Explore Over 50 Backcountry Locations Throughout Central Oregon

Pick-Up / Drop-Off

Our R.A.D. vans roll out from (and return to) this hub for every adventure this summer!

Seven Peaks School

19660 Mountaineer Way

Bend, OR 97702

 

Tumalo and Sisters Optional Pick-Ups

On days when a van route passes through, you may select one of these satellite stops during registration:
Tumalo – The Bite parking lot
Sisters – USFS Ranger Station

 
 

Deschutes Zone Adventures

  • A scenic view of a river meandering through a lush green landscape with rolling hills and mountains in the background. A person is sitting near the water on the right side, partially visible.

    DESCHUTES 1

    Water Source: Lake/Creek

    Hike Length: Drive Up

    Fishing: FlyFish Only

    Gorgeous Alpine meadow lake with a muddy bottom. The Creek flowing in is cold, but ideal for swimming on a hot day.

  • A scenic view of a river flowing through a lush green landscape with trees and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

    DESCHUTES 2

    Water Source: Creek

    Hike Length: Drive Up

    Fishing: Flyfish Only

    This creek is surrounded by wildflowers and wide-open glades of trees. Jump in and float the current, or venture out to find where the creek meets a large lake! It also has a wonderful sandy beach for relaxing and just enjoying the scenery.

  • A young boy running on a sandy riverbank near a body of water, with two people wading in the water and a distant forest on the horizon under a partly cloudy sky.

    DESCHUTES 3

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: Less than 0.5 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    This HUGE, clear lake has a sandy beach that is perfect for relaxing, swimming, and running! Want to explore further? Search for the island shallow enough to walk to on one side and deep enough to jump in on the other!

  • A flowing mountain stream in a forested area with tall pine trees, rocks, and fallen logs under an overcast sky.

    DESCHUTES 4

    Water Source: Creek

    Hike Length: 0.5 mile

    Fishing: Fly fishing Only

    This location is right on the bank of a shallow, swift-moving creek. Try your luck at floating, fishing, or playing in the woods at this beautiful spot!

  • A calm mountain lake with clear water reflecting the blue sky, surrounded by forested mountains and a pine tree on the right, with greenery along the shoreline.

    DESCHUTES 5

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 1 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    This lake is clear because of the purity of the water - which also means it’s COLD! That doesn't stop our RAD Campers from cooling down in it! Enjoy the lake, or explore further to find criss-cross mountain streams full of frogs and fish!

  • Group of children by a riverbank surrounded by trees on a sunny day, some wrapped in towels, one child is pointing into the water.

    DESCHUTES 6

    Water Source: River

    Hike Length: Less than 0.5 miles

    Fishing: Flyfish only

    Take a short walk into this grassy meadow next to a gorgeous river. It’s slow-moving, clear, and refreshing - perfect for a hot summer day! Wade in the shallows, hunt for frogs, or explore up the bank and try to find the immaculate waterfall nearby. This spot is a fisherman’s dream!

  • Four children playing in shallow lake water with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

    DESCHUTES 7

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 1 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    Ready to swim? We gurantee you'll spend most of the day here in the water. This large lake has a rocky bottom, with clear and cool water. Our camp is at a site with a very gradual ledge into the lake, which lets you walk very far out before it's too deep.

Cascade Lakes Zone Adventures

  • Two children sitting on rocks by a lake, with trees and mountains in the background in a sunny day.

    CASCADE LAKES 1

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 0.5 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    Large alpine reservoir with great swimming water. Banks are wooded and perfect for fort building!

  • Group of children and teenagers in a forest, some sitting and some standing, with backpacks and outdoor gear, among tall trees and rocks, during daytime.

    CASCADE LAKES 2

    Water Source: Dry/River

    Hike Length: 1 mile

    Fishing: No

    Explore the snow-free slopes of a volcano, then cool off in a river surrounded by grassy meadows for games.

  • A woman and four children building a sandcastle near a lake with trees and mountains in the background on a sunny day.

    CASCADE LAKES 3

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 0.5 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    This location is a large reservoir filled with cold water and LOTS of fish! Swim if you need to cool down or play games and build forts on the mudflats or in the lodgepole woods surrounding Basecamp.

