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.
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...
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.
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.
October brings a quieter kind of beauty to Central Oregon. Crisp mornings return, the aspens and cottonwoods begin to glow, and the first dusting of snow may appear high in the Cascades. Summer crowds have thinned, but there is still plenty happening—from local theater and live dance to pumpkin patches, historic mysteries and Halloween traditions.
It is also a month when flexibility pays off. A sunny afternoon may be perfect for a walk along the Deschutes River, while the next day may call for an indoor performance or museum visit. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy Bend and the surrounding area in October 2026.
You do not have to drive far to find fall color in Bend. Drake Park, the paths around Mirror Pond and the Deschutes River Trail are especially inviting when the cottonwoods turn yellow. Shevlin Park is another good choice, with a mix of creeksid...