When you imagine the Central Oregon high desert, chances are good you envision the scene around Terrebonne. The compact community is where farms and ranches meet the sagebrush steppe, cinnamon-hued rock formations, and rivers that course through jagged canyons. It’s where outdoor adventure comes together with autumnal harvest festivals and family-friendly wineries. And it’s where you can have the perfect day trip or weekend getaway on your next outing to Central Oregon.
Explore Smith Rock State Park
There is no finer introduction to Terrebonne than a visit to Smith Rock State Park. Smith Rock, far and away one of the top Central Oregon attractions, is home to soaring vistas, hiking and biking trails, rock climbing adventures, and plentiful opportunities for wildlife-watching. Here are a few fun ideas for making the most of your visit to Smith Rock State Park.
Hiking and Scenic Viewpoints
Several miles of trails crisscross Smith Rock State Park, ascending to the top of ridgelines, winding past Monkey Face and other iconic rock formations, hugging the Crooked River, and affording views that extend west to the summit of the Cascade Range. See the best of the park from along the Misery Ridge Loop Trail, or stick to the lower-elevation River Trail for a flatter trip that shows off the khaki-colored Crooked River canyon. Smith Rock is easily one of the most popular things to do in Terrebonne—so try to arrive before 9 a.m., especially on spring and summer weekends, for more solitude on the trail, and plan an outing around sunrise or sunset for the best light.
Rock Climbing and Adventure Sports
In the 1980s, Smith Rock State Park rose to prominence as the birthplace of sport climbing in the United States. Four decades later, the park remains one of the top Central Oregon attractions—and an essential stop with several thousand climbs, more than a thousand of which are bolted. Local outfitters lead climbs and lessons if you’d like to learn more. Note that some climbing areas restrict access or close altogether between mid-January and early August to protect falcons and golden eagles that nest in the park.
Best Time to Visit Smith Rock
No matter when you visit Smith Rock State Park, you’ll enjoy different experiences throughout the year. Fall afternoons bring smaller crowds and crisp temperatures, for instance, while spring mornings offer idyllic lighting for photographing purple phlox, arrowleaf balsamroot, red paintbrush, and other wildflowers in bloom. If visiting in summer, try to arrive before 9 a.m. for cooler temperatures and more solitude on the trails.
Experience the Crooked River Canyon
The 125-mile-long Crooked River flows through the heart of Central Oregon before emptying into the Deschutes River in Lake Billy Chinook; along the way, it courses through the heart of the high desert, often at the base of a rugged canyon and surrounded by towering basalt cliffs. Here are a few ideas for getting outdoors along the Crooked River near Terrebonne.
Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint
Start your Crooked River canyon adventures with a quick stop at Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint. Beyond a short parking area, you can peer nearly 300 feet down to the Crooked River below. Pedestrians can take a walk on the on-site Crooked River High Bridge, which was originally part of Highway 97 and today affords westward views of a railroad bridge and the heart of the canyon. Enjoy lunch at one of several on-site picnic tables.
Crooked River Trails
A number of hiking trails showcase the Crooked River and the steep canyon that surrounds it. One popular outing is the Chimney Rock Trail, east of Terrebonne and south of Prineville, that ascends to the base of its namesake rock formation and affords sweeping views of Central Oregon’s high-desert landscapes. And just about 15 miles north of Terrebonne, the Tam-a-láu Loop Hike resides within The Cove Palisades State Park and affords views of the Crooked and Deschutes rivers as they empty into Lake Billy Chinook, as well as The Island—a peninsula that provides habitat for several species of raptor.
Sip, Savor, and Relax
After a day of climbing or hiking, kick back at one of the renowned wineries around Terrebonne. Both tasting rooms pair excellent wines with views of the surrounding rock formations—never more dramatic than at sunset. Here’s a local’s look at wine tasting in Terrebonne, Oregon.
Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards
Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards offers some of the best wine tasting in Terrebonne, Oregon—all just 11 miles west of town. The winery’s European-inspired lineup includes estate-grown la crescent, leon millot, and other varieties suited to Central Oregon’s short, yet warm growing season. Pair your wines with wood-fired pizzas, live music every Saturday, and soaring patio views of the Three Sisters mountains.