  • A young boy standing on a wooden log bridge over a clear lake surrounded by dense green pine trees on a sunny day.

    CASCADE LAKES 4

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 0.5 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    Although very cold, this lake is a great spot for exploring and playing games. Our basecamp is located in a wooded area with minimal underbrush, making it perfect for running through the woods and building forts. Jump in when you get too hot!

  • A lake with clear water surrounded by rocks and evergreen trees, with a bright blue sky above.

    CASCADE LAKES 5

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 1 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    This iconic Oregon lake was created by lava, and branches into twisty peninsulas that provide something new around every turn. Spend all day exploring the land, or jump into the refreshing water.

  • Children playing and sitting on rocks in a lake with a forest background and clear blue sky.

    CASCADE LAKES 6

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 1 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    This lake is accessed via a short, flat walk in and around its banks. Arrive at basecamp, where the water is shallow and clear, with rocks dotting the surface, perfect for hopping across or sitting on. The woods surrounding the lake are the perfect place for hide-and-seek or building RAD forts.

  • A lush green lakeshore with a rocky and grassy foreground, surrounded by dense forest of pine trees under a partly cloudy sky.

    CASCADE LAKES 7

    Water Source: Lake/Creek

    Hike Length: 1 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    This gem-blue lagoon is surrounded by wildflowers and pines. Wade out into the cold water, or play with wildlife on the banks. Follow the creek upstream to see where it leads!

  • Children playing in a lake surrounded by rocks and pine trees under a clear blue sky.

    CASCADE LAKES 8

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: Less than 0.5 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    It’s a small walk in from the parking lot to our own private point along the lake. Great fishing and swimming with a beautiful lava rock bottom. Perfect day to bring a hammock, build a fort, or swim!

  • Scenic view of a mountain with patches of snow, surrounded by dense evergreen forests and a lake in the foreground under a clear blue sky.

    CASCADE LAKES 9

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 1 mile

    Fishing: No

    Want to do some exploring? This is the spot of you! Walk along the crystal clear lake before heading uphill to find your own private waterfront camp for the day.

  • People on a grassy bed by a small pond in a forested area with mountains in the background on a sunny day.

    CASCADE LAKES 10

    Water Source: Creek

    Hike Length: Drive Up

    Fishing: Yes

    We love a good meadow! Roll up to this location and find a stream - just deep enough for a plunge - cutting through a high alpine meadow. Spend the day floating the stream or play lots and lots of games!

  • A clear lake surrounded by tall green trees with a person standing at the water's edge on the right side.

    CASCADE LAKES 11

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: Drive Up

    Fishing: Yes

    This Classic lake is a great swimming spot! The gradual beach suits all swimming levels and the water is refreshing. If you’re tired of swimming, explore the woods and have a fort-building competition!

  • Group of children and adults playing and wading in the water at a lakeshore, with trees and driftwood in the background.

    CASCADE LAKES 12

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 0.5 miles

    Fishing: Yes

    Spend the day along this sandy lake! Logs abound here, waiting to be made into forts or floated around in the water like pool noodles. The woods surrounding are open and sparse - the perfect location for tag or hide and go seek!

  • Sunlit lake surrounded by trees with a mountain in the background and fallen logs in the foreground.

    CASCADE LAKES 13

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 0.25 mile

    Fishing: Yes


    Cascade Lakes 13 has clear water surrounded by alpine forest. Our basecamp is right at the water’s edge, giving you easy access to the best fishing and swimming spots.

Mckenzie Zone Adventures

  • A young boy in a gray hoodie and black shorts stands barefoot on a pebble beach near a calm, greenish lake, holding a long stick, with a lush, forested mountain in the background.

    MCKENZIE 1

    Water Source: River/Lake

    Hike Length: 1.5 miles

    Fishing: Yes

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    Hike along a swift and rocky river to view two HUGE waterfalls! Afterward, camp out and enjoy a crystal clear reservoir. Tons of room to explore the woods or soak in the water here!

  • Children and a guide hiking along a lush, green trail surrounded by wildflowers and tall trees on a sunny day in a mountainous forest.

