The community of Terrebonne is perhaps more famous among Central Oregon locals and enthusiastic visitors for what surrounds it, rather than what you’ll find in the town of 1,200. That’s because the cozy city, just six miles north of Redmond and 23 miles north of Bend, sits at the doorstep to some of Central Oregon’s best outdoor adventures—including dramatic viewpoints, rhyolite rock formations, and the Crooked River winding through it all.
Curious to learn more? We could write several blog posts about fun activities in the area—but here are a few of the top things to do in Terrebonne, Oregon:
Visit Smith Rock State Park
No article about the best things to do near Terrebonne, Oregon, would be complete without a nod to perhaps the most popular outdoor destination anywhere in Central Oregon: Smith Rock State Park.
The park resides along the Crooked River, just over three miles from Terrebonne, and is an outdoor playground in all four seasons. Several miles of hiking trails take visitors along the Crooked River and into the heart of the park’s khaki-colored rock formations—where sweeping views of the Central Oregon landscape and Cascade peaks await. Horseback riders and mountain bikers, meanwhile, can choose among a variety of trails that show off the park’s natural beauty.
Even so, Smith Rock is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of sport climbing in the United States. Today, adrenaline junkies and rock climbers of all experience levels can ascend sheer rock faces and cliffsides along several thousand climbs across the park—more than a thousand of which are bolted routes.
Explore the Crooked River
The Crooked River—portions of which have been protected and federally designated as the Crooked Wild and Scenic River—flows through many of the top sites around Terrebonne, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure all year long.
Anglers, for instance, love fishing for trout in the river’s chilly pools—especially around Smith Rock State Park (which provides easy riverbank access) and The Cove Palisades State Park (which sits 15 miles north of Terrebonne and hosts a day-use area near where the Crooked River flows into Lake Billy Chinook—along with a wheelchair-accessible fishing platform and nearby fish-cleaning station).
About 17 miles east of Terrebonne, get an up-close look at the wildlife that frequents the river corridor with a trip to the Crooked River Wetlands Complex. There, more than five miles of trails (some of which are paved) take visitors past ponds, around wetlands, and through groves of cottonwood trees—where sightings of eagles, mallards, geese, and other species of bird are common.
Discover the Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint
Whether you’re spending a long day on the road or are looking for a scenic spot to enjoy a picnic, stretch your legs at Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint—a small park just three miles north of Terrebonne along Highway 97.
It’s one of Oregon’s oldest state parks—the first parcel was acquired by the state in 1925—and is beloved for dramatic views that peer down into a basalt canyon and the Crooked River below. You’ll also see two bridges that cross the river; the westernmost crossing is a railroad bridge that’s still in use today—and the eastern bridge was once part of the original alignment of Highway 97. That bridge closed to vehicle traffic when Highway 97 was rerouted a few hundred feet to the east, but it remains open to pedestrians seeking a better view today.
Elsewhere around the park, you’ll find picnic tables and restrooms with running water. And keep in mind that the viewpoint extends all the way to the canyon edge—so pets must be leashed at all times.
Tour Local Farms and Vineyards
Central Oregon has been an agricultural hub for generations—and a variety of farm experiences around Terrebonne invite you to connect with that heritage through wine tastings, harvest festivals, and other fun events.
If you’re visiting in fall, make time for the family-friendly Smith Rock Ranch; the farm produces carrots, onions, and bluegrass seed throughout the year, but really comes alive every October when it hosts a popular harvest festival. The fun includes a themed corn maze, pumpkin patch, pony rides, petting zoo, and other activities for children of all ages.
All year long, meanwhile, a handful of wineries showcase varietals and blends that take full advantage of Central Oregon’s short, yet warm growing season. Roughly 11 miles west of town, Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards pairs its award-winning wines with dramatic views of nearby Cascade peaks, live music, and a locally sourced food menu that ranges from light bites to homemade pizzas. Further north, Maragas Winery embraces old-world techniques to produce a mix of Italian- and French-inspired wines—and provides pours on a patio that affords views of both Cascade Range peaks and neighboring Smith Rock State Park. For more, learn about wine tasting in Central Oregon this spring and summer.
Getting excited? See what to expect when you visit Terrebonne, Oregon.
Enjoy Outdoor Guided Adventures
Not sure where to start? Let an expert help. Guided tours around the city of Terrebonne, Oregon, cover a wide range of outdoor activities and experiences.
Some of the most popular are horseback tours through Smith Rock Trail Rides. The local outfitter departs from a ranch near Smith Rock State Park, follows the Crooked River canyon with a relaxing ride, and provides small-group outings for a laid-back experience. Each ride includes 30 minutes of instruction and 90 minutes on the trail.
You can also get a bird’s-eye view of the landscape around Terrebonne with a hot-air balloon tour through Big Sky Balloon Company. The outfitter offers year-round flights (weather permitting), with individual rides ranging from 50 to 90 minutes in air. Keep an eye out for hawks, owls, eagles, and other birds as you ascend over the rugged landscapes of Terrebonne and Central Oregon.
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
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Where to Go Wine Tasting in Central Oregon this Spring and Summer
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ATV and Off-Roading in Central Oregon
One of the defining features of the Central Oregon landscape is that it never seems to end. Look in any direction, and you might see rolling hillsides, wide-open desert, or forests that seem to grow beyond the horizon. And all that terrain makes the region an idyllic place to go ATV and off-road riding in off-highway vehicles (OHV)—such as quads and dirt bikes. Several trail systems, geared to riders of all comfort and experience levels, dot the Central Oregon landscape and showcase a variety of epic adventures. So if you want to go ATV and off-roading in Central Oregon, here’s how to get started.
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Terrebonne
But to leave it there sells short the many attractions in and around Terrebonne (which means “good earth” in French—an apt description, to be sure). Hot air balloon excursions, challenging golf courses, relaxing horseback rides, autumn attractions, and full plates of thoughtfully prepared food await visitors who slow down and spend time around Terrebonne—so here’s a look at what to do on your next visit.