Make the most of your precious 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. time and try out one of these five micro-adventures in Central Oregon.
Summer goes by in the blink of an eye. While weekends are usually the best time to get out for adventures, there’s also a way to make the most of your after-work hours. Microadventures are a great way to make the most of your 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. time, especially in Central Oregon with such close access to wilderness.
Canoe camp at Sparks Lake
Start: 26 miles west of Bend at Sparks Lake (boat ramp)
Canoe: Head toward the south end of the lake for campsites with open mountain views or explore one of the fingers for a more secluded site
Payoff: Nothing beats a calm, glassy paddle in the early morning when most of the world is sleeping
Backpack to Lucky Lake
Start: 38 miles west of Bend at Lucky Lake Trailhead
Hike: An easy 1.4 miles one way to the lake
Payoff: A nice wooded lake perfect for warm evening swims and a leisurely morning exit
Backpack to Moraine Lake
Start: 27 miles west of Bend at The Green Lakes Trailhead
Hike: A gradual 5-mile hike along a waterfall-laden creek
Payoff: South Sister right in front of you makes for a nice breakfast setup
Bikepack up Tumalo Creek
Start: In Bend, directly from your office
Bike: Head west on Skyliner Road and turn right on Forest Road 4606 (Brooks Scanlon Logging Road) for approximately 2.5 miles. Turn left on Tumalo Creek Road (if you cross Mrazek Trail, you’ve gone too far) and bike until you find a nice spot along the ridgeline
Payoff: Open views of the Cascades (plus a downhill return in the morning)
Rain Plan: Bikepack to Tumalo State Park yurts (reserve ahead of time)
Start: In Bend, directly from your office
Bike: Depending on your starting location, take either Johnson Road or O.B. Riley Road a handful of miles
Payoff: Biking in the rain isn’t so bad if you have a warm spot to dry off afterward. Plus, your friends or family can be there waiting, with dinner and beer.
