Stories from Central Oregon
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New Restaurants in Bend, Oregon
The dining scene in Bend, Oregon is constantly evolving, as new restaurants, cafes and pubs open up to feed the community and serve as lively gathering spaces for breakfast, lunch or dinner out on the town. New restaurants are often under development and construction to keep up with Bend’s growing population and visitor base…
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More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
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The Central Oregon Mural Trail
Large-scale, hand painted murals have been growing in popularity in Central Oregon communities in recent years, following the updated city codes (the moral - more murals in public spaces). These bright engaging murals not only bring new life and color to once drab building walls, but they provide the communities and visitors with a sense of pride for their natural surroundings. And let’s not forget, they make great selfie backgrounds!
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Tetherow — Still Firm and Fast
Nestled where the Cascade Range meets the High Desert, Central Oregon has given some of the world’s most renowned golf course architects an opportunity to show off their creativity. The result has been a nearly impossible diversity of golf courses.
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Explore the History of the Cascade Mountain Range Near Bend, Oregon
t’s no exaggeration to say that Central Oregon would not exist as we know it today without the Cascade Range. The Cascades, after all, act as a rain shield that gives us sunny skies in all four seasons. Volcanic activity formed the myriad peaks that we hike, ski, and camp on all year long—and left behind the lava flows that have dazzled generations of visitors. The Deschutes River, in many ways the backbone of our region, has been moved and rerouted numerous times by volcanic activity that began high in the Cascades and far underground.
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Discover the Best Parks and Playgrounds In and Near Bend
Central Oregon is beloved for its outdoor playgrounds for kids of all ages. The fun ranges from slides, swings, and play structures at public city parks to large state parks that host miles of hiking trails, rock-climbing, mountain biking, and other fun adventures. No matter where you and the family wind up, you’re sure to find plenty of natural beauty and an abundance of recreational opportunities.
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A Guide to Hiking Tumalo Falls Near Bend, Oregon
Just west of Bend, where the high-desert terrain gives way to the forest foothills of the Cascade Range, sits Tumalo Falls—undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Central Oregon.
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The Best Redmond Restaurants With Outdoor Seating
Redmond sits in the heart of Central Oregon’s scenic high desert—boasting views of nearby Cascade peaks and sitting a short jaunt from the likes of Smith Rock State Park and Cline Falls on the Deschutes River. With so much natural beauty and sunshine in all four seasons, Redmond has become a regional hotspot for outdoor dining—and options range from casual food-cart pods to family-friendly eateries to romantic nights out.
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Top Things to Do In and Near Madras
The city of Madras was formed in the early 1900s by a loose-knit collection of dreamers and optimists who wanted to see the region’s burgeoning rail system roll through the nascent community. Their efforts prevailed—but more than a century later, the railroad is a footnote in the agricultural-minded community’s history. Still, dreamers continue flocking to the city of nearly 8,000, enchanted by its outdoor adventures, natural beauty, and fascinating history.
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Breakfast and Brunch in Sunriver
Sunriver, Central Oregon’s premier residential and resort community, has been a playground to Oregonians for over thirty years. Named for the abundant sunshine and beautiful Deschutes River that runs through the village, this small town has so much to offer. In order to fuel your vacation, which is sure to be full of outdoor activities, scenic views and family fun, you’ll definitely want to check out Sunriver’s dining scene.
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How to Float the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon
From where it trickles out of Little Lava Lake in the Cascade Range to where it flows into the Columbia River at the state’s northern edge, the Deschutes River is an iconic waterway in Central Oregon. The 252-mile-long river winds its way through open meadows, bustling cities and towns, rocky canyons, and other scenic sites—and is an outdoor destination like none other.
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Easy Hikes in Bend and Around Central Oregon
Bend has been referred to as an outdoor paradise, and it’s easy to see why. From rolling high desert hills and arid plains to forested and snow-capped mountain peaks with lakes and rivers throughout, visiting Bend and Central Oregon is perfect if you love adventure. There is no shortage of trails to be explored in the region; you have your pick of distance, difficulty, and landscape. To help get you started, here are five easy hikes we recommend in Bend and around Central Oregon.
