** Please Note: Many of the hikes and bike routes outside of The Ranch have pass or fee requirements. Please make sure to abide by these rules so that we can Keep Oregon Green.

Within 30 Minutes:

1) 5 mins – Otterbench Trailhead – Beautiful views of the Crooked River canyon; trails that go all the way down to water’s edge and loops can be done! There’s about 6-8 miles of hiking to be had here with gorgeous views of the rimrock, Crooked River, and high desert foliage. Open to horses and mountain bikers as well.

2) 5 mins – Crooked River Canyon Trailhead (3-4 miles of trails to explore) – Located just a bit past the golf course, this trail takes you right down into the canyon. Ask us for directions! There’s a nice loop trail that brings you down quickly or a longer, less steep path that hugs the canyon wall before eventually getting you to the bottom of the canyon. Fishing and non-motorized boating is allowed. If you are real adventurous you might even find the “Flybrary” down there and use one to catch a trout for dinner. No biking here.

3) 10 mins – Steelhead Falls (approx .5 of a mile to the Falls) – Popular hiking area that takes you to some great swimming holes, and for the daring some cliff jumping opportunities. Never jump into water you haven’t explored yourself or if you don’t know the area or water levels! This is a fantastic place to cool off on those hot summer days but it can get busy. Fishing, boating and picnics are also options. No biking here!

4) 15 mins – Smith Rock State Park – Lots of hiking and biking options here. See our page dedicated to Smith Rock State Park for more details.

5) Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway – One of the best things about riding in Oregon is finding a generally spectacular but somehow lesser-known bike route – one you didn’t known about until a local told you to clip in and ride. The Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway is just such an example – a scenic and enjoyable route, complete with But we’re the locals, and we’re telling you: This is a great ride. 37 miles round trip, full of breathtaking beauty.

Within 30 – 60 minutes:

1) The Finger Jack via The Pacific Crest Trail – An 11-20 mile day hike, depending on if you want to make it a loop or an out-and-back hike. Located just off of US20 at the Santiam Pass. This a great hike for just cruising, as it seldom gets steep (unless you decide to do the 1/2 mile scramble to the the summit) and the trail is in excellent condition. It’s a beautiful hike and mountain goats can often be spotted. Just make sure to plan out your hike well – take plenty of water, a map, appropriate shoes and clothing, and have a great time traversing between burned forest, mountain ponds, wildflowers and views for miles. One of the best day hikes around.

2) Tumalo Falls – A moderate 6.5 mile out-and-back trail, The Three Sisters Wilderness is packed with some of the most dramatic terrains in Central Oregon, and Tumalo Falls is one of its many magical settings. Surrounded by evergreen forests, the falls dive over the edge of basalt cliffs into the soothing creek below. This is a popular hike and well marked – keep an eye out for mountain bikers who share the path.

3) The South Sister Hike – This non-technical but difficult climb to the top of Oregon’s third highest peak is seasonally available from August-mid-October. For experienced hikers wanting a challenge, this is a great hike. The trail, starts at Devil’s Lake Trailhead and climbs a staggering 4,900ft in 5.5 miles up the South Sister Climbers Trail. The climb is demanding, but when you reach the top and can look out and see half of the state stretched out before you, the reward is well worth the effort.

4) Phil’s Trail Mountain Biking – The area known as Phil’s is massive and loaded with singletrack. You can go out and just ride… and ride… and ride, to your hearts content. While some may wish for more challenge, the miles of mostly smooth singletrack through the woods is sure to bring a smile to your face.

5) The McKenzie River Trail (MRT) – The MRT is 20+ miles of flowing singletrack, ideally located among old growth forest, waterfalls and sparking blue pools. It is a long, largely downhill and a a super fun ride. Of course, it wouldn’t be the perfect trail without the sharp volcanic rock technical sections. The trail is suited for beginners as well as advanced riders. The upper MRT has most of the technical riding, while from Trail Bridge Campground it is fairly smooth. Ride at your comfort level and if you feel uncomfortable on the technical areas, just walk that section. Also, stay out of the river! It’s one of the coldest in the US!