Welcome to
Central Oregon
Here in Central Oregon, your idea of adventure is limited only by your imagination. No matter the season, you’re bound to find several weekends’ worth of fun around our rich region.
Planning a winter getaway? Take the family ice skating in Sunriver, sip your way through Central Oregon’s famous craft breweries, or ski and snowboard the slopes of Mount Bachelor—the sixth-largest ski resort in North America.
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Canoes
Experience the peace and serenity of Elk Lake while paddling around in a canoe. Canoes can be rented in 2 hour increments and can be picked up at the Elk Lake Marina. Our canoes accommodate two people.
$45 - $85
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Bend Brew Bus
Let us take you behind the scenes to witness Bend’s brewing and artisan distilling cultures. Adventure: Wanderlust Tours is the premier provider of craft beverage tours in the Bend, Oregon area! Tasting, enjoying friends, comfort and safety are what you can expect on this trail of sipping adventure. Naturalist Guided Experience: With 20+ local craft breweries, Bend is a Beer Mecca! Join Wanderlust Tours on an epicurean expedition that offers tasty samples and insight into the process of beer making. Your expert beer guides will provide personally tailored information about fermentation science.Breweries: Tour three breweries, with a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process with light appetizers at one stop. Each Bend Brew Bus tour is unique, visiting different locally partnered breweries in the area.If you like what you're seeing but want a little more variety, we recommend The Local Pour, where you can sample an array of Bend’s best craft beverages: spirits, ciders, specialty cocktails, and more!Our Common Goal of Environmental Care: We live, visit and play in Bend because of its physical beauty. Wanderlust Tours donates for every person who participates on this tour to Pledge for the Wild. These funds help support the interconnected habitat for all who rely on it.
$95
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Kayaks
Explore every corner of Elk Lake while paddling around in one of our kayaks.
$35 - $85
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Deschutes River Photo Tour
Running through the middle of Bend, the Deschutes River offers plenty of amazing photo ops. Starting in town we will either head Dowtown Bend, to Dillon Falls or start at Shevlin Park and explore. This tour can include some moderate walking. We'll show you our favorite shots based on how active you want to be.Private Tour capped at 2 people to ensure personalized instruction and individualized attention.You'll have around 1 hr at each location.Tour Price: $299 up to 2 people
$299
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Smith Rock Sunset Photo Tour
If you enjoy scenic views of deep river canyons, Smith Rock State Park is the place for you. There are several thousand climbs, hikes and mountain bike trails in the park, so we can often see several climbers as well as some wildlife including golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otters and beavers.This tour can include some moderate hiking, or we can shoot right from the parking lot. We'll show you our favorite shots based on how active you want to be.Private Tour capped at 2 people to ensure personalized instruction and individualized attention.You'll have around 2 hrs on location. We'll keep shooting up to 30 mins after sunset. A night photography extension can be added.Tour Price: $299 up to 2 people
$299
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Deschutes River Kayak Tours
Adventure: Wanderlust Tours is the premier destination for kayak tours in Bend, Oregon! Join us on this iconic paddling tour on a sweet and placid reach of our signature river, the Deschutes. Naturalist Guided Experience: Our renowned naturalist guides will highlight the lava flows that influenced this reach of the river. The many species of flora and fauna that call the flow and its banks home is super intriguing with takeaways of the importance of all living things. Adaptation to ecosystems is nature’s way of coping and thriving and will keep your mind humming with delight long after you return home with fond memories of the tour.Location: The stretches of the Deschutes River we kayak are devoid of rapids, and provide a peaceful paddling experience for all ability levels. Even if you’ve paddled the Deschutes River before, with a professional naturalist guide, you’ll see the Deschutes from a completely new perspective! Don’t see the date you’re looking for? Please call our office at (541) 389-8359 to check availability.
