When visiting Central Oregon, there are so many outdoor activities to do! Here, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites!
SKI MT BACHELOR
Mount Bachelor ski resort is a ski resort located in Central Oregon, approximately 22 miles west of Bend, along Century Drive Highway. The ski area is on the northern side of Mount Bachelor, a stratovolcano rising atop a volcanic shield in the Cascade Range.
SKI HOODOO
Located near the summit of Santiam Pass on U.S. Route 20, the ski area operates on federal land through agreement with Willamette National Forest on Hoodoo Butte, a volcanic cinder cone
SNOWSHOE/ CROSS COUNTRY SKI SWAMPY LAKES
West from Bend on Cascade Lakes Hwy. A great trail/ sno-park for all of your non-motorized winter activities.
FLOAT THE RIVER
Float the Deschutes River in Bend - you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, and floaties from Bend River Floats, or you can bring your own gear! A great activity for a hot day. Visit Bend has a great article on how to float if you’re not sure about the logistics!
PADDLEBOARD PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR
If you are looking for something a little less crowded, the Prineville Reservoir is a great place to paddleboard or kayak as well! If you need a rental, Ochoco SUP has got you covered, or you can bring your own.
RIVER TRAIL HIKE
The Deschutes River Trail part of the Bend Urban Trails System allows nearly uninterrupted access to the beautiful waterway. Whether you’re looking to run, walk, bike, or hike, the River Trail is a great place to be outside.
SAYWER PARK HIKE
A large park stretching along both sides of the Deschutes River. Formerly a state park dedicated to the District in 1980. The park is connected by trail to Sawyer Uplands Neighborhood Park and River Glenn Natural Area.
PILOT BUTTE HIKE
A quick 1.8 mile hike up for a 360 degree view of the high desert near Bend.
SMITH ROCK HIKING/ ROCK CLIMBING
Smith Rock State Park is an American state park located in central Oregon's High Desert near the communities of Redmond and Terrebonne. The day use area of the park is open daily from dawn to dusk. You can choose to hike, or if you know how - rock climb!
BIKE AROUND SUNRIVER
Even if you aren’t staying in Sunriver, the paths can still be utilized! Except for a few crossings, Sunriver's 34 miles of paved pathways are separated from the roadways. This allows riders focus on where they're headed and have fun. If you don’t have a bike, no worries! You can rent one at multiple places in Sunriver.
HORSEBACK RIDING AT BRASADA RANCH
Whether new to horseback riding and are looking to set out on a new adventure or are a seasoned veteran, Brasada Trails is ready to take you on your next private horseback ride. Explore over 900 acres of high desert landscape with incredible Cascade views with our experienced guides who give you the proper instruction you need in order to feel comfortable and get the most out of your ride
LAVA BUTTE FLOW HIKE
Lava Lands Visitor Center is the interpretive hub of Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Visit the state of the art interpretive exhibit on area geologic and cultural history, shop in the Discover Your Forest Bookstore, view a variety of films scheduled daily, walk the Trail of Molten Land and the Trail of the Whispering Pines, travel on the fully accessible 5.5 mile Sun-Lava paved path, picnic under the pines, attend a ranger talk, walk to the top of Lava Butte for a spectacular view of Central Oregon.
LAVA RIVER CAVE HIKE
Explore a mile-long lava tube. Lava River Cave offers self-guided exploration of a mile-long lava tube. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to tour the entire cave. Initial access descends 55 stairs to a combination of flat boardwalk, uneven surfaces and stairways. Please bring flashlights and wear warm clothes, it’s cold down there!