Plan Your Visit To
La Pine, Oregon
With a population of fewer than 2,500, La Pine seems like an unlikely gateway to some of Central Oregon’s most popularoutdoor destinations. But what the city lacks in size, it makes up for with close proximity to several trips’ worth of recreation—from the nearby Newberry National Volcanic Monument to the chilly waters of Wickiup Reservoir. And even after you’ve enjoyed a day outdoors, the city still has plenty of hidden gems—ranging from small-batch distilleries to up-and-coming dispensaries—that invite visitors to linger a little longer.
Here’s a rundown of things to do in La Pine, where to go nearby, and how to have a fun adventure on your next visit to the city (named, yes, for the surrounding stands of ponderosa pine).
Map of La Pine, Oregon
Want to find your way around the La Pine area? Here’s a map with attractions, highlights, highways, and other important information:
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Bend Rock Gym
1 LOCATION – 3 GYMS – INFINITE POSSIBILITIES!
$15 - $20
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Full Day Walk-In Upper Deschutes River
This is an adventure for the angler looking to “stalk” fish on foot at one of our local rivers. Never is a strenuous hike required, often the fishing “hole” is located within a few minutes of walking from the guide’s vehicle. This is the perfect trip for families and new anglers looking for an unforgettable day of fly fishing near Bend. Both the Fall River and the Crooked River are perfect for Walk-In trips. For our walk-in trips, you will meet your guide at a predetermined location and then either carpool or caravan to the chosen water.
$475 - $733.32
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Half Day Boat Trip: Cascade Lakes
A fly fishing trip to one of the Cascade Lakes is best suited for anglers looking for relatively low impact and highly productive outings. If you are interested in a positive first fishing experience with your son, daughter, or non-angling spouse, consider a trip to East Lake or Lava Lake. During the peak of the season on either lake, we can practically guarantee they catch some fish.
$375
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Prohibition Cave Tour
Adventure: Wanderlust Tours is the premier destination for cave tours in Bend, Oregon! Join us on this epic subterranean tour on Bend’s ponderosa pine-studded high desert. Our renowned naturalist guides will highlight sweet bits of these cool caverns that might not initially meet the eye. Naturalist Guided Experience: In 1916, Oregon reinstated Prohibition, (4 years prior to the National Prohibition). But just like today, Oregonians loved their alcohol and had a passion for producing. We will start the tour by exploring a cave in a system known to have been used to distill spirits (illegally)! Scattered around the sage-covered High Desert lie ancient caves, buried by the volcanic upheavals in centuries known to past peoples. Caves: We’ll discover the hidden underground world of these large cool caverns in a way that’s safe and fascinating! Leading small groups with headlamps for all, our guides will provide in-depth interpretation on the formation of the lava tubes, the wildlife habitat inside the caves and the many uses of the caves over time from Native American dwellings to cold storage for early Bend residents. Central Oregon’s caves are delicate ecosystems that few have experienced in this way.Distillery: After caving, we’ll head to a local distillery. Guests will learn both the history and process of distilling (legally). We’ll enjoy local libations and from your most favored spirit we’ve included a happy hour cocktail of your choosing.
$120
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Deschutes River Photo Tour
Running through the middle of Bend, the Deschutes River offers plenty of amazing photo ops. Whether we decide to go through downtown Bend, Dillon Falls, or Shevlin Park, the Deschutes River never disappoints.This tour can include some moderate walking. We'll show you our favorite shots based on how active you want to be.Private Tour capped at 2 people to ensure personalized instruction and individualized attention.Tour Price: $299 up to 2 people
$299
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Limited Entry Cave Tour
Adventure: Wanderlust Tours is the premier destination for cave tours in Bend, Oregon! Join us on this epic subterranean tour on Bend’s ponderosa pine-studded high desert. Our renowned naturalist guides will highlight sweet bits of these cool caverns that might not initially meet the eye. This experience is private, not a public accessible cave. Naturalist Guided Experience: During our 2 hours underground, in the darkest, quietest spot earth can provide, we may impart an understanding of the region’s geology- how massive volcanoes created these wonders. Or we might share how the cave habitat provides for creatures important to human life. Your crew will be energized with revelations about natural and cultural history that’ll keep your mind humming with delight long after you return home with fond memories of the tour. Caves: Bend’s lava caves have a delicate ecosystem that few have experienced to the fullest! Wanderlust Tours is the only guide company permitted in these special lava caves. These caves are also wild, meaning they do not have a paved path or lighting. Closed toe shoes are recommended for navigating the uneven rocky surfaces. Cave Difficulty: Mother Nature has created a wonderfully diverse array of caves that offer a variety of experiences. All of the caves we visit are wild, meaning other than the staircase to enter them there are no man made improvements put into the caves (walkways or lights). The walking surface is uneven and can be varying degrees of rugged and rocky.In our estimation, this cave presents an easier degree of difficulty. The walking surface is mostly level and sandy with occasional rocky sections. There are still fun opportunities towards the back of the cave for some scrambling and crawling for those interested.On all our cave tours, our guides are attentive to keeping the pace suitable to all members of the group so that everyone can move at a comfortable speed.
