The High Desert Food Trail: Agriculture & Culinary Delights Await

A nibble, a nosh, or a feast: Visitors and locals alike can get a tasty sampling of the high desert by exploring the High Desert Food Trail, a self-guided journey through the region’s culinary and agriculture businesses. The trail aims to connect people to the many tastes of Central Oregon through experiences such as on-farm visits, stops at tasting rooms, artisan markets, restaurants and more. 

The High Desert Food Trail is a partnership between a Central Oregon organization, High Desert Food & Farm Alliance, and Travel Oregon that works to increase access and spread education about healthy foods. Visitors who explore some of the 45 businesses (farms, ranches, restaurants, farmer’s markets, craft and beverage makers, and more) along the way might be surprised to learn about the region’s diverse and bountiful agriculture and culinary scene, according to staff from the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance. “Many people believe that local food is unavailable in Central Oregon due to our sandy soils and frosty nights, but we have one of the most vibrant local food scenes in the state,” said Annie Nichols, HDFFA Agricultural Support Manager. With stunning landscapes to marvel at, artisan offerings to feast on and resilient agriculture to experience, there is something for everyone on the High Desert Food Trail. Learn about some of the stops below. For the full itinerary, view the full downloadable trail map.

a group cheering at Faith, Hope, Charity Vineyards
 the owners,  Mike and Onda

Trail stop: Bluestone Natural Farms, Powell Butte

Farm owners Mike and Onda Hueners both grew up on farms and together operate their own growing farmstead, Bluestone Natural Farms, in the rural Central Oregon community of Powell Butte. Here, visitors can take an educational farm tour, passing by 35 head of cattle, 40 goats, 40 pigs and 25 chickens, and exploring a greenhouse, milking barn and small storefront. The Hueners both hold separate full-time jobs (he as a landscape business owner and she as a nurse at St. Charles Medical Center), but have high hopes to someday retire and solely focus on their farm.

Trail stop: Feast Food Company, Redmond

Parked at General Duffy’s Waterhole in Redmond, this food truck partners with local farms to supply ingredients for the menu, which features items like a roasted pork dish, charred veggie salad, pork belly and burgers, with offerings changed seasonally based on what ingredients are available. When visiting, check the menu to see exactly which farms and other food purveyors have supplied the ingredients. feastxfood.com

two women enjoying a variety of veggie dishes from feast food
the pic of the farm

Trail stop: Mecca Grade Estate, Madras

Dive into Central Oregon’s beer culture with a visit to Mecca Grade Estate Malt House and Tasting Room, situated on 1,000 acres in a rural area north of Madras and east of Warm Springs. This family-run malthouse aims to bring back the flavors of old European malts, with malted barley varieties bred in partnership with barley scientists at Oregon State University. Stop by to taste the difference this premium malt makes with a flight of beers brewed on-site. meccagrade.com.

Up-to-date information is available at https://hdffa.org/hdft/. The High Desert Food Trail is one of nine other food trails active in Oregon, all of which can be found at oregonfoodtrails.com.

Other stories

More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.

  • Horseback Riding in Sunriver, Oregon
    Horseback Riding in Sunriver, Oregon

    For many, exploring new trails and breathing in the fresh mountain air is best done on horseback. And what better place to get in the saddle than in beautiful Sunriver, Oregon. Here, trail rides meander along the Deschutes River, offering mountain views and showcasing the natural beauty of the region. Enjoy corral rides, pony rides, lessons and guided trail rides on horses selected specifically for the comfort and ability of the rider.

  • Hot Springs in Central Oregon Near Bend and Beyond
    Hot Springs in Central Oregon Near Bend and Beyond

    Oregon is known for being an outdoor paradise; where else can travelers discover misty forests, snowy mountain peaks and vast desert expanses in one day? From the Cascade Mountains to the Painted Hills, volcanic activity has helped shape the many different landscapes of Oregon. Along with mountains and valleys, Oregon’s volcanic past helped create a host of hot springs scattered across the state. These hot springs are natural, hot pools of water—natural hot tubs. Some are more developed and have lodging nearby, while others feel completely remote and undiscovered. So whether it’s a soak under the stars in the high desert or a steamy pool in the forest, there’s a hot spring calling.

  • Top 5 Tours to Take in Sunriver, Oregon
    Top 5 Tours to Take in Sunriver, Oregon

    Sunriver is an aptly named town; the idyllic community soaks up tons of Central Oregon sun and has the mighty Deschutes River meandering through. It’s tough to not feel the magic of Sunriver when rays of light first break over the not-so-distant Cascade Mountain peaks and dance on the tips of ponderosa pines in the surrounding Deschutes National Forest. Central Oregon tours are popular for visitors and locals alike, and for good reason. With four distinct seasons, Sunriver is primed and ready for exploration any time of the year. From snowmobiling to horseback riding, here are the best ways to discover Sunriver.

  • Hopless in Central Oregon: Experience Scenic Cideries and Vino with a View
    Hopless in Central Oregon: Experience Scenic Cideries and Vino with a View

    In an area dominated by craft beer, you might be wondering is there anything else on tap? The answer is, ‘Yes’. Central Oregon is home to award winning cideries and wineries and with postcard-worthy views from their tasting rooms – you won’t be disappointed. Named after the Three Sisters, Faith Hope and Charity Vineyards is just over 30 miles from Bend. It’s hard to complain about the drive though when furry faces from the Alpaca farm nearby greet you right before you turn onto the property.

  • Pumpkin Patches + Petting Zoos = Fall Family Fun
    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.

  • Casual Family Weekend in Sunriver
    Casual Family Weekend in Sunriver

    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 whir of a prop plane taking off against a crisp blue sky. Up ahead, your children pull carrots from their pockets and present them to a gathering of friendly horses in an adjacent pasture.

  • Sammies and Sandos: Central Oregon’s Best Sandwiches
    Sammies and Sandos: Central Oregon’s Best Sandwiches

    Sometimes after a day full of adventure, all that you crave is a simple, yet delicious, stick-to-your-ribs sandwich. (And a beer, obviously.)