Maiden Peak: A Challenging Climb to One of Central Oregon's Best Views

There are hikes where the difficulty is obvious almost from the beginning, and there are others that save nearly everything for the end. Our August 1, 2026 hike to the summit of Maiden Peak definitely fell into the second category.

Starting from the Maiden Peak Trailhead off Gold Lake Road near Willamette Pass, our GPS recorded 11.41 miles round trip with 2,828 feet of elevation gain. Those numbers are consistent with published descriptions of this western route, which generally put the hike at roughly 11 to 12 miles round trip with about 2,800 to 2,900 feet of climbing. What those numbers don't convey particularly well, however, is how the hike actually feels. Much of the early trail is surprisingly moderate. Then, during roughly the final mile to mile and a half approaching th...

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Hiking Grizzly Peak from Pamelia Lake: Rhododendrons, Mt. Jefferson Views, and the Legacy of the 2006 Milk Creek Landslide

Few hikes in Oregon deliver as much variety in a single day as the journey from Pamelia Lake to Grizzly Peak in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. This hike begins in a lush old-growth forest, passes crystal-clear mountain streams, wanders through blooming rhododendron groves, and finishes with some of the most spectacular views of Mt. Jefferson you'll find anywhere in the Cascades. On a recent outing, we covered just over 10 miles round trip with approximately 2,700 feet of elevation gain. While the climb to Grizzly Peak requires some effort, the reward is a front-row seat to Oregon's second-highest mountain and a unique perspective on the power of...

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I Want to Move to Central Oregon… Can I Handle the Weather?

If you're thinking about moving to Central Oregon, chances are you've already pictured it: blue skies, pine trees, mountain views, coffee in hand, trailhead five minutes away.

Then the doubt creeps in.

But can I actually handle the weather?

Short answer: maybe—and that's okay to figure out honestly.
Long answer: let's talk about what Central Oregon weather is really like, season by season, without the hype or the horror stories.

The Big Surprise: How Sunny It Is

One of the biggest shocks for newcomers is how much sun we get.

Central Oregon averages 300+ days of sunshine a year. Even in winter, it's common to have bright blue skies after a storm. Snow falls, then the sun comes out like nothing happened.

If you're comin...

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Downtown Bend Condo Living: Where Great Homes Meet Great Food

Downtown Bend condo living is about more than square footage—it's about convenience, character, and enjoying the good stuff. From private garages to stylish interiors and some seriously good food right downstairs, these condo projects offer a downtown experience that's hard to replicate.

Bond Street Condos

Perched above The Loft Wine Bar and Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails (and yes—Zydeco's food is amazing), the Bond Street Condos bring together energy, privacy, and comfort in one of downtown Bend's most recognizable buildings. These residences feature open floor plans, large patios, and secure garage parking.

There is currently one Bond Street condo available:

• List Price: $1,450,000
• Size: 2,805 square fee...

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