    MCKENZIE 2

    Water Source: Dry

    Hike Length: 2 miles

    Fishing: No

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    This RAD Camps day is not located at any one spot. Instead, you'll start with a hike through a stunning wildflower meadow, surrounded by high mountains. After, you may have time to explore some hidden lava tubes or find some water to cool down. You'll get a taste of everything RAD Camps has to offer at this location!

  • Two young girls wearing flower crowns stand by a small creek in a forested area, smiling at the camera.

    MCKENZIE 3

    Water Source: Creek

    Hike Length: 0.5 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    Tucked away in a lush valley, this location is always overgrown with wild berries! Use the creek as a boundary for capture the flag, building civilizations in the woods, and enjoying being in a truly incredible location.

  • Group of four hikers walking through grassy meadow surrounded by tall evergreen trees in forested area.

    MCKENZIE 4

    Water Source: Creek

    Hike Length: 0.5 mile

    Fishing: No

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    A short hike down a steep bank to the large, grass-covered lake bed. A small creek runs through the center that is full of crayfish! This creek has a couple of deeper pools that you can jump into from the bank above. You can pick wild strawberries and blueberries on the hike in and out.

  • Colorful tattoo-style design with a sun, mountain, tree, river, and the word 'PEACE' in rainbow colors.

    MCKENZIE 5

    Water Source: Creek

    Image Comming Soon

    Hike Length: Drive Up

    Fishing: No

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    This creek has clear, cold water that's great for exploring and wading up and down the stream. The creek is surrounded by dense bushes on either side - great for hide n’ go seek! A fun place for a warm summer day, as you play games and build forts. Catch a break from the heat in the creek!

  • Lush green forest and shrubland under a cloudy sky with distant mountains.

    MCKENZIE 6

    Water Source: Dry/Creek

    Hike Length: 0.5 miles

    Fishing: No

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    A short hike out into a beautiful lake of lava. Now covered in lush vegetation and banana slugs. You can build forts and explore the dense forest surrounding the lava-cast lake. A refreshing creek runs into the top of the lake, and you can cool off in multiple different creeks on this trip!

  • A peaceful mountain stream flowing through a forest with tall green trees and a bright blue sky overhead.

    MCKENZIE 7

    Water Source: Creek/Dry

    Hike Length: 0.5 miles

    Fishing: No

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    Enter into this dense and lush old-growth forest to find this location, nestled among huge, smooth boulders. Spend your day swimming in the creek and catching frogs, or exploring further into this majestic stand of trees. The ground is so full of life, it’ll feel like you’re walking on a trampoline!

Willamette Zone Adventures

  • People sitting on logs at the edge of a calm lake surrounded by dense evergreen trees on a sunny day.

    WILLAMETTE 1

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 1 mile

    Fishing: Flyfish Only

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    A small alpine lake. This location has some of the warmest water we visit - a perfect place to swim all day!! Surrounded by thick, green woods with wildlife all around, this location is definitely a FAN FAVORITE!

  • Three young girls stand in a body of water, with two of them looking at the third who is on a surfboard, surrounded by lush green trees on a sunny day.

    WILLAMETTE 2

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: Less than 0.5 mile

    Fishing: Yes, flyfish only

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    A small, alpine lake surrounded by beautiful old-growth forest. This lake requires a very short and flat walk-in, and you'll be rewarded with cool water for swimming and room to roam and play in the woods!

  • People hiking by a lake surrounded by pine trees on a sunny day.

    WILLAMETTE 3

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 1 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    We doubt you'll find anyone else out at this lake! One of our most secluded locations, to get to this lake you'll have to bushwhack through a vibrant forest. Once at the lake, you'll find tadpoles, newts, snakes, and more! If that doesn't interest you, there are always logs to float on and the water is always the perfect temperature.

  • A person crossing a pond on a narrow log bridge surrounded by tall pine trees and lush green bushes in a forested area.

    WILLAMETTE 4

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 1 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    After a short hike through the dense, green forest, you will arrive at one of our favorite R.A.D. locations! This lake has clear, deep water, which means there's plenty of opportunities for jumping in and swimming around. Explore up the creek that runs into the lake, build a fort in the dense woods, or relax on one of the boulders surrounding the water.

  • A person standing on a fallen tree trunk in a calm lake, surrounded by a dense forest of tall evergreen trees under a clear blue sky.

