Paver walkway in Pioneer Park, Downtown Bend, Oregon

An appropriate place to start descriptions of Pioneer Park is at the new handicapped accessible ramp near the Portland street bridge on the south end of the park.  The ramp pictured below is very tastefully done with a lava rock facing and very sturdy and timeless iron railing.

New Handicap accessible ramp in Downtown Bend's Pioneer Park

There is a pedestrian crossing underway so that walkers and runners can cross Portland avenue with some level of safety.  There is also work going on in Pacific Park on the other side of Portland Avenue.  A graded, handicap ramp is in place there as well, but it currently doesn’t really connect with anything, except a goose poop laden wood chip path.  A Bend parks and Rec employee I spoke with said that it was his understanding that a path through Pacific Park would be eventually be completed, thereby connecting to the core of downtown Bend with Pioneer park through the ever developing Bend River Trail system.  Back to Pioneer Park and its lovely new paver walkways.  Walking north along the gently flowing Deschutes River, along the freshly minted walkway is one of the more underrated views in Bend.  Awbrey Butte seen over the placid waters of the Deschutes River is an impressive scene.

View of Awbrey Butte and the placid Deschutes River from Bend's Pioneer Park

Beyond this point is where the real benefit of this renovation start to shine through.  The path ambles through large ponderosa trees, rimrock lava formations, and along the banks of the Deschutes.  I’ve been to Pioneer Park many times before as it is close to the Bend Wild compound and this is where the trail used to get a little creepy.  Makeshift homeless camps  with lots of garbage could regularly be found in this area of Pioneer Park. Well, not any more.  The beautifying of the trails and parks via this renovation have brought in more walkers,runners, and foot traffic, thereby driving out the homeless individuals who were intimidating to the rest of Bend’s park users.  This is actually a good example of increased traffic through an urban trail system making he trails much safer and more beautiful.  With these wonderful improvements, this area of Pioneer Park really does have a magical feel, which is an immense improvement.

Walkway through ponderosa trees in Pioneer park

Continuing north beyond the rimrock area, travelers come upon an apartment building located along the river’s banks.  I’m certain that the city of Bend had to do some serious negotiating to get access through this property and it is well worthwhile for everyone involved.  Having this elegant walkway is a phenomenal resource for all the citizens of Bend, and it adds value to the apartments which are located nearby.  The path and amenities are top notch in this area with low maintenance and long lasting concrete fences and black iron safety fences.  During the constructions process I noticed the men form Mike’s Fence Company working on the concrete fencing.  Well done guys!

Deschutes river trail coursing behind apartments near the damn above the First Street rapids

Adjacent to the apartments, is the dam which holds back the Deschutes River.  Below the dam, the Deschutes river takes on a much more rugged personality.  This, incidentally is where the “First Street Rapids” area of Bend is located.the dam which makes the water under the Portland avenue bridge so placid.  Downstream from this dam, the Deschutes River takes on a much more rugged personality.

First Street Rapids dam as seen from the Pioneer Park walkway

Slightly downstream from the dam is a “put-in” spot for whitewater kayakers.  Foot access is available from Pioneer Park.  The “put in ramp” is safe looking and lined with fine gravel.

White water "put in" on the east side of Bend's First Street rapids

Please head the ominous warning sign at the white water “put-in’ area which is seen below.

Whitewater warning sign

Believe it or not, this piece of the Pioneer Park walkway offers a little bit of history as well.  As long ago as 1927, there used to be a community pool located in this area of Bend.  Below is a plaque dedicated to th “Kirtsis Swim Tank”

Historical plaque about the "Kirtsis swim tank"

Shortly beyond this point, the pavered path unceremoniously ends.  There are trails criss crossing this area but it is definitely undeveloped.  This temporary ending point of the Pioneer Park walkway is on City owned property and it is the proposed area for a pedestrian bridge across the Deschutes River.

Temporary end of the Pioneer Park walkway, which is located across the Deschutes River from First Street Rapids Park.

With a short stroll, you will find the famed First Street Rapids and a couple of wading pools along the banks of the Deschutes River.

First Street Rapids. Bend, Oregon.

