The Oregon Badlands Wilderness encompasses 29,180 acres just east of Bend, and it’s a vast area that’s full of volcanic rock formations and juniper trees. The Badlands can get pretty hot during the summer months, but in the winter, it’s a vast wonderland, and accessible for those who wish to hike, photograph the landscape, or just bask in the beauty of this rugged place.
The Oregon Badlands Wilderness was designated by Congress in 2009, and it’s managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management. You’ll find it about 18 miles east of Bend.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
While the area can get some snow during winter months, it remains an easily-accessible area for hikers and nature lovers.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
Western Junipers cover the landscape, and many are more than 1,000 years old.
Oregon Badlands Wilderness/Google
The twisted, gnarled junipers have evolved over time to handle the hot, dry climate here.
Kurt Thomas Hunt/Google
One of the best ways to enjoy the Badlands is to take a hike on one of its designated trails.
Oregon Badlands Wilderness/Google
Some of the trails take you past volcanic rock formations created by lava flow from the Badlands volcano about 80,000 years ago.
Oregon Badlands Wilderness/Google The Badlands Rock, Flatiron, and Ancient Juniper Trail Loop is an easy loop trail that takes you 11.3 miles into the wilderness.
During your hike, you’ll see many interesting formations, and you’ll also want to keep an eye out for the wildlife that lives here. You might see rabbits, sage grouse, mule deer, elk, and perhaps even a coyote.
Jeff Ackerson/Google
Sunrises and sunsets are magnificent in this vast place, and you’ll want to make sure to have your camera ready to capture them.
Jennifer McCabe/Google
At night, thousands of stars fill the sky. The Oregon Badlands Wilderness is a place where you can go to find solitude and peace. Make plans to visit soon!
Oregon Badlands Wilderness/Google
Have you visited the Oregon Badlands Wilderness this winter? Tell our readers about your trip in the comments!
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
Oregon Badlands Wilderness/Google
Kurt Thomas Hunt/Google
The Badlands Rock, Flatiron, and Ancient Juniper Trail Loop is an easy loop trail that takes you 11.3 miles into the wilderness.
Jeff Ackerson/Google
Jennifer McCabe/Google
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Address: Oregon Badlands Wilderness, Bend, OR 97701, USA
