Deschutes National Forest Trail Runs

Deschutes national forest is a swarm of Ponderosa and other evergreen trees that carpet the country on the outskirts of the Cascade mountain range. Not far out of the short span of high-priced seasonal homes and lodging near the Bend, Oregon perimeter, you can find single and double tracked mountain bike and hiking trails that disappear into the lushness of forests hills. This is a little brief on some of the trails you can expect to find for biking in the park.

Deschutes National Forest Trail Runs

This forest was discovered by western civilization by French fur traders that were exploring the northwest. The name comes from the description of the river that runs through Bend today. If you would have followed the river in those days you would have come across many series of waterfalls.

The tumultuous river at the time cut through so much of the glacial land of central Oregon. The waterfalls along the way gave the name Riviere des Chutes, or River of Falls, hence shortened name — Deschutes.

The city of Bend is the start of some of the trail systems. From the Deschutes River one can take quick bike run along the banks that go on for several miles. It's something pretty easy to do for most bikers; in fact, some of the highly active citizens in Bend take this as a breather during a lunch break workout routine.

You can come across many trails outside of Bend near the Swampy Lakes Sno-Park area (about 16 miles out of Bend heading West on highway 46). They have many beginner to intermediate trails which cover an average of 7-9 miles with small altitude change, usually around 500 feet difference.

The Swampy Lakes Loop route 52.1 is a single track trail with manageable obstacles. You don't even have to be in great shape to take on this trail. It covers only about 4 miles and brings you through the Swampy Lakes meadow.

Swampy Ridge Loop route 52.2 on the other hand can be troublesome. It will loop you on a 9 mile course that has a pretty steep climb to get up to the ridge with a just as dramatic descent. It's about half single track and half double track. It's better for intermediate riders.

Going west on highway 46 out of Bend you can find many other trail heads. Be careful biking on these as they will often double as hiking and horse trails so, keep that in mind as you round the bend full steam.

The Biking Tourist Finding Lodging in Bend, Oregon

Bend is a happening town and every season seems to bring in every type of outdoor recreationist, latte drinking Patagonia clone from California to B.C. Make sure you get a booking in early before you go. Finding a hotel, or any other lodging in Bend, Oregon, may be tough to do last minute (some hotels are backed up 4 months deep) so use some foresight and planning.

Great Hiking Trails in North Texas: Look Just North to Beavers Bend Resort Park

If you are looking for great hiking trails in North Texas, consider Beavers Bend Resort Park in southeastern Oklahoma. It is just 3 hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth area (the Metroplex) by car. Beavers Bend Resort Park includes Beavers Bend State Park which offers free admission. The resort offers serious nature lovers the chance to hike along ridge tops, over creek bottoms, through tall stands of timber, and into areas so remote one can almost experience what early-day explorers must have felt upon seeing the area for the first time, at its pristine best.

McCurtain County features some of the most beautiful territory in the country. The Ouachita Mountains rise and fall dramatically along the lower reaches of the Oklahoma-Arkansas line, which is densely covered with one of the oldest short-leaf pine forests in the world, as well as heavy populations of hickory and oak. Unlike most American mountain ranges, the mountains run east and west, not north and south. Cursing through those rugged ranges are several lakes and rivers, the Little, Mountain Fork, Upper Kiamichi, Poteau and Broken Bow.

The area was named by LIFE magazine as one of the "100 Places To Visit in Your Lifetime" and Dallas Observers voted McCurtain County the "Best Getaway from Dallas."

You can pick up trail maps at the park's nature center. There are seven trails you have to choose from, one for every skill level – from serious stroller to avid trekker.

Trail #1: Take-it-easy route. The South Park trail. 1 mile. For those who want to stay on level ground. Watch eagles fly overhead and wildlife scatter as you stroll by.

Trail #2: The Easy-Does-It Hike. The Junction with South Park. 1 mile. Also a good choice for those who want a less intensive hike and want to get "back to nature" but just a little while.

Trail #3: Beyond Beginner. Beaver Creek Crossing. 1. 5 miles. A bit more challenging. Several steep climbs.

Trail #4: Beyond beginner but not intermediate. Deer Cross – Cedar Bluff. About 2 miles. Some climbs, but not extremely steep.

Trail #5: Walk on the wild side. Cedar Bluff – Beaver Lodge Trail. 6 miles. Lots of steep grades. Designed for the more serious hiker.

Trail #6: Born to hike. Skyline. 6 miles. Steep terrain. Experienced hikers only. If you don't have time to take the longest route (see below), the Skyline is the next best option. More challenging to some than the Cedar Bluff, nevertheless, you'll need to be able to withstand elevation hiking. But the views you'll see will be well worth the climb.

Trail #7: The extreme challenge. The David Boren Hiking Trail, named after the U.S. senator and former governor of Oklahoma. The David Boren Trail offers 16 miles of hiking Trails with 4 miles of multi-purpose ( mountain bike) trails that wander along ridge tops and over creek bottoms. The 12 mile Boren hiking trail runs from south to north. Starts at the low-water dam at the south end of Beavers Bend and then connects with the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail, full of steep grades. The trail is well defined and is a narrow, one-person trail – which means no bicyclists to watch out for.

Where do you stay if you travel to the Beavers Bend Resort Park? Glad you asked! The park is home to the forty-room Lakeview Lodge, and there are forty-seven different Beavers Bend cabins. Is camping more your style? The park also offers RV and tent camping. In McCurtain County, your weekend hiking getaway can include almost any kind of lodging – from a rustic cottage to elegantly-appointed log cabins nestled in the towering pines to a unique bed & breakfasts, modern motels and luxury resorts.

So, if you are looking for great hiking trails in North Texas – either for yourself or to accompany your family or that special someone – the Beavers Bend Resort Park is a great option. With many trails to choose for everyone from beginners to seasoned hikers, this is a great option that is only 3 hours away from the Metroplex by car.