While the improvements to Pioneer are excellent, they are nothing compared to the benefit that the residents and visitors to Bend will enjoy once the First Street Rapids bridge is completed, thereby connecting Pioneer Park with the First Street Rapids parks and the Deschutes River Trail on the west side of the River.  The length of the River Trail will be much more accessible with the completion of the proposed bridge, and many walker and runner friendly loops will be possible with the bridge intact.  We can envision a few standardized and easy to follow loops clearly marked for enjoyment of visitors and residents alike.  It would be a beautiful and simple activity for everyone on the downtown Bend area.  Alas, we will have to wait for funding, but when it does happen , Downtown Bend will have another brilliant and natural calling card.  This is truly the type of infrastructure that would help pull Bend out of its current economic doldrums.

Because a loop walk is not currently available on this area of downtown Bend, an out an back is the only option.  On the way back to Pioneer Park there are some more beautiful views including the following view of the First Street Rapids dam.  If you look closely, you can even see a fish ladder that will hopefully someday allow passage for salmon and steelhead to pass upstream to Mirror Pond and eventually the Upper Deschutes River.  For more information about the “back to home waters” initiative, being spearheaded by the good people at the Deschutes Land Trust, follow this link, “Back to Home Waters”.  How cool would it be to see and know that anadromous fish were passing through and spawning in Downtown Bend.  Just another thing that could make our favorite city even better!

First street rapids dam in downtown Bend, Oregon

Upstream from the First Street Rapids dam is another idyllic view that was made possible by the renovation of Pioneer Park.

Path in Pioneer Park, Bend, OR.

While the renovations of Pioneer Park are great, the park did have a lot to offer before the recent improvements.  The picnic shelter seen below is often utilized for weddings and other organized get togethers.  It is an attractive facility with great views, and an awesome location.

Picnic shelter in Pioneer Park, Bend Oregon

Pioneer park also has an attractive garden area above the rimrock on the northern end of the park.  This particular area is dedicated to Percy Drost, who developed and built Bend’s water system and several of its parks during his tenure with the Bend Parks department.

Dedication to Percy Drost

Some bullet points that are worth pondering in regards to Bend Oregon’s Pioneer Park:

-Awesome new renovation!  kudos to the Bend Parks department and all the contractors involved.

-Pioneer Park is much safer and Happier now.

-Pioneer Park is now handicap accessible

-Someday, the park may include a bridge that connects Pioneer park with the First Street rapids area.  This will be HUGE for the city of Bend!

-Someday you may see salmon and steelhead swimming through this area of the Deschutes River.  How cool would that be?

That’s all for now!  Go check out the new renovations at Pioneer Park.  You won’t regret it!

Thanks for Reading,

Bend Wild

Stone Brewing 14th anniversary Emperial IPA

Nose/Appearance-Although we don’t normally assign too many bonus points for appearance, this beer is rather unique.  It shines in the glass with a luminous, golden color and exhibits a fine, gauzy haze and puckering head that is rarely found in today’s craft beer industry.  The initially effervescent nose settles over time to reveal subtle notes of grapefruit peal,apricot puree,dry fruity, and dry orange peal all laid up against a background of muscular european hops.

Body/Flavor-The artful brewing behind this beer provides a dry, but flavorful body that effectively shrouds the 8.9% ABV.  While we hold no passion for english hops here in the Bend Wild Tasting Compound, perhaps this is a case of more is better.  The hop flavor is aggressive, unique, and palatable.  This big IPA can not be confused with a barleywine.  It is an IPA through and through.  Bountiful additions of what are allegedly English hops generate a earthy late flavor that finishes of dry citrus rinds.

Finish/Mouthfeel- A distinctively arid hop finish balances out this high alcohol IPA.  Resinous pine notes reverberate against a dry lupulin dominated finish.

Overall/Drinkability- We’re going 10/10 for an unpredictable appeal and a strong beer “strange” factor.  This very attractive beer is reminiscent of other great Imperial IPA’s that have washed over the Bend Wild palates, such as Bridgeport Brewery’s remarkable Hop Czar.

Celebrity Likeness- In our review of Hop Czar, we mentioned that it reminded us of Marisa Miller, and while we can’t quite come up an English version of Marisa Miller to use as a celebrity likeness for this beer , we’re going to say that if there was one, this would be the beer that made us think of her (assuming of course, that it would actually take a beer to make us think about an English version of Marisa Miller).  We digress!  We’re stuck on English Marisa Miller, we’ll just pretend she has an English accent.

