Recreation Leader

Home
United States
Bend, OR
Recreation Leader

Trevor Christianson | PNW🌲
Outdoor Recreation, Natural History, & Education 🏔
Join our meetup channel | 🌵🇺🇸

08/22/2024

🤔 Where did the Lava Ness Monster go? Written by Trevor Christianson. 
🌋 As fate would have it, the iconic Lava Ness Monster on the Trail of Molten Land has mysteriously disappeared, leaving visitors puzzled. 😶‍🌫️ “It’s sad to see the Lava Ness Monster is gone,” one visitor said. “It was my favorite thing to see on the Trail of Molten Land.”

We asked some newly sworn-in Junior Rangers what they thought, and they said the Lava Ness Monster simply got up and left. In their words, “It was probably too hot.” 🥵 
While it is true that life on the lava flow can be harsh due to extreme heat and rough terrain, another visitor had a different perspective when asked if the Lava Ness Monster simply got up and left. He claimed it was never there to begin with… “I’ve hiked on that lava flow for 30 years and I’ve never seen the Lava Ness Monster before,” he asserted. 
The visitor soon discovered that an interpretive panel describing the famed monster had been on the trail all along. Although the monster has seemingly vanished, the panel still remains on the Trail of Molten Land (see figure 1).  
But what really happened to the Lava Ness monster? Through a twist of fate, it seems our lava friend simply toppled over last summer, likely due to strong winds (see figure 2). 🌬️💨 
Although the monster is no longer here, it continues to capture the imagination of thousands of visitors who once saw this fabled creature. Thus, in this twisted tale of fate, the legend lives on....  🦕 Did you get a chance to see this fabled creature while it was still up? Let us know in the comments!   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

08/19/2024

📍 Benham Falls East Trailhead is an easy 1-mile out-and-back walk on an old logging railway built in the early 1900s alongside the Deschutes River. The parking area was once a logging camp for the Shevlin-Hixon Lumber Company, and the mature Ponderosa Pines that tower the site were left uncut for the company’s annual picnic.  🌋Rewind nearly 7,000 years ago, lava flows dammed the Deschutes River at Benham Falls, forming a lake that stretched to as far as present day La Pine State Park. When the river finally broke through and the lake receded, the landscape evolved into a lush meadow surrounded by thick forests. You can see evidence of this dramatic change throughout the hike.  🤠 During the summer, U.S. Forest Service Rangers offer guided interpretive walks to reveal how the Deschutes River has gone through a series of significant changes that has dramatically shaped and changed the flow of the river, due to both natural forces and human influence.  💥Currently, there is one program left this season: “Benham Falls Saturdays” August 24th, 10:30am 
Meets at the Benham Falls East Trailhead on the bridge.  
Have you been to Benham Falls or will you join an interpretive walk with a ranger? Let us know in the comments! 💙🙌 . . . . .

08/15/2024

📍Lava Cast Forest Trail is an impressive 1-mile loop on a paved path through an ancient lava flow formed 7,000 years ago on the NW flank of Newberry Volcano 🌋 Along the way, you’ll encounter “trees stuck in time,” spot American Pikas, and enjoy views of several surrounding volcanoes 🏔️

🌲 Lava Cast Forest boasts a diverse array of tree species, predominantly fir and pine, along with wildflowers like Scarlet Paintbrush, Davidson’s Penstemon, and the striking Fireweed 🔥

🤠 During the summer, U.S. Forest Service Rangers offer guided interpretive walks to reveal how the lava flows from the Northwest Rift Zone off Newberry Volcano shaped the landscape and created the timeless tree molds you see along the trail.

💥Currently, there are two programs left this season:
“Lava Cast Forest Fridays”
August 16th, 11am
August 23rd, 1pm

Meet at the Lava Cast Forest Trailhead. From Bend, take US 97 south and exit at S Century Drive/Lava Cast Forest RD. Follow Lava Cast Forest RD to your destination.

✅ Be sure to type “Lava Cast Forest Trailhead” into gps, this will give you more accurate directions.

