
What we’re about
Greetings and Welcome! Thank you for stopping by to check out Paulina Peak Social Group (PPSG)!
When I first started Paulina Peak Social Group in March 2020, quarantine hit the world. I had just moved to La Pine to care give for my mom with four days to spare before lock down. I had no idea what to do with myself because I knew no one. Thus began PPSG as a way to meet friends, maintain my longstanding sobriety (I have events where there's alcohol and it doesn't bother me if YOU drink) and to give back to the community. I moved to Bend at the end of 2020 and it was then that this group became the catalyst for myself and countless others to meet Like-Minded People.
PPSG is a small, friendly, diversified group of ages from 45-?. You will find down-to-earth members (a melting pot really) who enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, snow and water sports along with experiencing Central Oregon’s food scene and breweries. Most of us have never felt more alive and fit than we do living in Bend. We explore Bend, Sunriver, La Pine, Sisters, Redmond, and surrounding areas.
Guidelines:
*Please Keep your RSVP current at all times. No-Shows are No-Go's and I have no tolerance for No-Shows.
*On any outdoor event I expect that you are prepared with The 10 Essentials (https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/).
ALWAYS bring water no matter WHAT! Know your physical limitations and please don't sign up for an event you question your ability. It's very taxing on the Sweep when individuals are much slower and have difficulty keeping up.
*Most of my hikes are at a MODERATE pace. We tend to be on the faster side. Please be aware of this prior to signing up. We do have STROLL events but generally they are faster paced.
*In almost all cases, I do not allow anyone to leave an outdoor event midstream and return back to the trailhead without being accompanied by another member. If you have tight plans, outdoor events can never be predicted and can last longer than what I had projected. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
*Food Truck events: I have no issues with anyone arriving late. Just keep the RSVP current. I am aware of who's there and who's not on ALL of my events. wink wink.
*I will usually ask you arrive a little early to any outdoor events or any event that I request an early arrival. If the event starts at a certain time, that doesn't mean to ARRIVE at that time. It means we're LEAVING at that time.
*My motto: IF YOUR EARLY, YOUR ON TIME. IF YOUR ON TIME, YOUR LATE.
*Please keep your Photo Profile updated, with only YOURSELF.
*Dogs are not allowed on hikes unless specifically noted. Well behaved dogs are welcome at any food truck events but must be kept on a leash. Many of my food truck events are quite full so please take this into consideration.
*Thanks to each of you for making my life enriched and progressively better! Hands down this is the best group in town! BECAUSE OF EACH ONE OF YOU!
*If you have any questions, comments or complaints...please message me
* BEND PLEDGE*
1. Smile, say please and thank you, give right-of-way, and simply slow down.
2. Adventure and explore in a manner that is respectful to the land, wildlife and the people you share it with.
3. Plan and prepare for your time on the trails, in the mountains and on the water.
4. Walk more, drive less, and stick to established trails, routes and parking areas.
5. We must take care of the places that take care of us; we are all visitors hereEVENTS
Hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing: All skill levels are welcome. Each event will disclose the location, skill level, distance and approximate duration, and gear and equipment required. PPSG recommends you pack the “Ten Essentials” for all hiking events: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/
Pets are only allowed when noted on the event.
ATTENDING EVENTS
Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign-up for events within your capabilities. If you RSVP and can't make it...UNRSVP!
All events have an attendee limit. Attendee limits are determined by the nature of the event and the number of Event Hosts attending an event.
Events fill-up quickly. Members are encouraged to download the Meetup app to receive notifications for events as soon as they are posted.
When an event is full (reached its attendee limit), you may be assigned to the Waitlist. If spots open up, members are automatically RSVPed to the event in the order that they joined the Waitlist. Please be patient if you’re on the Waitlist. It's common for the head count to fall as an event gets closer, and most likely you will be RSVPed.
