The Cities of Central Oregon
You’ve probably heard about the world-class lifestyle waiting for you in Central Oregon. Your friends have returned from a trip to Sunriver with tales of free-flowing craft beer, the clear water of the Deschutes River, the year-round outdoor sports—mountain biking and hiking in the summer, skiing and snowboarding in the winter. But each of the cities of Central Oregon offers distinct experiences to visitors—from the beer mecca of Bend and the swanky stores of Sisters to the whitewater rafting paradise of Maupin and the cultural depth of Madras, there’s something for everyone in the towns that dot Central Oregon.
Bend
Once known as a bustling mill town in the shadow of the Cascade Mountains, Bend has redefined itself with a robust tourism, outdoor, and hospitality industry. Today, you’ll find a cutting-edge, fast-growing community filled with entrepreneurs who have chosen Bend as their home base. You may think you know Bend—its proximity to Mt. Bachelor, its mountain bike trails minutes from a downtown filled with breweries and distilleries and first-class restaurants run by chefs who’ve cut their teeth in top markets. Below the surface there’s even more waiting for you.
Sunriver
One of Oregon’s first resort communities, Sunriver features prominently in the fond memories of generations of Oregonians. Just 20 minutes south of Bend, Sunriver is a perfect spot for a family vacation, or for putting down roots. Here you’ll find 63 holes of golf across four courses, paved bike trails that make the entire resort easy to access on two wheels, and a bustling mall with shops, restaurants and activities year round. Sunriver is also the perfect jumping-off point for skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor. The community has a variety of places to stay — from vacation rentals right on the golf courses to lodge rooms. Whether you find yourself in Sunriver for a family reunion or a wedding, it’s a crowd pleaser for all ages.
Redmond
Redmond has many of Central Oregon’s key amenities — Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is the region’s airport, and the nearby Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center hosts many of the region’s largest events. Beyond these amenities, Redmond boasts a charming historic downtown filled with independent eateries and shops, as well as an ice-skating rink and a city hall reborn from a historic school building. Running north to south through the city is the Dry Canyon, a series of trails and parks that is just the beginning of outdoor recreation opportunities. Redmond is a quick drive from Smith Rock State Park and an easy home base for visitors who want to get into the wilds of the region.
Sisters
You can’t help but smile when you walk through Sisters. This small town has a big Western feel, which it backs up with the Sisters Rodeo each June. Here you’ll find epic views of the Three Sisters, Western-themed buildings and a downtown filled with art galleries. Use Sisters as a launching pad for backpacking trips into the Three Sisters Wilderness, or take day trips to Black Butte Ranch for a day of golfing, swimming or spa-ing. From Sisters it’s easy to swing up to Hoodoo Ski Area for a day on the slopes, then be back at your swanky cabin, a spa massage scheduled and a dinner waiting at the local saloon.
Bend, Oregon
Once known as a bustling mill town, Bend is now the most frequently visited city in Central Oregon – known for its craft beer, outdoor adventure, small town vibes, and high desert landscape. Let’s not forget it’s food pods + firepits, bike trails, tax-free shopping, and natural beauty to explore. There, really is no shortage of experiences to be had in Bend.
What to do in Bend
Sunriver, Oregon
Sunriver lives up to it’s name- a sunny, idyllic town with the Deschutes River rolling through it. Time slows down here, making it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing spa day, dine with the family, or escape into the great outdoors with a wide range of activities from kayaking to horseback riding.
What to do in Sunriver
Redmond, Oregon
Redmond is the hub of Central Oregon as it’s home to the Redmond Airport and host to many large-scale events. With a vibrant downtown, great restaurants, craft beer, and outdoor adventure, it’s the perfect microcosm of Central Oregon in one town.
What to do in Redmond
Sisters, Oregon
A drive through downtown Sisters will make you feel like you’re back in the Wild West, with Western styled buildings, old-time drive ins, and homemade ice cream. More than a frontier-styled town, Sisters is also famous for its creative arts culture, fresh dining, family-friendly atmosphere, located in the heart of outdoor adventure opportunities.
What to do in Sisters
Culver, Oregon
The community of Culver started as a post office in 1900, formally incorporated as a city in 1946—and hasn’t changed much in the decades since. Sitting between Redmond and Madras, the cozy community harkens back to Central Oregon’s earlier years with small-town charm to spare. That means fun annual festivals, friendly eateries, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
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La Pine, Oregon
La Pine may be a small town, but it is home to a large amount of outdoor recreation possibilities. Explore through the ponderosa pines at the local state park, check out Newberry National Volcanic Monument, or cool off at Wickiup Reservoir. The town also hosts distilleries and dining to keep you fueled up between outdoor adventures.