Have you been to Lava Cast Forest or will you join an interpretive walk with a ranger? Let us know in the comments! 💙🙌

07/25/2024

Join us for a PACK ANIMAL-supported trip 🐴💼

💥 We are looking for folks to come hike or backpack with us August 3rd-5th in this limited-access area to install trail-junction signs 🎒🥾

This is a great way to experience the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness and give back to the Willamette National Forest at the same time 🌲🙌

We have perks too 👀

📍Pamelia and Hunts Cove is an impressive 12-mile out and back or 17-mile loop through an old-growth coniferous forest that offers stunning views of the Cascade Crest, high lakes, and meadows filled with wildflowers 🏔🐟🌺

🌲The forest has a diversity of tree species that are predominantly fir, pine, cedar, and mountain hemlock; with vegetation that includes wild huckleberries, vine maples, and alluring rhododendron 🌸

💥 We will meet at Pamelia Lake Trailhead at 9 AM on Saturday, 8/3/24; carpooling is also an option. The pack animals will load up our gear and we will hike and setup camp near Hanks Lake. Our goal is to make signposts from downed trees and install them at key trail junctions:
Hunts Cove/Old Hunts Cove Trail
Old Hunts Cove/Hunts Creek Trail
Hunts Creek/Pacific Crest Trail

🏕️ We’ll camp for two nights and hike out on the 5th. Sign up for as many days as you like!

🐸Looking to explore on your own? The trail offers easy access to the western flank of Mt. Jefferson for those looking to summit the peak. This trail requires a special limited access permit. Visit https://recreationleader.com/central-cascades-wilderness-permits/ for more information.

Will you be joining our upcoming trip? We look forward to welcoming you! 🙌🏼💙

06/05/2024

Hello Climbers! 🧗‍♀️🧗 
We’re thrilled to announce our Climber’s Summer Kickoff Social at the new Cascade Lakes Brewing on Reed Market! After a two-year hiatus, we’re bringing back the hype and reactivating our vibrant community. This fun and casual event is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and find your next climbing partner 🧡 
Event Details:
📅 Date: Wednesday, June 5th
⌚️Time: 6:15 PM
📍 Location: Cascade Lakes Brewery, Reed Market (upstairs on the rooftop)
 We’ll be discussing plans for future events, including gym climb nights, clinics, Smith Rock crag days, and fun camping trips. If there’s enough interest at the social, we’ll plan a Smith Rock climbing meetup at Monument for Sunday. Sign-up will be required, so come with your ideas and enthusiasm!  
Highlights:
* Meet and mingle with fellow climbers
* Connect with belay partners
* Plan future climbing events and activities
* Enjoy great food and drinks at Cascade Lakes Brewery
* Rooftop gathering with sunny weather and good vibes 
✅ Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a seasoned climber or just starting out. Look for our sign to easily find us on the rooftop. We can’t wait to see you all there and kick off a fantastic summer of climbing adventures! 
💥 Don’t want to miss all the action? Join our meetup channel on Instagram and our meetup group (Central Oregon Outdoor Recreation Group) on Facebook!

05/24/2024

💥Driving access to Tumalo Falls OPENED Thursday, May 23rd 🙌🏼🥹 Read post for the Upper Tumalo Falls Loop snow report ❄️

🛻 Driving to the falls on the dirt road (Forest Service Road 4603) is clear of snow and has just been graded! Thank you for driving slowly to help preserve the road.

🥾 Hiking from the parking lot to the top of Tumalo Falls is clear of snow. Downed logs are present between Tumalo Falls and Double Falls. Snow increases from Double Falls to “Triple Falls,” where a wall of snow and ice shortly after (see picture) makes hiking and biking unfavorable. It’ll be a couple of weeks before the full trail is clear of snow and ice.

Need to Know:
🅿️Parking requires either a NW Forest Pass, Day Use Pass, or an Interagency Pass.
🐶 Dogs are not allowed on the City of Bend Watershed on this loop to help protect drinking water. See the interp panels at the trailhead for details.
🚵 Bikes can travel from Tumalo Falls uphill only.

