The area around Bend in Central Oregon is filled with lakes, mountains, and stunning remnants of extinct volcanoes.
Here’s a peek at the glistening, turquoise-colored Devils Lake, a stone’s throw away from Mt. Bachelor near Bend, and Lava Butte, a cinder cone that belongs to a small area of the once-massive Newberry Volcano located between the towns of Bend and Sunriver.
Hiking up to Lava Butte
Devils Lake near Bend, Oregon
Lava Butte – Volcanic Rock
Near Devils Lake
Top of Lava Butte in Bend
Northwest Crossing, Bend
Devils Lake near Bend
Watch our video near Bend, Oregon at Mount Bachelor during the winter. We go snowshoeing!
Already spoiled with panoramic bay views, high hilltop outlooks, and charming natural oases, the downtown dwellers of San Francisco rarely make it all the way to the other side of the city. It’s a bit ridiculous given the 7×7 quaintness of San Francisco, but, hey, it’s quicker to cross the bay into Oakland then to journey all the way to the outer reaches of Fog City—a nickname that only becomes fully realized the more you venture west.
So, Big & I decided to take a day trip out to the coast, to nosh on some fancy toast, explore whimsical windmills, climb up sandy dunes, wander through ruins, hike the coast, and walk what has to be one of the most scenic labyrinths in the world. Here’s a look at our journey, with full details (and a handy walking map!) below—we recommend every part of it.
1. Trouble Coffee Co.: Grab a coffee, coconut, and slice of cinnamon toast
This tiny coffee shop at 4033 Judah Street were the pioneers of the (in)famous $4 artisanal toast wave. Note the “Back in 5” sign here: That 5 was more like 20 for us, but the adjacent tree-trunk-sculpted parklet made the wait a bit more tolerable.
No complex menu here: just order the thick slice of cinnamon toast slathered in Grade AA butter and add a cup of joe and a fresh young coconut to wash it all down.
2. Cool Beach Bungalows: Strike a pose
Feelin’ the colors…
3. The South (Murphy) Windmill: See the largest of its kind in the world
The Murphy Windmill would attempt to outshine its sister attraction (the next spot on our list) by becoming the largest windmill in the world outside of Holland when it was completed in 1908. Its sails reach out 114 feet. It was used to pump fresh well water into the park. After going into a state of disrepair, it’s been brought back to its former glory thanks to windmill experts based in the Netherlands, of course.
4. The North (Dutch) Windmill: Frolic through the tulip gardens
The Dutch Windmill was built in 1902, before its much-bigger sister, and is now the focal point of the bright and beautiful Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, intricately speckled with thousands of vibrantly colored bulbs.
5. Sutro Heights Park: Get a bird’s eye view of Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach
Walk along the Great Highway and take a right at Balboa Street to climb these sandy steps.
The top of Sutro Heights Park offers sweeping views of Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park.
Weave your way to the park’s peak and explore the area where Adolph Sutro’s luxurious, cliffside estate once sat above the original Cliff House.
6. Sutro Baths: Explore the abandoned ruins of what was once a world-famous pool
Sutro’s other local marvel has also been reduced to ruins, but these ones make for a pretty fun urban spelunking adventure. The Sutro Baths were once contained the world’s largest indoor swimming pool. It’s now a spot to gawk at the sea, and get some pretty fantastic engagement photos!
7. Lands End Coastal Trail: Hike the well-trodden path
At the top of Sutro Baths, take the Coastal Trail leading towards Mile Rock Beach and Eagle’s Point. This trail is fairly touristy—it’s mostly flat and grants nice views of the Pacific and the Golden Gate Bridge—but it’s easy enough to catch a moment or two of solitude, especially when you get to the big (hidden) attraction…
Follow the signs for Mile Rock Beach and descend the sandy stairs. Halfway down, you’ll see that the stairs continue to your left—this will take you to Mile Rock Beach. Don’t take those steps; instead, keep heading straight up to the small rocky cliff. And look down!
8. Lands End Labyrinth: Time to calm the mind and… handstand
This labyrinth was first created by artist Eduardo Aguilera in 2004. After a few jerks destroyed his artwork in 2013, a group of local volunteers rebuilt it in 2015.
Walking the stone-guided paths of this labyrinth—with the waves crashing below—is the best type of meditation.
9. The Golden Gate Bridge: The photo opps are endless
Can never get sick of this view…
10. Lincoln Park Steps
Walk along the path at the edge of Lincoln Park until you reach California Street. Head down the stairs and look up at this very cool neighborhood project.
Follow our path…
The entire 4-mile journey.
BONUS: Head into the Sea Cliff neighborhood and weave your way down to China Beach then Baker Beach. From there, you can take the Batteries to Bluffs trail to get even closer to the great Golden Gate. READ MORE HERE about that hike.
Big and Small Travel are on Youtube! We post travel videos showcasing recent trips and excursions. Our most recent videos from 2016 include Mount Bachelor near Bend, Oregon where Big and Small go snowshoeing for the first time! Check it out below:
We enjoy the urban slides of San Francisco, California at Seward Street. Watch Handstand Steph fly and fall on these fast slides below:
Lastly, J-Crew got a chance to explore Northern California in an area near called Brownsville-Challenge, California. Check it out below:
Big & Small Travel 