
What we’re about
Greetings and Welcome! Thank you for stopping by to check out Paulina Peak Social Group (PPSG)!
When I first started Paulina Peak Social Group in March 2020, quarantine hit the world. I had just moved to La Pine to care give for my mom with four days to spare before lock down. I had no idea what to do with myself because I knew no one. Thus began PPSG as a way to meet friends, maintain my longstanding sobriety (I have events where there's alcohol and it doesn't bother me if YOU drink) and to give back to the community. I moved to Bend at the end of 2020 and it was then that this group became the catalyst for myself and countless others to meet Like-Minded People.
PPSG is a small, friendly, diversified group of ages from 45-?. You will find down-to-earth members (a melting pot really) who enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, snow and water sports along with experiencing Central Oregon’s food scene and breweries. Most of us have never felt more alive and fit than we do living in Bend. We explore Bend, Sunriver, La Pine, Sisters, Redmond, and surrounding areas.
Guidelines:
*Please Keep your RSVP current at all times. No-Shows are No-Go's and I have no tolerance for No-Shows.
*On any outdoor event I expect that you are prepared with The 10 Essentials (https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/).
ALWAYS bring water no matter WHAT! Know your physical limitations and please don't sign up for an event you question your ability. It's very taxing on the Sweep when individuals are much slower and have difficulty keeping up.
*Most of my hikes are at a MODERATE pace. We tend to be on the faster side. Please be aware of this prior to signing up. We do have STROLL events but generally they are faster paced.
*In almost all cases, I do not allow anyone to leave an outdoor event midstream and return back to the trailhead without being accompanied by another member. If you have tight plans, outdoor events can never be predicted and can last longer than what I had projected. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
*Food Truck events: I have no issues with anyone arriving late. Just keep the RSVP current. I am aware of who's there and who's not on ALL of my events. wink wink.
*I will usually ask you arrive a little early to any outdoor events or any event that I request an early arrival. If the event starts at a certain time, that doesn't mean to ARRIVE at that time. It means we're LEAVING at that time.
*My motto: IF YOUR EARLY, YOUR ON TIME. IF YOUR ON TIME, YOUR LATE.
*Please keep your Photo Profile updated, with only YOURSELF.
*Dogs are not allowed on hikes unless specifically noted. Well behaved dogs are welcome at any food truck events but must be kept on a leash. Many of my food truck events are quite full so please take this into consideration.
*Thanks to each of you for making my life enriched and progressively better! Hands down this is the best group in town! BECAUSE OF EACH ONE OF YOU!
*If you have any questions, comments or complaints...please message me
* BEND PLEDGE*
1. Smile, say please and thank you, give right-of-way, and simply slow down.
2. Adventure and explore in a manner that is respectful to the land, wildlife and the people you share it with.
3. Plan and prepare for your time on the trails, in the mountains and on the water.
4. Walk more, drive less, and stick to established trails, routes and parking areas.
5. We must take care of the places that take care of us; we are all visitors hereEVENTS
Hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing: All skill levels are welcome. Each event will disclose the location, skill level, distance and approximate duration, and gear and equipment required. PPSG recommends you pack the “Ten Essentials” for all hiking events: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/
Pets are only allowed when noted on the event.
ATTENDING EVENTS
Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign-up for events within your capabilities. If you RSVP and can't make it...UNRSVP!
All events have an attendee limit. Attendee limits are determined by the nature of the event and the number of Event Hosts attending an event.
Events fill-up quickly. Members are encouraged to download the Meetup app to receive notifications for events as soon as they are posted.
When an event is full (reached its attendee limit), you may be assigned to the Waitlist. If spots open up, members are automatically RSVPed to the event in the order that they joined the Waitlist. Please be patient if you’re on the Waitlist. It's common for the head count to fall as an event gets closer, and most likely you will be RSVPed.
If you are unable to attend an event, please unRSVP prior to the event. This allows members on the Waitlist to be RSVPed. I don't need a reason or explanation as to WHY you can't attend.
No shows will be marked as such and after three no shows you will be a “no go.”
DISCLAIMER: PAULINA PEAK SOCIAL GROUP Waiver of liability You agree when you join this group and attend any of our organized hikes/events that you have read and understand the terms below. If you join PAULINA PEAK SOCIAL GROUP for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, Event Organizers or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, your level of fitness, and bring the proper gear. This release extends and applies to, and also covers and includes, all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss and liability. Your attendance on a hike/or other event signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver. By joining this group and attending any of our hikes/or other events you understand that you are attending all events AT YOUR OWN RISK. Organizers and Assistant Organizers of this group are just that, we organize the events and hike together as friends.
Upcoming events
6

!WALK/HIKE! *LOCATION CHANGE* Haul Road Trail- Riverbend Park-Deschutes River
Rim Rock Trailhead, 18768 State Hwy 372, Bend, OR, US1-9-2026 My friend and I pre walked this trail today because I wasn't familiar with it. It's a delightful trail to chat it up on, plenty wide for 3 people to walk, it's paved (there were icy spots but yaks weren't necessary) and it goes through the trees and along side the hi way and into residential. Not much of a view (see pics posted above) and this is EASY, FLAT AND TENNIS SHOE WORTHY. The way back is a very gradual incline and this will be MODERATELY PACED. We did. 4.5 miles which is what I will plan on doing for this hike. The way back, since it's a gradual incline...is the reason I am keeping it at 4.5 miles. Anyone is welcome to continue on and do the entire loop (7 plus miles).
NO DOGS PLEASE.
***ORIGINALLY THIS WAS THE WHYCHUS TRAIL HIKE EVENT BUT THE AREA IS CLOSED DUE TO FIRE DAMAGE AND I HAVE CHANGED THE LOCATION AND TIME. If you still want to attend, you don't have to do anything. If not, please URSVP. PLEASE KEEP YOUR RSVP CURRENT and Arrive early. No dogs please.