Firestone Walker Pale Ale

Nose/Appearance-  A robust yet clear golden color capped by moderately fine-laced head.  We’ve quaffed many Firestone Pale 31’s at the Bend Wild Tasting Compound and its aroma usually excels.  This Particular Firestone Pale was strong but not exceptional in regard to aroma.  Fresh citrus notes mixed with some delicate hints of pine set off the senses.

Body/Appearance- Keep in mind that this beer rings in at 4.8% alcohol. With that, Firestone Pale has a great comparative body.  Think of the bookish person who wears baggy clothes but works out all the time.  Pretty rewarding!  While the body is still dominated by hops, there are light but pleasant notes of caramel and bready malt notes finishing off the body.

Finish/Mouthfeel- Hoppy but appropriate.  The bitterness is present but far from excessive.  We have previously evaluated the Skyline Forest Ale from Bend’s own Deschutes Brewery.  We referred to it as a precursor to what could become a great Hop Session ale.  Well, Firestone Walker Pale is the best example of a Hop Session pale that we at Bend Wild have found yet in our life long beer quest.  Frankly, we’re disappointed.  We wish that this was an Oregon beer and more specifically a Bend beer, but our taste buds don’t lie and this beer is a winner.

Overall Drinkability- 10,10,10! We love having this beer around during the summer months.  Because of this beer’s aromatic nose, low alcohol content and light mouthfeel, is is good for several beers per night if you lack self control!  Buy it love it and prod your local Bend Brewery to make something similar.  You won’t regret it!

Celebrity Likeness- We’re pulling out a gem here, Allesandra Ambrosio.  Summer, light, but with a great body, that you can appreciate every day.  Very sessionable!

While this trail is no secret to locals, it’s amazing scenery and short distance make it a must for Central Oregon hikers.  This trail starts at the “Jack Lake Trail” on the east side of the Pacific Crest near the idyllic town of Camp Sherman, Oregon.  On sumer weekends, the parking lot can be full so arrive early or don’t attempt this hike on weekends between July and September.  Below is the trail head on the edge of the parking lot.

The Jack Lake Trail Head which leads to Canyon Creek Meadows

Be a good backcountry soldier and sign in at the trail head.  You might also want to have your northwest forest pass visible as this parking lot is sometimes patrolled by the forest service and and it is clearly indicated that they are required at the Jack Lake Parking lot.  The trail is obvious and leads off to the right as seen in the photo above.  After a short 1/4 mile hike, Jack Lake can be seen off to the left.

Jack Lake as seen from near the Jack Lake parking lot.

At Jack Lake, damage from recent fires is very evident.    The first half of the trail to Canyon Creek Meadow is scarred with fire damage and with Beetle damage.  As in other areas of the Oregon Cascades, Pine Borer Beetles have wreaked havoc on Lodgepole pine stands.

Trail signs pointing to Canyon Creek Meadow.

After a mile of moderate uphill hiking, you’ll see the above sign which according to my  best estimate is about 2 miles from Canyon Creek Meadow.  Eventually the trail will fork.  At that point, continue onward towards Canyon Creek rather than traveling downhill towards Wasco Lake. The next 3/4 of a mile is heavily littered with downed lodgepole pines which are the victims of Forest fire and the sinister pine borer beetles.  Trees are simply laying everywhere like our friend Jake on a Saturday night!  Below is the kind of deadfall that will be present on the trail(not on a date with Jake).

Deadfall littering the trail on the way to Canyon Creek Meadow.

The location of this deadfall is unfortunate as the trail climbs steadily here.  Shortly after the deadfall subsides, a couple of alpine ponds appear on the left side of the trail.  While the ponds are attractive, they are are absolutely laden with mosquitoes, like Jake’s hot tub is laden with……..Water.

Alpine Pond along the trail along to Canyon Creek Meadow.

Beyond the ponds, the trail descends noticeably and the the deadfall is wonderfully absent.  While the trail is somewhat rough, it is very obvious.

Rough descending trail.

