Mill Loop Trail, Bend, Oregon

Bend is a wonderful city for walkers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts in general.

We walked the Mill Loop Trail along the Deschutes River, honoring the mills that worked the logs transported down the river.

Man made rapids were added to the river for kayakers and boarders.

Shevlin Loop Trail, Shevlin Park

Shevlin Park is along Tumalo Creek northwest of Bend. We followed the trail along the east rim of the canyon

and were treated to a rainbow over the Cascades to the west.

This part of the hike was above the creek.

The forest setting was wonderful.

We dropped down and crossed the creek and followed the trail on the west side of the creek.

We passed by Fremont Meadows where government explorers, including Kit Carson, camped in 1843. (Yes, my niece and sister are always waiting for me as I take my photos.)

Do you see the girl peeking out of this covered foot bridge?

We could see evidence of planned burning as we neared the end of the hike.

High Desert Museum, Bend, OR

The museum has very informative indoor displays,

outdoor attractions,

great sculptures,

and a live owl demonstration.

Deschutes River Trail Hike

We hiked along the Deschutes River from Dillon Falls to Lava Island during a recent visit to Bend.

Some parts of the river are placid while others include white water.

I was surprised to see lava on the east side of the river, from the Newberry Volcano.

A very nice morning hike.

Smith Rock State Park: Reflections

Smith Rock State Park: Rock Climbers

Can you spot the people? One is at the saddle and two are on a peak at the upper left. Close-ups are below.

No, we didn't go up there.

Smith Rock State Park: River Trail

We hiked the River Trail, shown at the lower right.

The river follows a valley hidden from view at the beginning of the trail.

We turned around here, somewhat surprised that we could have eventually circled the rocks.

Heading back to the bridge over the Crooked River.