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.
With a population of just over 1,500, Terrebonne is a sweet stretch of ranches and big-time views—all just 10 minutes north of Redmond. It’s mighty in spirit and rich with dramatic scenery. Make this a spring to remember by taking a day trip to explore the area’s views, sun-soaked waterfalls, and cute alpacas—yep, really. (And if you want to spend the night, we’ve covered a few campsites and lodging recommendations in the area.) Let’s plan your day!
Food and Drink Ideas Near Terrebonne and Redmond
From upscale fare and worldly eats to hearty burgers and food truck convenience, Central Oregon is bursting with options, no matter where you start or end up. Curb your cravings and satisfy your appetite with these top picks.
Great coffee & a local scene: Fuel up before a day of fun at Junction Roastery & Social Club on the outskirts of downtown Redmond. A couple of blocks from SCP Redmond Hotel, Junction has a fun outdoor patio, comfy chairs and tables, and outstanding vibes. Go for the coffee, stay for the company.
Family snacks for the day: Oliver Lemon’s in Terrebonne is a perfect stopping point with everything you could need on the go, from energy bars to their pre-made sandwich selection. Whether you’re photographing the views at Smith Rock or taking your kiddos to see the alpacas at Crescent Moon Ranch, make sure you’re well-stocked for a rural adventure!
Lively food cart setting: For midday bites or dinner, don’t miss Wild Ride Brewing’s outdoor patio in Redmond for fireside hangs and laid-back vibes. There’s a handful of dishes like fish and chips, tacos, burgers, pizza, and more; pair your meal with Wild Ride’s award-winning, 3 Sisters American Red Ale, and fill up on fun.
Relax outside for lunch: A refurbished old-time train depot beside the tracks in a convenient location? Yes! Get ready for views of Smith Rock and even better food at the Terrebonne Depot after your hike. The restaurant dishes gourmet comfort food—think pulled pork nachos—with gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Happy hour runs from 3-5pm if you need a post-adventure sip, and a sun-kissed deck offers the perfect place to discuss the day’s activities.
Family-friendly vineyard: Take to the patio to enjoy award-winning Central Oregon wine, good times, and gorgeous views at Faith, Hope, and Charity Vineyards. For a fun group game, try to spot the Three Sisters Peaks, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor! If you visit on a weekend, check out live music at the vineyard every Friday and Saturday evening. Happy sipping.
Outdoor Adventures Around Terrebonne and Redmond
Off-the-wall recreating is the name of the game in Central Oregon. Where else can you feed alpacas, take a hike, ride in a hot air balloon, and hop on a horse all in the same day? Redmond and Terrebonne have everything for a day trip to remember. Let’s get trekking!
Start the day in the sky: Want a sunrise experience at Smith Rock Ranch from the sky? We already feel lighter. Get a view of Central Oregon’s dramatic scenery from above with Big Sky Balloon Company in its distinctive, custom hand-painted hot air balloon. Spend three hours in total bliss, and toast with sparkling cider while you cross the adventure off your bucket list. Learn more and sign up here.
Become a cave explorer: Pretend you’re Tom Sawyer on a self-guided cave tour at Redmond Caves Recreation Site. Whether you’re just passing through or want a fun stopping point on the way to Terrebonne, this activity is close to the Redmond Airport and just south of downtown. Crawl, climb, and squeeze your way through the darkness – but like, in a fun way. Bring flashlights, grippy boots, and plenty of enthusiasm. Watch for rattlesnakes in spring and summer.
Views by horseback: Ready for a one-of-a-kind Central Oregon experience? Hop on a horse for a Western-themed day with Smith Rock Trail Rides. These well-trained, easy-to-ride beauties are the best way to take in the incredible scenery around Smith Rock. Owner Brian and his professional staff have all the best tips for a great experience. Giddy up and enjoy!
Meet the alpacas: Warning: Cuteness overload is in your future. We’re quite sure you haven’t truly felt bliss until you’ve experienced the charming alpaca energy at Crescent Moon Ranch. Just a half-mile south of Terrebonne, this land of fluffy, friendly alpacas—more than 250 in all—is sure to keep you busy for hours! The ranch offers free admission, but if you really want to elevate your experience, swing by the boutique; for $5, you can grab treats to feed the alpacas while you roam the ranch.
March and April are when the year’s first babies are there for viewing—and arguably the best time to visit Crescent Moon Ranch. P.S.: If you go at 3:30 p.m., just before the ranch closes, you can stand in the middle of the alpacas as they run to their barn home for the night! And if you didn’t get enough from your visit, fear not: Crescent Moon hosts an online Alpaca Boutique that sells headbands, sweaters, gloves, and other items crafted from alpaca fur.
Waterfalls, Rock Formations, and Other Dramatic Views Near Terrebonne and Redmond.
