Visiting The Badlands
Most anytime you go East of Bend, you will find warmer weather with less precipitation, and "The Badlands" is no exception. Filled with gnarly old Juniper trees, Rabbit Brush and Sagebrush is an area of roads and trails through Mazama ash, which was deposited 7700 years ago when Crater Lake was formed.
Today geologists from around the world marvel at the Badlands Rock and four other similar formations within the Wilderness Study Area. These unusual lava formations are examples of inflated lava. There is also a canyon with faded petroglyphs and caves hidden off Road 8.
To get there, drive East of Bend on Highway 20 for about 17 miles. Just as the road curves uphill turn left onto a paved road. About a half-mile down you will see the brown BLM bulletin board and parking area, where you can pick up a map. There are several choices of roads/trails for your hike.
Keep in mind that driving or biking in certain areas is prohibited seasonally.
To view Badlands Rock walk along Road 8, until you intersect Road 4 and then proceed straight ahead on Road 4 for about 2.7 miles.
As of this writing in November 2002, there are no permits required for parking. Contact the Bureau of Land Management for more information at 541-416-6700.
This article is based on a feature published December 6, 2000 in The Bulletin, written by Jim Witty.