$85 - $110
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Volcano Tours
The story of Central Oregon’s explosive geological history.Adventure: Wanderlust Tours is the premier destination to explore the belly of a volcano in Bend, Oregon! Join us on this super engaging series of walks inside this massive volcano. Naturalist Guided Experience: At 6,300 feet, our journey will take us to a mountain of pumice and obsidian— black volcanic glass integral to human life! We may explore the shores of the sparkling Paulina Lake where Native Americans once called home. Our knowledgeable guides can introduce you to an old-growth hemlock forest where you’ll see decaying logs that possess more living mass than when the tree was alive and standing. Cool facts like this await illumination on our volcano trip. A combination of short, easy walks totaling just under 2 miles.Our Volcano Tour is the perfect outing for your corporate group or family reunion in Bend, Oregon because it caters to all ability levels!
$75 - $100
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High Desert Museum Admission
This unique museum reveals the West’s High Desert region through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs and meaningful history. Whether you’re a local or planning to visit Bend, Oregon, discover why we’re a top-rated Thing to Do in Bend by TripAdvisor!The Museum is just 5 minutes south of Bend or 10 minutes north of Sunriver on Highway 97, but it feels like stepping into a different time and place. Get close-up views of native wildlife such as river otters, porcupines and birds of prey. See art through a different lens. Chat with historic characters who’ll share tales of life at the turn of the 20th century. Visit an authentic homestead and sawmill from 1904. Learn about Native American cultures, and delight your children with one of many fun, hands-on programs. You’ll be glad you came!During the summer months, the Museum offers airline-style crates for small- to medium-sized dogs, where your dog can relax and cool off in the parking and picnic area. Water is available – be sure to bring a bowl. Contact Admissions for a crate key and lock to secure your pet. Please note that Museum personnel do not monitor the crates – your dog is your responsibility.
$20
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Full Day Trip: Cascade Lakes
Nestled in the Cascade Mountain Range just west of Bend are over 10 quality stillwater fisheries. Couple these unique fly fishing lakes with the nearby streams, creeks, and rivers, and you get a fly fishers dream. Located a short drive from downtown Bend, these lakes range from modest to grand in size. One aspect they all share is beauty. When you visit one of these fly fishing treasures, youll agree.A fly fishing trip to one of the Cascade Lakes is best suited for anglers looking for relatively low impact and highly productive outings. If you are interested in a positive first fishing experience with your son, daughter, or non-angling spouse, consider a trip to East Lake or Lava Lake. During the peak of the season on either lake, we can practically guarantee they catch some fish. Your guide will meet you at the designated location at a predetermined time. Packed with everything you'll need for a successful day of fishing, you will travel with your guide to the lake of choice. A full day trip will span 8 hours for fishing, and includes a lake-side BBQ lunch.
$500
Things to Do in La Pine, Oregon
Whenever you visit, you’re never short on fun things to do in La Pine, Oregon. Here’s a rundown of some of the city’s most popular activities all year long.
While the night away: La Pine boasts several bars and tasting rooms with atmospheres ranging from relaxed and laid back to boisterous and lively. Legend Cider, for instance, is the city’s first cidermaker—and pours a variety of fun, fruity flavors; its outdoor space hosts a few food carts and offers plenty of room to stretch out. Just down the highway, Vic’s Bar & Grill is a rollicking roadhouse that hosts live music, elevated pub grub (from massive burgers to broasted chicken), pool tables, darts, and more. For more on nightlife around town, check out our page on bars in La Pine, Oregon.
Play a few holes: La Pine sits just 15 minutes south of the public Quail Run Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course that offers plenty of fun for golfers of all abilities. Four sets of tees create course lengths from 5,400 to more than 6,800 yards—and views range from bucolic forested settings to wide-open panoramas of nearby peaks and hillsides. And if you’re looking to hit the links elsewhere around the region, we have plenty of information on golfing in Central Oregon.
Sample spirits from Badlands Artisan Distillery: Since 2020, Badlands Artisan Distillery has taken a creative approach to crafting its unconventional spirits—like a sweet vodka made with plum and sloe berries, and a vodka finished in repurposed wine barrels. Find its spirits at bars and stores around town, or pick up a bottle from Badlands’ production facility. For more on craft spirits around town, learn more about distilleries in La Pine, Oregon.
Dig into a filling meal: Whether spending the night nearby or passing through, chances are good you’ll want to kick back with some grub in La Pine. Fortunately, several restaurants offer a variety of cuisines—including Ponderosa Pizza Parlor (which serves pies piled high in a classic pizza parlor setting) and Cinco de Mayo (home to creative margaritas and filling chile rellenos since 1995). No matter what sounds good, read up on restaurants in La Pine, Oregon.
Check out La Pine’s dispensaries: Despite its relative size and rural location, La Pine boasts three marijuana dispensaries around town. Since 2015, for instance, HD Botanicals has employed friendly budtenders who can offer personalized recommendations on flower, pre-rolls, vaporizers, edibles, and other products; the dispensary even offers a drive-thru lane where visitors on the go can pick up their pre-ordered product. Learn more about dispensaries in La Pine, Oregon.
