Central Oregon

Travel Guide

Drake Park which includes autumn leaves and a park
Newberry National Volcanic Monument showing a lake or waterhole, forest scenes and landscape views
Bend showing a park
Old Mill District showing a bridge and a river or creek
Drake Park featuring a garden
Enjoy year-round outdoor pursuits in a region of great natural beauty. Hike where astronauts learned to walk on the moon.

Central Oregon's wide-open spaces, tall mountain peaks, lava fields, rivers and crater lakes exert a powerful pull year-round on thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Walk through arid badlands, descend mountain ski runs and scale sheer rock walls. Visit the region’s towns and cities for concerts, museum exhibitions and other cultural pursuits.

A great way to experience Central Oregon’s diverse terrain is on a hiking expedition. Take the Waterfalls Loop Trail along the McKenzie River, which passes the powerful cascades of Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls. Go walking in the Oregon Badlands Wilderness, a vast swath of arid terrain.

At the Newberry National Volcanic Monument find more than 100 miles (170 kilometers) of trails through a volcanic landscape that resembles the moon's surface. During the 1960s, NASA’s Apollo astronauts trained in a lava field that is now part of the Trail of Molten Lands. Enjoy many other outdoor pursuits. Bike, hike or ride horseback on the trails. Canoe, kayak and raft on the Deschutes River. Surf and standup paddleboard at Bend Whitewater Park. Climb the spectacular peaks of Smith Rock State Park or view them from lower levels.

In the winter, snow turns parts of Central Oregon into a frozen playground. Ski, snowboard and take part in other snow-based adventures at Hoodoo Ski Area and at Mount Bachelor Ski ResortOpens in a new window.

About 20 miles (30 kilometers) east of Mount Bachelor is the town of BendOpens in a new window. Go on a beer-tasting adventure with visits to the breweries on the Bend Ale Trail. Attend a concert at the art deco Tower Theatre. Travel to other towns and cities, such as Madras and Culver. In Warm Springs, learn about Native American history and culture at the Museum at Warm Springs.

To reach Central Oregon, fly into Portland International Airport and drive south. Alternatively, travel from other parts of North America by train, bus or car.

Where to stay in Central Oregon

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Sunriver

Unique features of Sunriver include the golf courses and river views. Make a stop by Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center or Sunriver Resort Golf Course while you're exploring the area.

Sunriver
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Southern Crossing

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Southern Crossing, you might make a stop by sights like Hayden Homes Amphitheater and Old Mill District.

Southern Crossing
Bend showing a bridge

River West

While visiting River West, you might make a stop by sights like Drake Park and Deschutes River.

River West
Bend showing a bridge

Old Bend

If you're spending some time in Old Bend, Deschutes River and Drake Park are top sights worth seeing.

Old Bend
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Century West

While Century West may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Deschutes Brewery and Hayden Homes Amphitheater.

Century West
Old Mill District featuring kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek

Old Mill District

While visiting Old Mill District, you might make a stop by sights like Old Mill District and Deschutes River.

Old Mill District