💦 Have you been or will you visit Tumalo Falls? Let us know in the comments!
✅ Have an updated report? Send us an email, drop a comment on this post, or send us a DM 🙂

05/21/2024

💥Cascade Lakes Highway is OPENED and we checked out the snow and parking conditions 👀

🅿️ Parking conditions as of May 21st, 2024.
Todd Lake: heavy snow to highway.
Sparks Lake: heavy snow to highway.
Green Lakes: heavy snow to highway.
Devils Lake: heavy snow to highway.
Sisters Mirror: heavy snow to highway.
Quinn Meadow: heavy snow to highway.
Elk Lake:
-FS road 4625 huge patches of snow, will melt sooner than above destinations.
-Elk Lake resort plowed; gate closed when not operating.
-campgrounds covered in snow.
Six Lakes: lots of parking.
Hosmer Lake: snow gets deeper on mud lake road, not accessible.
Lava & Little Lava Lakes: lots of parking, some snow.

❄️ Snow conditions on trails
All trails from Todd Lake to Six Lakes have lots of snow and ice on the trails and are not hike-able. Conditions are great for those looking for winter travel. Six Lakes has mixed conditions. Lava & Little Lava Lake and to the south has minimal snow.

🥾Hiking conditions are usually optimal in early July.

Ranger secret GOLD beta 🏆: when all the snow melts off Tumalo Mountain, everything is hike-able down Cascade Lakes Highway.

🏷️ Central Cascades Wilderness permits go in effect June 15th-October 15th. Visit Recreation.gov for details.

If visiting the highway use caution, be safe, and watch for speeding motorists; would not recommend parking on the side of the road.

✅ Have an updated report? Send us an email, drop a comment on this post, or send us a DM 🙂

05/17/2024

💥Breaking News: As of May 15th, 2024, the road to Newberry Caldera is open, but access to trailheads, boat launches, lakes, and Paulina Peak remains either non-existent or very limited. Deets below 👇  🗻 Newberry Caldera Snow Condition Report (05/15/24) ❄️ 
❄️ Snow Impact:  • All hiking trails within the caldera are currently covered in snow. 
🚫 No Access:  • Big Obsidian Flow  • Chief Paulina Trailhead • Cinder Hill Trailhead  • Little Crater Campground  • Newberry Group Site  • Paulina Falls  • Paulina Lake Campground  • Paulina Lake Hot Springs  • Paulina Peak 
⚠️ Limited Access:  • East Lake (limited parking, boat launch inaccessible)
• Hot Springs Boating Site (lots of parking, boat launch inaccessible) • Paulina Lake Boating Site (limited parking, boat launch accessible) 
✅ Accessible:  • Paulina Lake Lodge (open 8am-4pm; watercraft rentals available starting May 18th) 
👀 Full access to all recreational opportunities within the caldera generally happens by mid-June when the snow has melted. Campgrounds within the caldera operated by Vista Recreation are tentatively set to open on June 14th, except for Little Crater and East Lake, which are expected to open on June 21st due to hazardous tree mitigation efforts. 
Stay safe and plan accordingly! 🌲  💙 Enjoy our content? Drop us a comment and let us know how we are doing!   . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

05/11/2024

A solar storm creates a vibrant array of hues of pink and green in the Deschutes National Forest 🌌

04/30/2024

🩸Got ticks? This is YOUR guide to identifying, preventing, and removing ticks, so you can continue to safeguard your outdoor legacy. For more information on ticks, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.  📗 Enjoying this guide? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts on what guide you’d love to see next!   . . . . . . . . . . . 