$70 - $95
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Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flight
THE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE You're invited to join us for an unforgettable experience! Big Sky Balloon Co. is the premier balloon ride operator in Central Oregon. Our hot air balloon flights float you gently over one of the most dramatic landscapes in the country, encompassing high desert terrain of juniper and sage, volcanic rim rock, deep river canyons, and rural farmland. It all begins at our launch site next to Smith Rock State Park, whereupon take-off you will gently rise up and over one of the most photographed land features in the entire Northwest. As we ascend you will take in the breathtaking panorama of the Central Cascade Mountains which include views of at least nine peaks on a clear day. Also keep an eye out for wildlife and many different birds of prey including Brown and Bald Eagles, Red-Tail Hawks, and Great Horned Owls just to name a few. Ballooning is a real hands-on experience and we welcome you to help with the inflation and deflation of the balloon if you like. After a short safety briefing from your pilot, the inflation begins and you'll watch as this "gentle giant" comes to life. About 15 minutes later the balloon will be upright and ready for lift-off. Following the flight, we'll shuttle you back to the launch site to enjoy a traditional sparkling cider toast. Total time about three hours.DETAILSWe operate flights from Smith Rock Ranch in Terrebonne OR, about a 30-minute drive north of Bend. When preparing for your flight with us remember to dress warmly and in layers. Early mornings are always cool in the high desert, but it warms up quickly and you'll want to adjust accordingly. Temperatures in flight are actually much warmer than on the ground. A hat and comfortable shoes or boots are recommended, no open-toed shoes or sport sandals. We conduct one flight a day early in the morning when wind conditions are calm and the air is stable. Safety is our top priority, flights are conducted only when the weather and wind conditions are favorable. Departure times vary from 6 AM-8 AM depending on the time of year. You will check in the night before your scheduled flight to confirm the meeting time, we typically like to be in the air within 1 hour of sunrise.Flight time is approximately one hour with the entire experience taking about three hours. We can carry up to six passengers per flight, the cost is $250/person for 2 and $225/person when booking 4 or more. Please inquire about private charters. All passengers must sign the Flight Waiver prior to their scheduled flight.
$225 - $250
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Cascade Lakes Boat Trip
Nestled in the Cascade Mountain Range just west of Bend are over 10 quality stillwater fisheries. Couple these unique fly fishing lakes with the nearby streams, creeks, and rivers, and you get a fly fishers dream. Located a short drive from downtown Bend, these lakes range from modest to grand in size. One aspect they all share is beauty. When you visit one of these fly fishing treasures, youll agree.A fly fishing trip to one of the Cascade Lakes is best suited for anglers looking for relatively low impact and highly productive outings. If you are interested in a positive first fishing experience with your son, daughter, or non-angling spouse, consider a trip to East Lake or Lava Lake. During the peak of the season on either lake, we can practically guarantee they catch some fish. Your guide will meet you at the designated location at a predetermined time. Packed with everything you'll need for a successful day of fishing, you will travel with your guide to the lake of choice. A full day trip will span 8 hours for fishing, and includes a lake-side BBQ lunch.
$400 - $525
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High Desert Museum Admission
This unique museum reveals the natural world and cultural history of the Wests High Desert region through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs, and meaningful history. Whether you're a local or planning to visit Bend Oregon, discover why we're a top-rated Thing to Do in Bend by TripAdvisor!The Museum is just 5 minutes south of Bend or 10 minutes north of Sunriver on Highway 97, but it feels like stepping into a different time and place. Get a close-up view of native wildlife from river otters, porcupines to birds of prey. See art through a different lens. Chat with historic characters who share tales of early Oregon explorers and settlers. Visit an authentic homestead and sawmill from 1904. Learn about Native American culture and history, and delight your children with one of many fun, hands-on programs. You'll be glad you came!
$10 - $17
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Visiting the Best Vacation
Spots in Oregon
Truth is, there’s no single “best” vacation spot in Central Oregon.
Your next favorite trip may take you to any of our thriving cities in Central Oregon,
each offering a stay to suit your style and taste. We might be biased, but here’s our
rundown of the best vacation spots in Central Oregon:
Bend
Bend
The high-desert mountain town of Bend sits at the foot of the Cascades and boasts a little something for everyone: more than 80 parks and open spaces (perfect for frolicking with Fido), 300 miles of single-track trail, dozens of high-quality craft breweries, charming boutiques, hip hotels and upscale resorts, close proximity to fresh powder at Mount Bachelor, a bustling downtown district—and breathtaking Cascade views wherever you go.
