Summer is undeniably the most popular time to visit Sunriver Resort—and for good reason. It’s when families splash around in the boisterous aquatic center, couples crisscross the community’s roughly 40 miles of paved bike paths, and groups come together over farm-to-table fare in several elegant restaurants.
But we wanted to let you in on a little secret: Fall is one of the best times of year to visit Sunriver Resort.
Autumn, after all, brings cool mornings around the firepit, active afternoons outdoors, laid-back days on the golf course, and quiet nights under starry night skies—all in a quiet, relaxed environment. (And that’s to say nothing of the colorful fall foliage that blankets Sunriver in vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow.) So if you want to discover Sunriver Resort’s secret season, here’s a guide to slowing down, relishing the moment, and making the most of a fun fall weekend.
Why Fall is a Great Time to Visit Sunriver Resort
There’s no bad time to visit Sunriver Resort—but we’re particularly excited about fall for numerous reasons. Here are a few:
Smaller crowds: Kids are back in school, and summer break is behind us—so you’ll experience quieter nights at the Lodge Kitchen, more room around Sunriver’s pool facilities, early access to some of the resort’s newest offerings (such as indoor pickleball courts), and relaxed outings on the water.
Warm afternoons: Central Oregon’s fall mornings might be brisk, but our afternoons are warm enough for a bike ride along the Sun-Lava Paved Path to the Lava Lands Visitor Center. (Even if the weather stays cool, the resort has several hot tubs and heated pools to keep you cozy.)
Sublime weather: By late September and early October, bluebird days and clear night skies provide the perfect backdrop for stargazing at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory.
Outdoor Adventures at Sunriver Resort
Getting outdoors is a beloved tradition around Central Oregon—and you’ll find plenty of opportunities for doing so around Sunriver Resort. Here are a few favorite outdoor activities.
Relaxing horseback rides: Anyone seven and older can saddle up for a pleasant (beginner-friendly) horseback ride through the Great Meadow, into a forest of ponderosa pine, and along the Deschutes River; little buckaroos, meanwhile, can get in on the fun with a pony ride. Along the way, keep an eye out for red-tail hawks, coyotes, deer, elk, and other species of wildlife.
Scenic golf courses: Play 63 holes across four premier golf courses at Sunriver Resort. No matter which of the award-winning courses you choose, you’ll play through lush forests, enjoy wide-open Cascade peak views, and face obstacles designed by some of the world’s most celebrated course architects.
Wide range of cycling: Sunriver Resort sits surrounded by more than 40 miles of paved trails, many of which are largely protected from vehicle traffic. That makes it easy to spend a day visiting the Deschutes River, heading past the resort’s horse pasture, and savoring views around every bend in the trail. A wide range of bike rentals are available at the resort, including cruisers, e-bikes with pedal assist, tandem rides, and bikes specifically geared toward children.
Epic stargazing: Peer into the cosmos at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory—which offers the largest collection of telescopes for public use in the United States. Each night, nearly three-dozen telescopes and several astronomers help visitors see distant planets, stars, and other fascinating sights.
Indoor Adventures at Sunriver Resort
Whether Mother Nature derailed your plans or you’re not much for the outdoors, no worries: Sunriver Resort still offers a variety of indoor activities for a memorable fall getaway. Here are a few suggestions to get you inspired:
Blissful spa services: Pamper yourself with a day at Sage Springs Club & Spa, which offers a variety of services tailored to your health and well-being. Offerings include massages, nail services, fitness classes, and more.
Fun games of pickleball: Enjoy the fastest-growing game in the United States on eight indoor pickleball courts—alongside a food and beverage station and expansive viewing area.
Splash about: Enjoy year-round swimming at The Cove Aquatic Center, which features indoor and outdoor pools, jetted spas, private cabanas, indoor and outdoor waterslides, and other fun activities for a day in (or around) the water.
Savory meals and tasty beverages: Sunriver Resort hosts nearly a dozen eateries, bistros, and bars—catering to hungry diners of all stripes. The range of offerings include Owl’s Nest (which has been pairing local beer, regional wines, and craft cocktails with scenic views of Mount Bachelor since 1969) and Lodge Kitchen—which dishes upscale Pacific Northwest fare made from seasonal ingredients.
Ready to book your next trip? Check out Sunriver’s latest offers and packages to save more on your next vacation. The credit can be used for many of Sunriver Resort’s most popular experiences—including Sage Springs Spa & Club, the resort’s restaurants and bars, rounds of golf, and more.
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