Photo: Oregon Badlands Wilderness
Photo: Scoot Feet
Photo: Oregon Badlands Wilderness
Oregon Badlands Wilderness
★4.6(65 reviews)FreeNature
🕑 2-3 hours for shorter trails, half-day for more extensive exploration👶 Best for ages 6 and up. The terrain is rugged with uneven volcanic rock and limited shade, making it more suitable for school-age children who can handle longer walks and desert conditions. Teens especially enjoy the adventurous, remote feel of the landscape.🧡 Saved by 11 families
About
Oregon Badlands Wilderness offers families a unique high desert adventure with miles of easy to moderate hiking trails through stunning volcanic rock formations and juniper forests. Kids will love exploring the otherworldly landscape of twisted lava flows, spotting wildlife like jackrabbits and hawks, and feeling like they're on another planet in this 29,000-acre preserve just minutes from Bend.
Highlights
- ✓Walking through ancient lava flows and volcanic rock formations that look like a moon landscape
- ✓Spotting desert wildlife including golden eagles, pronghorn antelope, and lizards
- ✓Exploring the vast open spaces with minimal crowds - often you'll have trails to yourself
- ✓Learning about high desert ecology and volcanic geology in a hands-on outdoor classroom
- ✓Taking dramatic family photos against the unique badlands backdrop
Pro Tips
- 1.Start your hike early in the morning (before 9am) to avoid intense desert heat and catch wildlife at their most active
- 2.Bring at least twice as much water as you think you'll need - the dry desert air is deceptive and there are no facilities or water sources in the wilderness area
- 3.Park at the main trailhead off Highway 20 near milepost 14 - it's clearly marked and has space for about 10 vehicles
- 4.Wear closed-toe shoes with good ankle support as the volcanic rock is sharp and trails can be rocky and uneven
- 5.Download an offline map before you go as cell service is spotty to non-existent in the wilderness area
Best Time to Visit
Visit in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) when temperatures are mild (60s-70s°F). Early morning visits any time of year offer cooler temps and better wildlife viewing. Avoid midday summer visits when temperatures exceed 90°F with no shade.
What to Know
Entry is completely free with no facilities available - pack out all trash and bring your own water, snacks, and sun protection. The area is open 24/7 but not recommended for night hiking unless experienced.
Seasonal Notes
Best seasons are spring and fall for comfortable temperatures. Summer (June-August) is extremely hot with temperatures often exceeding 95°F - only recommended for very early morning visits. Winter can bring snow and ice making trails treacherous. Always check weather conditions before visiting.
Nearby Eats
Head back into Bend (15-20 minutes) for kid-friendly options like Jackson's Corner (pizza and salads with outdoor seating) or Bend Burger Company for classic burgers and shakes.
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