Around La Pine, you’re never far from your next great adventure. That ranges from bird-watching at Wickiup Reservoir to hiking through lava flows inside an active volcano. Even if your appetite for adventure is a bit more low-key, you’ll find plenty to love about a round of golf and craft beverages from some of the area’s best producers.
Whether you’re daydreaming about an exciting trip or actively planning an upcoming getaway, here are some of the many highlights that make La Pine an essential stop on your next trip to Central Oregon.
Explore Every Corner of La Pine State Park
Just north of town, surrounding the Deschutes River, LaPine State Park offers a whole weekend worth of outdoorsy fun in the midst of a stately pine forest. Navigate more than a dozen miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails that wind through the park, stand at the base of Oregon’s largest ponderosa pine tree (dubbed “Big Tree”), and watch for waterfowl while paddling your craft on the lazy stretch of river. At the end of the day, retire to your tent or RV site—or one of 10 log cabins at LaPine State Park—for a good night’s sleep. As an added bonus, an on-site clubhouse in the campground comes with a kitchen sink, a refrigerator, and other amenities when you’d like to whip up a hearty meal.
Plan a Trip to Paulina Lake & Paulina Peak
Between spring and fall, Newberry Caldera becomes the heart of outdoor recreation within Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Inside the ancient volcano—and at its summit—sit some of the best things to do in La Pine, Oregon.
Paulina Lake is one of two reservoirs within Newberry Caldera, offering a variety of outdoor opportunities. A hiking trail hugs its shore, several campgrounds offer overnight stays (as does the old-school Paulina Lake Lodge), and easy access points invite paddlers to get on the water and fish for kokanee and brown trout.
From the lake, you can hike or drive to the tallest point within the national monument: Paulina Peak. A parking area and viewpoint, both at about 8,000 feet above sea level, afford wide-open views of Paulina Lake and East Lake below, as well as several Cascade peaks in the distance.
Watch for Wondrous Wildlife at Wickiup Reservoir
Epic wildlife sightings abound at Wickiup Reservoir, a relatively shallow pool on the Deschutes River just 30 minutes west of La Pine. Initially created in 1949 to store irrigation water, Wickiup Reservoir is also a popular recreation site today. There you’ll find campgrounds, day-use sites, and shoreline viewing along a 2.6-mile earthen dam—providing opportunities to spy Canada geese, loons, bald eagles, falcons, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, and other species of waterfowl and shorebirds. Sightings are most common between summer and winter.
Trek Across Otherworldly Terrain On The Big Obsidian Flow Trail
Step into Central Oregon’s volcanic past—literally—when you enjoy a short hike on the Big Obsidian Flow Trail within the Newberry Caldera at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
The one-mile path, typically open June through October, heads through a 1,300-year-old lava flow (the youngest in Oregon). Along the way, pumice rocks and shiny obsidian line the trail and cascade in every direction—creating an enchanting, otherworldly landscape. A few interpretive panels explain the geology of this fascinating site and detail the importance of obsidian to regional Native American tribes.
Taste the Extraordinary at Badlands Artisan Distillery
In the heart of La Pine, Badlands Artisan Distillery prides itself on doing things differently. That means sourcing fruit from local growers for its cucumber gin, filtering vodka through Newberry lava rock, and cutting its rye whiskey with local spring water for smoother flavors. Enjoy Badlands’ spirits in a tasting flight or a variety of classic cocktails—and pair your order with sandwiches, salads, shareable plates, and other light bites.
Raise a Pint to All-Natural Libations at Legend Cider Company
Try a variety of fruity, juice-inspired bevvies at Legend Cider Company – La Pine Taproom.
The family-owned cidermaker produces unfiltered cider with all-natural ingredients, most of which boast captivating flavor profiles. Some of the most popular year-round flavors at Legend Cider Company include cranberry, raspberry, grape, and pomegranate—while a number of rotating selections reflect the tastes of each season. At Legend’s family-friendly taproom, you’ll also find creative cocktails (some of which use cider as their base), more than two-dozen cider taps, and a play area for young children.
Play a Round at Quail Run Golf Course
Sitting between two branches of the Deschutes River just outside of La Pine, Quail Run Golf Course offers a thrilling challenge for players of all skill levels. Golfers at the public course can choose among four sets of tees that allow for distances of up to 6,800 yards while navigating well-maintained greens and fairways surrounded by regal forests of ponderosa pine. Of course, this being Central Oregon, mountain views add to the charm at the 18-hole Quail Run Golf Course. Away from the greens, you’ll find helpful practice facilities, an on-site bar and grill, and a fully stocked pro shop.
Say Yes to Indulgence at Entouch Day Spa
Treat yourself to a variety of luxurious services at Entouch Day Spa in La Pine. Led by a licensed esthetician, Entouch offers custom treatments designed to help meet your specific goals. Services include facials and skin treatments, waxing, peels, and brow and lash enhancements. A personalized consultation, meanwhile, can assess your skin type and goals for skin care—and provide recommendations for treatments and products to help meet those goals.
Discover More Things to Do in La Pine
There’s always more to eat, see, do, and drink in Central Oregon, so check out our guide to La Pine for trip-planning tools. The helpful resource includes tips for what to expect in each season, where to stay, and how to make the most of your trip.
