Posts with tag 'Hiking Central Oregon'

What's in the September 2025 Bend Premier Newsletter?

• It's a Mixed Market for Bend Home Sales
• Butternut Squash Soup
• Why September is the Best Month to Paint Your Home's Exterior
• Jefferson Park Has Had 2 Fires in 8 Years
• What You Need to Know About Concessions

Two Fires in Eight Years Have Impacted Jefferson Park

For those who enjoy hiking in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, one of the most treasured locations to see has been Jefferson Park. Located at the base of Mt. Jefferson, Oregon's second tallest peak, the beauty of the meadow and the reflection of Mt. Jefferson in the multiple lakes has been the destination for campers and day hikers for many years. In 2017, the Whitewater Fire destroyed 11,500 acres, much of which was near the Whitewater trailhead and surrounding forest. However, in 2020, the devastating Santiam Fire, which ballooned to 402,274 acres and destroyed several towns, over 1500 structures and killed 5 people was among the worst fires in Oregon's history. Access to Jefferson Park remained closed for several years after this fire, but has since reopened. 

The hike to Jefferson Park from the Whitewater trailhead takes hikers through 4 miles of burned forest before coming to Whitewater Creek where hikers need to cross via stones or logs laid across the creek. There are signs of life returning to the burned area, although it will take many decades before the forest is restored to what it was before the fires. The Whitewater trail joins with the Pacific Crest Trail before reaching the park and once again hikers have to cross Whitewater Creek, this time via a bridge.

It is shortly after crossing the bridge that hikers actually enter the meadow which is Jefferson Park. There are sections of the surrounding forest that are burned, but also many sections which remain beautiful and alive. Several side paths provide access to Bay, Scout, Park and Rock Lakes, all clean and clear alpine lakes with sandy bottoms with many camping areas nearby. Russell Lake is at the far western end of the park and provides outstanding reflections of Mt. Jefferson. There are campsites around Russell Lake as well. For those who hike from the Whitewater Trailhead to Russell Lake and back, plan on 13 miles and over 2300 feet of elevation gain.

The Obsidian Trail is a Favorite Central Oregon Hike

Before the National Forest Service required passes in 2021 for the most popular Central Oregon hikes, the Obsidian Trail had such a huge demand that trail passes were in place for many years earlier. The Obsidian Trail takes hikers from the trailhead off the seasonal McKenzie Pass Highway 242 up to the Pacific Crest Trail and through an area known for the obsidian rock that covers the ground. Before reaching the rock, hikers pass through wooded forest, climb lava flows, travel by Obsidian Falls and then reach the relatively flat land of the obsidian area.

There is a beautiful view point overlooking the climbing trail which some may take to summit Middle Sister. It is a logical place to stop and enjoy a snack or lunch before proceeding on to an area known as Sunshine which was a place many Pacific Crest Trail hikers or those planning to summit Middle Sister early morning would spend the night. Currently that location is undergoing restoration and not available for camping.

All in all, for those who wish to hike the loop from the Obsidian Trailhead, travel to Sunshine and return via Glacier Way (a side path that joins with the Pacific Crest Trail and avoids Obsidian Falls), the entire trek will cover about 11.5 miles and have over 2100 feet of elevation gain.

Leave the Path to Find Little Seen Tarn Lakes Above Green Lakes

There are hidden treasures in the Three Sisters Wilderness which can be found for those willing to leave the path and follow a compass or GPS to locate them. In particular, there are several beautiful tarn lakes located roughly a half mile off the Green Lakes trail which connects the Green Lakes valley with Park Meadow over the pass between South Sister and Broken Top. There is no path to these lakes, but people good with following a downloaded map can find them. The first four lakes can mirror views of South Sister and their general location can provide views toward Golden Lake as well.

Past the four lakes walking toward Broken Top, hikers can follow a general topography line on a map and find the other two tarn lakes located just below Broken Top. These two lakes can more easily be accessed by following the path next to the creek which flows into Golden Lake. Both of these tarn lakes are located in a cirque bordered by a moraine. On the lower lake, the beautiful blue water was flowing over the top of the moraine forming a waterfall flowing into the creek below in early August 2025. At other times, the water which flows into the creek comes out of a spring at the base of the moraine. At the upper lake, sometimes the voices of people on the top of the ridge overlooking Broken Top's No Name Lake can be heard, although they are not seen due to obstruction from topography and vegetation. 

The more direct route back to the trail is following the path down the creek to Golden Lake and from there, rejoining the Green Lakes Trail. Hikers can either return to Green Lakes over the pass or travel northeast to Park Meadow and from there to the Park Meadow trail head near Three Creeks. This second option will involve hiking through over 4.5 miles of burned forest, however. Both methods can be done in a long day, those coming from Green Lakes hiking over 18 miles and those coming from Park Meadow close to 17 miles. Others could pack in camping supplies and better explore and enjoy the day in the area.

What's in the August 2025 Bend Premier Newsletter?

• It is Taking Longer to Sell Bend Homes
• Gyro Smash Tacos
• Selling in Summer Versus Fall: What Changes and What Doesn't
• The Wildflowers Are Blooming at Canyon Meadow at Three Fingered Jack
• Home Price Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025