocks can be hot on your feet. We always have a nice time and leave feeling rejuvenated. I keep meaning to look into camping options nearby. I'd love to experience this with some friends on my next visit.

I just went on a two day rafting trip on the Deschutes River with four of my friends. Of course,…read morethe scenery, whether and River were fabulous. What was even more astounding, was the level of service, quality and absolute gentlemenliness of Georg and his crew! This was like being on a five star cruise with gourmet food, everything taken care of and entertaining conversations with our guide, who is also the owner of the company. I could not recommend this company more! Kudos!

Our family of 4 ( 2 kids, 2 adults) had an amazing day on the McKenzie River with our guide…read morePatrick. He was absolutely fantastic! I laughed more today than I have all year. The lunch was fantastic- the best I've ever had rafting ( done 6-7 other rafting trips). My favorite part of the trip was getting in the water and enjoying nature. If you're deciding between this trip and the Deschutes, definitely choose this one with High Country!

Canyon Creek Meadows is a spectacular trail on the eastern slopes of Three Fingered Jack in the Mt…read moreJefferson Wilderness area. While hiking, you'll get great views of Three Fingered Jack, Mt Jefferson, Black Butte and even the Three Sisters. And that's just the volcanoes. The trailhead is accessed via a somewhat winding road coming off Hwy 14, which comes off Hwy 20, the main route through Sisters. Check your map for precise directions. Most any vehicle can get to the trailhead, although those with street suspensions will have to take it easy in places. There is a large parking area, which is good because this trail is popular. When we left on a summer weekday, there were several cars parked along the road, having not found spots in the parking area. Canyon Creek Meadows trail proper is a loop trail that has a couple of offshoots - one to the north which eventually takes you to the Pacific Crest Trail, and one that takes you further up towards Three Fingered Jack (the glacier trail, which might be a mile and half). Doing the loop trail only is about 5.6 miles. If you don't have it, I recommend loading the AllTrails app on your phone. The trail is fairly easy in terms of exertion and trail condition. You'll pass through quite a bit of fire-deforested areas (meaning: lots of sun) as well as thickly forested areas. Much of the trail follows Canyon Creek and you'll pass through the meadows, which is quite nice. Overall, there is a lot of scenery and terrain variation on the trail. Near the trailhead is Jack Lake, a small body of water that has no boat ramp or anything like that (this is wilderness, after all). I wouldn't mind putting a kayak in the lake, though. Summer can render the trail hot and dusty. If you have a dog, think about booties. Bring plenty of water. Speaking of dogs, there is a prominently posted regulation that requires leashes on all dogs to avoid disturbing the mountain sheep. From what we saw, almost no one leashes their dog, which is a shame. Highly recommended. We are lucky to have so many great trails in the Bend/Sisters area.

This is a beautiful area with a sweet 9 mile long hiking trail that goes out & loops back around…read more There is an address 2 mile long leg that leads to the base of Three Finger Jack Mtn. Incredible views all along the hike and appx half runs parallel to Canyon Creek. Jack Lake is directly off of the trailhead and has several campsites along the front. The trail provides varying views of forests, meadows,, lake & a creek. There are great views of Mt Jefferson & Three Finger Jack. I suggest driving a truck or similar vehicle to the trailhead because the gravel road is extremely rough for appx 6 miles. I'll definitely be going back to backpack & camp out near Three Finger Jack.

I've done this hike several times over the decades. It used to be a very well kept secret and I…read moreonly found out about it by talking to a Ranger at the Ranger station in Detroit. Seems like the word has gotten out in recent years so the chances of you being alone on the trail or at the summit are now pretty slim. This is not a difficult hike but you do need to be in shape to do it. Pretty much impossible to get lost as you are always hiking on a ridge line but it's always wise to carry a map and compass (or GPS) all the same. It's a somewhat steep, 3 mile, several thousand feet of elevation gain stroll and no drinkable water along the trail most of the year. So bring sufficient water and also a headlamp if you're starting out late in the day. Figure three hours to do the round trip and you will be under a thick forest canopy so it does get dark on the trail early. The trail is narrow and you are on a ridge so there is some exposure. Poles can be helpful although I've never needed them here. This trail is not ADA accessible. The final 100' scramble to the summit reveals a concrete slab where a fire watch station once sat. Great views of Mount Jefferson and Detroit. There has always been a few big downed trees blocking the narrow trail. But since the fire you'll start seeing felled trees about a mile up the trail. In one location you'll have to bushwhack around a half dozen or so massive fallen trees. The trailhead is easy enough to find although there are several roads to the the left before you get there that are NOT trailheads. The true trailhead parking area is marked and has space for about four cars. The left turn into the parking area is about 5+ miles from Highway 22. Turn right at the Pacific Pride filling station and follow the road for about 5 miles. Maybe a bit more.