High Desert Food Trail

The High Desert Food Trail is a self-guided journey that highlights the stunning landscapes, resilient farms and ranches, artisan makers, and farm-to-table restaurants of Central Oregon. Choose from these themed itineraries below or download the official brochure to craft your own adventure.

Stunning Landscapes

Sisters to Redmond

Sample handcrafted goodness with a view.

Kick off your day with a visit to Sisters Coffee Co. for a specialty coffee drink, a house-made pastry and a slice of history — they’re the first coffee roaster in Central Oregon.

If you’re visiting the area on a Sunday between June and October, peruse the locally grown food and handmade crafts at the Sisters Farmers Market. Stick around to enjoy the live music and splash pad, which is a favorite among the kids. For lunch head over to The Barn, a lively food-truck lot with options ranging from wood-fired pizza and plant-based bowls to barbeque. If you’re craving a good sandwich, stop into artisanal butchery and eatery Sisters Meat and Smokehouse for its next-level tri-tip sandwich and craft beer on tap.

Next head east to Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards, where you can sip wine while looking out over stunning views of the Three Sisters. Learn how the winery manages to fight the frost and grow grapes that they transform into award-winning wine.

After you’ve had your fill of wine, end your day in Redmond with dinner at Wild Ride Brewing, where you can sip award-winning Whoopty Whoop Wheat and dine at another array of food trucks, or Initiative Brewing, a family-friendly sit-down craft brewery with allergy-friendly options. Both are located within blocks of downtown, and both have sister locations in Prineville. Consider staying the night at SCP Redmond Hotel, where Terra Kitchen is located. In addition to the hotel’s adventure, wellness and work-away packages, guests can enjoy the panoramic views of the Cascade mountains from the hotel’s rooftop bar — the only one in Redmond.

Artisan Offerings

Tumalo to La Pine

Lift your spirits with high-desert inspirations.

Begin your trip with a lakeside overnight at The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse in Sisters, where you can start your day with an alpine-style breakfast. Head south to Tumalo and fill your picnic basket with u-pick and farm stand goodies from Well Rooted Farms, and locally sourced meats, snacks and libations from Schillings Garden Market. Enjoy a walk around the garden or shop the seasonal market while taking in mountain views.

Locally sourced gifts and products can be found year-round at Central Oregon Locavore but if you’re visiting on a Wednesday between May and October, spend the afternoon meandering through the stalls at the Bend Farmers Market. Then stop into Wild Petal Provisions, an artisan store where you can find picnic supplies and pick up a bottle of mead from Lazy Z Ranch. For lunch head over to Dump City Dumplings, where you can enjoy small plates and dim sum on the patio. If you’re craving a sweet treat head over to one of Bonta Gelato‘s tasting rooms and experience the flavorful result of collaborations with local farmers and artisans in every bite.

End your day in La Pine, where you can sit back and relax on the outdoor patio of Legend NW Cider Company and sample beverages made from Northwest apples. Stick around for the live music or head to Badlands Artisan Distillery to taste award-winning spirits, specialty drinks and bites from the on-site food trucks.

Resilient Agriculture

Warm Springs to Prineville

Experience high-desert ranching.

Start your day off by visiting Twisted Teepee on the Warm Springs Reservation, where you can choose from menu items like huckleberry pancakes and Indian fry bread.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday in summer, spend the rest of your morning strolling past the local produce and artisan goods at the Madras Saturday Market in the beautiful Sahalee Park. Then duck into New Basin Distilling Company for a tour of the facility, and sample their spirits made from Opal Springs water and rye grown in Jefferson County.

The ranches in Terrebonne are worth the stop. If you’re visiting in fall, head over to DD Ranch — known for its pumpkin patch, hay rides and petting zoo. If alpacas are more your thing, stop by Crescent Moon Ranch, where you can pet and feed their herd (even the babies) while also sampling their fiber products.

On your way to Prineville stop by Brasada Ranch for a spa retreat, golf excursion or horseback ride and plan a time to return to dinner at Wild Rye, their on-site fine-dining restaurant, where you can enjoy seasonal dishes like juniper-braised lamb shank.

In Prineville head to Smiley’s Lavender Farm for u-pick lavender and flowers, ready-made bouquets or a stained-glass making class. Make sure to factor in a stop to L & S Farm and Garden, a farm store that offers homemade, canned, pickled and preserved goods including jams, jellies, syrups, seasonings and more. 

End your day at the Wine Down Ranch, a working cattle farm with overnight accommodations including a tiny house, a bunkhouse and campsites. In addition to experiencing life on a ranch, the Wine Down is a great spot for hiking, biking, bird-watching and stargazing.

More Tasty Stops

There are 52 stops on the High Desert Food Trail, from restaurants to farm stands, to cideries and distilleries, and place to stay along the way. Make your base camp in one of these charming towns and find a delicious farm-to-table meal around the corner. Here are some of the locales to explore.