FAQ

Every guide has something unique to offer. We're all first aid certified (or better!), and as locals, we know the flora and fauna, can point you in the right direction for hot spots in Bend and surrounding ares, and are beyond stoked to show you this beautiful place we call home! Oh- and we'll take your epic photos!

Half-day hikes are those that up to 4 hours round-trip to complete, while full-day hikes take up to 9 hours to complete. Travel time, rest breaks, photo opportunities and time spent at the final destination were considered when selecting our hiking trails. Please note that even though a trail may be half-day, it does not necessarily mean it's easier or more moderate than a full-day hike. Please carefully review all the details of your desired hike and make an informed decision based on your group dynamics and ability.

We are first aid certified hiking guides and will have a kit on us to treat minor injuries that may occur on the trail. We are not responsible for any bodily injury that may occur during our time together, and everyone is required to sign a liability waver prior to the start of our trek.

Sure! If you choose a trail that is dog friendly, we would be thrilled to have them join us. Please review all trail information carefully, and have necessary equipment ready. We will be unable to provide any backup gear for pups. Please note: some of our guides like to bring their pups along on treks, and they will ask if that's okay. It is your responsibility to let your guide know of any relevant information regarding a dog you would like to bring, or if you just don't want a pup on the trail- it's all good, just let us know!

Nope, we'll meet you at the trailhead of choice at your scheduled time! Please note: Oregon has a zero tolerance stance on drinking and driving, and so do we for those who choose to trek.

Guides are independent contractors, and it is up to their ability and discretion to provide additional gear. It is recommend that every guide keep rehydration packets as part of their first aid kit, and an additional water bottle or two & some granola bars handy for emergencies or a forgetful hiker, but you should not rely on your guide to provide these for you. When your guide has been assigned and full payment received, they will reach out to you with the details of your trip, a recommended packing list, their direct contact information, and any provisions or gear they are able to provide.

If you see a group hike on the schedule, click the title, it will bring up more details. We assign 6 hikers per 1 guide on group treks to ensure everyone has a chance to mingle without overwhelming the trail (or one another). We do our best to consistently update the calendar as we confirm reservations. If spots are still available on a given group hike, or that hike is filled, that information will be in the description. If that information isn't present in a group hike description (because, ya know, we're human) feel free to reach out!

Just let us know! If you forget, don't worry- we ask every guest on a first-come-first-serve basis whether they are open to a group hike, or would like a private excursion. We then update the calendar to reflect when hike dates and times are open to additional parties. Group hikes are great for those who want to share in the thing they enjoy with new people. Private hikes are great for families, those bringing pups along, and couples. It's totally up to you how you would like to trek!

Probably! When you reach out, just let us know! We'll conduct a thorough review of the hike, and work out the details with you. Please keep in mind that reservations are on a first-come-first-serve basis, and while we'll do our best to accommodate your desired hike, there is no guarantee we will be available.

At Bend Hike Collective, we run things a little differently than your average tour company. Our guides are independent contractors- that means they work on their own schedule, and are better able to accommodate yours! When a guide has availability, it's posted to our collective calendar so you can see who is available, if there are any group hikes you'd like to join, and when we have unbooked days! We think this is an advantage- it allows you to find a guide, hike, or time that fits your group dynamic and itinerary- not the other way around. We invite you to review our calendar and to reach out if you have any questions about guides, availability or booking!

The National Forest Service issues a limited amount of permits for certain Central Oregon National Forests and Wilderness spaces each summer. We are thrilled to have obtained a few of these permits this summer & would love nothing more than to share the experience with you! When you register for these exclusive experiences, the price accounts for the added time that trek will take (as they are typically longer than our full-day), permit fees, and time spent on the part of the guide who obtained it. These hikes are some of the most sought-after treks within the PNW and hiking community at large. Access to these special places are truly unique, and we cannot wait to share them with you! They will book out, so please review the information provided carefully, assess your ability, and reserve in advance to guarantee your participation.

Prior to booking a reservation, please review our availability on the calendar. We update the calendar after each booking confirmation, so it remains as accurate as possible. Once you've found a date and time that work for you, visit the reserve page to send an email to us at info@bendhikecollective.com. We'll review your reservation details, assign a guide, collect your forms and payment. After that, you're on the calendar, and will receive a welcome email with all your booking information. After that, we will see you at the trailhead!

As soon as your reservation is confirmed, you guide will reach out with all the details of your booking, as well as their contact information so you can be in touch all the way up until the trailhead. Let your guide know as soon as possible of any specific information you believe they should know. Examples include: someone is allergic to dogs (some of our guides like to bring their pups along- let them know of that's an issue!), someone might need to sit more often than the others, if there are any kids in your group etc.

Things happen! If you are unable to make it to your hike for whatever reason (no questions asked, life happens) let your guide know as soon as possible. If you cancel within 48 hours of your hike, you will receive 50% of your reservation back. Cancelations within 24 hours of a hike will not be refunded. It really stinks to have to cancel a trek, so please do your best to mitigate the likelihood that you will have to cancel or rebook. If you have any questions about cancelations or rebooking, please don't hesitate to reach out!

In order to finalize your booking, 100% of your reservation fee is due to your guide. We will collect reservation fees via Venmo. Cash tips are greatly appreciated! Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about booking hikes, an existing reservation, or payment.