Oregon

Reaching the turquoise waters of No Name Lake via Tam McArthur Rim is not a casual day stroll. From the maintained switchbacks up the rim to the loose scree traverse below Broken Hand and sheer ridgeline drop-offs, here is our full, candid guide to navigating the unmaintained 11.5-mile route.

Choosing where to base yourself in Bend usually comes down to three hubs: Downtown Bend, the Old Mill District, or Sunriver. After spending a full month living in an Old Mill rental and exploring the region, here is an look at each area so you can pick the right home base.

This day trip guide from Bend covers morning hikes along Crater Lake’s caldera rim, real-world parking and lunch logistics, and a loop through Highway 138’s best waterfalls on the drive home.

If you ask the runners in Bend, South Sister is an easy morning workout. For the rest of us, it’s an intense trek through steep forest, alpine moonscapes, and loose volcanic scree known as the Red Mile. Here is a look at how hard climbing South Sister really is and how long it takes.

Central Oregon is packed with ancient calderas. We break down the volcanic sites and caves we completed and which spots you can comfortably leave off your itinerary.

A realistic month long Bend, Oregon adventure itinerary including hikes, caves, day trips, waterfalls and more.

Watson Falls was our standout stop along Highway 138. At 272 feet, it beats nearby alternatives with fewer crowds and an open trail that lets you get right up to the base.

Toketee Falls is famous on Instagram, but is it actually worth visiting? Read our reality check on the crowds, the viewpoint, and the giant leaking pipe.

Fall River Falls is technically the “best” waterfall in La Pine State Park, mostly because it’s the only one. Here is what to expect from this hidden, casino-style cascade near Bend.

Paulina Falls quickly became our favorite waterfall near Bend. From crowd levels to viewpoints, here is our take on visiting.