Maragas Winery
Residing along Highway 97, Maragas Winery offers a sublime introduction to wine tasting in Terrebonne, Oregon. The family-run winery’s regional vineyards produce a variety of European grapes, including zinfandel, merlot, riesling, and more. Enjoy them all on Maragas’ sun-kissed patio while basking in wide-open views of nearby peaks and rock formations. A full calendar of events includes curated wine dinners, live music, and special tastings.
Family Fun and Farm Adventures
Family attractions offer fun around Terrebonne all year long, from up-close alpaca encounters to an autumn pumpkin patch. Here are a few highlights.
Smith Rock Ranch
Every fall, families flock to Smith Rock Ranch for some of Central Oregon’s most beloved seasonal festivities. The working farm’s activities include an expansive pumpkin patch, exciting pumpkin cannons, a corn maze (featuring a new themed design each year), a market stocked with local items, a nine-hole mini golf course, and horse-drawn wagon rides. The ranch’s namesake spires tower over the pumpkin patch to the east, providing a dramatic backdrop.
Local Ranch and Animal Encounters
At the northern edge of Terrebonne, kids of all ages enjoy getting to know the resident alpacas at Crescent Moon Ranch. The fun includes self-guided walking tours through the farm’s pastures, an on-site shop with numerous items made from alpaca fiber, and views of Smith Rock, as well as Cascade peaks.
Outdoor Activities Beyond Smith Rock
Looking for a more active adventure? Here are a few unique ideas for getting outdoors around Terrebonne.
Horseback Riding and Trail Experiences
Saddle up for a horseback adventure from Smith Rock Trail Rides—one of the most popular things to do in Terrebonne. The outfitter, led by an experienced guide, offers small-group outings that begin in a private ranch next to Smith Rock State Park. From there, the trip heads along the Crooked River, passes the base of the park’s iconic rock formations, and offers occasional glimpses of snow-capped Cascade peaks to the west.
Steelhead Falls
Looking for an easy hike that’s light on effort—but big on views? Head 10 miles northwest of Terrebonne to Steelhead Falls, where a one-mile (round-trip) trail arrives at a viewpoint overlooking its namesake waterfall in the Deschutes River. In spring, watch for wildflowers blooming along the trail and golden eagles flying overhead—and in summer, scramble to the base of the falls for a quick dip in the river’s cool waters.
Hot Air Balloon Rides and Unique Experiences
See Central Oregon’s dramatic landscapes from a new perspective with a hot air balloon ride via Big Sky Balloon Co. After launching near Redmond, you’ll see the jagged spires of Smith Rock to the east, iconic Cascade peaks to the west, raptors circling below, and other incredible sights. Flights are offered year round, but Big Sky’s prime season is between May and October—when you’ll have the best chance at bluebird skies; try booking your trip at least two weeks in advance, especially if angling for a weekend trip, for the most availability.
When to Visit Terrebonne
It’s always a good time to visit Terrebonne, and each season offers its own charms for enjoying top Central Oregon attractions. Cool mornings give way to warm afternoons with fewer crowds in spring; summer is undeniably the “busy” season around Terrebonne—thanks, in part, to sunny skies and warm weather; fall cools off and quiets down in between bustling harvest festivals; and winter brings a peaceful kind of calm to the region, along with the potential for photo ops of snow-dusted cliffs.
Get the skinny on visiting in all four seasons when you request a Central Oregon travel guide.
How to Get There and Plan Your Trip
Ready to experience all the wonderful things to do in Terrebonne? It’s easy to start planning your memorable getaway.
First and foremost, know that most of the fun we’ve described in this article is within a short drive of Highway 97. So if you’re looking for a reliable home base, Redmond is about six miles south of Terrebonne, while Madras is about 20 miles north; Bend, the largest city in Central Oregon with the most overnight options, is about 23 miles south. In addition, a number of Central Oregon resorts reside nearby for a more lavish stay.
The closest campground to Terrebonne is the walk-in bivouac area at Smith Rock State Park; suited only to tent campers, it is open mid-March to mid-November and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
No matter when you visit, be sure to pack plenty of water, apply sunscreen liberally, and wear sturdy footwear—especially if your trip includes hiking. For more fun ideas on how to spend your vacation, check out our guide to things to do in Central Oregon.
