Central Oregon Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Drake Park featuring a park and autumn leaves
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 Resort.

About 20 miles (30 kilometers) east of Mount Bachelor is the town of Bend. 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 Resort Golf Course or Deschutes River while you're exploring the area.

Sunriver
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
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Southern Crossing

5/5(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

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

5/5(2 area reviews)

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
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Deschutes River Woods

While visiting Deschutes River Woods, you might make a stop by sights like Deschutes River and Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

Deschutes River Woods
Riverhouse Lodge
Riverhouse Lodge
3.5 out of 5
3075 N. Business 97, Bend, OR
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly resort in Bend. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,179 reviews)
Couples getaway
"It was a nice stay in a great location"

Reviewed on 29 Oct. 2024

Riverhouse Lodge
Campfire Hotel
Campfire Hotel
3 out of 5
721 NE 3rd Street, Bend, OR
The price is AU$133 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
AU$133
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Stay at this hotel in Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions Old ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,174 reviews)
"Quiet and cozy property. Clean rooms, great bedding and nice soap/shampoo. Nice drink selection in the rooms and at the bar."

Reviewed on 26 Oct. 2024

Campfire Hotel
Days Inn by Wyndham Bend
Days Inn by Wyndham Bend
2 out of 5
849 NE Third Street, Bend, OR
The price is AU$81 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
AU$81
includes taxes & fees
14 Nov - 15 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Good walk score"

Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024

Days Inn by Wyndham Bend
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sunriver Resort
Sunriver Resort
4 out of 5
17600 Center Drive, Bend, OR
Book a stay at this spa condo in Bend. Enjoy free valet parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (930 reviews)
"Outstanding property"

Reviewed on 25 Oct. 2024

Sunriver Resort
Crooked River Ranch Cabins
Crooked River Ranch Cabins
3 out of 5
14193 SW Chinook Dr, Terrebonne, OR
Stay at this 3-star golf cabin in Terrebonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Crooked River Ranch Golf Course and Steelhead ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (104 reviews)
"Meagan was great!!! Loved the space & wildlife!!"

Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024

Crooked River Ranch Cabins
The Pines at Sunriver
The Pines at Sunriver
3 out of 5
17655 Pinnacle Lane, Sunriver, Bend, OR
Book a stay at this family-friendly condo in Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Sage Springs Club & Spa and Sunriver ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (357 reviews)
Beautiful, comfortable, and roomy
"The Pines was a very nice place to stay. I have stayed in Sunriver several times and this is the first time that I tried The Pines. Everythime that I go to Sunriver, I WILL be staying at The Pines. Very beautiful place to stay. Thank you"

Reviewed on 18 Oct. 2024

The Pines at Sunriver
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Central Oregon