About the Author

Kim Cooper Findling

Kim Cooper Findling grew up on the Oregon Coast and became a Central Oregon girl in the mid-90s, taking in the sunny skies and never looking back (except a few wistful glances at the ocean). She is the managing editor of "Bend Magazine" and the author of “Bend, Oregon Daycations: Day Trips for Curious Travelers,” "Day Trips From Portland: Getaway Ideas for the Local Traveler” and “Chance of Sun: An Oregon Memoir.” Catch her around the state sampling microbrews, hiking river trails, walking beaches, and hanging out with her family. www.kimcooperfindling.com

Makers Capture the Spirit of Central Oregon

January 25, 2019
From snowy peaks to high desert plains to flowing rivers, the landscape of Central Oregon has been inspiring makers for generations. Many locals draw upon the scenery to feed their creative endeavors, pouring their passion into everything from books, hats and fishing flies to whiskey, beer and gin. On your next visit, take time to check out their wares and sample their tasty innovations. You may just get inspired to get crafty yourself. More
found in
Central Oregon , Redmond , Favorite Trips ,

Top Trips From Bend

August 30, 2018
There are few better jumping-off points for day trips to lesser-known places than Bend. It's also the perfect place to begin multiday getaways to some of Oregon’s least crowded and absolutely incredible sights. Here are a few road-trip ideas to get you going. More
found in
Favorite Trips ,

4 Seasons of Bend Adventures at Tetherow

August 6, 2018
Some vacation destinations shine brightest in the summer, others put on their best show in winter. Known for its non-stop outdoor adventure, cultural abundance and craft beverage scene, Bend is delightful year-round. More
found in
Central Oregon , Bend , Favorite Trips ,

10 Things That Will Surprise You in Lincoln City

April 3, 2018
From salt-water taffy to kite-flying to fresh seafood chowder, Lincoln City has long been a top family spot for old-fashioned fun on the Oregon Coast for generations. But there are lots of surprises along this inviting stretch of beach town on the Central Coast that you may not have discovered. Lincoln City follows Highway 101 for seven miles, with delights to be found from the high cliffs of Cascade Head to the tranquil waters of Siletz Bay. On your next visit, find delight in a... More
found in
Oregon Coast , Lincoln City , Favorite Trips ,

All Your Central Oregon Questions Answered

October 16, 2017
I’ve been a Central Oregon resident, writer and aficionado for 22 years. As an ambassador for Travel Oregon's Ask Oregon program and author of “Bend, Oregon Daycations: Day Trips for Curious Families,” visitors often ask me where to find specific, awesome destinations and activities in and around Bend. More
found in
Central Oregon , Trip Ideas ,

Top Don’t-Miss Spots in Central Oregon

July 31, 2017
Hosmer Lake near the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway I’ve lived in Oregon my whole life. I grew up on the Oregon Coast, spent my college years in the Willamette Valley and have been rooted in Central Oregon for more than two decades. I’ve traveled to every county in this great state, even making a career out of it as a writer — which might make me the luckiest girl in the world, and I always come back to Central Oregon. This region offers a real... More
found in
Central Oregon , Bend , Lakes & Reservoirs , State Parks , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Museums , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Culture & History , Attractions ,

Oregon’s Coolest Cave Adventures for Kids

July 30, 2017
There may not be any lost treasure (that we know of) in Oregon’s caves, but Indiana Jones could easily find his next exotic adventure in some of the deep, dark underground tunnels here. Oregon is home to several extraordinary lava tube caves — made from cooled molten lava, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites and all.… More
found in
Oregon Coast , Florence , Tour Companies , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Family Fun , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,

A Long Stay in the Umpqua Valley

July 28, 2017
Many of us know Southern Oregon for Crater Lake National Park, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the sea stacks and arches that define Oregon’s pristine South Coast beaches. Much of the peaks, rivers and valleys of Southern Oregon are a mystery to many of us. But Roseburg — a nature-lover's paradise 90 miles south of… More
found in
Southern Oregon , Roseburg , Lakes & Reservoirs , Guides & Charters , Favorite Trips , Aquariums & Zoos , Rafting , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Theater & Performing Art , Destinations , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,

Protect Wildlife at Oregon’s Marine Reserves

July 20, 2017
Did you know there are five marine reserves in Oregon, created in 2012 to protect and study our ocean and shoreline? Sections of the ocean just offshore have been set aside for safeguard, research and monitoring. It’s not just scientists at work in these special areas — it’s you and your family, too. Your trip… More
found in
Oregon Coast , Birding , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Sustainable Travel , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,

Sisters Country for Two

July 19, 2017
Located at the base of the majestic Cascade Mountains in Central Oregon, Sisters is an iconic western-themed town, grounded in romance and surrounded by adventure. For couples that like their romantic getaways recreational by day, amorous by night and just plain fun all around, this little city is the perfect getaway for two. Here are… More
found in
Central Oregon , Sisters , Trip Ideas ,