Please join us on this out & back hike through central Oregon's 29,000 acre federally designated high desert wilderness administered by the Bureau of Land Management. The Badlands were created by relatively recent volcanic lava flows and wind blown solidified ash eroded by wind and water (precipitation). This out-and-back hike is approximately 6+ miles on mostly level terrain with some compact sand segments and some rock scrambling at Castle Rock. Views looking west toward the Cascades are spectacular.

The Badlands are an outstanding example of ancient western juniper woodlands that provide forage and shelter for a variety of wildlife species including bobcat, mule deer, elk and pronghorn. Curiously, western juniper are both habitat for native wildlife but can be invasive out-competing native grasses and shrubs.

We’ll meet at BLM's Flat Iron trailhead which is on the north side of Hwy 20 which is approximately 19 miles east of Bend.

Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. Please bring water, snack and dress for the forecasted weather. Let me know if you plan to join us: peterrmorse@icloud.com

This event is not hosted by OUT Central Oregon.