Oregon Badlands Wilderness

Ed Lee

A interesting place to experience the high desert with juniper trees, sagebrush and volcanic formations from ancient lava flows. I started my hike on the Homestead Trail to Flatiron Rock on a cool morning. The trail was flat with sandy soil and took me through a harsh landscape with shrubs, sagebrush, small flowers and juniper trees. The landscape became more rocky as I connected to the Flatiron trail. Flatiron Rock is a cracked pressure ridge that was formed during an eruption of the Newberry Volcano. You can turnaround at this point or continue hiking toward Badlands Rock. I did hike toward Castle Rock for a short distance and started back to the trailhead as it started to get really hot. Located about 17 miles from Bend on Hwy 20. The Oregon Badlands may not be for everybody, but it is a good opportunity to hike through old juniper trees and volcanic formations from ancient lava flows.

Dj AM3THYST

Peace and tranquility at it's finest , and the stars at night are absolutely brilliant.

Derek Schott

It cracks me up how many states have locations within them called the Badlands. Everyone wants a place on the map that sounds like a movie was filmed there. That being said, this is a simple to find, ease at parking, flat trailed hiking …

Mike Figgins

Super easy hike..bring a hat ..no shade.