For your convenience, here is an ever growing list of local attractions within Central Oregon.
Mt. Bachelor
Explore North America’s 5th largest resort of 3,683 acres for skiing and snowboarding. With an average snowfall of 150-200 inches a year you will experience what skiing in the northwest is all about. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the alpine terrain at Mt. Bachelor offers something for everyone complete with four terrain parks and an Olympic-sized super pipe. Cross country skiers will enjoy the Nordic Center that offers 56 kilometers of trails for all abilities. People of all ages will have a great time at the Snow blast Tubing Park. Relax, as you are towed up the hill on the tubing lift and then get ready for some serious fun!
Cascade Lakes Highway
This is an excellent day trip, as you need to allow at least 3-5 hours for this adventure. This breathtaking 87-mile loop takes you past Mt. Bachelor where you will discover numerous alpine lakes, spectacular panoramic mountain views, and endless opportunities for sightseeing. You can hike, bike, boat, swim, or simply relax amongst beautiful Mother Nature! Todd Lake is a smaller lake and has a nice trail that surrounds it. Sparks Lake offers excellent views complete with a beautiful green meadow. Elk and Cultus Lakes are the most popular for swimming and boating. Crane Prairie and Wickiup Reservoir offer excellent fishing. Road is closed during the winter.
The Deschutes River
The Deschutes River flows north, which is unusual in the United States. There are many recreation activities to be had. The most popular activities are probably fishing, floating and rafting. The river is world renowned for its fly fishing. It is home to a unique wild and native strain of Rainbow trout.
Benham Falls
People of all ages will enjoy this 2.5-mile trail leading to a beautiful waterfall. For experienced mountain bikers, there is an additional trail that has challenging elevation changes. Both trails lead to the visitor’s area where you can spend a great day amongst the beautiful pine trees and Deschutes River.
Lava Cast Forest
Located minutes away from Sunriver, where you can observe castings of trees that were caught up in the lava flows from 6,000 years ago! People of all ages will enjoy exploring amongst the volcanic rock on the paved trail.
Lava Lands Visitor Center
Located 4 miles north of Sunriver on Highway 97, this is the interpretive hub for the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Choose from 3 interpretive trails ranging from ¼ -1 mile long where you will explore the geology, volcanology, and cultural history of Central Oregon. A naturalist is on duty to answer any questions you may have. Closed in the winter.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Located just south of Sunriver, you will find the signs for the entrance off of Highway 97 before La Pine. On over 55,500 acres you will discover many unique attractions which include: cinder cones, pumice cones, lava flows, caves, 2 lakes, streams, waterfalls, and a lava cast forest. All of this created by eruptions spanning past half a million years ago! The lakes are a fisherman’s paradise, as you will find trophy-size brown and rainbow trout along with kokanee and atlantic salmon.