Published August 2, 2010 06:48PM
Deschutes River Trail, OR | The Barr Trail, CO | Buttermilk Falls SP, NY
On this 2.5-mile Deschutes River ramble—from Farewell Bend Park to a brewery in downtown Bend—you’ll work up just enough sweat to earn a cold pint. Take the easy path southwest under the Healy Bridge, then head upstream on the rocky and winding trail. Keep your eyes peeled for river otters, plus osprey feasting on rainbow trout or summer steelheads, as you work your way to the South Canyon footbridge, 1.5 miles upstream. Cross over the Deschutes’ 70-foot-wide, class 3 rapids and pick up the wider and smoother Mt. Bachelor Village Trail for the return trip. Stay on the western bank as the trail pops out of the woods and continues along the shoreline to McKay Park. After slaloming deciduous trees, follow the sidewalk, turn left on SW Simpson Avenue, and toast your adventure at the Deschutes Brewery.
REFRESH
Extend your hike on the Deschutes Brewery tour and try an Inversion Ale: a bold start with a bright finish. (541) 385-8606; deschutesbrewery.com
THE WAY
From Bend, take the Bend Pkwy. 1.2 miles to Reed Market Rd. Turn right for 1.1 miles to Farewell Bend Park.