04/27/2024

🌋 Lava River Cave unlocks its gates on FRIDAY, MAY 3RD! Timed entry tickets required. Read post for deets!🦇👀 
📍Located within Newberry National Volcanic Monument, this site receives an average of 70,000 visitors a season (early May to September 15th). To help provide a better experience for visitors, help protect the sensitive bat habitat, and to be able to provide guaranteed parking, a timed entry reservation system was put in place.   ⏳About the Timed Entry System: Timed reservations for Lava River Cave are available on Recreation.gov. Each timeslot allows access to the cave for two hours. Beginning April 26, 2024, 50% of tickets will be available on a rolling 7-day booking window. The remaining 50% will be available on a 24-hour booking window. A total of 6 daily entry blocks will be available every hour on the hour starting at 9 a.m. with the last block at 2 p.m.  🎟️ Valid Recreation Pass Required
In addition to a timed reservation ticket, a valid recreation pass is required at the cave. A Northwest Forest Pass annual, day pass, or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass is required at Lava River Cave. Passes are sold onsite. This day pass requirement is in addition to the $2 ticket reservation fee. For more information on valid passes, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r6/passes-permits/recreation   👣 Approximately 2.2 miles round-trip.  🥾 Wear closed-toed shoes and warm clothing (average cave temperature: 42°F).  🔦 Bring or rent two light sources (on-site) for a safe and enjoyable adventure.  🐶 Pets are not allowed in Lava River Cave.  🦇To help protect bats from a deadly disease called White Nose Syndrome, wear clothes that you have not worn in another cave ecosystem.   Have you been to Lava River Cave or will you be visiting there soon? . . . . . . . . . . . 

04/23/2024

Come say hi 👋

04/22/2024

Happy Earth Day! 🌎 National Forest Edition! 🌲🌲

Whether you’re venturing into the volcanoes of the Three Sisters Wilderness, the expansive forests of the Umpqua National Forest, or the caverns at Newberry National Volcanic Monument, we encourage you to step out and explore! Set the standard and care for our planet, embracing the role of a not just on Earth Day but every day 🏔️🌲💪

04/21/2024

How to Hike to Chush Falls, Deschutes National Forest drops Earth Day 2024! Full video will be released on our Youtube Channel. Subscribe to watch! 👀

https://www.youtube.com/recreationleader

04/20/2024

Ready to backpack this summer while giving back to our National Forests at the same time? A volunteer information night will be held this Wednesday, April 24th at the Downtown Bend Library in the Brooks room at 6pm!

Invite your friends, meet other volunteers, and sign up to backpack with us this summer!!!

We look forward to meeting you.

With Gratitude,

Trevor Christianson
Owner
Vice President

03/31/2024

🌲💥 Breaking News: Central Cascades Wilderness Permits are being released on TUESDAY, April 2nd, at 7am 🏔️🥾

📅 When do you need a permit?
From June 15 to October 15.

👀 Where are permits required?
For all overnight stays in the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness areas. For day use, at 19 out of 79 trailheads.

🤔 How do you get permits?
Reserve them on Recreation.gov or via the app. Search for “Central Cascades Wilderness.”

💰 How much does it cost?
Day-use permits cost $1 per individual, and overnight-use permits cost $6 per group (1 to 12 people). Processing fees are non-refundable unless the area is closed by the Forest Service

📜 When are permits available?
Starting TUESDAY, Recreation.gov will release 40% of overnight permits in advance. The remaining 60% of overnight permits will be released 7 days before the start of your trip.

*Day-use permits do not have advanced reservations and will be opened for reservations 10 days prior and 2 days before your trip. View the post for quotas.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is there a limit to the number of permits an individual can have?
Yes, only three overnight permits at a time can be reserved.

🚫 What is the cancellation policy? If you decide not to use your permit, thank you for canceling it to allow others the opportunity to reserve it 🙂 Note: the processing fees cannot be refunded unless the Forest Service closes an area.

🌌 What overnight stays will you be reserving this season?...

02/21/2024

☠️ Skiing in the backcountry can be deadly. Know the risks and get the training you need to travel safely.��

🏔️Broken Top Volcano is a beautiful and iconic peak located in the High Cascades. It formed around half a million years ago and has a complex history of eruptions, subsidence, and uplift.

