Part of what makes Central Oregon so special is the wide variety of landscapes that shaped our beautiful region. It’s possible, for instance, to drive in the shadow of snow-capped mountain peaks, hike through lava flows that date back more than a millennium, and watch rock climbers scaling cliffs made of ancient volcanic ash—all in the same day.
With so much fascinating geology and so many iconic sites, we wanted to put together a four-day itinerary to help you plan an exciting vacation:
The fun includes family-friendly hiking routes, free and low-cost activities, and one jaw-dropping site after another. We can’t wait for you to explore the natural beauty of Central Oregon.
Day 1: A Hands-On Start in Crook County
Go Rockhounding in the Ochos
Start your travels in Prineville, surrounded by landscapes that reveal millions of years of change and evolution. Here you’ll find some of the top sites for rockhounding in Oregon, places to stay in Prineville, Oregon, and other fun attractions.
Grab Dinner at Wild Ride Brewing
After a day of looking for jasper, thunder eggs, agates, and other rocks, celebrate your finds at Wild Ride Brewing. The family-friendly brewpub offers fire pits on a spacious patio, hosts four on-site food carts, and pours nearly two-dozen taps of locally made craft beers.
Watch the Stars at Prineville Reservoir
Take the family stargazing at Prineville Reservoir State Park, which sits just 15 miles south of Prineville and is home to some of the region’s darkest night skies. In 2021, Prineville Reservoir was dubbed an International Dark Sky Park by the nonprofit DarkSky International. Watch for planets, shooting stars, and even the Milky Way from a lakeside parking area.
Stay Overnight in Prineville
You’ll find plenty of places to stay in Prineville, Oregon, no matter your budget or appetite for adventure. Look into Prineville campgrounds if you’re excited to sleep under the stars—and check out Prineville motels for cozy beds and thoughtful amenities.
Day 2: A Deeper Look at Ancient Landscapes
Your second day begins in Prineville. Today’s activities take you to the base of a mesmerizing pillar, colorful hillsides, and old-growth Central Oregon forests.
Ease into the Day at Meadow Lakes
Start with a round at Meadow Lakes, one of the most unique golf courses in Central Oregon. The public course crosses the Crooked River four times and sits surrounded by buttes and rolling hillsides; in a cool environmental twist, its nine ponds were designed to dispose of the city’s wastewater.
Hike to Steins Pillar
If you’re not an avid golfer, hop in your car and head about 16 miles northwest to Steins Pillar. There, a four-mile trail crosses meadows of colorful wildflowers in spring and ends at the base of its namesake rock formation. The 350-foot citadel formed from volcanic debris after an eruption more than 40 million years ago; that fascinating history, along with mostly gradual elevation change, makes Steins Pillar one of the top Central Oregon family hikes.
Take a Trip to the Painted Hills
After you’ve admired Steins Pillar, continue heading east to the Painted Hills, a regional icon and part of the broader John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. There, you’ll bask in wide-open views of otherworldly hillsides covered in vivid hues of red, yellow, and black. Enjoy easy Central Oregon hiking on a handful of mostly flat trails—most of which are idyllic family-friendly hiking routes.
Day 3: A Day of Canyons, Cliffs, and River Views
Today, you’ll depart Prineville and head west, enjoying river views of the appropriately named Crooked River at two popular stops. Plan to spend a few hours at Smith Rock State Park, enjoy an afternoon hang at Lake Billy Chinook, and choose overnight stays in and around Madras, Redmond, Bend, Sunriver, or La Pine.
Start in Terrebonne and Explore Smith Rock
From Prineville, head west to Smith Rock State Park, beloved for its year-round outdoor activities—like Central Oregon hiking, rock-climbing, wildlife-watching, mountain biking, camping, and more. If you brought a bike, consider using the park as your home base for a ride on the dramatic Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway.
Choose a Family-Friendly Hiking Route
From Prineville, head west to Smith Rock State Park, beloved for its year-round outdoor activities—like Central Oregon hiking, rock-climbing, wildlife-watching, mountain biking, camping, and more. If you brought a bike, consider using the park as your home base for a ride on the dramatic Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway.
Spot Monkey Face and Watch Climbers
If you don’t feel like getting too high up at Smith Rock, you’re more than welcome to admire the people who do. Head out along the River Trail to watch climbers scaling the park’s sheer cliffs, as well as Monkey Face—a playfully named, 350-foot rock spire and one of the most photographed sites in the park.
