Snowshoeing the Tumalo Mountain Trail
2-4 hours
Moderate
Snowshoeing the Tumalo Mountain Trail offers a unique and exhilarating opportunity to experience the winter beauty surrounding Bend, Oregon. This popular trail features stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and the surrounding high desert landscape, making it a must-do winter activity. The trail's accessibility and varied terrain cater to both beginners and experienced snowshoers, ensuring a memorable adventure for all.
Scenic Overlooks: As you ascend the trail, take advantage of the numerous scenic overlooks. Each viewpoint offers a unique perspective of the surrounding wilderness, including vistas of the Three Sisters and Broken Top mountains. These spots are perfect for photography enthusiasts and those looking to soak in the natural beauty.
Wildlife Spotting: The region is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for tracks in the snow, and show respect for wildlife by maintaining a safe distance.
Bend has a rich history tied to the logging and agriculture industries, and the natural landscape mirrors that heritage. The Tumalo Mountain area was once a hub for early settlers and serves as a reminder of the region's connection with nature. Local residents informally refer to the area as a top winter playground, indicating its importance in the local culture.
Best times to visit: December through March are ideal months for snowshoeing, with conditions being optimal.
What to bring: Essential items include snowshoes, trekking poles, appropriate layers for warmth, snacks, and plenty of water.
Driving directions: From Bend, take Highway 20 west for about 10 miles, then head north on Cascades Lake Highway (Road 46) for approximately 5 miles to reach the trailhead. Expect a travel time of around 30 minutes.
Great little hike and close to town.
Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.
Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.
No Dogs... Even on a leash.... : /
Fantastic hike. Good steady work out. Great payoff at the top with panoramic 360 view. Ground is covered with alpine flowers and tons of insects of all kinds. Saw 3 different types of birds. At just over 4 miles we did it quickly. It will get u slightly winded & is very dusty.
8.00 miExperience the scenic 3.5-mile Tumalo Mountain Trail near Bend, Oregon. This snowshoe trail offers stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and is popular for its adventurous winter setting. Suitable for both beginners and experienced snowshoers, it's best explored from December to March.
7.80.59 miExperience Nordic skiing on over 55 km of groomed trails at Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon. Ideal from December to March, enjoy varied trails for all skill levels with scenic views of the Cascade Mountains. Busy in winter, it's perfect for winter sport enthusiasts.
8.31.27 miMt. Bachelor offers 4,300 acres of terrain for skiing and snowboarding near Bend, Oregon. Enjoy varied slopes from beginner to expert levels, with scenic views of the Cascade Range. Popular for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in winter, expect busy slopes on weekends.
1.92 miA limited selection of premium, reservable parking spots in Mt. Bachelor’s West Village and Sunrise Base Areas keeps you closer to lifts and lodges so you spend less time shuttling and more time on the snow.
3.43 miFloat single, tandem, or youth kayaks off Elk Lake Marina for 1–8 hours — this guide explains launch, timing, and the few essentials to bring.
7.29 miReserve a six‑hour private dock at Elk Lake Resort for group gatherings, grilling, swimming and unobstructed views of Mt. Bachelor — this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.
10.0 miA concise guide to renting classic two‑person canoes at Elk Lake Marina — what to expect on the water, booking rules, and what to pack.
16.8 miA guided Sun Country Tours rafting run on the Upper Deschutes for ages 6+ that combines 1.25 hours of class 3 rapids with mellow currents and swimming holes, and this guide explains what to expect.
16.8 miA 4.5-hour, 13-mile lower Deschutes River trip with class III rapids, a riverside lunch and big‑sky canyon scenery—essential reading for families and first-time paddlers.