The Minimal Gear Team's Favorite Adventures in the Oregon Desert

The Oregon Desert, including the high desert area around Bend, features some of the best and most remote backpacking Oregon has to offer. The Minimal Gear team loves its variety - from beginner adventures to advanced trips where you won’t see another soul, the Oregon desert is huge and has something for everyone. In honor of shoulder season, the Minimal Gear team is offering their favorite trips - from bikepacking to backpacking to day hiking - in the Oregon desert. 

Spring Basin Wilderness - Kyle 

Spring Basin Wilderness is an Oregon desert gem.  Rolling arid steppe hills above the dramatic John Day River canyon -- sitting at around 2500 feet, this positions it well for early and late season backpacking. Hit it in April and you may get to see the hedgehog cactus blooms, but go anytime of year to check out the geological wonder of the Clarno Fossil Beds. It is also one of our newest federal wildernesses, designated in 2009. In 2026, the wilderness was impacted by the Rowe Creek Fire Complex, so check conditions before heading out.

Lower Deschutes - Gilad

One of my favorite parts of the Oregon Desert is just as it begins: the Deschutes River. It is a great full bikepacking trip for the experienced rider and Lower Deschutes is my favorite place to introduce new riders to bikepacking: a mix of good and rough dirt roads from the old railroad tracks with multiple campsites to choose from. It is also available to ride most of the year. 

Smith Rock - Kate 

Smith Rock is an iconic Oregon desert location known for its rock climbing, but it’s also a great spot for hiking and trail running. It’s one of my favorites because it reminds me of the southwestern desert with its interesting rock formations and spires in quintessential oranges and reds. It can be a great training hike with the challenge of Misery Ridge, but also has gentle trails great for running or a more casual hike. 

South Sister - McKenna

One of my favorite Oregon high desert hikes is South Sister! This hike isn't easy, but it is very rewarding, with 360° views of nearby peaks, including Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, Middle Sister, North Sister, and many more! This trail is even more rewarding if you spend the night at the top: I had one of my best overnight backpacking trips here with a stunning sunset and sunrise, a clear view of the Milky Way, and even a surprise Blood Moon early in the morning! 

Painted Hills - Nick

One of my favorite areas in eastern Oregon is the Painted Hills National Monument. The landscape is bizarre and the colors are beautiful; it almost feels like a different planet. It makes you feel small knowing the layers of color are evidence of the different climate conditions Earth has cycled through over millions of years.