⛷️ Getting there and back is a difficult 16+ mile journey. It is recommended to snowmobile from Dutchman Flats to the Wilderness boundary and skin up from there; this tactic saves you about 14 miles of skiing.

💥 Embrace Life’s Climb👇
Just like conquering Broken Top Volcano, facing the challenges in our lives requires resilience, determination, and unwavering mental toughness.

🌋 Each stumble, every setback, is an opportunity to dig deep within ourselves and find the strength to keep pushing forward.

So, when the path ahead seems treacherous and the obstacles insurmountable, remember this: You are capable, you are resilient, and you are destined for greatness. Keep climbing, keep pushing, and before you know it, you’ll be standing triumphantly at the summit of your own Broken Top, ready to embrace the beauty of your journey. 💪

..........

01/12/2024

💥❄️⛷️Catch us shredding down the slopes off Pine Martin chairlift and uncover the wonders of the Deschutes National Forest. While there’s no official Ski with a Ranger program this year, we will be roving around eager to share the excitement of volcanoes, wildlife, watershed, and trees 🏔️ 🌲🐾  Mention you saw this post for a special sticker 👀 
*Saturdays & Sundays from 10 am to 1 pm. This program wouldn’t be possible without the partnership between , .s.forestservice , and

01/08/2024

💥 The Golden Eagles have landed 🦅 Monument Area at Smith is officially closed for climbing till the Eagles spread their wings and fly away! This usually happens around August 1st.   🧗‍♀️ While Monument Area is closed, what crags will you be visiting instead? Let us know in the comments! 🧡  . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12/12/2023

🎄✨ Tree Identification Guide to Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree! 🌲❄️

📍 Finding Your Tree in the Deschutes National Forest:
White Fir, Douglas Fir, Lodgepole Pine, Engleman Spruce, Shasta Red Fir, Noble Fir, Silver Fir, & White Pine

Guidelines and Restrictions:
🎫 One permit per tree, max five per household at $5.00 each.
🌲 Cut only on National Forest lands.
🚗 Trees at least 200 ft from roads, recreation sites, campgrounds, and water bodies.
🌳 Select any tree species under 12 ft tall.
📏 Only cut a tree within 20 ft of another, stump

11/09/2023

🌿✨ In nature’s intricate details—the dance of leaves, the song of the river, the whispers of a breeze—there's an invitation to witness the extraordinary in the ordinary, revealing that the journey itself is a masterpiece waiting to be appreciated 🎨✨  🌲Has there been a time when nature's intricate beauty illuminated the ordinary moments of your journey? 🦋✨

Address

Bend, OR
97702

Website

https://linktr.ee/recreationleader

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Recreation Leader posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Recreation Leader:

Videos

🦇 Help protect bats from a deadly disease called White Nose Syndrome! ⚠️  🦠White-Nose Syndrome is a deadly disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that affects hibernating bats. First detected in 2006, it has now spread to over 38 states, causing millions of bats’ deaths. In some cases, mortality rates exceed 90%. The fungus can form as a white fuzz on bats’ faces, giving the disease its name. There is no known cure for WNS, but research continues in an attempt to mitigate the impact on bat populations.  🦇 Why Bats Matter! Bats pollinate plants, disperser seeds, and help control insect populations. When bats suffer, so does the environment.  What YOU Can Do 👀 As individuals, the number one thing we can do is not wear any clothing or equipment we have worn/used in other caves. Proper decontamination doesn’t guarantee the spores of the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome to disappear, though it does help significantly. To learn how to properly decontaminate clothing/gear, visit whitenosesyndrome.org   Interested in protecting and preserving bat habitats?Visit the National Spelunking Society’s website to find a Grotto near you.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . #bend #bendoregon #inbend #backyardbend #centraloregon #oregonexplored #oregon #pnw #pnwonderland #adventure #explore #outdoors #pacificnorthwest #upperleftusa #optoutside #wanderlust #recreationleader #thisisbend #pacificnw #nature #getoutside #cave #caves #caving #spelunking #explorepage #hiking #hike #hikingadventures #highdesert