After the descent is an inevitable yet short climb.  A small dry meadow awaits near the top of the climb.  If you are lucky enough to hike this trail in late summer, the meadow will likely be carpeted with lupines as seen in the photo below.

Lupine lined trail in route to Three Fingered Jack, in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.

At the meadow, you are about to see the alpine light.  From hear the trail is level, beautiful and improving with every step.  You are very close to one of Oregon’s more iconic hiking locations.  In fact you are very close to the following scene capturing Three Fingered and a small foot bridge at the bottom of the lower Canyon Creek Meadow.

Footbridge in the Lower Canyon Creek Meadow with Three Fingered Jack in the background.

At this point, you should prepare to be wowed.  Trees in the meadow thin and the wildflowers thicken, like tourists crowding the Bar at the Deschutes Brewery!  This meadow is the best place for camping if you are planning an overnight trip.  There are many pleasant options, so don’t be afraid to explore for sites slightly off of the beaten track.  The intrepid hiker should proceed onward from here.  The meadow is about 1/2 mile long.  With an additional 1/2 mile of fairly strenuous uphill hiking, you will receive one of the most beautiful scenes in Oregon.

Trail to Three Fingered Jack in the ORegon Cascades

The Upper meadow is a smaller stream and wildflower laden version of the the lower Canyon Creek Meadow.  Below is a small sampling of the wildflowers to be found in the Upper Canyon Creek Meadow at the base of Three Fingered Jack.

Wildflowers near Three Fingered Jack

As you climb upward toward the Upper Meadow, pay attention to the views off to your right, as the trail tends to carry hikers past the upper meadow towards a small but very scenic Moraine Lake right at the base of Three Fingered Jack.  I recommend a stop in the upper Canyon Creek Meadow  before proceeding to the alpine lake.  The meadow with the distant Three Fingered Jack, as seen below simply begs for exploration!

Three Fingered Jack

Predicting wildflowers is a crapshoot.  Late summer is a good bet though.  Some years are disappointing, while in other years, the wildflowers rival the best that you can find anywhere in the Pacific Northwest!  for some truly amazing Three Fingered Jack photos follow this link .  Oregon Mountain Photos.  From the Upper Meadow, the options are endless.  You can proceed up along the shadow edges seen in the photo above to reach the aforementioned Moraine Lake, or you can climb up to the right(North) and explore the Pacific Crest Trail which skirts above the Upper Canyon Creek Meadow.  One reminder, Mosquitoes can be fierce in summer, so stock up on Bug Dope.  This trail is a phenomenal day hike to one of Oregon’s most beautiful Alpine Basins.  The fact that the trail to the Upper Meadow is only 4 miles is icing on the cake.  As always tread lightly,  and pack out your debris.  This is simply too beautiful of a place to defile.

Happy Trails,

Bend Wild

Hoo Doo Voo Doo IPA From Three Creeks Brewery in Sisters, Oregon

This light amber colored IPA typically has a finely laced head and an very pleasant hop forward aroma.  Plentiful late hop addition offer the palate lingering yet gentle hints of grapefruit, and pine.  The relatively low alcohol and it’s lack of a severe bittering punch make this hoppy IPA very session worthy.  This IPA fills a favorite niche for the Bend Wild staff.  A beer dominated by hop flavor but not overwhelming bitterness.  Think of Deschutes’ Red Chair NWPA.  Three Creeks Voo Doo IPA can often be had on tap in Bend, Oregon at The Summit, and Typhoon.  Ask for it by name so those establishments will keep this phenomenal beer on tap all the time!

Victoria Graves, of Three Creeks Brewery in Sisters, Oregon. One of our favorite Beer Maids!

While you are in the Three Creeks Pub, remember to tip the staff.  They are some of the best in the business, and have long been favorites of the Bend Wild Staff.  Oh, their food is also excellent so if you make the journey to little Sisters, Oregon, plan on staying for a tasty meal.  We plan on providing a more complete review of the Three Creeks Brewery in the near future, so check back soon!

Cheers,

Bend Wild

Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale by Bend, Oregon's Deschutes Brewery

Nose/Appearance: A sweet, citrusy nose that could be confused with Inversion IPA’s little brother if not for it’s lighter color and slightly smaller profile.