    WILLAMETTE 5

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 1.5 miles

    Fishing: Yes

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    After a hike through lush, deep forests with berry bushes all around, arrive at a medium-sized, muddy-bottom lake. Basecamp is located in a clearing of the woods, with possibilities for exploring the forest or scrambling along logs in the water. Explore the trail that goes all the way around the lake!

  • A waterfall flowing down a steep cliff surrounded by dense evergreen trees and lush green forest.

    WILLAMETTE 6

    Water Source: Creek/Lake

    Hike Length: 1 mile

    Fishing: No

    Look up and see a stunningly tall waterfall at this location! It’s the second tallest in the state and surrounded by lush forest. Hike around it to find a creek filled with critters and a nice lake to spend the day at. It’s a true Oregonian’s dream!

  • People swimming in a greenish lake surrounded by rocky shores and trees.

    WILLAMETTE 7

    Water Source: Lake

    (Teen Location Only)

    Hike Length: Less than 0.5 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    This location is a swimming favorite. Jump off the bank into the clear water, or pick blackberries along the shore. You can’t go wrong with this old-fashioned lake day!

Newberry Zone Adventures

  • Children playing by a river in a forested area with rocks and fallen logs, some sitting on rocks and others entering the water during daytime.

    NEWBERRY 1

    Water Source: Creek

    Hike Length: 2 miles

    Fishing: Fly Fishing Only

    This location begins with a mile hike up to natural WATERSLIDES, following the creek the whole way. The water is clear and cool. Many different “slides” to try! On the way down, search for hidden waterfalls and even stand beneath them!

  • Two boys standing on a rocky overlook with a scenic mountain lake and forested hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

    NEWBERRY 2

    Water Source: Dry/Lake

    Hike Length: Drive up, 0.5 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    Visit several locations on this R.A.D. Camps adventure! Start with a drive up a mountain, giving you a wonderful view of the caldera below. Then, visit the lava flow you just saw from above and find a GIANT waterfall! Finally, cool down at a large lake. Or if you're already cold, soak in some natural hot springs along the water's edge.

  • A dirt trail along a lake with tall green trees on the left and hills in the background under a blue sky.

    NEWBERRY 3

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: Drive up

    Fishing: Yes

    This large lake has hot springs! Try to find them along the bank, or search for cool rocks along the beach! There's plenty of waterfront here to explore all day.

  • A lake surrounded by pine trees with a rocky shore under a clear blue sky with a few small clouds.

    NEWBERRY 4

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 1 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    Bluewater, Hotsprings, room to roam - what more could you need? This lake has it all! Hike along its rocky banks to search for the best swimming spot.

Jefferson/Santiam Zone Adventures

  • Two young girls standing in a calm river with a forest and mountain in the background, under a clear blue sky.

    JEFFERSON 1

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 0.5 miles

    Fishing: Yes

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    This lake has great mountain views with tons of logs to string together to make rafts! Explore the trees along the shore or dive into this incredible swimming spot!

  • A young boy in a blue sweatshirt and shorts crossing a small waterfall in a forested area.

    JEFFERSON 2

    Water Source: Creek

    Hike Length: 0.5 miles

    Fishing: No

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    This ICE-cold creek is so fresh, you can even see where the flow comes out of its underground aquifer! Cool down in the water, or play games in the woods surrounding the creek.

  • Three children wading into a lake surrounded by evergreen trees, with a fallen tree trunk in the water, under a blue sky with some clouds.

    SANTIAM 1

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 0.5 miles

    Fishing: Yes

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    At this location, our base camp is located up on a bluff that overlooks the lake below. Tucked into the trees with large smooth boulders, this location is perfect for playing games or just exploring the terrain. The lake itself is always a great temperature and ideal for swimming. It is relatively shallow too!

  • Group of children swimming and wading in a lake with forest and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

    SANTIAM 2

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: Drive Up

    Fishing: No

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    This muddy-bottomed lake is a great swimming hole! Spend some time in the water, then hop out to play games and run through the ponderosas and snowbrush.

  • Children playing on a log by a pond in a forested area, wearing life jackets and sunglasses.

