Redmond Caves — Just north of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, the Redmond Caves, a series of five caves administered by the Bureau of Land Management, can be explored in a few hours. The five caves here are actually a single collapsed lava tube that was formed by flows of molten lava from Newberry Caldera, according to the BLM. The cool, dusty environs of the caves make a great spot to whether you plan to check out the far reaches of the caves or just have some time to kill before a flight or a long wait for a table at nearby Original Pancake House. The caves near the Redmond airport formed from the Newberry Caldera over 60 miles south. Bring at least three light sources, water, sturdy shoes and watch for rattlesnakes.

Willow Creek Canyon Trail — Just west of Madras under the train trestle bridge is the trailhead for the 6-mile one-way trail that connects to Lake Simtustus. Following its namesake of Willow Creek the trail follows old railroad grades and dips through rock cuts that make for nice climbing opportunities as well as some stunning High Desert topography. Bring plenty of water as the dusty trail can get hot with summer approaching.

Rimrock Springs Trail — The short and easy trail along U.S. Highway 26 about 10 miles south of Madras doesn’t look like much when you’re zooming past in your car — just another pull-out in a swath of sagebrush and juniper trees. In the spring and early summer, Rimrock Springs Trail, part of the larger Rimrock Springs Natural Area of the Crooked River National Grassland, is bursting with life. A paved and mostly flat first half-mile can be made an out-and-back trek. For those wanting a bit more of a walk, beyond the pavement on the upper section of the trail stands a second viewing platform that gives another opportunity to check out the birdlife that can be seen in the wetland and soaring above it.

Lake Simtustus Trail — High above the lake to the west of Madras, Lake Simtustus Trail is located across Pelton Dam Road from the Portland General Electric-operated Pelton Park. The trail hits an elevation of 2,150 feet at its highest point, and is 1.86 miles in length one-way. Either end of the trail is fairly steep and rocky, and in between a fairly flat and interesting walk along an abandoned railroad bed — keep an eye out for old railroad ties when you’re not taking in the stunning views of the northern portions of the lake or Cascades in the distance. A walk back to your vehicle through the park to make it a full loop brings the length to 2.3 miles.