Imagine this: you’re riding your bike through a rolling meadow, the Cascade mountain range in the background, and the only sound is from the rolling Deschutes River. Up ahead, your children pull carrots from their pockets and present them to a gathering of friendly horses in an adjacent pasture.
Sound like the setting of a movie? It’s actually a scene from my family’s idyllic weekend in Sunriver. Because of the accessible outdoor activities and pristine setting, Sunriver remains a favorite getaway spot for my family of five.
Finding the Perfect Place to Stay
While we usually stay at the Sunriver Resort, this time we booked a house through Discover Sunriver Vacation Rentals. There are many lodging options to choose from, but since our three kids wanted to bring friends and spread out, we picked a four-bedroom house complete with a large kitchen, hot tub and killer views.
Renting a house is great for cooking in. I stopped at The Village at Sunriver and bought our groceries at Sunriver Country Store. I love this IGA grocery store for its fresh produce and healthy choices (a big variety of gluten-free goods too).
Outdoor Adventures and Good Food in Sunriver
The house was stocked with a handful of bikes for all ages and sizes. Upon arrival, we quickly unloaded and claimed bikes and helmets before heading out to the local paths. My family and I rode through the village, out behind the lodge, across golf course bridges, and past the airport, marina and stables all within under an hour.
The paths are flat and well paved, making it an easy trek for all abilities. There are also lots of bike rentals and shops nearby, making it easy for anyone to hit the trails. After lunch and a hot tub soak, the kids stretched out in the living room to play board games while my husband and I were free to lounge and unwind from a busy week.
Feeling too lazy to cook dinner for the group that night, I ordered delivery from Blondie’s Pizza. The pizza and salads were tasty. I also appreciated that there wasn’t a delivery charge for their speedy service.
The next morning, my husband made a swift trip into the village and brought back some coffee. It might have been cheating to go out for lattes, but we couldn’t resist.
Our second day was just as pleasurable with more bike rides and time in the village for window-shopping and a casual dinner at the Sunriver Brewing Company. The kids loved their natural, Angus beef burgers. My husband and I ordered refreshing summer salads loaded with berries, followed by tacos with blackened cod. The selection of local draft beers was impressive, a draw for any beer aficionado. After dinner, we strolled into Goodies for ice cream cones and a to-go bag of yummy caramel corn.
Our last day in Sunriver ended with a scenic trail ride courtesy of Sunriver Stables. My two girls and I opted for the thirty-minute “Bald Eagle Loop,” which took us along the Deschutes River and out across the Sunriver Meadows. The staff was very welcoming as they helped us choose equally affable horses. My only complaint was that photos aren’t allowed on the ride. The views were so stunning that I would have liked to capture them with my camera. We will definitely plan for a longer ride on our next visit.
I can’t wait to go back.
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
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Adventures Abound Starting at Sunriver Resort
Sunriver is the type of place that takes your breath away no matter what season it is. During the summer you can hop on a horse for your very own wild wild west experience. The team at Sunriver Stables will make you feel comfortable on your ride, even if you’ve never saddled up before. Whether you’re in a tube or a kayak, floating down the Deschutes River is a relaxing activity that’s fun for the whole family.
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Lava Lands Visitor Center a Central Oregon Geologic Gem
In the late 1960s NASA looked for a place to send astronauts who were training for a mission that would change the world. But before the mission could happen, NASA needed a place to mimic what they believed those astronauts would find on the surface of the moon. Because, after all, nobody had been there before so nobody really knew what the surface of the moon was like.
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Get Your “Ah-Ha” Beer Moment at Sunriver Brewing Company
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Central Oregon Hiking Trails
Head east on Highway 20 (Greenwood Avenue) to the Pilot Butte State Park. The parking area and trailhead are just east of the butte. Walk on either the nature trail or the paved road. The road is also for vehicle traffic, weather permitting. It is a wonderful viewpoint for the entire Bend area. This hiking trail is one of the most popular in Central Oregon.
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Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: Pull Off For a Central Oregon Adventure
The Cascade Lakes Scenic byway is one of the prettiest drives in the U.S. But it might be the most recreationally rich road you’ll ever drive too. From Bend southwest to the Highway 58 junction, the Oregon Route 372 cuts through 66 miles unique volcanic formations and geological beauty that offers everything that makes Central Oregon an outdoor lover’s paradise.
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Seven Stunning Central Oregon Landmarks—and the Beers Named In Their Honor
Is there a more quintessential Central Oregon experience than spending a day outdoors—and topping it off with a locally brewed beer at one of the region’s many craft breweries?