Quick half-day hike: Just 15 minutes from Terrebonne and 25 minutes from Redmond, enjoy a two-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to Steelhead Falls. The breathtaking hike skirts along jagged, colorful cliffs and leads to its namesake waterfall in the Deschutes River, as well as a variety of summer swimming holes. Watch for rattlesnakes in the warm season.
Off-hours at Smith Rock: We’re all for a full-day mission at Smith Rock State Park. But if you want to enjoy some solitude, why not go around sunrise or sunset? One of Oregon’s seven wonders, Smith Rock is a speedy 15-minute drive north of Redmond; trails line the base of the park’s deep river canyon and skirt its massive rock spires, while several scenic viewpoints sit just steps from the parking area. Pack comfy shoes, a thermos of coffee, a puffy coat, camera, and water for this morning or evening trip. Note that a $5 day-use fee is required—and keep in mind that rattlesnakes are present in spring and summer.
If you need a spot to rest your eyes that’s on par with the day’s epic adventure, check out the Smith Rock Bivouac Campground, a seasonal spot that welcomes tent campers between March 15th and late fall on a first-come, first-served basis. Of course, there are always the stylish, modern digs and classic resort seclusion in nearby Redmond. Learn more about where to stay and play in Redmond.
Experience the best of Central Oregon in Redmond and Terrebonne with unique activities and even better views. From family fun to a daytime date or a quick escape, you’ll be glad you penciled in a quick trip. Enjoy!
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
-
Smith Rock Ranch & Other Fall Experiences in Terrebonne and Beyond
If you grew up in Central Oregon, chances are that you picked your perfect jack-o-lantern pumpkin at Smith Rock Ranch—a huge pumpkin patch with spectacular views located in Terrebonne. But this Central Oregon pumpkin patch wasn’t always so grand. Farmer Matt Lisignoli grew up as a city kid in northeast Portland, and dreamt up the idea to start his first pumpkin patch on a rented farm in Redmond in 1998. While some people thought Lisignoli was crazy to farm pumpkins in the high desert, the operation, then called Central Oregon Pumpkin Patch, was a success.
-
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.
-
Favorite Year-Round Mountain Bike Spots
When winter comes and the snow falls, some of Central Oregon’s popular mountain biking trails become a little too muddy to ride – which means some of the unheralded spots in the region get a little more love. Places like Smith Rock can get scorching hot (and quite crowded) in the summer making it a great spot to head come winter. Want some good locals tips on where to ride? Ask the folks at Hutch’s Bicycles, Pine Mountain Sports or The Hub Cyclery for the 4-1-1, or set up a tour with Cog Wild Mountain Bike Tours and Shuttles.
-
The Ultimate Guide to Pumpkin Patches in Terrebonne, Oregon
Nothing signals the coming of fall quite like spending the day at a pumpkin patch. It’s tough to not feel the cozy spirit of the season when you’re solving a festive corn maze while bundled up and sipping a hot apple cider. Pumpkin patches in Central Oregon benefit from our desert climate and still get plenty of sunshine, even in late October. While smaller family farms all around the region will sometimes host fall events, the two most popular pumpkin patches both reside in Terrebonne: the Smith Rock Pumpkin Patch and the DD Ranch Pumpkin Patch.
-
How to Beat the High Desert Heat
During the dog days of summer, one of your best options to beat the heat is to head up to the high lakes and splash around. But when you’re on vacation with the family sometimes all you want to do is go and relax at the pool. Luckily, Central Oregon has a handful of great places to soak up the sun in between cooling off in the water.
-
Central Oregon Golf: Best Par 3s
Play a good golf course and chances are that when you’re back at the 19th hole, you’re talking about the Par 3s. The short one you made double on. The bear where you snaked in a 20-footer for your only birdie all month. They’re the “short” holes that can make or break a round. Some of the signature holes on the Central Oregon Golf Trail are Par 3s. Here’s a look at some of the best.
-
Pumpkin Patches + Petting Zoos = Fall Family Fun
As soon as the first hint of autumn rolls around, my three kids ask on a regular basis when we can go to the pumpkin patch. This is not simply because they’re eager to gather Halloween décor. To my kids (all under the age of 12), fall means visiting the farm and getting all the animal petting, ropes course playing and barbecue eating they can squeeze into one afternoon.
-
Outward Bound in the City: Central Oregon’s 5 Best Urban Hikes
Hiking in Central Oregon can take you deep into the wilderness, far away from worry and stress. But sometimes all you need is a quick break from reality…just a half hour or so outside in nature, on a trail, alone with your thoughts (or with your dog, husband and two kids.) There are hundreds of hikes and trails available in and around Bend, Oregon and Sunriver, Oregon. These “Urban Hikes” are the perfect remedy to slow down our all-too-busy lives.
-
Winter Isn’t Only About Snow in Central Oregon
It’s true that when winter rolls around in Central Oregon, most people’s minds veer toward things to do in the snow. With Mt. Bachelor, Hoodoo, sno-parks and more, there’s plenty of options for folks to get out and play.
-
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.