Central Oregon makes it hard to pick a favorite hike. With the 1.6 million-acre Deschutes National Forest as our backyard, Black Butte Ranch sits within a short drive of alpine lakes, spring-fed rivers, lava fields, and summit views. Whether you want a flat stroll before breakfast or a climb that earns you a panorama, the Oregon hiking trails around Sisters deliver. Here are the routes our staff and guests return to season after season.
Oregon Hiking Trails Right on the Ranch
You never have to start the car to start walking. Three on-site nature trails begin near the Lodge and tie into our path system:
- Walk out the Lodge door, and the Meadow Nature Trail cuts across Big Meadow with the Cascades in full view.
- For water and mountains together, follow the Lakeside Nature Trail toward Big Meadow Golf.
- Pick up the Heritage Nature Trail where it branches off the bike path near Big Meadow.
Add miles of paved paths for walking and biking, along with quiet Aspen Lake, and you have plenty of ground to cover without leaving the property. In September and October, the aspens and cottonwoods turn gold, and the meadows go tawny against the first snow on the peaks.
Five Favorite Hikes Around Sisters
- Our namesake climb up the Black Butte Trail gains 1,556 feet over 3.6 miles and pays out with views of Mount Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, and the Three Sisters. Cool fall mornings are ideal for it.
- About 5 miles west of us, the flat 3.6-mile loop around Suttle Lake suits every age and ability, and the vine maple along the shore turns yellow, orange, and red by October.
- Near Camp Sherman, the West Metolius River Trail follows startlingly blue water on a 5.5-mile round trip to the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery.
- Anyone pushing a stroller or using a wheelchair can reach the Whychus Creek Overlook on a 1-mile accessible path to cliff-top views of a wild and scenic river corridor.
- Once Highway 242 opens for the season, drive the pass to Proxy Falls for an easy loop past two waterfalls.
Driving directions for each of these, and a dozen more, live on our local favorites page. Many trailheads require a Northwest Forest Pass, and seasonal road and fire closures do happen, so review current forest alerts before you drive out.
Plan Your Stay at Our Sisters, Oregon, Resort
Great hiking deserves a great landing spot. Our cabin rentals in Central Oregon range from budget-friendly Lodge rooms to luxury homes, and each comes with a full kitchen, comfortable living space, and room to spread out muddy boots. As one of the few family resorts in Oregon with trails, five pools, two golf courses, and a full-service spa on one property, we make the hours after your hike easy to fill.
Ready to explore the best Oregon hiking trails near Sisters? Browse our vacation rentals in Sisters, Oregon, take a look at the current special offers at Black Butte Ranch, or call 866-901-2961, and our team will match you with the right home.
