Central Oregon Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Drake Park featuring a park and autumn leaves
Newberry National Volcanic Monument which includes a lake or waterhole, forests and landscape views
Bend which includes a garden
Old Mill District featuring a river or creek and a bridge
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 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
Campfire Hotel
Campfire Hotel
3 out of 5
721 NE 3rd Street, Bend, OR
The price is AU$131 per night from 27 Nov to 28 Nov
AU$131
includes taxes & fees
27 Nov - 28 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! (1,207 reviews)
"Absolute hands down the best hotel I’ve stayed at in a long time. The salt water pool and hot tub were both hot and relaxing. The lights everywhere make you feel like you’re in an oasis in the middle of the city! The rooms are so clean and beds are so comfortable. Will definitely be staying here ..."

Reviewed on 25 Nov. 2024

Campfire Hotel
Riverhouse Lodge
Riverhouse Lodge
3.5 out of 5
3075 N. Business 97, Bend, OR
The price is AU$243 per night from 29 Nov to 30 Nov
AU$243
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
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! (1,173 reviews)
"We were upgraded to a suite as it was the last night of our honeymoon. Everyone was very friendly and professional. The restaurant food was delicious. Great experience overall."

Reviewed on 25 Nov. 2024

Riverhouse Lodge
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bend South, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bend South, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
61070 S HWY 97, Bend, OR
The price is AU$149 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
AU$149
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (768 reviews)
"Love my stay so far."

Reviewed on 24 Nov. 2024

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bend South, an IHG Hotel
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! (935 reviews)
"Oct trip wit kids. Love pools and trail. Should have more night entertainment actitivities for kids"

Reviewed on 7 Nov. 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! (94 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! (361 reviews)
"Very convenient,a short walk to Sunriver Resort and the village stores"

Reviewed on 25 Nov. 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Central Oregon