!Hike! BADLANDS: Flatiron to Castle Trail Loop 7.5 miles MODERATE
Details
THE BADLANDS! Let's enjoy this beautiful terrain in the fall when it's cool, fresh and few are out there.
COME PREPARED!!! BRING PLENTY OF WATER, 10 ESSENTIALS, SNACKS, PROPER HIKING BOOTS AND POLE(S). DRESS IN LAYERS AND CHECK BACK FOR ANY WEATHER UPDATES. ARRIVE A LITTLE EARLY!
The hike begins with a gradual uphill climb. The trail showcases rock formations and offers all-encompassing views of the surrounding landscape. As you traverse this trail, you'll be treated to western juniper, sagebrush, and bitterbrush. One of the most notable features of this trail is a breach in a lava ridge. As you scramble to the top of the lava ridge, you can enjoy expansive views of the Cascade Range. You can admire the panoramic vistas from Mount Hood to Mount Bachelor on clear days.
Highlights include beautiful wildflowers, good views, and accessible paths. Challenges are loose sandy sections and potential heat. Reviewers recommend starting early and staying hydrated.
WRITTEN DIRECTIONS:
Follow Knott Rd to Rickard Rd
2 min (1.5 mi)
Turn right onto Rickard Rd
9 min (7.0 mi)
Turn right onto US-20 E
5 min (5.0 mi)
Turn left
1 min (253 ft)
## Bend
Oregon 97702
EVENTS
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/](https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/)
Pets are only allowed when noted on the event.
Camping: All skill levels are welcome. Most camping events are multi-day events, and usually take place in May, June, and July.
Social Events: Most social events take place at food truck lots, restaurants, and breweries.
ATTENDING EVENTS
Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign-up for events within your capabilities.
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 no later than 24-hours prior to the event. This allows members on the Waitlist to be RSVPed.
If you are unable to attend an event the day of the event, please contact the Event Host as soon as possible. Otherwise, the Event Host may proceed with the event without you.
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.