Fall in Central Oregon is a magical time. Soaring summer temperatures give way to comfortably cooler weather, while changing leaves add extra splashes of red and gold to the landscape. It’s a wonderful time for everything from outdoor adventures to partying it up at harvest celebrations while enjoying fantastic local food and drink. Here’s how to make the most of the season.
Bike, Climb, Golf and Stargaze this Fall
For an active family-friendly adventure on two wheels, head out for a bit of road biking. Sunriver Resort’s 40-plus miles of car-free, paved cycling paths are open to anyone and are a great place to start (and you can rent a bike from the resort’s Bike Barn). If you’re feeling ambitious, cycle the Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway. This 37-mile route connects the Old West town of Sisters with majestic Smith Rock, passing through bucolic stretches of countryside and across the mighty Deschutes River along the way.
Mountain bikers can head just west of downtown Bend to Phil’s Trail, a convenient trail network with options for riders of all experience levels. If you’re new to the sport or want to improve your skills, head out on an adventure with Cog Wild Bicycle Tours for guided rides and instruction, as well as shuttle service from Bend to some of the finest trails along the Cascade Lakes Highway.
Fall is a prime time to hit the crags, too, especially at Smith Rock State Park, famous among climbers as the birthplace of American sport climbing. Chockstone Climbing Guides has a huge range of guided programs for beginning and experienced climbers alike, including families with kids ages 5 and up. If you’d rather spend time on the water, head to one of the region’s rivers, such as the Deschutes, where gorgeous autumn days and an abundance of steelhead create ideal conditions for fly-fishing. Local guides from Deschutes River Anglers or River Borne Outfitters can lead you to the best spots to fish. If paddling is more your thing, Wanderlust Tours operates loads of fun fall tours on the water, including canoeing and kayaking (by day or under the moonlight), or head out on a thrilling whitewater adventure with Deschutes River Rafting.
The season is also great for golfing, with crisp mornings and pleasant afternoon breezes that create ideal conditions for hitting the greens. Tee off at Juniper Golf Course in Redmond, which is open throughout the year, or at one of Central Oregon’s many resort courses, including Pronghorn Club at Juniper Preserve and Sunriver Resort’s signature course, Crosswater. For a nighttime adventure, head out on one of Wanderlust’s stargazing adventures at Fort Rock, or pop around to one of the many observatories in Central Oregon, including Smith Rock’s Asterisk Observatory, the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, and Bend’s Worthy Brewing Hopservatory, where you can sip cold beer and glean cool facts from knowledgeable guides while marveling at the night sky.
Get Lost in a Corn Maze and Taste Local Wine
Fall in Central Oregon means harvest, and visitors have plenty of ways to experience the season’s agricultural bounty. Start by following the self-guided High Desert Food Trail, which connects 48 food businesses, from farm shops and restaurants to cideries and distilleries, some of which have seasonal specialties. In the weeks leading up to Halloween, families flock to Terrebonne’s Smith Rock Ranch to get lost in its corn maze, shoot a pumpkin cannon and browse the harvest market. A couple of miles away, DD Ranch is an equally fun place to ring in the season with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a petting zoo and more.
Central Oregon’s fall events calendar is usually packed, from outdoor concerts at Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards to farmers markets finishing the season strong with fresh, seasonal produce. It’s also when some of the most popular festivals in the region take place, including the Bend Fall Festival, which features artisan booths, live music, tasty food, and locally produced beer and wine. In Sisters the Sisters Harvest Faire showcases handcrafted items made by local artisans, while the Sisters Folk Festival infuses the city with live music, with seven stages across the city center.
Cozy Up in Central Oregon’s Sprawling Resorts
Just outside of Bend, Sunriver Resort has drawn families for generations with a wide range of amenities from aquatic centers to horse stables, and a solid mix of hotel rooms and vacation rentals. Black Butte Ranch is another family favorite, featuring pools, golf, a spa and a game room for cool-weather recreation. In Warm Springs, Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort is a perfect place for a fall vacation for families and couples alike. While its hot-springs-fed pools are the star of the show, the resort also offers an impressive network of hiking and cycling trails.
Closer to Bend, Tetherow features spacious rooms, some looking out over the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course, and easy access to both the forest and the shops and restaurants of downtown Bend. For a luxe wellness getaway, head to Juniper Preserve, celebrated for its soothing spa and its holistic activities, including yoga and sound baths. Brasada Ranch is an equally luxurious option, with gourmet dining and a mix of family-friendly and adults-only spaces, including multiple pools and whirlpools.
