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    South Sister

    5.0 (8 reviews)

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    Summit at 10,358'
    Robert K.

    Beautiful hike after flying out from Virginia a week before Labor Day. I got to the trailhead around 7 AM on a Monday and ended up being the fifth person to reach the summit that morning. I saw plenty of people on the hike down, so this one is clearly popular and for good reasons. Beautiful views, a challenging climb and varied vegetation. A Northwest forest pass is required and be sure to follow the recommendations from various hiking websites. I wore trail running shoes plus a 3L Camelback and was sure to bring layers, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, headgear and snacks. I made it up and down in around five hours, but was moving pretty fast. Most everyone else was wearing hiking boots and having hiking poles was definitely nice for a lot of the others I saw along the trail. Plenty windy at the summit and the steep sent after the fall summit with the small pond was the most challenging part. Being from the East Coast and not having hiked up to this elevation in a while I definitely appreciated the challenge and the views were well worth it! I made sure to reward myself with a visit later that day to Deschutes Brewery and Bonta Natural Artisan Gelato in Bend.

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    9 months ago

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    Photo of Chris R.
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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Awesome hike! Prepare for the false summit! Very challenging, but worth it once you peak!

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    11 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    Riley Ranch Nature Reserve - Riley Ranch - saying hello to one of the sweeties gathered around us on the canyon loop

    Riley Ranch Nature Reserve

    4.8(6 reviews)
    22.3 mi

    Great place for a peaceful walk…read more We love Riley for getting some exercise in a serene setting. There are a couple of loops running the upper perimeter of the ranch...flat and easy for anyone. Then there's the gorgeous canyon loop below, through the trees and along the river. Both are great, but canyon loop is my favorite, just a beautiful space...large boulders, sweet trees, and the constant sound of rushing Deschutes. Apparently you can take the canyon trail to Tumalo State Park, although we haven't done that yet. Love having this space for nature and animals. Although we saw deer on the way in, we didn't see any while inside, but we did spot lots of tracks...as well as lots of birds. Great preserve!

    Riley Ranch is a wonderful nature area operated by Bend Parks & Rec that probably many Bendites…read moredon't know about yet. It hasn't been open long. - Scenic views of the Deschutes, where the river runs fairly fast and has carved a canyon through the lava. Above the canyon wall on the east side lies Gopher Gulch air field (private property). - Lots of riparian areas here. People are instructed to only approach the river at designated access points. There are several, so that isn't too much of a restriction. - Junipers and ponderosas abound. - Trails are easy walking on mostly level terrain in the higher elevation areas (Juniper and Sage Loops). Robin's Run is a short segment which drops down somewhat steeply but there are rock steps installed to make it easier. The Canyon Loop trails along the river are much like you'd encounter along the Deschutes River Trail south of Bend. - This is a well-marked hiking area. Directional signs at key intersections, a very good overall map at both entrances (and mini-versions on some intersection markers), river access points identified. - If you keep going north past the Canyon Loop, the trail will take you out of Riley Ranch and towards Tumalo State Park. Along the way is the confluence of Tumalo Creek and the Deschutes River, which is pretty cool. - There are a couple of old (~1900) cabins fenced off along the Canyon Loop trail (one is actually a short distance down the trail towards Tumalo SP). - A Bend Parks & Rec person was stationed at the parking lot on a Sunday to remind people not to bring their dogs. - Medium-sized parking lot. As Rick J suggests, maybe its not larger on purpose. There's certainly room for a bigger lot. Bend has a surplus of great in-town and nearby casual walking trails. Riley Ranch is one.

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    Riley Ranch Nature Reserve - Riley Ranch - trail to the canyon loop below

    Riley Ranch - trail to the canyon loop below

    Riley Ranch Nature Reserve - Riley Ranch - canyon overview

    Riley Ranch - canyon overview

    Riley Ranch Nature Reserve - Riley Ranch - canyon loop along the Deschutes

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    Riley Ranch - canyon loop along the Deschutes

    South Sister - hiking - Updated May 2026

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