Moraine Lake and Wickiup Plains: A Quiet Fall Loop Beneath South Sister

Some hikes stand out because of a difficult summit or an unexpected challenge. Others are memorable because nearly everything comes together: clear skies, calm water, comfortable afternoon temperatures and long stretches of trail with almost no one else around.

Our Saturday hike from Devil's Lake to Moraine Lake and Wickiup Plains was one of those days.

We began on the South Sister Climber Trail, followed it to the junction for Moraine Lake and then made a broad loop through the Three Sisters Wilderness. After visiting Moraine Lake, we climbed back to the climber trail, continued from the junction toward Wickiup Plains and returned on the loop that also connects with the Sisters Mirror Lake Trail. By the time we reached the car, we had traveled 12.3 miles with approximately 1,925 feet of elevation gain.

Buying New Construction in Bend, Oregon? Look Beyond the Builder's Incentives

Mortgage rate buydowns, adjustable-rate loans, upgrades and independent representation: what Central Oregon buyers should know before signing a builder's contract.

Buying a newly constructed home in Bend or elsewhere in Central Oregon can be appealing. Modern floor plans, energy-efficient features, attractive finishes and the opportunity to move into a home that has never been occupied are compelling advantages. And in today's housing market, builders may offer another incentive: financing packages designed to make the monthly payment more attractive.

But a lower advertised mortgage rate does not necessarily mean you're getting the best overall deal.

Before purchasing a new-construction home, buyers should understand how builder incentives work, what can be...

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October 2026 ADVISOR: Bend Real Estate Market Updates & Central Oregon Living

Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Central Oregon, bringing brilliant fall colors, crisp mountain air, and a calendar full of local activities.

In the October 2026 edition of Bend Premier Real Estate's ADVISOR, we explore the latest Bend housing market trends, including changing buyer activity, pricing strategies, and seller concessions. We also feature Awbrey Glen, one of Bend's established golf communities, along with October events, seasonal home-maintenance tips, a comforting pumpkin soup recipe, and a spectacular hike above No Name Lake and Broken Top.

Whether you're buying, selling, relocating, or simply enjoying life in Central Oregon, our monthly newsletter brings together local real estate expertise and the lifestyle that makes this region special.

Explore the October 2026 ADVISOR below.

Five Exceptional Homes Showcasing the Best of Northwest Bend Living

When people imagine living in Bend, Oregon, they often picture mountain views, miles of trails, championship golf, vibrant local restaurants, and easy access to year-round recreation. Nowhere is that lifestyle more evident than on Bend's coveted northwest side. Home to some of the city's most established and desirable neighborhoods, Northwest Bend offers a unique blend of luxury, convenience, outdoor adventure, and community.

From the gated fairways of Awbrey Glen to the elevated vistas of Awbrey Butte and the welcoming neighborhoods of Awbrey Village and Awbrey Woods, these five exceptional homes showcase the diverse opportunities available in one of Central Oregon's most sought-after locations.

Why Buyers Love Nort...

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Bend Oregon Housing Market Trends for September 2026

The Bend housing market weakened in September 2026 as rising mortgage rates reduced buyer purchasing power and pushed more prospective purchasers to the sidelines. Although the median sales price remained nearly unchanged from last year, closed sales declined 16%, pending sales fell more than 21%, and the number of listings withdrawn, canceled or allowed to expire increased 65%.

Those figures tell a more complete story than the median price alone. Bend is not experiencing a flood of inventory or distressed sales, but buyers have become considerably more cautious. Homes that are not priced correctly are receiving fewer showings, undergoing substantial price reductions or leaving the market without selling.

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