Central Oregon trail update
Spring slow to come to high-country roads, trails and campgrounds

Spring hits Bend area trails
Some snow lingers, but most Central Oregon trails in good shape – The Bulletin

Hikes at Beacon Rock State Park
Columbia River Gorge hike offers scenic waterfalls

How I Roll
Taking in the extra sunshine on the easy paths in Shevlin Park – Ben Salmon/The Bulletin

“Step into the ring
300-foot-tall formation that is Fort Rock tells tale of life 100,000 years ago” – The Bulletin

I think the 100,000 years is a guess

I spent five months recently on the island of Maui and it is very much the “Bend” of Hawaii. If you love Central Oregon and all it has to offer in outdoor activities, then you’d likely love Maui. If you are planning on going to Maui and want to make the most of your time there, you need to start by getting the book “Maui Revealed.” It is by far the best guide to the island. Complete with all of Maui’s activities and accommodations. Start your trip with Maui Revealed.

I just picked up “Best Easy Day Hikes, Bend and Central Oregon.” It’s an awesome little pocket book and a really good resource. The Falcom Guides book by Portland’s Lizann Dunegan.

Among the hikes included are: The River Trail, Shevlin Park Loop, Fall River, Osprey Point, Green Lakes, Lava Lands Visitor Center Trails, Paulina Lake Loop and many others.

It’s a great way to get started and has lots of valuable information.

– A photo I took on the trail in Wai’anapanapa State Park.

For some reason there is a strong Central Oregon/Maui connection. I’m not positive why that is but I’m guessing it has to do with the adventures and lifestyle that both provide. The Hawaiian island of Maui has numerous great hiking trails like Bend. Here are a few of my favorites.
• Seven sacred pools (Loop – Hana) – Maybe the most well known hike in Maui, the pools themselves are truly amazing. One of the prettier places you’ll ever see. Don’t expect to have the trail to yourself, this is a VERY popular place, but well worth checking out.
• Swinging bridges (Out and back – Waihee) – This is a really nice hike on “the other side of the island.” Worth doing for several reasons, one of which is that you may spend a lot of time in Maui and never go to Waihee unless you have this hike as a destination. Another reason is for the nice swimming hole @ the end of the hike.
• Iao valley (Out and back – Wailuku) – This is a hike I made several times and every time was different because you have so many trail options. This hike is a must because of the view you get of the valley all the way to the ocean, truly amazing.
• Wai’anapanapa State Park (Out and back – Hana) – This is my favorite hike by far! First is the fact that I’ve done it twice and never seen another person on the trail (once you get outside of the camping area) second is because it follows the most beautiful shore line and you get to have the ocean right next to you the whole way and third because the volcanic lava rock that forms the shoreline makes for the coolest crashing waves I’ve ever seen.

For great info on all-things Maui, checkout the book “Maui Revealed.” It’s no doubt the best book about Maui, everything from activities to where to stay to where to eat… and where not to eat! A must if you are headed to Maui.

The road less traveled
Gain a new perspective at Smith Rock State Park with a right turn – By Alandra Johnson / The Bulletin

Eye-opening adventure
Guided snowshoe treks are easy-going, educational, and best of all, they’re free – By Ben Salmon / The Bulletin