Sunriver
Sunriver
Kids of all ages find plenty to love in the Pacific Northwest’s premier destination resort and residential community. Your little ones will enjoy riding bikes on the 30 miles of paved trails criss-crossing Sunriver, ice skating and rocketing down water slides at Sunriver Resort, and learning a little about the world around (and above) us at Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory. Meanwhile, you’ll appreciate the seasonally rotating menus at nearby restaurants and playing up to 63 holes of world-class golf, including the famed Crosswater Club—a Golf Digest Top 100 course.
Redmond
Redmond
With a burgeoning restaurant scene, some of the region’s best-loved craft breweries, and a bustling downtown district, Redmond makes an ideal basecamp for your next adventure—whether staying in town and enjoying Redmond’s many fairs and festivals or heading out to nearby hiking trails and exploring the Central Oregon high desert. Sitting in Redmond’s backyard is the world-famous Smith Rock State Park, the birthplace of U.S. sport climbing and a hub of outdoor activity all year long; try shredding the park’s multi-use paths on a mountain bike, hiking Misery Ridge, or joining climbers from around the world on steep routes all over the park’s cinnamon-hued rock formations.
Sisters
Sisters
Cowboys and cowgirls alike love the Western-themed town of Sisters, home to the world-famous Sisters Rodeo each June. Sitting in the shadow of the Three Sisters mountains, the region boasts an expanding creative culture (and is home to the Sisters Folk Festival and Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show), several summers’ worth of hiking trails in the Three Sisters Wilderness, some of Central Oregon’s best fishing in Whychus Creek, and summertime cycling and driving routes along the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway—where you’ll pass miles-long lava flows, alpine lakes, and thundering waterfalls in the heart of the Cascades.
La Pine
La Pine
South of Bend and Sunriver, geologic wonders abound around La Pine. Wickiup Reservoir is one of the region’s best wildlife viewing sites keep an eye out for shorebirds, waterfowl, deer, bats, and other animals and is renowned for its brown trout (which can reach 20 pounds or more).
Prineville
Prineville
Nestled at the eastern edge of Central Oregon, and in the heart of the Crooked River Caldera, Prineville has a lot in common with the rest of the region—but has consistently blazed its own trail since being founded in 1870.
Madras
Madras
Madras-the county seat of Jefferson County, Oregon-started in the early 1900s to serve the region’s ranchers. Over the years,
it grew into a trading post and community for nearby farmers, many of whom grew (and continue to grow) garlic, carrots,
onions, and other crops. Even today, you’ll still see ranches on the rolling hillsides outside of town and farms
lining US-97-but change is afoot.
Maupin
Maupin
Sitting along the Deschutes River at the northern edge of Central Oregon, the city of Maupin feels like a mirage in more ways than one. For starters, the city is located largely at the base of the Deschutes River canyon, flanked on either side by dusty rock walls and rolling hills-so it’s entirely possible to approach the top of the canyon (just five minutes from downtown Maupin) and not realize the city is even there.
Culver
Culver
The community of Culver started as a post office in 1900, formally incorporated as a city in 1946—and hasn’t changed much in the decades since. Sitting between Redmond and Madras, the cozy community harkens back to Central Oregon’s earlier years with small-town charm to spare. That means fun annual festivals, friendly eateries, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
Terrebonne
Terrebonne
With vineyards, parks, and attractions dotting the region, you might want a little help finding your way around Terrebonne.
Here’s a map to help orient yourself around the region.
Tumalo
Tumalo
Roughly 15 minutes northwest of Bend sits the community of Tumalo, a city of just 500. But don’t let that small population fool you: Tumalo is home to a burgeoning food scene, creative craft beverage producers, and easy access to some of Central Oregon’s top outdoor destinations.
Warm Springs
Warm Springs
Sitting in the heart of the Warm Springs Reservation, the hamlet of Warm Springs is one of the northernmost communities in Central Oregon. You can pass through town in less time than it takes to listen to a commercial on your favorite podcast but a longer stay rewards visitors with fascinating insight into tribal history, home-cooked meals steeped in tradition, and a close connection with the surrounding Deschutes River. Here’s how to make the most of your next visit to Warm Springs.
Where is Central Oregon?
We’re characterized by mountainous wonders—like Mount Bachelor, Oregon’s largest ski resort,
and the snowy summits of the Three Sisters—and legendary landforms, like Smith Rock State Park, where rock climbers test their mettle all year long.
