August Scene - Flipbook - Page 6
Adventure at your Leisure – Hiking the Central Oregon Cascades in late Summer
By Shae Callewaert
Central Oregon is a hiker’s
paradise, home to some of the
most beautiful scenery in the
West. While hiking can be
done year-round in our neck of
the woods, there is something
truly magical about late summer. During this time, we have
access to places often covered
in snow and ice. Locations
inhospitable many months of
the year become paradise on
Earth. Boasting colorful volcanic peaks, beautiful coniferous
forests, crystal clear lakes and
meadows of flowers that would
make Monet run to his easel.
To access these beautiful
mountain views, one might
think of strenuous hiking,
thousands of feet in elevation
gain and lots of blisters, but
this is not always the case. A
perfect example of experiencing
the Central Oregon Cascades at
a slower pace is the Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail located at
Sparks Lake. This 2.5mile trail
meanders the forest along the
lakeshore, providing a display
of lava flows from millennia
gone by that now meet the
water’s edge. With the first half
mile paved, even those with
mobility limitations can enjoy
the stunning views of South
Sister and Broken Top rising
above the lake.
As some folks enjoy the views
of Broken Top from Sparks
Lake, others can get a closer
look following the Crater Ditch
Trail. The road to get there is a
bumpy ride that will test the
most robust vehicle suspensions on the market, but once
you arrive at the Crater Ditch
trailhead you are immediately
met with a tranquil awe. Broken Top rises above the trees,
a colorful and imposing cathedral to volcanic activity. To
begin, you will hike roughly 1
mile through the trees before
you cross Soda Creek. Soon
PHOTO BY SHAE CALLEWAERT
Columbine wild昀氀owers on display at Sparks Lake.
the forest will fall behind you,
opening your field of view to
a seemingly endless display
of flowers at the foot of the
mountain. Paintbrush, lupine
and daisies, oh my! Over the
next half mile, you will wander this flower filled meadow,
cross creeks and perhaps stop
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AUGUST 2026 SUNRIVER SCENE
Perusing the Cascade Lakes
Highway, you will find many
hikes at these higher elevations.
Some easy, some challenging.
Some popular and some hidden gems. Regardless of your
preference, take the time to
wander. Find a new favorite
spot high in the Cascades and
keep in mind that this special
time of year for hiking enthusiasts is fleeting. Seize the day!
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Gerhard Beenen •
Cathy Brucker • Bill
Burke • Scott Fenton •
Brian & Brenda
McCarthy • Kirk & Pam
Hays • Kara Kerker •
Steve & Sharon
Konopa • Corey Wright
• Steve Murray •
Catalina Nocon • Clark
& Rita Pederson •
David Ritchie • Roni &
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• Bob & DD Stillson
John & Kathleen Vogel
• Bill & Susan Meyer •
Richard Pickard • Marc
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Brewing Company) •
Elizabeth & David
Klein • Keith Mobley
for a moment of reflection.
At this 1.5 mile mark, the
trail becomes more challenging with substantial elevation
gain. Hikers looking for a less
strenuous option can use this
as a turn-around point, while
others can choose to hike up
to the popular No Name Lake
on the west side of Broken Top’s
summit or Crook Glacier on
Broken Top’ss southern face.
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