Central Oregon

Of course there’s skiing on Mt. Bachelor, Central Oregon’s hugely popular mountain resort. But there’s also snowboarding, tubing, guided snowshoe tours and real sled dog rides. In the summer, enjoy high-altitude hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, zip lining and scenic chairlift rides. Want to really get away from it all? Book a helicopter ride for bird’s-eye views of Mt. Bachelor and the towering Cascade Mountains.

Who knew you could get up close to an active volcano in Oregon? Visit Newberry National Volcanic Monument, where NASA astronauts trained in the 1960s for the lunar landing. Powerful eruptions created calderas that now hold two lakes, popular for boating and fishing. Climb to the top of Paulina Peak for sweeping mountain views, walk the otherworldly Lava Lands or Big Obsidian Flow, explore hiking trails around the caldera, enjoy winter sports, go horseback riding and camp overnight if you want a complete adventure.

Over its 106 kilometers, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway features unusual geological formations, rocky lava fields, sparkling Alpine lakes and the imposing Cascade Mountains along the way. You can take in the views on a leisurely half-day drive, but there’s so much to do that you might reserve a few days to explore. Some noteworthy activities include year-round outdoor sports at Elk Lake Resort, skiing at Mt. Bachelor, rafting on the Deschutes River, mountain biking at Wanoga, snowmobiling at Dutchman Flat Sno-Park and fishing for massive trout at Crane Prairie Reservoir.

Sunriver Resort is an all-in-one destination set in the Central Oregon countryside near Bend. Want outdoor activities? There’s biking, horseback riding, kayaking, skiing, sleigh rides and four golf courses. Need a break from it all? Book a luxury spa treatment. There’s kid-friendly fun too: Visit the nature center, enjoy star gazing at the observatory and splash around at the zero-entry pool. Plus, there are nine eateries and bars on site, from Starbucks to patio dining to an upscale grille.

Central Oregon is home to many unique small towns, all worth exploring. Make sure to schedule a stop in Sisters, a Western-themed town boasting shops, restaurants and rodeos to make your cowboy – and cowgirl – dreams come true. Minutes from the edge of the Deschutes National Forest, Sisters also makes an incredible homebase for nature lovers looking to explore the Metolius River and hike nearby wilderness areas.

Tee off at one of the 30 golf courses you'll find along the Central Oregon Golf Trail. Don't miss the chance to hit the links with a view at these scenic courses, including three that have consistently ranked in Golf Digest’s top 100 public courses in the USA: Tetherow and Pronghorn, both in Bend, and Crosswater Club in Sunriver.

Marvel at the wonders of the cosmos at Prineville Reservoir State Park, Oregon's first International Dark Sky Park. Camp out under the stars and take part in ranger-led education programs to learn more about our universe. A unique mix of high elevation, unclouded skies and minimal light pollution makes Central Oregon an incredible locale for stargazing, so you'll find plenty of spots around the region to look up and take in wondrous night sky views.

Meet the artisans and tour the farms that make Central Oregon’s dining landscape so special along the High Desert Food Trail, a self-guided tour that takes visitors on a tasty journey through dozens of agritourism and craft food experiences. Sip at famed wine tasting rooms, sample gourmet food truck fare, toast with seasonal libations from craft distilleries and more on your delicious excursion.

Central Oregon rocks from spring through fall with outdoor concerts in the town of Bend’s trendy Old Mill District. Jam out to internationally acclaimed acts in this unique venue, where the views of the Cascade Mountains and the Deschutes River are just as exciting as the diverse concert lineup. Beyond the amphitheater, check out local theater and exciting entertainment throughout the region.