Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Leader: Rob Klavins
Location: Deschutes National Forest, Bend

If you've been there, you know.  If you haven't visited yet, you'll wish you had!  Just west of Bend, Tumalo Valley is a gem!  It's a living classroom and a testament to the renewing power of nature.  Our hike will take a look at all the scenic subalpine valley has to offer!

In 1980 a carelessly tended campfire started the Bridge Creek Fire and burned much of the valley.  Following the fire, the area was salvage logged, and Tumalo Creek was badly damaged.  Now, after a major restoration project, the creek is coming back to life and through passive management the forests are beginning to renew themselves.

No trip to the valley is complete without a look at the almost absurdly beautiful Tumalo Falls, but we'll also show you some little known beauties too.  Our hike will look at the recovering areas and the surrounding forests that escaped the fire.  We'll go to the edge of the Bridge Creek Roadless Area -- the source of Bend's water. 

As a special treat, we'll get a personal tour of the historic Skyliner's Lodge - Central Oregon's first ski-lodge and set of the C-Movie "St. Helens."  We'll see you there!

This hike is free and open to the general public. Sign up for the hike here.

Tumalo Falls Photo by Joel Ellis