Body/Flavor: Nicely balanced body with big citrusy and piney hop flavors.  Moderate mouthfeel with mild resinous notes balanced by ample flavors of Crystal malts.

Finish/Mouthfeel: Perhaps one of the most defining characteristics of this hoppy beer is that it does not have an especially bitter finish.  The body is echoed in the finish with notes of citrus and pine rather than a puckering bitterness.

Overall Drinkability: 10/10!  Stimulating hop complexity without excessive IBUs make for an exceptionally palatable, everyday beer.  The niche that Deschutes is trying to create with the “Northwest Pale” is a good one.  Here in the Bend Wild tasting compound, we much prefer late additions of hops and the flavor complexities that they add over early hop additions purely for the sake of bitterness.

Celebrity Likeness: Silky, smooth, and slightly sweet, this well-proportioned beer is kind of like Eva Longoria.  Easy on the eyes, nose, and palate.  It’s what we’d like to have everyday.  Yummy

We will mourn when this beer is replaced by Twilight Ale in Deschutes’ seasonal twelve ounce bottle rotation.  The word on the street is that the supplies of Red Chair are short, so stock up now, while it lasts.

Fresh Squeezed IPA from Deschutes Brewery's PDX Pub

Because this was a pub tasting, we didn’t totally geek out and score this beer right on the bar but you’ll get a few notes and a big thumbs up from us.

This beauty pours with an ample off-white head and a light amber color.  That’s is where the average part of this beer ends.  The nose is exquisite.  The “Citra hop” mentioned in the Deschutes literature seems to be responsible for a wonderful citrusy aroma.  It bursts with sweet grapefruit and dry tangerine.  Different from Bridgeport IPA’s nose but equally citrusy.  The body is full and flavorful and finely balanced.  Lots of late hop flavor submit to a lightly bitter finish.  We had this beauty of a beer at Bend’s Deschutes Pub and we hope to see much more of it  in Bend.  Congrats to Cam O,Connor and and PDX Deschutes Crew.  They’ve been on fire lately and this appears to be their crowning achievement thus far.

Cheers!

Bend Wild

Dry Hopped St. Rogue Red

Nose/Appearance: A dark auburn ale that pours with a dense tannish head.  Not surprising for a dry hopped beer, Saint Rogue Red has a muscular and spicy hop nose, typical of Centennial, Chinook, and Williamette hops.

Body/Flavor: A flavorful, meaty malt backbone that balances the hop profile nicely, but doesn’t necessarily excel.

Finish/Mouthfeel: Sometimes slightly thin and sometimes slightly tinnish, Saint Rogue Red doesn’t finish quite as strongly as some other great red ales from the Pacific Northwest.

Overall Drinkability: Despite our nit-picking, we actually think this is one of the best red ales available anywhere in the United States.

Celebrity Likeness: This beer reminds us of Jessica Simpson. Stunning appearance (aroma?) but it/she lacks something in terms of depth and complexity.

Broken Top Mountain with summer wildflowers in Central Oregon's Three Sisters Wilderness(photo credit:Pacific Crest Stock Photography)

From Bend, head south on Century Drive towards Mt. Bachelor.  Continue past Mt. Bachelor and turn right on forest service road 370 which is also the turn off to Todd Lake.  For some beautiful photos of Todd Lake, Sparks Lake and Elk Lake, visit the following link.  Todd Lake, Sparks Lake, and Elk Lake Photos. The link will give you a good idea of what the Cascade Lakes Highway has to offer.  After about one half mile, you’ll reach the Todd Lake parking area and the Todd Lake trail leads off to your left.