Read more about planning your La Pine Getaway right here.
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Top Areas to Check Out Near La Pine, Oregon
La Pine is a fun destination in its own right, but the city also serves as a waypoint for visitors exploring the nearby Cascades, alpine lakes, Newberry Volcano, and more. Here are a few fun day trips or overnight outings for exploring the landscapes surrounding La Pine.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument: Check out the Newberry National Volcanic Monument for a look at 500,000 years of Central Oregon history. Spread across the monument’s 57,400 acres are dozens of explosive attractions—including the Lava Butte cinder cone, the eerie Lava Cast Forest, the mile-long Lava River Cave, Newberry Caldera, the other-worldly Big Obsidian Flow, and the 80-foot Paulina Falls. Within the Newberry Caldera (the centerpiece of the monument) sit six tent and RV campgrounds with shoreline camping, boat ramps, and restrooms—just in case you need another day or two to see it all.
LaPine State Park: Just 15 minutes north of town and set in a forest of ponderosa pine, LaPine State Park is an idyllic basecamp for year-round outdoor recreation. Summer means exploring the mountain biking and hiking trails that run through the park, standing at the foot of “Big Tree” (the largest in Oregon), floating the Deschutes River, or staying the night in the park’s nearly 130 campsites (in addition to 10 log cabins); in winter, visitors cross-country ski and snowshoe the park’s trails, which occasionally afford dramatic views of nearby Cascade peaks. Discover LaPine State Park, and learn more about other national and state parks in Central Oregon.
Wickiup Reservoir: Just a half-hour west of town, Wickiup Reservoir offers some of Central Oregon’s best fishing and wildlife-viewing. Anglers love trying to catch brown trout (which can reach 20 pounds or more in early spring), kokanee, and coho salmon in the reservoir’s cool, deep channels—while wildlife around the reservoir includes several species of gull, sandpipers, falcons, deer, elk, raccoons, and bats.
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More stories from La Pine
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
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Top State Parks to Visit in Central Oregon
A trip to Central Oregon is usually one with ample time spent in the great outdoors. From the expansive high desert landscape to the Deschutes National Forest and all the rivers, lakes and sometimes volcanos in between, Central Oregon is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. What better way to explore the region than to take a tour of the local state parks? To get started, check out these six state parks to get an idea of what Central Oregon is all about.
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The Ultimate La Pine Getaway
Central Oregon is all about balance. Small towns, big recreation. Quaint corners, cascading views. Where endless serenity exists right outside your back door coupled with humble communities that are tough to beat. Take La Pine, for instance. Rural, friendly, relaxed, and charming with a side of soaring mountains, the sparsely populated La Pine, Oregon is an unlikely getaway that leads with boundless forests and top-tier recreation.
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The Scenic Waterfalls in Central Oregon
Is there anything more satisfying—anything more awe-inspiring—than gazing upon a thundering waterfall, its raging waters tumbling over ancient rock walls? Does it get any better than seeing a waterfall reach full boil in the midst of an otherwise quiet river as it crashes through a rock-lined canyon?
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Great Getaways: Newberry Country
When plunging into a multi-day adventure in Central Oregon, the number of choices can be well, overwhelming. There is just so much to do in this four-season playground that a traveler can be forgiven for suffering from a little indecision. One strategy is to break down the area by geography, clustering activities together that are within striking distance of a home base, be it a hotel, cabin, or RV parking spot.
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Newberry Crater: Ancient Attraction is an Activity Hub
It’s hard to believe, but 25 years ago, the volcanic features that make up Newberry National Volcanic Monument weren’t protected. If it wasn’t for a group of concerned Central Oregonians, the monument wouldn’t exist. “In the late 80s, at the time, the collaborative process we see today for land-use planning just wasn’t as common.
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Central Oregon Golf: Best Par 3s
Play a good golf course and chances are that when you’re back at the 19th hole, you’re talking about the Par 3s. The short one you made double on. The bear where you snaked in a 20-footer for your only birdie all month. They’re the “short” holes that can make or break a round. Some of the signature holes on the Central Oregon Golf Trail are Par 3s. Here’s a look at some of the best.
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Central Oregon Mountain Bike Trail Guide
The Central Oregon mountain bike scene is 300 miles of diverse singletrack through high alpine forests and sagebrush dotted deserts from Madras to La Pine, Sisters to Prineville. Bulletin newspaper reporter Mark Morical has ridden just about every one of the trails you’ll find on any mountain bike trail map – and he’s written about his experience.
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Central Oregon Winter Adventures
When the snow flies, Central Oregon shines. All you have to do is choose your adventure. Mt. Bachelor - The model of a complete snowsports resort, Mt. Bachelor offers 360-degree lift-served groomed skiing and riding from its volcanic summit.
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Central Oregon Hiking Trails
Head east on Highway 20 (Greenwood Avenue) to the Pilot Butte State Park. The parking area and trailhead are just east of the butte. Walk on either the nature trail or the paved road. The road is also for vehicle traffic, weather permitting. It is a wonderful viewpoint for the entire Bend area. This hiking trail is one of the most popular in Central Oregon.