As the calendar flips to March, April, and May, Central Oregon undergoes a steady transformation. While skiers and snowboarders get their turns in at our ski resorts, snow starts melting lower on the mountains—opening up new trails and waterways for outdoor adventure. Wildflower blooms add pops of color to the high desert. Waterfalls flow a little faster and fuller. And, with later sunsets, sunny days start feeling a bit warmer.
Indeed, spring is a magical time to visit Central Oregon—with those ephemeral qualities offering a quiet, yet meaningful respite for the whole family. Here’s a little bit of what you can expect during this charming time of year:
Here’s everything you need to know for enjoying spring in Central Oregon.
Spring by Month: What Changes from March to May
Spring brings rapid change around Central Oregon—where ski season continues well into May on Mt. Bachelor and, with longer days, low-elevation outings are rapidly cleared of snow. Here’s a rundown of what to expect from each month in spring.
March
March is a time of change in Central Oregon. High on the mountain, around the likes of Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo Ski Area, it’s still the middle of ski season with a solid snow base and bluebird skies. Alpine access is otherwise largely limited, but crisp afternoons make March an idyllic time for low-elevation hiking and sauntering around our small towns.
Please check Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo Ski Area websites for the current conditions reports.
April
April is a transitional month in Central Oregon. Snow at lower elevations is almost unheard of, and all those sunny days bring improving trail conditions, the season’s first wildflowers, and improved access to top outdoor areas. April is a great time for mountain biking and, with crisp afternoons, enjoying the sun-kissed high desert.
May
May is one of the year’s best months for crossover fun in Central Oregon. Get in the season’s final turns on Mt. Bachelor, hike past colorful wildflower blooms on warm afternoons, mountain bike your favorite trails in relative solitude, and swing away on one of Central Oregon’s outstanding golf courses—all on the same trip. As we approach the summer solstice in June, the longer days give you more time to fit it all in.
Please check Mt. Bachelor‘s website for the most current conditions updates.
Top Spring Activities in Central Oregon
Spring offers some of the year’s best weather for a variety of outdoor activities—often without the summertime crowds. Get your turns in on the slopes, dust off your gear for early-season hiking and mountain biking, and launch a kayak for spring paddling. And if you’re looking for family-friendly indoor activities, you’ll find plenty of those, as well. Keep reading for a look at some of the top things to do each spring in Central Oregon.
Spring Skiing and Snowboarding
Crust and corn await when skiing & snowboarding in spring—ideal for high-speed runs and soft conditions at ski resorts around Central Oregon. Northwest of Sisters, Hoodoo Ski Area may remain open well into April—while Mt. Bachelor boasts the region’s longest season, typically closing around Memorial Day. If the whole crew is hitting the slopes, check out our guide to activities and family ski experiences at Mt. Bachelor.
Please check Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo Ski Area websites for the current conditions reports.
Hiking and Wildflower Viewing
Nowhere is the transitional nature of spring more apparent than when hiking & wildflower viewing in Central Oregon. March and April bring the season’s first wildflower blooms to the high desert around Prineville and Steins Pillar, and May snowmelt gradually makes more trails accessible at higher elevations. As an added bonus: All that snowmelt makes May an ideal time to check out Tumalo Falls and other scenic waterfalls at their thundering peak.
Mountain Biking
Spring brings longer, sunnier days—which means mountain-bike trail systems that dry early in the season and offer ideal conditions for fast-paced mountain biking runs. Choose among forested, newly snow-free trail systems around Bend—or head east for high-desert fun, where pleasant temperatures ensure you’ll stay cool on sunny afternoons. Get the skinny on some of the region’s top year-round mountain bike spots.
Water Activities
Warmer temperatures in April and May don’t just mean our hiking and mountain biking trails are ready for the season’s first visitors; our river trails and waterways transform into idyllic escapes, as well. Winter snowmelt, occasional precipitation, and spring runoff fills lakes and rivers around the region, laying the groundwork for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and other peaceful water activities.
Please visit our water safety page to find resources and information on water safety in Central Oregon.
Parks, Scenic Areas, and Outdoor Recreation
As winter snow begins to retreat from the lowlands, state parks & outdoor recreation opportunities gradually open up during spring in Central Oregon. By May, several trails and viewpoints around the Newberry National Volcanic Monument are open for the season, and facilities at state parks begin reopening ahead of summer; the seasonal road to the summit of Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint reopens in spring, for instance, as do seasonal campgrounds at The Cove Palisades State Park near Lake Billy Chinook.
Kid-Friendly and Family Activities
If you’re bringing the kiddos, you’ll find plenty of kid- and family-friendly activities around the region—indoors and out. Some of our top family-friendly attractions include the indoor-outdoor High Desert Museum, the science-minded Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, indoor gyms where kids can cut loose on creative play equipment, and more.
Discover more things to do in spring on our spring activities page.
Spring Break in Central Oregon
Planning a family getaway for spring break? Good news: Chances are good you’ll enjoy outstanding weather, lower rates at resorts and hotels, and plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy. The fun ranges from outdoor adventures, whether high on the mountain or in the high desert, to relaxed educational experiences in town.
Plan Your Spring Getaway
From excellent weather to lodging discounts, scenic forest trails, and a busy events calendar, spring is a fantastic time to visit the likes of Bend, Sunriver, Sisters, Redmond, and other communities around Central Oregon. Ready to learn more and get inspired to soak up the season? Start planning your trip with our guide to weekend getaways, overnight stays, family fun, and other ideas for a memorable Central Oregon spring break.