How to Hike to Chush Falls, Deschutes National Forest drops Earth Day 2024! Full video will be released on our Youtube Channel. Subscribe to watch! 👀 https://www.youtube.com/recreationleader . . . . . . . #recreation #recreationleader #optoutside #optoutdoors#getoutside #getoutdoors #adventure #bestofbend #inbend #backyardbend #bend #bendoregon #upperleftusa #upperleft #pnw #pacificnorthwest #pacificnwonderland #pacificnw #centraloregon #oregonexplored #hike #hikeeveryday #myoregonforests #backpacking #backpack #backpacker #nature #travel #hiking #pnwlife

How to Hike to Chush Falls, Deschutes National Forest drops Earth Day 2024! 🌎 To watch the full video, subscribe to our YouTube channel! Link in bio 👀 . . . . . . . #recreation #recreationleader #optoutside #optoutdoors#getoutside #getoutdoors #adventure #bestofbend #inbend #backyardbend #bend #bendoregon #upperleftusa #upperleft #pnw #pacificnorthwest #pacificnwonderland #pacificnw #centraloregon #oregonexplored #hike #hikeeveryday #myoregonforests #backpacking #backpack #backpacker #nature #travel #hiking #pnwlife

Backpack in Wilderness while giving back to our National Forests! Earn a Wilderness Pass good for an entire season for you and a friend! DM us for details 👀

This video was created by @backyardbend to celebrate 10 years of @discover_your_forest !! Backyard Media reached out to us to get an inside perspective on DYF. You may have seen some of our Ski with a Ranger posts this past winter. That program wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration between Discover Your Forest and the @u.s.forestservice . DYF inspires our community to learn about their natural environment in Central Oregon, inspires others to #giveback through volunteerism, and continues to provide career development opportunities working with the Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland. If you would like to learn more about Discover Your Forest and all the amazing opportunities they provide, visit their website (www.discoveryourfirest.org) or follow their page @discover_your_forest Video sponsors: @tumalocreek @motherscafe @patioworldbend Tunes by: @chrisballew Will you volunteer with Discover Your Forest or attend one of their programs? Let us know in the comments!

What a fun year!!! Thank you so much everyone for the love and support throughout 2021. This page is only possible because of you. Thanks for being here, and have an amazing NYE and a Happy New Year!! With love and appreciation 🥳🤗💙

As promised, prize giveaway after 1k followers!! This is how YOU can win this hat 🥳 Rack up as many points as you can, each point is an extra entry into the raffle. This is how you can earn points: 1) Follow this page (1 pt) 2) Follow us on Facebook (1 pt) 3) Tag your friends in the comments below (each friend is 1 point) 4) Follow us on TikTok (1 pt) 5) Subscribe to our YouTube channel (3 points) 6) Sign up your middle school kiddo to Outdoor Winter Adventure Leadership (5pts) 7) Share this post as your story (1pt) Let us know which ones you did in the comments!

Registration for Outdoor Winter Adventure Leadership is almost full for some programs. There are three dates, each can have 9 participants. This is a step by step guide on how to sign up your middle school kiddos through the Bend Park and Rec website.

What to do in Wawona, Yosemite National Park video will be fully released on YouTube tomorrow (4.24.21) at 10am; YouTube link in bio!! :) Will also be releasing another video for the Mist Trail to Nevada Fall sometime this weekend. Teaser trailer for that one coming soon

When I was working at Glacier National Park last winter/spring, since we couldn’t run programs due to Covid lockdowns we created some videos from our phones. This one is about surviving the wild by mimicking an animal. What animal would you mimic to survive in a wild place? Comment below! *This video is being used for educational purposes only and is the property of the National Park Service.

The Three Sisters are stratovolanoes that are nestled within the High Cascades. Glimpses of these volcanoes can be seen throughout Bend, Oregon. Filming was done on top of Pilot Butte. Video of Pilot Butte will be coming soon on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel to see it when it’s released!! :)