New Central Oregon Trail Section Opens, Poised for Summer Visitor Surge
BEND, OR – Central Oregon’s renowned outdoor recreation landscape has received a significant enhancement with the official public opening of a substantial new section of the planned ‘Cascadia Loop Trail’. On June 7, 2025, officials from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) celebrated the completion and immediate accessibility of the 15-mile Northern Section of this ambitious trail project located near the bustling city of Bend. This expansion marks a pivotal moment for regional trail connectivity and is strategically timed to coincide with the peak summer visitor season.
The development of the Northern Section represents a considerable investment in Oregon’s recreational infrastructure. The project carried an approximate cost of $5.5 million, funded primarily through state lottery bonds. This dedicated funding source underscores the state’s commitment to leveraging lottery revenues for projects that enhance public spaces and stimulate economic activity, particularly in areas reliant on tourism.
OPRD Director Lisa Chen highlighted the importance of the new trail section during the opening ceremony. “This 15-mile segment of the Cascadia Loop Trail is more than just new dirt,” Chen stated. “It is a critical connector, designed to integrate seamlessly with existing, well-loved trail networks throughout Central Oregon. Our goal is to significantly boost the quality and accessibility of outdoor recreation opportunities available here, ensuring both residents and visitors have even more ways to experience the incredible natural beauty of this region, especially as we head into the busy summer months.”
The ‘Cascadia Loop Trail’ is envisioned as a comprehensive network, and the new Northern Section is a vital component of this larger plan. By connecting previously disparate trail segments, it creates longer, more varied routes for users. The 15-mile path is designed to accommodate both hikers and mountain bikers, offering diverse terrain that caters to various skill levels, from scenic, rolling paths suitable for families and casual walkers to more challenging sections that will appeal to experienced trail enthusiasts.
Local tourism bureaus in Central Oregon are expressing strong optimism regarding the economic impact of the new trail section. Projections indicate a potential 10-15% increase in regional visitors specifically attracted by the expanded and improved trail system. This influx of visitors is expected to translate into a significant economic lift for area businesses, including hotels, restaurants, outdoor gear retailers, bike shops, and guide services. The opening is seen as a timely boost after the spring season and is set to capitalize on the traditional surge in tourism that Central Oregon experiences during the summer.
The planning and construction of the Northern Section involved extensive work, including environmental reviews, trail design optimized for sustainability and user experience, and coordination with various stakeholders. The use of state lottery bonds ensured a dedicated funding stream, allowing the project to move forward and reach completion on schedule ahead of the critical summer period. The trail’s design emphasizes sustainability principles, aiming to minimize environmental impact and ensure the longevity of the path for future generations of trail users.
Central Oregon has long been recognized as a premier destination for outdoor recreation, particularly known for its vast network of trails crisscrossing forests, high deserts, and volcanic landscapes. The addition of the 15-mile Northern Section of the Cascadia Loop Trail further solidifies this reputation, providing new destinations and connectivity that enhances the overall appeal of the region. It offers fresh perspectives on the local scenery and expands the possibilities for multi-day adventures or longer single-day excursions by linking up with existing popular routes.
The accessibility provided by the new section is a key feature. Thoughtful planning has gone into designing trailhead access points and ensuring the trail integrates logically with the existing infrastructure. This connectivity is crucial for creating a cohesive trail system that is easy for users to navigate and enjoy. Whether planning a short hike or an ambitious mountain bike ride, the new segment adds valuable options.
As summer approaches, OPRD and local partners are encouraging visitors to explore the new section and other trails responsibly. Visitors are reminded to practice Leave No Trace principles, stay on marked trails, be aware of other users, and prepare adequately with water, navigation tools, and appropriate gear. The official opening on June 7, 2025, marks the point at which this investment transitions from a construction project to a living, actively used piece of recreational infrastructure.
The successful completion and opening of the Northern Section of the Cascadia Loop Trail is a testament to collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing public lands and supporting regional economies through outdoor recreation. It represents a significant step in realizing the full vision of the Cascadia Loop Trail, providing both immediate benefits for the upcoming summer season and setting the stage for future trail development in Central Oregon.
