There’s no need to hang up your hiking boots come fall. In Central Oregon, fall, winter and spring mean uncrowded trailheads, cozy restaurants and the chance to whoosh down the ski slopes after sundown. With clear skies year-round, you might even see a few stars.
Sisters, a Western-themed town at the base of the Cascades, makes a perfect home base for all your cool-season fun. There’s plenty for the whole family to do in this peaceful mountain town. Here’s where to start.
Soak in the Pleasant Fall Weather
Sisters sits east of the Cascade mountains in the high desert. Cool, crisp mornings and mild afternoons are perfect for active fall activities like mountain biking and hiking. Stroll through the fall colors along the Metolius River, where western larch trees — which actually turn golden yellow in the fall — pop among ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Family-friendly walking trails line both sides of the Wild and Scenic Metolius River from the heart of Camp Sherman, which makes for a nice starting and ending point. If you’re up for something more challenging, a hike up nearby Black Butte rewards you with panoramic views of the Cascades and a chance to catch your breath beside the still active fire lookout.
For those preferring to hit the trail on two wheels, grab a bike from Blazin Saddles and pedal from Sisters to the Peterson Ridge Trail Network, a ladder-shaped trail system on the edge of town that offers plenty of options for all skill levels.
After a day outdoors, recount your adventures in the inviting atmosphere of The Barn, a food-cart lot with cozy indoor seating and heated outdoor seating that offers some of the best dining options in town. Grab a pie from Boone Dog Wood Fired Pizza, choose a tasty vegan option from Rootbound or savor smoked chicken at Pop’s Southern BBQ. As the day winds down, walk back to the cozy, pet-friendly Left Coast Lodge to rest up for your next adventure.
Winter Fun for Everyone
When the snow starts to fall, Sisters becomes a hub for winter-sport enthusiasts. Hoodoo Ski Area aka “the mountain in your backyard” is about 20 miles west of Sisters. Known for its approachable terrain, affordability and laid-back vibe, it’s a favorite among families in the region. Hoodoo is also famous for its night skiing, with over 800 acres lit up for night runs. For something different, try renting a skibike, a modified bicycle adapted for the snow, or hop on a tube at the Autobahn, Hoodoo’s popular tubing park.
If you’re seeking solitude, opt instead for the Three Creeks or Upper Three Creeks sno-parks, which offer a combined total of 30 miles of nordic trails and 8 miles of snowshoe trails. Eurosports rents snowshoes and offers various Nordic ski packages — you can even arrange to grab your gear the night before if you want to get out early.
Wind down your winter adventures with a casual meal and a hearty chocolate porter at Three Creeks Brewing, the area’s oldest craft brewery, before retiring at the GrandStay Hotel, where there’s an indoor pool and a hot tub.
A Night — and Day — on the Town
Feeling indoorsy? Sisters’ charming downtown is filled with nearly a dozen galleries featuring local and regional artists, Indigenous artists, and artwork from around the globe, as well as antiques, Western goods and boutique gift shops. Or head to Paulina Springs Books and grab your favorite genre from the shop’s well-curated bookshelves before cozying up with a latte across the street at Sisters Coffee Company.
For food there’s no shortage of options, whether you’re after a simple homemade treat at Angeline’s Bakery & Café or looking for something more upscale at The Open Door. For a quick and satisfying meal to go, try Zeke’s Takeout, which offers tasty Hawaiian food.
When it’s time to call it a night, the Best Western Ponderosa Lodge offers a comfortable stay for families, while the Ski Inn Taphouse and Hotel places you right in the middle of the action, with everything within easy walking distance.