    SANTIAM 3

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 0.5 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    This unique basecamp offers a chance to relax and explore the island! To get there, wade through the water or try to balance across a log. With clean and deep water, this lake is great for swimming, and also has a fun jumping spot!

  • A young boy with a backpack and holding a water bottle hiking on a forest trail near a lake, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.

    SANTIAM 4

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: 1 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    After a hike along its woodsy banks, arrive at a secluded beach on the backside of this HUGE lake. Take in the views while chillin' on the beach, adventure through the small meadows and forest surrounding the sand, or enjoy swimming in the sandy-bottom water. The gradual slope of the bottom of the lake is perfect for all swimming abilities!

  • A group of children and adults on a hiking trip near a lake in a forest with mountains in the background.

    SANTIAM 5

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: Less than 0.5 miles

    Fishing: Yes

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    This fan-favorite spot has a shelf of land that goes far out into the water, which means it's shallow enough to wade very far out. The water is clear and always nice to swim in too! If the water isn't your thing, find old forts in the surrounding woods and explore this old fire burn that’s coming back to life.

  • A calm lake surrounded by dense evergreen forest under a clear blue sky with a few clouds.

    SANTIAM 6

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: Drive Up

    Fishing: Yes

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    A Classic swimming spot, this lake has a long log connecting land to water that’s deep enough to jump into! Balance the whole way out to the end if you can!

State Park Adventures

  • Children climbing on rocky terrain outdoors on a sunny day with blue skies and scattered clouds.

    FORT ROCK STATE PARK

    Water Source: Dry/River

    Hike Length: 1 mile

    Fishing: No

    Ancient tuff outcropping in the high desert, surrounded by sagebrush and sand, ideal for rock climbing and looking for lizards!

  • Three children by a river, with one girl sitting on a rock and two girls standing near the water, one of whom is fishing, with a bridge overhead and a cloudy sky.

    CLINE FALLS STATE PARK

    Water Source: River

    Hike Length: Drive Up

    Fishing: Yes

    Grassy area along a shallow and clear river. Lots of room for tag and floating in the small rapids. For an adventure, find the waterfall!

  • Three people are jumping off a floating dock into a body of water, with mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

    COVE PALISADES STATE PARK

    Water Source: Lake

    Hike Length: Drive Up

    Fishing: Yes

    Located at the bottom of a massive canyon, this lake is ideal for swimming all day long. Lots of grass to run around on too!

  • Children jumping into a river from rocks in a forested area.

    CASCADIA STATE PARK

    Water Source: River

    Hike Length: Less than 0.5 mile

    Fishing: Flyfish Only

    Sisters and Tumalo Pickup Available

    Probably the most requested and most sought-after RAD Camps Spot, this location is in a deep, smooth stone canyon. The water here is cold, but that is made up for with the ample jumping spots and even a rope swing! Soak in the gorgeous scenery, and have a RAD time!

  • Four kids playing and splashing in a shallow river surrounded by lush greenery and pine trees on a sunny day.

    TUMALO STATE PARK

    Water Source: River

    Hike Length: 0.5 mile

    Fishing: Yes

    Ready to float the river? This is the spot for you! Spend the day playing in the shallow, running water or hang out on the grass with your new friends!

  • Children and a man swimming and playing in a lake with trees and a blue sky in the background.

    LA PINE STATE PARK

    Water Source: River

    Hike Length: 0.5 miles

    Fishing: No

    Hike along the trail under large trees, arriving at a wide open grass clearing along the bank of the steady river. Walk up the river a bit and hop in to float back down to basecamp! Run around on the flat grassy bank, explore the surrounding woods, or collect the abundant clay and mud along the edge of the river.

  • Four children in casual clothing on a large rock in a forested area with rocky mountains behind them, under a clear blue sky.

    SMITH ROCK STATE PARK

    Water Source: River

    Hike Length: Less Than 0.5 Mile

    Fishing: Yes

    Iconic canyon walls, high-desert views, and the Crooked River at your feet. We start on the rim and make a quick hike down to our favorite shady swimming hole. Spend the day wading, floating, and fishing the slow, clear bends, then explore the river trail and soak up the big rock scenery. Cool water, wide-open space for games, all-around RAD.