Outdoor Activities Abound In Central Oregon
Cynthia Smoot in State Rock State Park, Oregon (May 2024)
Ask most Dallasites what they know about Oregon, our Country’s ninth largest state, and the city of Portland, known for its microbreweries and coffeehouses will probably be the most common answer, with the Willamette Valley, a 150-mile-long valley in the Pacific Northwest region of Oregon famous for its Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wines, coming in a close second. American Airlines recently debuted a new direct flight to Redmond, Oregon giving North Texans a new reason to discover the beauty of Central Oregon.
Located on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range, where vast forests give way to the arid high desert, Central Oregon is characterized by year-round adventure in a stunning environment. From the towering peaks of the Cascades to the pristine waters of the wild and scenic Deschutes River, and the more urban experiences of Bend, Sunriver, and Redmond, to the rural charms of Sisters, La Pine, Prineville, Madras, Warm Springs, and Maupin, Central Oregon offers a perfect mix of recreation and sophistication.
After landing in Redmond head to the town of Sisters, a one-roundabout town that teems with retail options ranging from mom-and-pop businesses, souvenir shops, and chic boutiques. The area’s largest lodging outpost is Black Butte Ranch, which pairs its vacation rentals with a variety of family-friendly activities and offerings—including bicycle rentals, fly fishing clinics, a pair of award-winning golf courses, and spa services. Located amidst a sprawling pine forest, the luxe FivePine Lodge and Spa offers the personal touch of a bed and breakfast and all the amenities of a resort providing couples the ultimate romantic getaway with 36 modern craftsman-style cabins and 8 lodge suites offering an opulent and unique lodging experience.
For a casual dining experience, stop by Three Creeks Brewing Company for a burger or salad. The 6000-square foot facility provides a full restaurant with a 10-barrel brewing system. For a more elevated experience, visit Black Butte Ranch’s recently opened Lodge for a relaxed, upscale dining experience with spectacular views. Chef Don McCradic combines the finest locally sourced ingredients with unbounded creativity to create incredible dishes with regional Northwest flare. Nestled in a grove of towering Ponderosa Pines the venue offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Three Sisters, Broken Top and Mt. Washington.
See the stars at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, the nation’s largest collection of publicly accessible telescopes. Explore Central Oregon’s dark skies with an educational presentation at the observatory, followed by night sky viewing through various telescopes with staff astronomers and a guided constellation tour.
In the nearby town of Bend, take the family to High Desert Museum where they tell the stories of the High Desert's diverse people and places through a mix of permanent and ever-changing exhibitions. The Sensing Sasquatch Exhibition is currently on display, exploring the world of Sasquatch as told through an indigenous narrative. There are also a variety of the region’s animals living on premises to enjoy such a trio of lively otters, a porcupine, and various birds of prey who perform at shows throughout the day.
In Downtown Bend, you can stroll the Tin Pan Alley Art Walk, sho a variety of local boutiques, or enjoy a latte in one of the local cafes such as Backporch, Turtle Island Coffee or Blissful Spoon. End your afternoon at Willamette Valley Vineyards’ Bend Tasting Room & Restaurant where they offer world-class, sustainably made winesand Pacific Northwest-inspired food pairings.
Across town is you will find The Old Mill District — which can be identified anywhere in town by its trademark three smokestacks — nestled into 270 acres along the Deschutes River on a site that once housed one of the largest ponderosa pine sawmill operations in the world. Now more than 55 local, regional, and national restaurants and retailers call the Old Mill District home. At the north end of the Old Mill District, Lady Bird Cultural Society offers diners a high-end Mediterranean menu that puts a polished spin on the farm-to-table concept, tapping into locally sourced ingredients while offering year-round favorites. Across a walking bridge from The Old Mill District lies the Hayden Homes Amphitheater where some of the country's largest and most popular touring acts perform.
The region provides a series of Instagrammable moments through the Central Oregon Mural Trail. There are nine murals in total, each with distinct symbols unique to the town in which the mural is located, reflecting the spirit of Central Oregon in animated colors and design. Starting at the Redmond Airport, artists Katie Daisy and Karen Eland began the “Greetings From...” series with inspiration from vintage postcards. Now, nearly every town in Central Oregon hosts a large hand painted mural with stunning details specifically designed for that town.
Recognized as one of the country's top golf destinations, Central Oregon is home to three of America's 100 Greatest Public Courses, according to Golf Digest, and many lesser-known gems considered among the best in the Pacific Northwest. The Central Oregon Golf Trail offers nearly 30 golf courses throughout the Central Oregon region, designed by some of the best-known architects in the game.
Unlike our North Texas region, Central Oregon provides mountains, forests, high deserts, lakes, and rivers to explore and experience. Take your pick of hiking, cycling, kayaking, rafting, swimming and other outdoor experiences. Experience the magic of summer in Central Oregon and discover why this destination is as much a must-visit for outdoor adventurers, as it is for arts & culture enthusiasts. To begin planning your adventure, visit www.visitcentraloregon.com.