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Fall Adventure on the Peter Skene Ogden Trail
Discovering Central Oregon's Hidden Waterfalls and Autumn Magic
There's nothing quite like fall in Central Oregon—the crisp air, golden larches, and that quiet sense of calm before winter settles in. This past weekend, we set out on one of the region's most beautiful hikes: the Peter Skene Ogden Trail, a forested path that winds along Paulina Creek between La Pine and Paulina Lake.
There's nothing quite like fall in Central Oregon—the crisp air, golden larches, and that quiet sense of calm before winter settles in. This past weekend, we set out on one of the region's most beautiful hikes: the Peter Skene Ogden Trail, a forested path that winds along Paulina Creek between La Pine and Paulina Lake.A Trail Rich in Scenery and History
Named after early explorer Peter Skene Ogden, this trail follows the rushing waters of Paulina Creek through towering pines and volcanic rock formations. The moment you step onto the trailhead, you're greeted by the earthy scent of pine needles and the muffled sound of water tumbling in the distance—nature's invitation to slow down and explore.
Autumn Colors in Full Glow
Mid-October is a spectacular time to visit. The larches were glowing gold, willows and huckleberries added bright pops of red, and the forest floor was carpeted in amber needles. Even under a soft drizzle, the landscape shimmered with color—proof that Oregon's magic isn't reserved for sunny days.
Waterfalls Around Every Bend
One of the highlights of the Peter Skene Ogden Trail is its string of waterfalls—each with its own character. Hikers can stop at several along the way:
- Lower Falls, where a broad curtain of water cascades dramatically over basalt cliffs.
- Paulina Creek Falls, a show-stopping finale that plunges nearly 80 feet into a rocky amphitheater below.
- And several smaller falls and pools in between, perfect for photos or a quiet break beside the creek.
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Wooden bridges cross the stream at various points, offering postcard views and a chance to soak in the sound of rushing water echoing through the canyon.
Wooden bridges cross the stream at various points, offering postcard views and a chance to soak in the sound of rushing water echoing through the canyon.A True Central Oregon Gem
Whether you're a local looking for a quick escape or a visitor exploring beyond Bend, the Peter Skene Ogden Trail is a reminder of why we live here. It's less crowded than many popular Bend hikes, offers easy access to multiple waterfalls, and provides an ever-changing landscape from season to season.
If You Go
- Trailhead: Near McKay Crossing Campground (about 7 miles east of La Pine).
- Length: Roughly 7 miles one way to Paulina Lake, but you can hike shorter sections for a beautiful day trip.
- Best Season: Late spring through fall; expect snow at higher elevations by November.
- Tip: Bring layers, waterproof shoes, and a camera—you'll want to capture every turn of this gorgeous trail.
Why We Love Exploring Local Trails
Part of what makes Central Oregon special isn't just its homes and neighborhoods—it's the lifestyle that surrounds them. From mountain trails and alpine lakes to charming downtowns and cozy coffee shops, life here invites balance, adventure, and connection to nature.
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Why Some Homes Sell Quickly – and Others Don't Sell at All
A few years ago, inventory hit a record low. Just about anything sold – and fast. But now, there are far more homes on the market. Listings are up almost 20% from this time last year. And in some areas, supply is even back to levels we last saw in 2017–2019. For sellers, that means one thing:
Your house needs to stand out and grab attention from day one.
That's especially true when you consider why the number of homes for sale is up. Here's how it works. Available inventory is a mix of:
- Active Listings: homes that have been sitting on the market, but haven't sold yet
- New Listings: homes that were just put on the market
Data from Realtor.com shows most of the inventory growth lately is actually from active listings that are staying on the marke...
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A Perfect Day in Bend: How Locals Spend Their Weekend
Experience the Bend lifestyle through the eyes of those who call it home. From sunrise coffee and mountain views to riverside adventures and craft cocktails downtown, a weekend in Bend is about living fully — outdoors, connected, and inspired.
Morning: Coffee, Sunshine, and River Trails
Bend mornings start early — not out of obligation, but out of excitement. The light over the Cascades is too beautiful to sleep through, and the smell of fresh-roasted coffee from local cafés is irresistible. Grab a morning latte at Sparrow Bakery, where locals linger ov...
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Central Oregon Real Estate | 3rd Quarter Trends
Click Here to see the Q3 Market Trends for Bend Real Estate and Redmond Real Estate, as well as the Q3 real estate trends in Sunriver, La Pine, Sisters, Prineville, Madras, Powell Butte, and Black Butte Ranch. In Q3 2025, the Bend Oregon Real Estate market and surrounding communities experienced a change when mortgage interest rates dropped in late summer. This enabled many Buyers who had been on the fence to finally make offers when their financed purchase became more affordable. Sellers who hadn't sold during the peak summer selling season were more inclined to consider below asking offers and to negotiate repairs. The number of active listings grew in all markets but Redmond, days on market increased in all markets but Redmond, and prices were up or down depending on the city. There was more balance in the market in most cities with the exception of La Pine, Madras and Powell Butte which reflect strong buyer's market. It is suggested that sellers in these cities list their homes at a price which is extremely competitive if their goal is to sell in a timely basis. A Bend Premier real estate broker understands the local Central Oregon real estate market trends, which is crucial to properly representing buyers and sellers. We can provide insights into which areas are popular, price trends, and the average time properties stay on the market. We can also provide you with access to listings that match your criteria, some of which may not be widely advertised. We also have the first word on properties about to hit the market, giving you an edge in a competitive market. 541-323-2779
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The $280 Shift in Affordability Every Homebuyer Should Know
If you paused your plans to move because of high rates or prices, it may finally be time to take a second look at your numbers. Affordability is improving in 39 of the top 50 markets, according to First American. And that's the 5th straight month where buying a home has started to get a little bit easier.
Let's break this down into real dollars, so you can see the difference this could make for you (and your move).
Monthly Payments Are Coming Down
One of the clearest signs of this shift is in monthly payments. The latest data from Redfin shows mortgage payments on a median-priced home are now $283 lower than they were just a few months ago (see graph below):
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