If you are unable to attend an event, please unRSVP prior to the event. This allows members on the Waitlist to be RSVPed. I don't need a reason or explanation as to WHY you can't attend.
No shows will be marked as such and after three no shows you will be a “no go.”
DISCLAIMER: PAULINA PEAK SOCIAL GROUP Waiver of liability You agree when you join this group and attend any of our organized hikes/events that you have read and understand the terms below. If you join PAULINA PEAK SOCIAL GROUP for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, Event Organizers or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, your level of fitness, and bring the proper gear. This release extends and applies to, and also covers and includes, all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss and liability. Your attendance on a hike/or other event signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver. By joining this group and attending any of our hikes/or other events you understand that you are attending all events AT YOUR OWN RISK. Organizers and Assistant Organizers of this group are just that, we organize the events and hike together as friends.
Upcoming events
4

!HIKE/WALK! Deschutes River Trail/Old Mill/FREEDOM BRIDGE, 4.4 easy miles
Old Mill , Old Mill, Bend, OR, USA lovely way to begin your day right in our backyard!
Walk/Hike the Deschutes River Trail: Old Mill Reach.
*Meet at the Freedom/Flag bridge.
CASUAL HIKE/WALK AROUND THE RIVER. MEET AT THE FREEDOM BRIDGE (WHERE THE FLAGS ARE) AND WE'LL GET SOME STEPS IN. Arrive a little early and Please BRING WATER.
NO DOGS PLEASE.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/deschutes-river-trail-old-mill-reach
Enjoy this 4.4-mile loop trail near Bend, Oregon. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. This is a very popular area for running and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. A ridge climb tops the Deschutes River Trail. There are paved riverbank walks along some of the trails. Along the walk, ducks, squirrels, and beavers are frequently spotted. Rock climbers may even be visible, bouldering along the coast. You'll be rewarded into the area's past along the Old Mill Reach. This park is the remnant of the logging industry, which once produced board feet of lumber from two mills, ushering in the region's industrial heyday.
Hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing: All skill levels are welcome. Each event will disclose the location, skill level, distance and approximate duration, and gear and equipment required. PPSG recommends you pack the “Ten Essentials” for all hiking events: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/
Pets are only allowed when noted on the event.
ATTENDING EVENTS
Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign-up for events within your capabilities. If you RSVP and can't make it...UNRSVP!
All events have an attendee limit. Attendee limits are determined by the nature of the event and the number of Event Hosts attending an event.
Events fill-up quickly. Members are encouraged to download the Meetup app to receive notifications for events as soon as they are posted.
When an event is full (reached its attendee limit), you may be assigned to the Waitlist. If spots open up, members are automatically RSVPed to the event in the order that they joined the Waitlist. Please be patient if you’re on the Waitlist. It's common for the head count to fall as an event gets closer, and most likely you will be RSVPed.
If you are unable to attend an event, please unRSVP prior to the event. This allows members on the Waitlist to be RSVPed. I don't need a reason or explanation as to WHY you can't attend.
No shows will be marked as such and after three no shows you will be a “no go.”
RISKS AND WAIVER
No activity is without risk. Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign up for events within your capabilities. PPSG members are responsible for making their own decision on acceptable risks.
PPSG event hosts are volunteers and not trained professionals. Anyone attending any posted event assumes all personal risk to themselves and releases Paulina Peak Social Group, its Organizers, Event Hosts, and its members from all liability.10 attendees
!HIKE/WALK! Deschutes River Trail/OLD MILL/FREEDOM BRIDGE, 4.4 easy miles
Old Mill , Old Mill, Bend, OR, USA lovely way to begin your day right in our backyard!
Walk/Hike the Deschutes River Trail: Old Mill Reach
CASUAL HIKE/WALK AROUND THE RIVER. MEET AT THE FREEDOM BRIDGE (WHERE THE FLAGS ARE) AND WE'LL GET SOME STEPS IN. Arrive a little early and Please BRING WATER.