What to do in La Pine
Madras, Oregon
Early on, the town of Madras was a trading post and community to serve local farmers. While there are still many farms around, it now also serves tourists with outdoor recreation ranging from a skate park and skydiving to camping, boating, and hiking as well as beer and spirits crafted right in town.
What to do in Madras
Maupin, Oregon
Located at the base of the Deschutes River Canyon, Maupin is the perfect home base for outdoor adventure. Whitewater raft or fish the Deschutes, bike the scenic canyon, or chase waterfalls. After your adventure, head back and enjoy a locally-sourced meal, pint and the charming community.
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Prineville, Oregon
Nestled in the heart of the Crooked River Caldera and Central Oregon’s oldest city, there is plenty to love about Prineville. Natural beauty such as the Painted Hills and Crooked River will leave people stunned as they hike, bike, fish, or enjoy the great outdoors. The city itself is rich with history, craft beer, and delicious food.
What to do in Prineville
Terrebonne, Oregon
Terrebonne is best known for Smith Rock State Park- the birthplace of sport climbing and popular outdoor destination. However, there are many other attractions to visiting Terrebonne as well from hot air balloon excursions, challenging golf courses, relaxing horseback rides, autumn attractions, and full plates of thoughtfully prepared food.
What to do in Terrebonne
Tumalo, Oregon
Tumalo is a small city just northwest of Bend and although the population is only 500, this town should not be overlooked. There are bountiful amounts of indoor and outdoor dining, relaxing activities such as floating down the Deschutes River, and one of Central Oregon’s best cider maker.
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Warm Springs, Oregon
Sitting in the heart of the Warm Springs Reservation, the hamlet of Warm Springs is one of the northernmost communities in Central Oregon. You can pass through town in less time than it takes to listen to a commercial on your favorite podcast but a longer stay rewards visitors with fascinating insight into tribal history, home-cooked meals steeped in tradition, and a close connection with the surrounding Deschutes River.
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Prineville
If it’s an authentic and historic Central Oregon city you’re looking for, Prineville is your place. This beautiful small town may just be the best place in Central Oregon to visit if you’re looking for Western wear, a good milkshake or a trip to the horse races. If it sounds eclectic, you’re right —Prineville is also increasingly known for its foray into the tech world, with investments by Facebook and Apple quickly transforming this small city. It’s also a gateway to eastern Oregon’s natural wonders, authentic ranch living and a growing mountain bike scene. There’s truly something for everyone in Prineville.
Madras
Madras is one of the most diverse cities in the state of Oregon, poised among farm fields, close to the Warm Springs Reservation and right in the midst of the stunning vistas of Jefferson County. Combine this down-home feel with some of the best fishing in Oregon (or anywhere), as you have easy access to the Deschutes and Crooked rivers here. Stunning lakes also dot this area, making it a perfect spot for boating.
Terrebonne
It’s no coincidence that Terrebonne means “good earth” in French. This small farming community is also home to one of the seven wonders of Oregon — Smith Rock State Park. No trip to Central Oregon is complete without a visit to this epic spot, with spires of tuff rock jutting into the clear blue sky and hiking trails for all abilities. This rock-climbing mecca offers stunning views of the Cascades and plenty of open space to get out and explore.
Maupin
Dreaming of a whitewater rafting trip along the stunning Deschutes River? Or maybe a fishing excursion to fill your cooler and test your fly fishing skills? Then Maupin is decidedly your place. This small town is one of the best cities in Oregon to visit for outdoor water adventure and authentic experiences.
La Pine
This small community in the heart of Oregon’s High Desert is perched on the edge of the meandering Little Deschutes River, and is the right spot for those looking for adventure in the outdoors. Make La Pine your home base for exploring the Newberry National Monument, a massive area that tells the volcanic history of this region and provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation year round.
Warm Springs
This Central Oregon city is the center of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and home to Indian Head Casino. The reservation is home to the Warm Springs, Paiute and Wasco tribes and offers a deeper understanding of Central Oregon’s rich Native American history. While in Warm Springs, you’ll want to check out events on the reservation, as well as the city’s beautiful museum, one of the finest American Indian museums in the West.
Tumalo
Minutes north of Bend is this trendy town. Food carts, farming and fresh air are the name of the game in Tumalo, which is a quick-growing town in Central Oregon with a heaping helping of charm. The mountains look even bigger here than they do in the bigger city just to the south.
