The Hike to Broken Top is Among Central Oregon's Favorites

People exploring the Three Sisters Wilderness can hike to Broken Top from multiple trailheads. Three Creeks to Tam McArthur Rim provides for a social trail past Broken Hand to Broken Top and No Name Lake. Hikers looking for more distance can start at the Green Lakes Trailhead and hike Soda Creek to join with the Broken Top trail. Most people will drive past Todd Lake on the poorly maintained road to the Broken Top trailhead (high clearance vehicles are recommended) and cut the distance to 5.5 miles and under 1500 feet of elevation gain. And there is a well defined trail starting at Todd Lake which creates a much longer hike through old growth forest to join with the Soda Creek Trail and then the Broken Top trail. Total distance to the Broken Top summit exceeds 14 miles and pushes 2700 feet of elevation gain, but the experience is well worth it. Stunning views of Broken Top's eastern flank and Mt Bachelor become visible after hikers join with the Broken Top trail; bushwhacking in this open area can lead to new areas to explore and other beautiful views. 

The hike taken October 21, 2023 was on a sunny, warm day after snow had fallen the week before.  Remnants of melting snow were obvious, but created no real obstacles for hikers. This was also the first weekend in 2023 that did not require trailhead passes, so the trail was busy with many Broken Top hikers and off leash dogs; at times it seemed as if there were more dogs than people, but all encountered were well behaved and the people very friendly and happy to be out enjoying the beauty of the Central Oregon Cascades. No Name Lake was beautiful and cold with snow and glacial runoff, and the views from the summit toward Middle and North Sister were outstanding, although the ridge was very windy and not the best place to enjoy lunch.

Deschutes Riverwoods Home Prices Trending Down

Deschutes Riverwoods has long been a Bend subdivision desired by those enjoying its proximity to the city (it abuts Bend's southern boundary), but the freedom of large lots without Homeowner's Associations or CC&Rs. Homes there range from single wide manufactured to luxury homes overlooking the Deschutes River. It is also a neighborhood in transition with more and more of the older mobile homes being replaced over time with stick-built single family. 

Home prices have dropped in Deschutes Riverwoods over the past twelve months in comparison to the previous year. This could be due to the type of home being sold, or a general overall reduction in home prices as home sellers adjust their asking dollar to accommodate higher mortgage interest rates. Deschutes Riv...

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There are More Bend Luxury Homes on the Market

The Bend real estate market has been in transition since Covid ended, with the demand for homes remaining strong, but rising mortgage interest rates greatly impacting the buying power of would-be homebuyers.  It has been three months since we last looked at the Bend luxury homes. During this time, there have been changes with fewer new listings, more homes on the market, and fewer sales. All four categories we look at with high end home sales are up significanty with available inventory.

We are pushing closer to a neutral market with the highest prices where there is 5 to 6 months of inventory. We are not there yet, but there has been significant change over the past twelve months where higher priced homes are slower to sell.

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River's Edge is an Established Bend Golf Course Community

Located on Awbrey Butte's eastern flank, River's Edge Village was originally developed in 1987 along with the River's Edge Hotel and Convention Center and the first nine holes of the golf course.  The second nine holes of the course were built in 1992 and the next 200 homesites platted around this upper location of the development were released for individual purchase, creating a unique subdivision. Subsequent phases of River's Edge have been developed by Pahlisch Homes with the contemporary architecture that is popular in Bend today. The golf course was purchased by the neighborhood in 2022 and is a favored public course.

Market Trends for River's Edge Single Family Home Sales

Home prices are gradually increasing in River's Edge. Unlike many Bend subdivisio...

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Kerry Knouse has joined Bend Premier as a Principal Broker.  Kerry brings over 10 years of experience representing buyers and sellers. Kerry had a long career in construction prior to becoming a real estate agent and really understands the Central Oregon market, including its varied neighborhoods and communities. Bend Premier is pleased he has joined us. To read more about Kerry, click on Kerry's website.