Lake Billy Chinook and Deschutes River Canyon Views Near Warm Springs
After a day of adventure at Smith Rock, head northwest to Lake Billy Chinook outside of Madras. The manmade lake sits in a rugged canyon where the Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius rivers come together—and is a popular site for swimming, fishing, paddling, boating, and picnicking. Get on the water with boat and paddle craft rentals from the Cove Palisades Resort and Marina.
Day 4: End with Central Oregon’s Volcanic Side
Today’s travels take you out of the high desert and into Central Oregon’s volcanic past. You’ll head south for some explosive fun before driving west to Sisters—where striking mountain views await.
Spend the Morning at Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Today’s fun covers Central Oregon moonscapes—lunar-like landscapes, largely comprising expansive lava flows, that inspired NASA to conduct training in the region before sending the first astronauts to the moon.
Those landscapes can be found within Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Sitting mostly south of Bend and around Sunriver, the monument is made up of four distinct units that host an educational visitor center, Central Oregon family hikes, campgrounds, and far-reaching viewpoints.
Take in the Views from Paulina Peak
One of the most fun things to do in Newberry is to tackle the Paulina Peak hike—which begins at the shore of Paulina Lake in the Newberry caldera and ends at the summit of Paulina Peak. Views include the entirety of the Newberry caldera, Cascade peaks to the west, and more. The trail is a Central Oregon hiking icon, but you can also drive to the summit for an easier climb.
Look Toward Black Butte Outside Sisters
Now that you’ve had a full day of fun at Newberry, head northwest for a relaxing overnight stay at Black Butte Ranch just outside Sisters. There, kick back in your well-appointed vacation home (many of which include hot tubs), take in wide-open mountain views from an outdoor soaking pool, and enjoy an elegant dinner in The Lodge (whose dining room looks out over the Three Sisters). Almost directly across the highway, the symmetrical Black Butte towers over the resort.
End Your Trip with Views of the Sisters, Broken Top, and Mt. Bachelor
More mountain views are in store for your final day of the trip—with optional scenic drives if your schedule allows. The McKenzie Highway starts in Sisters, and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway begins in Bend; both seasonal drives ascend into the Cascades, with numerous pull-offs and viewpoints to admire the likes of Broken Top, Mt. Bachelor, and more than a dozen other mountains.
Trips for Planning a Family-Friendly Central Oregon Geography Trip
If you’re excited by all the mountains, lava flows, rock formations, and other landscapes we’ve covered, it’s time to plan your trip—and we’re happy to pass along a few tips for making the most of your time:
Timing
Everything outlined here is accessible between July and October, when our attractions are largely snow-free and sunny; if you’re arriving between November and June, consider doing a little research to see whether scenic highways or area attractions are open for the season.
When to Visit
October is an especially idyllic time to visit. That’s when you’ll enjoy more solitude on Central Oregon family hikes, crisp afternoons, and cheaper accommodations. If visiting in early fall, consider packing layers so you’re prepared for warm days and cool high-desert nights.
Drive Time
We’ve tried to limit your driving to two to three hours per day, but it can’t hurt to budget a bit more time for side trips or stops to admire the views.
Sidebar: Geology Fun Facts
Curious to learn about the geologic history behind some of your favorite sites and experiences in Central Oregon? Here are a few fun facts about our fascinating landscapes.
Rockhounding
Today’s fun covers Central Oregon moonscapes—lunar-like landscapes, largely comprising expansive lava flows, that inspired NASA to conduct training in the region before sending the first astronauts to the moon.
Crook County is one of Oregon’s top areas for rockhounding, thanks in part to more than 50 million years of geologic activity that has shaped the ecosystems in profound ways. Volcanic eruptions made it possible for thunder eggs and jasper to form, for instance, and petrified wood remains from when Prineville and the surrounding area was a lush forest.
Cascade Range History
The Cascade Range began taking shape roughly 9 million years ago due to high levels of volcanic activity—but many of Central Oregon’s most iconic peaks are comparatively young. For instance, Mt. Bachelor is only about 8,000 to 18,000 years old.
Newberry Volcano
Far and away, Newberry Volcano is most responsible for shaping the landscapes around Bend. The massive shield volcano covers about 1,200 square miles and began reaching its current shape after an eruption roughly 75,000 years ago.