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Your Guide to Biking in Redmond, Oregon
Redmond, Oregon is located in the high desert between Bend to the south and Terrebonne—home of Smith Rock State Park—to the north. The city is perfectly situated to explore Central Oregon’s biking trails. As a lesser known destination for outdoor recreation, Redmond can sometimes feel like a local’s secret playground, featuring tons of trails to explore. From a pump track in town to the nearly limitless access to the nearby mountain biking trails of Central Oregon, avid bikers should consider a stop in Redmond for some adventure.
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Top State Parks to Visit in Central Oregon
A trip to Central Oregon is usually one with ample time spent in the great outdoors. From the expansive high desert landscape to the Deschutes National Forest and all the rivers, lakes and sometimes volcanos in between, Central Oregon is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. What better way to explore the region than to take a tour of the local state parks? To get started, check out these six state parks to get an idea of what Central Oregon is all about.
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Choose Bend for An Unforgettably Unique Place to Stay
Whether you spend your day window-shopping at boutiques in downtown Bend, exploring the high desert or mountain trails in the Cascades, or relaxing poolside on yet another sun-kissed weekend, chances are good that you’ll want somewhere cozy and comfortable to lay your head at night.
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The Last Blockbuster Video Store Located in Bend, Oregon
In the late 1990s, video stores were all the rage across the United States—so much so, trips to Hollywood Video and Blockbuster Video were events unto themselves. It was possible to peruse rows upon rows of DVDs dating back decades—while new releases lined the walls, in-store televisions played the latest trailers, and bags of popcorn and sugary snacks filled tubs near the cash register. Siblings bickered over what to rent, cinephiles found lone copies of rare titles, and families jostled to stop by before the last copies of “Men in Black” or “Armageddon” flew off the shelves on Friday night.
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Adult Adventure Time: Summer Outdoor Clinics in Central Oregon
Warm weather is on the horizon, and we’re trying to make the absolute best of it by getting outside as much as possible. Sound familiar? Here’s a tougher question – when was the last time you learned new skills outside, and let someone else do all the planning for you around a fun adventure? (Deep breaths, type A’s! We got you.) Luckily, here in Central Oregon, we are no strangers to an outdoor playground. Whether kicking up dust with our trusty mountain bikes, paddling into the sunset, traversing up volcanic rock, or saluting our beers to the campfire, we know adventure here in the high desert.
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Spring day trip from Redmond to Terrebonne
There’s something undeniably special about a Central Oregon day trip in spring. The snow melts, the landscape comes to life with piney scents of juniper and ponderosa, and the mountains are just waiting to be hiked. As the days warm up, it’s the perfect time to plan a day trip.
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What to Bring on Your Next Central Oregon Hike
With Cascade peaks dotting our skyline and clear mountain lakes enticing paddlers — not to mention thick forests, craggy volcanic features, and wide-open deserts all comprising our landscapes — there are several summers’ worth of outdoor experiences to enjoy around Central Oregon. But before you hit the trail this season, make sure you’re prepared. Here’s what to bring — and what to know about making the most of your next Central Oregon hike (whether it’s your first or 101st).
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The Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon, has long been beloved by furry canines and their eager parents. According to BringFido.com, more than 100 restaurants, brewpubs and food cart pods across the city offer dog-friendly patios and other accommodations; pups enjoy exercising on the city’s many hiking trails; and no less than Dog Fancy magazine once named Bend the dog-friendliest town in America.
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Elevation & Altitude in Bend, Oregon
When you visit Bend, Sisters, or other cities in Central Oregon, you might notice yourself a bit more out of breath than usual. Even those in good shape find themselves breathing a bit harder while hiking to alpine lakes, shredding our fast and flowy mountain bike trails, and snowshoeing through our peaceful forests.
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Tour the Central Oregon Mural Trail
Take a scenic tour around Central Oregon, and among the lush forests, arid high desert landscapes and bright blue skies, you’ll start to notice stunning murals dotting the region. The murals, each with distinct symbols unique to the town, reflect the spirit of Central Oregon in animated colors and design. Artists Katie Daisy and Karen Eland began the “Greetings From…” series with inspiration from vintage postcards. Now, nearly every town in Central Oregon hosts a large hand painted mural with stunning details specifically designed for that town. Follow the Central Oregon Mural Trail and discover hidden treasures in each high desert town along the way.