NO DOGS PLEASE.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/deschutes-river-trail-old-mill-reach
Enjoy this 4.4-mile loop trail near Bend, Oregon. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. This is a very popular area for running and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. A ridge climb tops the Deschutes River Trail. There are paved riverbank walks along some of the trails. Along the walk, ducks, squirrels, and beavers are frequently spotted. Rock climbers may even be visible, bouldering along the coast. You'll be rewarded into the area's past along the Old Mill Reach. This park is the remnant of the logging industry, which once produced board feet of lumber from two mills, ushering in the region's industrial heyday.
Hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing: All skill levels are welcome. Each event will disclose the location, skill level, distance and approximate duration, and gear and equipment required. PPSG recommends you pack the “Ten Essentials” for all hiking events: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/
Pets are only allowed when noted on the event.
ATTENDING EVENTS
Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign-up for events within your capabilities. If you RSVP and can't make it...UNRSVP!
All events have an attendee limit. Attendee limits are determined by the nature of the event and the number of Event Hosts attending an event.
Events fill-up quickly. Members are encouraged to download the Meetup app to receive notifications for events as soon as they are posted.
When an event is full (reached its attendee limit), you may be assigned to the Waitlist. If spots open up, members are automatically RSVPed to the event in the order that they joined the Waitlist. Please be patient if you’re on the Waitlist. It's common for the head count to fall as an event gets closer, and most likely you will be RSVPed.
If you are unable to attend an event, please unRSVP prior to the event. This allows members on the Waitlist to be RSVPed. I don't need a reason or explanation as to WHY you can't attend.
No shows will be marked as such and after three no shows you will be a “no go.”
RISKS AND WAIVER
No activity is without risk. Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign up for events within your capabilities. PPSG members are responsible for making their own decision on acceptable risks.
PPSG event hosts are volunteers and not trained professionals. Anyone attending any posted event assumes all personal risk to themselves and releases Paulina Peak Social Group, its Organizers, Event Hosts, and its members from all liability.6 attendees
MODERATE HIKE! Deschutes River Trail: Meadow Day Use Area (approx 5 miles)
Meadow Day Use Area, Bend, OR, US11-12-2025 I drove to the trail head today to check out the condition of the road...it's usually badly pitted and washboard...but they have put gravel down and the road has improved.
WEATHER AND ROAD PERMITTING!
I love this hike. It's got a mixture of terrain, scenery and beauty. Please Arrive early, come prepared. Bring water, poles, snack, proper hiking shoes, bug/suntan spray, 10 essentials and a happy attitude.
IF YOU HIT WIDGI GOLF COURSE YOU WENT TOO FAR. ONCE YOU TURN OFF EXIT, KEEP GOING ALL THE WAY DOWN UNTIL YOU DEAD END. YOU WILL PASS SEVERAL PARKING AREAS/BATHROOMS BUT KEEP GOING UNTIL YOU REACH THE LAST PARKING LOT WITH A BATHROOM AND TRAIL HEAD BEGINS.
NO DOGS PLEASE.
This is a MODERATE hike. We will hike between 5-6 miles depending on how far everyone wants to go. Please no dogs. Bring a snack, water, bug spray, proper hiking shoes, hiking pole.
"Experience this 6.4-mile out-and-back trail near Bend, Oregon. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 26 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through November."
HOST: Mary Ricci
SKILL LEVEL - [ MODERATE]
ELEVATION GAIN - [370 FT]
MILES :
- The trail is 6.4 plus miles but we will only go approx 5-6 miles, stop and have a snack, admire the view and visit.
LENGTH OF TIME - 2.5 - 3.0 hrs
PARKING PASS: DAY PASS
- PLEASE NO DOGS
GEAR/EQUIPMENT
HIKING BOOTS. POLE(S). Bring Snacks to eat at the turn-around.
PPSG recommends you pack the “Ten Essentials” for all hiking events: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/12 attendees
Past events
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