THIS IS A LOOP BUT I AM GOING TO MAKE IT AN OUT AND BACK TO THE TUNE OF ABOUT 4.5 MILES. This is an easy trail, I don't think it's been done on Meet Up before...
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/haul-road-trail-to-riverbend-park-and-deschutes-river-loop
Bring 10 Essentials (https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/)
Water, snacks, proper walking shoes, arrive early and check back for any updates. Keep your RSVP current.
7.1miLength (we probably won't go the entire distance. TBD)
334ftElevation gain
2.5–3hrEstimated time
Loop
Take Century drive towards Bachelor. Go past the park-n-ride area and shortly afterwards is the sign for RIM ROCK trailhead. Turn left and follow the short distance to the parking area.
Rimrock Trailhead
18768 State Hwy 372, Bend, OR 97702
Southwest of Bend is an extensive network of dirt roads and singletrack trails that weave throughout the high desert forest. This route starts at the Rimrock Trailhead and follows the Haul Road Trail west to Riverbend Park. The trail is paved and multi-use. The riverside trail heading back is a smooth dirt path close to the Deschutes River. There is little shade along the route, and it gets hot in the summer; plan accordingly.
Hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing: All skill levels are welcome. Each event will disclose the location, skill level, distance and approximate duration, and gear and equipment required. PPSG recommends you pack the “Ten Essentials” for all hiking events: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/
Pets are only allowed when noted on the event.
ATTENDING EVENTS
Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign-up for events within your capabilities. If you RSVP and can't make it...UNRSVP!
All events have an attendee limit. Attendee limits are determined by the nature of the event and the number of Event Hosts attending an event.
Events fill-up quickly. Members are encouraged to download the Meetup app to receive notifications for events as soon as they are posted.
When an event is full (reached its attendee limit), you may be assigned to the Waitlist. If spots open up, members are automatically RSVPed to the event in the order that they joined the Waitlist. Please be patient if you’re on the Waitlist. It's common for the head count to fall as an event gets closer, and most likely you will be RSVPed.
If you are unable to attend an event, please unRSVP prior to the event. This allows members on the Waitlist to be RSVPed. I don't need a reason or explanation as to WHY you can't attend.
No shows will be marked as such and after three no shows you will be a “no go.”
RISKS AND WAIVER
No activity is without risk. Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign up for events within your capabilities. PPSG members are responsible for making their own decision on acceptable risks.
PPSG event hosts are volunteers and not trained professionals. Anyone attending any posted event assumes all personal risk to themselves and releases Paulina Peak Social Group, its Organizers, Event Hosts, and its members from all liability.16 attendees
!HIKE/SNOW SHOE/YAK! Virginia Meissner Snow Park 3.1 miles
Virginia Meissner Sno-Park, SW Century Drive & NF-4615, Bend, OR, USWEATHER AND SNOW CONDITIONS PERMITTING. CHECK BACK FOR ANY UPDATES OR CHANGES.
*I drove there today (Jan 8, see pics above) and there were mostly cross country skiers and I didn't see any snow shoeing but the snow was packed and to the naked eye, it looked like plenty of snow for snow shoe. We will have to see what the weather brings.
PLEASE HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE SNOW SHOEING. COME PREPARED AND ARRIVE EARLY. HAVE YAKS IN YOUR BACK PACK, 10 ESSENTIALS (https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/), WATER, SNACKS, POLES, PROPER BOOTS AND DRESS IN LIGHT LAYERS, SNOW PANTS(NO JEANS).
2026 Park snow pass needed.
NO DOGS ALLOWED
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/virginia-meissner
3.1miLength
387ftElevation gain
1–1.5hrEstimated time
Loop
The Virginia Meissner Trail meanders through the lush forests, offering beautiful views of the surrounding natural landscape outside of Bend. The trail is perfect for those looking to enjoy a peaceful hike, with sections that weave through dense trees and open areas with scenic outlooks to the surrounding mountains. It's a great spot to explore and is suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and cross-country skiing in the winter months.
Highlights include beautiful views and nice snow conditions. Challenges are poor snow levels and muddy areas. Reviewers recommend starting early and being aware of surroundings.
Hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing: Each event will disclose the location, skill level, distance and approximate duration, and gear and equipment required. PPSG recommends you pack the “Ten Essentials” for all hiking events: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/
Pets are only allowed when noted on the event.
ATTENDING EVENTS
Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign-up for events within your capabilities. If you RSVP and can't make it...UNRSVP!
All events have an attendee limit. Attendee limits are determined by the nature of the event and the number of Event Hosts attending an event.
Events fill-up quickly. Members are encouraged to download the Meetup app to receive notifications for events as soon as they are posted.
When an event is full (reached its attendee limit), you may be assigned to the Waitlist. If spots open up, members are automatically RSVPed to the event in the order that they joined the Waitlist. Please be patient if you’re on the Waitlist. It's common for the head count to fall as an event gets closer, and most likely you will be RSVPed.
If you are unable to attend an event, please unRSVP prior to the event. This allows members on the Waitlist to be RSVPed. I don't need a reason or explanation as to WHY you can't attend.
No shows will be marked as such and after three no shows you will be a “no go.”
RISKS AND WAIVER
No activity is without risk. Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign up for events within your capabilities. PPSG members are responsible for making their own decision on acceptable risks.
PPSG event hosts are volunteers and not trained professionals. Anyone attending any posted event assumes all personal risk to themselves and releases Paulina Peak Social Group, its Organizers, Event Hosts, and its members from all liability.10 attendees
Past events
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