With a little planning and insider knowledge, it’s easier than you’d think to find off-the-beaten-track adventures in Central Oregon — even in the busiest seasons, when outdoorsy visitors flock to the sparkling rivers and cool mountain lakes. Insiders know that midweek and morning trips for more popular activities like floating the Deschutes River through Bend are the smart way to go, but there are even more tips and tricks. Here’s a rundown of where to go and how to plan a memorable trip on your next getaway to the area.
Paddle the Peaceful Waters Around Tumalo
Just north of Bend, floaters and paddlers find plenty of low-key fun along the Deschutes River near Tumalo. Put in your inner tube, kayak or stand-up paddleboard at Tumalo State Park, and follow the lazy river north toward the community of Tumalo — passing homes, stands of ponderosa pine and the occasional rock formation along the way. A few brief, Class I rapids add some thrills to the experience.
A convenient takeout spot comes after about 30 to 45 minutes, just beyond the Tumalo Road bridge over the Deschutes. Dry off and walk a few blocks to The Bite, which hosts several food carts in the heart of town. Paddlers can return to Tumalo Road and head upstream, back toward your put-in point. Floaters should have a second vehicle in Tumalo to serve as a shuttle.
Soak Up the Sun and the Stars
By day, hikers can find less-visited corners of the region by hiking the Gray Butte Trail, which sits just northeast of Smith Rock. The path affords sweeping views of the surrounding Crooked River National Grassland — covered in sagebrush, juniper and springtime wildflowers — and offers another perspective on Smith Rock’s famous rock formations. A short drive away in Redmond, celebrate your day with local craft beer, arcade games and fresh fare from a handful of food carts at Otto’s Landing.
Around Central Oregon, the fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets. Stargaze under the region’s famously clear night skies, buoyed by its high elevation and lack of light pollution. The University of Oregon’s Pine Mountain Observatory opens its doors on summer weekends, roughly 34 miles southeast of Bend. Farther east, Prineville Reservoir State Park, designated as an International Dark Sky Park, offers clear skies and hosts summertime stargazing programs with rangers — sometimes with the aid of telescopes. If you want to stay the night, book a room at The Spot at Smith Rock guest house, with an astronomer-led stargazing experience from an observatory out back.
About an hour northeast of Smith Rock, the tiny town of Antelope is now on the map as a stargazing hot spot with the opening of Oregon’s first DarkSky Lodging, Antelope Basecamp. Choose from RV and trailer sites with power and water hookups, open grassland for tent and dry camping, and cozy A-frame cabins. Visitors may borrow telescopes and binoculars during their stay as well as maps of the night sky, astronomy-themed board games and educational materials.
Spend the Night in Tiny Homes and Cozy Campgrounds
Enjoy a little solitude with overnight stays that take you into Central Oregon’s high desert and on the banks of its placid Lake Simtustus — an artificial reservoir created by the construction of Pelton Dam in 1958. Decades later, the man-made lake sits a short drive from the region’s main thoroughfares, imbuing it with a quiet charm in the shadow of rugged rock formations and airy stands of pine. Deer, elk and golden eagles are some of the species of wildlife you may see while fishing, paddling or sightseeing around the river canyon.
Roughly 10 miles south of Warm Springs and 11 miles west of Madras, Lake Simtustus Resort hosts a luxurious mix of high-end tiny homes — each outfitted with a private hot tub, a skylight and plush linens — as well as fully equipped RVs and trailers. Community-wide perks include a playground, an off-leash dog park and a pickleball court. If you get hungry, head north to Warm Springs, home to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, where the nonprofit, tribal-owned Twisted Teepee food truck serves fry bread, burgers and an ever-changing lineup of comfort-food favorites.
To the north, Pelton Park comprises a campground that’s home to roughly 70 tent and RV sites, cabins and yomes — canvas-walled structures that are similar to yurts. The park offers all the comforts you’d want from a family-friendly campground, including paddlecraft rentals, easy walking trails, and an on-site convenience store and cafe.
If You Go
Here are some 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.
