Lava Cast Forest

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...

Starting at Little Crater Campground, head north toward the hot springs (43.730, -121.247). If you're really looking to stretch your legs, you can extend the out-and-back hike to a full loop around the lake just shy of 8 miles. The water in the springs is around 95 degrees, and doesn't smell of sulfur. You can even dig your own spring on the North Beach.

Distance: 6 miles, out-and-back (Can also be done as a 12 mile loop via Crater Rim Trail).  Starting at Paulina Lake, just past the Visitor Center lies a marked trailhead for Paulina Peak. The trail starts close to the road and winds through the forest around the back of some lake maintenance facilities for the first 0.25 miles. After 1 mile you will come to the junction of Paulina Peak Road an...

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...

Paulina Peak with an elevation of 7,984 feet, and is about 4,000 feet higher than the terrain surrounding the volcano. There is a gravel fire road that winds to the top. This is a grueling climb with an 8000 foot elevation. Air please!The trail head starts about 1000 feet from the peak. It is a pretty tight singletrack for approximately 19 miles. The end of the trail dumps you right in the park...

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...