42. Badlands Rock

Suggested Citation: Kerr, Andy. 2000. Oregon Desert Guide: 70 Hikes. Seattle: The Mountaineers Books. pp. 184-185.

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What to Expect: Pressure ridges and old-growth juniper  

Distance: 7.9 miles loop

Elevation Range: 3,591-3,656 feet

Drinking Water: No

Best Times: Spring, summer, fall

USGS 7.5' Map: Horse Ridge

Oregon Map Starting Point: Bend

From Bend drive east on US 20 to 0.9 mile east of milepost 16. Turn north onto the paved road. Go 0.9 mile and park at a small cattle loading chute.Walk north on a way 0.2 mile to the intersection of two ways ("The Crossways"). The way from the west is the end of this loop exploration. Con- tinue northerly 2.6 miles to Badlands Rock.

It is a short scramble to the top. Note the pressure ridge 1/2 mile west and a bit south. This is the next destination.

Take the unmapped way going west by the south end of Badlands Rock. Walk 0.7 mile (the way meanders) to the north side of the pressure ridge. As the pool of lava cooled, it cracked with a ring fracture along the edge. Circumnavigate the pressure ridge by walking the crack. Climb up into the center and see pristine grass.

Continue walking on the unmapped way westward for 0.4 mile. It dead-ends into a mapped north-south way at the base of yet another pressure ridge.

Go south on the way 3.8 miles to return to the originating intersection. Numerous unmapped and unmarked ways take off from your way of choice. Bear east when you have a choice.

At the Crossways go south 0.2 mile to return to your vehicle. Easily done as a day hike, or make it an overnight.