Though Oregon may be best known for the lush, verdant valleys in the western part of the state, it’s the high desert and transition zone just to the east of the Cascades that holds a special place in my own heart. Central Oregon is an epicenter of outdoor recreation for the state, and its varied landscapes makes it an ideal road trip destination. Read on for an action-packed three-day itinerary of the best of what Central Oregon has to offer.
Day 1: From Rocks to Rock On
Kick-start the fun in Sunriver, a small and vibrant resort community about 20 miles south of Bend on Highway 97. Make your way to the historic and beautiful Sunriver Resort and grab a quick breakfast at the Lodge Kitchen while taking in expansive views of the Cascade mountains and nearby Mt. Bachelor.
From there head north to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument’s Lava Lands Visitor Center and delve into the rich history of geologic activity of the area through interactive displays and 3D models. Grab a quick shuttle up to the top of Lava Butte to the Interpretive Site to get the lay of the land, including a glimpse into the nearby lava field where NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin trained before their Apollo 11 mission.
Drive south 25 miles to the Newberry Caldera and the Paulina Visitor Center, and stop to admire beautiful Paulina Falls, a side-by-side waterfall with a drop of 80 feet. Then hop back in the car and ascend to Paulina Peak Observation Site (road conditions permitting, as there’s often snow until early July), the highest point in the park, to take in expansive views of the 1,200-square-mile volcano and the 17-square-mile caldera. The crater formed when the Newberry Volcano erupted 75,000 years ago. Cap off the last of the morning with a 1-mile hike on the Big Obsidian Flow Trail, the youngest lava flow in Oregon. Be sure to wear close-toed shoes on the trail as obsidian pieces can be razor sharp! Afterward, take a breather and grab lunch at the East Lake Resort while soaking in the views. On your return, grab a selfie in front of the Greetings From La Pine mural.
Spend the evening enjoying Bend, a year-round outdoor playground. Go all in for dinner at Dear Irene, which serves modern, upscale takes on quality Northwest fare like Columbia River steelhead and seared scallops from the Oregon Coast. Hit the Old Mill District after and catch a show at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater, the state’s largest outdoor venue, located just feet from the Deschutes River. From Bob Dylan to ODESZA to Kenny Chesney, the 8,000-person-capacity venue has more than 50 shows per summer across a variety of genres.
Day 2: Sisters, Smith Rock and S’mores at Black Butte Ranch
Start the day in Sisters, where Western charm, outdoor adventure, arts and a strong small-town spirit blend together. Grab a quick breakfast in the courtyard at Angeline’s Bakery & Cafe, which specializes in vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian delights.
You’ll need those calories once you saddle up for a ride on the Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway, a 37-mile route through some of the most picturesque landscapes the state has to offer. At your final destination, be prepared to be wowed at Smith Rock State Park, a breathtaking natural wonderland renowned for its towering cliffs, rugged orange-hued rocks and world-class climbing routes all set against the stunning backdrop of the meandering Crooked River. Go early or mid-week to avoid summer crowds, and consider booking a guided experience like a climbing lesson or after-dark stargazing experience. Or spend the evening at The Barn in Sisters, where food trucks, a beer hall and a lively outdoor atmosphere await. Pick any cart and you’ll be pleased, as they’re all superb.
Ready to wrap up the day? Head to the Black Butte Ranch Lodge Restaurant, a relaxed yet upscale dining experience with panoramic views of the Three Sisters, Broken Top and Mt. Washington. Choose to make it a night by staying in one of the beautiful homes on the property.
Day 3: Bikes, Beers and Celestial Splendors
Get a jump-start on your final day in Central Oregon with a European-inspired breakfast at Café des Chutes in Bend, which serves traditional pastries and sandwiches in a charming brick building. From there, load up your mountain bikes and drive roughly 36 miles northeast to Prineville. Ride a healthy mix of beginner to intermediate trails at Barnes Butte, which is just minutes away from downtown. Once you get your fill, backtrack to Prineville’s Main Street and cool off with drinks and lunch at Wild Ride Brew Co.
Post-lunch, preserve the day with a photo in front of the Greetings From Prineville mural downtown before you head off to the Prineville Reservoir State Park for some stand-up paddling. The state park holds a rare designation as a certified International Dark-Sky Park, recognized for the exceptional quality of the park’s night skies and the park’s efforts to minimize light pollution. It might not be Earth-based geology, but gazing into the vast expanse of the Milky Way inspires the same sense of awe as terrestrial mountains and lava flows. Back in Bend, cap off your evening with dinner and wine at the new Willamette Valley Vineyards tasting room downtown.
If You Go:
Central Oregon certainly has geology and adventure, but it’s also loaded with premier lodging options. At Black Butte Ranch, 10 miles west of Sisters, embrace the tranquility of nature while surrounded by panoramic views of the Cascade mountains. Tetherow Resort in Southwest Bend offers a luxurious retreat with its upscale amenities and world-class golf courses, while centrally located Juniper Preserve, in between Bend and Redmond, invites guests to reconnect with the land in a sustainable setting. Sunriver Resort provides an amenity-packed experience complete with onsite golf course and aquatic center — plus it’s just six miles from Newberry National Volcanic Monument, where you can experience otherworldly lava flows, lava tube caves and other geologic wonders.
