There’s no shortage of epic hikes around Bend, many of them focused on the Cascade Lakes and Three Sisters Wilderness areas just west of town. 

However, there’s much more to explore, including a fascinating area and one of our favorites: the Oregon Badlands Wilderness.

To explore this strange but beautiful volcanic wilderness, you can introduce yourself to the area by hiking the Ancient Juniper and Flatiron Rock Loop trail, just 25 minutes east of Bend.

a Sandy Dry Trail Winds Through Sparse Sagebrush and Small Shrubs a Leafless Gnarled Tree Stands on the Right Surrounded by a Few Green Pine Trees the Sky is Mostly Cloudy with Patches of Blue Showing Through

I recently completed a hike on a cool June day, seeking a moderately challenging half-day trek. June is a wonderful time to explore the Oregon Badlands, with wildflowers in full bloom and truly magnificent.

The Ancient Juniper + Flatiron Rock Loop Trail in the Oregon Badlands

a Wooden Trailhead Sign for Oregon Badlands Wilderness at Flatiron Rock Shows Maps Information Signs and Notices Including a Pack It in Pack It out Reminder Sunlight Shines on the Display Dry Grass and Trees Are Visible in the Background

Ancient Juniper + Flatiron Rock Loop Hike: Basics

The Oregon Badlands Wilderness is a vast expanse with an expansive trail network.  This hike utilizes two trails on the south side to form an easy but interesting loop.

  • Trailhead Location:  Flatiron Rock Trailhead, Hwy 20, 16 miles from Bend
  • Parking:  Gravel Parking Lot (Free)
  • Permit Required:  None
  • Total Distance:  3.1 Mile Loop
  • Duration:  ~1.5 Hours
  • Elevation Gain:  Minimal, ~150 feet
  • Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate
  • Dog Friendly:  Yes, On-Leash
a Section of a Trail Map Shows the Flatiron Area with Labeled Trails Ancient Juniper Trail 19 Miles Flatiron Rock Trail 12 Miles and Homestead Trail 21 Miles a Note Says Continue Another 741 More Miles to Finish the Oregon Desert Trail

Take a Step Into the Oregon Badlands Wilderness

The Oregon Badlands Wilderness is a striking high-desert landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Over 7 million years ago, lava from regional eruptions flowed across the land, forming a thick basalt crust that now serves as the foundation of the area. 

a High Desert Scene with Sandy Soil Scattered Sagebrush Patches of Small Yellow Wildflowers and Large Juniper Trees Under a Partly Cloudy Sky the Landscape Looks Dry and Sparsely Vegetated Typical of an Arid Environment

Erosion, weathering, and the passage of time have sculpted this once fiery terrain into the windswept lava fields, rugged outcrops, and twisted juniper groves that characterize the Badlands today. 

Hiking in this region allows visitors to traverse a rich geologic history, where every step reveals the raw and powerful artistry of nature.

a Weathered Leafless Ancient Juniper with Twisted Dark Branches Stands on Sandy Ground Amid Green Shrubs Other Evergreen Trees Rise in the Oregon Badlands Under a Cloudy Sky Giving a Dry Rugged Landscape Appearance

What To Expect On This Intro Hike

The trail kicks off from the Flatiron Rock Trailhead, and you can do this in either direction.  When I did this on a Sunday in June 2025, the parking lot was barely half full and I saw very few parties on during the hike.

You can go either direction, but I usually start on the Flatiron Trail (counterclockwise).  You’ll quickly be immersed in a starkly beautiful expanse of sage and volcanic rock.

Yellow and Pink Wildflowers Grow Sparsely on Sandy Dry Ground Surrounded by Low Shrubs and Sagebrush Small Pine Trees Stand in the Background Under a Cloudy Gray Sky Creating a Natural High Desert Landscape

Weathered junipers twist skyward, some of which are believed to be over 1,000 years old.

a Bushy Green Shrub with Thin Spiky Branches and Small Leaves Grows out of Sandy Dry Soil in the Oregon Badlands Near the Flatiron Rock Loop Sparse Grasses and Ancient Juniper Dot the Arid Desert Landscape in the Background

Wildlife sightings include jackrabbits, lizards, and occasionally mule deer. But what I noticed most were lots of ant hills.

Bring plenty of water and sun protection—this is high desert terrain, after all.

The Stunning Wildflower Display in June

a Bush with Yellow Flowers Grows in Sandy Soil Under a Dramatic Sky Filled with Thick Textured Clouds Sparse Shrubs and Tall Pine Trees Stand in the Background Creating a Desert Like Landscape the Scene Feels Wild Natural and Expansive

Hiking this trail in late spring or early June is especially special due to the abundance of bursting wildflowers.  I was blown away by the beauty, particularly the abundance of yellow arrowleaf balsamroot flowers across the landscape.

The Mysterious Juniper Trees

After approximately 1.2 miles, you’ll reach the intersection with the Ancient Juniper Loop Trail. You’ll take this trail almost 2 miles back to the start. 

a Large Old Juniper Tree Stands Alone in a Dry Grassy Landscape Under a Partly Cloudy Sky Surrounded by Scattered Low Shrubs and Distant Smaller Trees the Sky is Blue with Patches of Thick White Clouds

This section of the hike further highlights the mysterious, ancient juniper trees of the terrain.  Some of these trees are over 1,000 years old, particularly those with trunks that have been stained a deep red.

FAQs for Hiking in the Oregon Badlands

a Gravel Parking Lot with Several Cars Parked Among Scattered Juniper Trees Large Rocks Line the Front Edge and Sparse Grass and Brush Grow Around the Area the Sky is Cloudy Giving the Scene a Muted Overcast Look

No, there’s no need for reservations, and there’s no fee to park or enter the Oregon Badlands Wilderness.

Yes, this hike is easy to moderate with very little elevation gain.  It’s a great hike for families.

Here are some good sources:

OregonHikers.org

Bureau of Land Management

Bring plenty of water and plan for protection from the sun.  You’ll be hiking in the high-desert.  Sturdy shoes are also a must.

Looking for More Outdoor Adventure Around Bend, Oregon?

a Pint Glass of Hazy Golden Beer from One of the Best Breweries Bend Has to Offer Sits on a Wooden Railing Outdoors with Greenery Parked Cars and Snow Capped Mountains Beneath a Sunny Blue Sky in the Background

Whether you’re a resident or visitor, be sure to check out our Best Hikes Around Bend article for more ideas on where to go.  

Also, if you’ve just finished hiking in a place like the Oregon Badlands, you might want to visit one of the many Breweries in Bend.

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Glenn VanLandingham Travel Writer
Glenn is a travel enthusiast and adventure seeker who lives in Frederick, Maryland, and Bend, Oregon. He and his wife Nicole use EpicBend and EpicFrederick to chronicle their adventures in these amazing places so others can live their best lives in Frederick and Bend.
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Frederick, Maryland Bend, Oregon
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