Photo of Mt. Bachelor with Central Oregon's Todd Lake in the mid ground

The above photo is of Todd Lake.  Yeah it’s pretty but keep going past Todd Lake for even more stunning alpine scenery.  Instead of stopping at the Todd Lake parking lot, continue upward on the 370 road.  This road is often opened late in the summer because snow keeps it closed and our forest service is underfunded.  Regardless of the time of year, this road is not for passenger cars.  It’s not so much a traction issue as it is one of clearance.  My wife’s subaru outback can make the trip so you can gauge the road based on that.  Don’t plan on being in a hurry, especially if it is midday in August as there will certainly be other cars slowing you down on this one lane forest service road.  The total drive time from the Todd Lake Trail Head to the Broken Top Trail head is about 25 minutes.  Much faster than this and you are risking a broken axle.  Continue upward on the rutted, rocky, narrow and dusty 370 road for about 20 minutes until you reach the 380 road where you will turn left towards the Trail Head.  There is a sign pointing towards the trail head but it appears to have a short life expectancy, so don’t count on it being there in the future.  The 380 road is just as rugged as the 370.  After about 5 minutes of bumping and grinding the gears, you’ll dead end at the Broken Top Trail parking lot.  If you get there in the middle of the day on an August weekend, the parking lot may very well be full, so come early or late or not at all to avoid frustrations.  The views from the parking lot are a great start to a wondrous hike.  Below is the view from the trail head with Broken Top seen in the distance.

Broken Top Trail head as seen in the Deschutes National Forest of Central Oregon.

The trail is obvious here as it is in most areas of this hike.  Soft, pumice padding lines this dusty but very scenic route.  After about 1/4 mile you’ll reach the abandoned/closed trail seen below.

Abandoned trail closed down along the Broken Top Trail

Supress you urge to be naughty and instead stay to the left.  I’m sure there is some reason that the forest service doesn’t want you using the old trail to the right, so don’t!   From here the trail meanders along a level grade until it reaches an important fork in the trail which is seen below.

Fork in the Broken Top Trail and the entrance to the Three Sisters Wilderness

The route to No-Name Lake and its glacier filled waters goes to the right at this junction and the trail to Broken Top’s Craters goes to the left at this point.  You’ll notice a sign along the left fork that is barely visible in this photo which signals the beginning of the beloved Three Sisters Wilderness.  For the purpose of this trail guide, we’ll take the fork to the left first and as part of a later entry we’ll visit the No Name Lake basin. Staying to the left, the trail gently ambles downward through some very impressive Old Growth Mountain Hemlock stands seen below.

Skinny legs and a big Old Growth Mountain Hemlock along the Broken Top Trail in the Three Sisters Wilderness.

The trail continues downward to a gentle stream crossing pictured below.

Stream crossing along the Broken Top Trail

From this stream crossing the trail continues downward towards the Crater ditch which it crosses.  A hiker is seen crossing the crater ditch below.

Photo of a backpacker crossing the crater ditch in the Three Sisters Wilderness

This stream crossing can be difficult if water levels are high but I’ve never seen them to be dangerous.  On the opposite side of the stream/ditch is the direction sign pictured below.

Wilderness direction sign along the Broken Top Trail in Central Oregon.

The trail to Broken Top’s Crater goes to the right after crossing the stream.  Strangely, there are no signs pointing to Broken Top’s Crater, although it is quite obvious if weather is cooperative.  The Crater Ditch Trail Head is to the left from this point and the connector trail to the Green Lakes Basin is straight ahead.  After turning right, the trail gradually begins to climb up into Broken Top’s Craters.

Trail into Broken Top's Craters in the Three Sisters Wilderness

There is no obligatory turn around point along this trail.  Stamina, fitness or time will likely be the deciding factors along this trail.  I would highly recommend continuing upward as far as possible as the terrain grows more spectacular each step along the way.

Campsite with a great view of Broken Top's Crater

In Broken Top’s lower crater there are several beautiful alpine streams that are seasonally laced with spectacular arrays of wildflowers.  They are well worth exploring.  The trail becomes more sparse the further up it goes.  The one outlet stream exiting Broken Top’s Upper Crater is flanked by an unofficial trail.  the hiking here is steep and the footing is loose but the rewards are great as the alpine scenery that awaits in the upper crater is other worldly.  There is a small glacier there as well as spectacular views of Mt. Bachelor and Broken Top’s Pinnacles.  Monkeyflowers bloom in this upper crater as late as mid September in some years.  Once in the upper crater  feel free to explore the Martian environment. It is like few other areas in Oregon.  A return hike via the same trail you came in on is the only way out.  As always, try to stay on established trails because this alpine wonderland is actually quite fragile.  If you are interested in more and better Broken Top Photographs, I suggest you visit the following link Broken Top Photos.  We” have more trail reviews out soon, so keep checking back with us.  Happy Hiking

Bend Wild