Craving high-desert trails, alpine lakes, sparkling rivers and sagebrush-filled landscapes with bluebird skies? You’re not the only one. Throngs of visitors flock to Central Oregon in the summertime to hike, bike, camp, fish, climb and enjoy nature’s beauty mixed in with stops at some of the state’s top craft breweries and restaurants.
Steady crowds can mean traffic and parking snarls, overcrowded parks and trails, and long lines at popular food and drink spots for a less-than-ideal experience.
Insiders and locals, however, know there’s a lot you can do to avoid those hot spots if you head to more under-the-radar destinations. Chances are, you’ll find a new favorite place, have less stress and a more meaningful experience. Here are some tips to do just that, as well as other ways to be a responsible visitor to this spectacular region of Oregon.
Avoid crowds by visiting some of these high-desert favorites instead.
Pro tip: If you must visit in summer, it’s smart to go mid-week or in early fall (September) to avoid the biggest crowds.
For Camping and Swimming
Instead of LaPine State Park, try Cove Palisades State Park in Culver, where you can book up to 6 months in advance for tents or RV sites or deluxe cabins with easy access to the Deschutes River and the Crooked River, both offshoots of gorgeous Lake Billy Chinook. You’ll find swim beaches and boat launches, rental equipment, paddle trails, hiking trails, houseboat rentals and a cafe and store at the marina. Or consider an escape to Lake Simtustus Resort in Madras, where you can stay in a luxury tiny home or hook up your RV and spend afternoons boating and swimming at the marina or taking in a soak at the cedar sauna.
For Deschutes River Picnicking
Instead of Riverbend Park, Bend Whitewater Park or Farewell Bend Park, try Dillon Falls Day Use Area, an excellent base camp with views of Dillon Falls along the Deschutes River (visit during spring for the biggest surge as snowmelt is at its peak). Find the falls along a short, mostly flat trail from the parking area. Post-picnic, you can enjoy the on-site boat launch, two waterfalls and a .3-mile accessible trail.
For Scenic Backpacking
Instead of the Mt. Washington Wilderness, try the Santiam Lake Trail in the Jefferson Wilderness or any of these less-crowded trails that do not require a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit. The 11.5-mile Santiam Lake Trail (accessible June-November) is out and back, so you can go just as far as you like. Along the way — as with many Central Cascade trails — you’ll find pines, manzanita and beargrass-filled meadows with views of the Three Sisters, Three Fingered Jack and other peaks. The deep-blue alpine lake is a spectacular spot to relax, camp or fish for trout.
For a Geology-Filled Day Hike
Instead of Smith Rock State Park, try Steins Pillar Trail in Prineville, a far lesser-known destination about 40 miles east of Smith Rock in the Ochoco National Forest. The biggest landmark of this 4-mile out-and-back trek is the alien-like, towering rock formation created by hardened layers of volcanic debris eons ago, then exposed in a pillar shape by erosion. Expect lots of surprises along the trail: wildlife, switchbacks, rock formations, bursts of wildflowers like balsamroot, lupine, paintbrush in spring and summer, and views of the valley and peaks from the vista.
For an Adventurous Family Day
Instead of Newberry National Volcanic Monument, find a new favorite destination at a place like Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort, Shaniko ghost town or the town of Antelope, recently recognized for its pristine starry skies. All three off-grid spots are an easy 90-minute drive north of Bend along scenic Highway 97, where you’ll leave the crowds far behind. At Kah-Nee-Ta, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs invites visitors to book a teepee, hotel room, rental home or RV space while enjoying the huge array of activities and amenities, from the family-friendly thermal pools to river floats, horseback riding, salmon bakes and more. Shaniko, formerly known as the “Wool Capital of the World,” was abandoned in the early 1900s when the railroad bypassed the town; today you can stay in the renovated Shaniko Hotel to see the historic vestiges slowly being brought back to life. Nearby Antelope is one of the coolest spots in the region to visit if your goal is stargazing; Antelope Basecamp community of A-frame micro-cabins makes it easy to see the Milky Way from Main Street, as their slogan goes.
For an Easy-Access Waterfall
Instead of Tumalo Falls, try Benham Falls or Steelhead Falls. At 25 feet tall, Benham is the largest waterfall on the upper Deschutes River and can be easily viewed from two trailheads: the Deschutes River Trail and the Benham Falls East Day Use Area and Trail, which features a short hike with views of the ancient lava flows, ponderosa pines and rushing river. To catch another Deschutes River waterfall outside of the city, take the scenic drive north along Highway 97 for about 45 minutes past Terrebonne, where a .5-mile trail (mostly easy, with one steep section) leads to a lovely 20-foot cascade, a perfect spot for fishing, picnicking and relaxing.
For a Paved, Accessible Trail
Instead of Dry Canyon Trail or Sun Lava Trail, try Larkspur Trail or Alpenglow Park, both in southeast Bend but feeling like a world away from the bustling city. Larkspur includes about 4 miles of trail (part paved, part compacted gravel) that you can walk or roll on for wildlife spotting and tranquil canal views. Alpenglow, meanwhile, is a popular family destination with just over 2 miles of paved paths, plus another mile of soft-surface natural trail. You’ll also find a bouldering area at the park (including accessible routes with rope-assist for adaptive climbers), shade structures, bike racks and restrooms.
If You Go
Here are more insider tips for the best summer experience.
Don’t pick the flowers
Be a responsible visitor and know how to Leave No Trace. Always pack out all trash including food, wrappers and especially pet waste. Stay on designated trails to protect local ecosystems and wildlife, and obey leash laws. Be prepared with your Ten Essentials including extra water, layers and downloaded maps.
Join a group
Consider a guided experience — a safe, stress-free, fun and responsible way to try everything from hot-air ballooning to ATV rides, cycling, rafting, horseback riding and more. Expert-led trips are also a great way to see new places, learn a new skill or take your skills to the next level (for example with fishing), and find community if you’re traveling solo.
Avoid the smoke
Check the wildfire smoke map before and during your visit. Wildfires and wildfire smoke blowing in from other parts of the state are a very real issue in the Pacific Northwest during summer and especially early fall. Trails, businesses and attractions may be impacted by fire or smoke, so always check beforehand and adjust your plans accordingly. Find road and weather conditions at TripCheck.com.
Stay safe on the water
Knowing a few rules about water safety could save your life. A properly fit life jacket is your best friend when you’re on watercraft or swimming, and required for children 12 and under. Look for life jacket loaner stations across the region. All paddle craft users must have a Waterway Access Permit purchased and displayed. Know your experience level, and leave the alcohol at home. Check out special guidelines for Bend Whitewater Park before you go.
