Oregon · Hiking · Near Sisters

Otter Bench

2.1 mi
round trip
721 ft
climb
2,503 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Otter Bench open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Ochoco National Forest. It doesn't name Otter Bench, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Ochoco National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Otter Bench is an easy out-and-back hike in Oregon's Crooked River National Grassland, part of the Ochoco National Forest. The trail is about 2 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 86 feet, and it sits at roughly 2,400 feet, making it a short, low-effort outing. The route starts at about 2,420 feet and reaches a high point of 2,503 feet. The steepest stretch comes within the first 0.05 miles, with a grade of about 8 percent, but the climb is gentle overall. The trail is on natural surface, and the Forest Service manages the land. Bikes and horses are not allowed. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Madras show July highs around 87°F with lows near 50°F, while September cools to highs in the upper 70s. Winter brings highs in the low 40s and a few snowy days a month from December through February. The hike is open from June 1 through October 31. Horny Hollow Trail and Lone Pine Trail both lie about 0.7 miles away, and Pink Trail is about 0.9 miles off. For an overnight stay, Whychus Crossing campground is about 5.5 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Crooked River Ranch RV Park

    Campground

    Campground · 3.9 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Sonic

    Fast food

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Sisters Museum

    Museum

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Sisters

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Otter Bench

    Best months: April–June and September–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      43° / 24°

      10 wet · 3 snow

    2. Feb

      46° / 25°

      8 wet · 1 snow

    3. Mar

      54° / 28°

      8 wet · 1 snow

    4. Apr

      61° / 31°

      8 wet

    5. May

      69° / 39°

      8 wet

    6. Jun

      77° / 44°

      5 wet

    7. Jul

      87° / 50°

      3 wet

    8. Aug

      86° / 50°

      2 wet

    9. Sep

      78° / 43°

      3 wet

    10. Oct

      63° / 35°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      49° / 28°

      8 wet · 1 snow

    12. Dec

      41° / 23°

      10 wet · 2 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Madras 2 N, OR, 15.5 mi away at 2,443 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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