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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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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Bachelor to Bend Full Day Guided Ride
Mt Bachelor to Bend is one of the most epic mountain bikes rides our area has to offer. Imagine this: crisp mountain air mixed with warm sunshine beaming on you as your guide unloads your bikes at the base of Mt. Bachelor, at the crest of the Cascade Mountains. You grab your hydration pack, strap on your helmet, and prepare to spend the rest of the day on up to 35 miles of sweet singletrack bliss as you make your way back to Bend.This is the most distinctive Central Oregon ride, but know that there are many options. However we get back to Bend, you will sure to experience miles of fast-flowing sections, rocky or rooty sections (if desired), scenic alpine views, forest cruising, and some of the most fun you can have in the area. As we descend in elevation, you’ll experience a change in ecosystems from wide-open Hemlocks to mixed conifer to classic Ponderosa stands. Plus, we’ll eat a tasty lunch on the trail at one of many scenic viewpoints.Can’t get enough of this ride? We highly recommend doing this tour more than once. We will give you a unique route each day with new trails and new scenery.
$129 - $240
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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 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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Smith Rock Sunset Photo Tour
If you enjoy scenic views of deep river canyons, Smith Rock State Park is the place for you. There are several thousand climbs, hikes and mountain bike trails in the park, so we can often see several climbers as well as some wildlife including golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otters and beavers.This tour can include some moderate hiking, or we can shoot right from the parking lot. 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.You'll have around 2 hrs on location. We'll keep shooting up to 30 mins after sunset. A night photography extension can be added.Tour Price: $299 up to 2 people
$299
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Bend Rock Gym
1 LOCATION – 3 GYMS – INFINITE POSSIBILITIES!
$15 - $20
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Bend Mountain Bike Shuttle
Meet at Cog Wild to catch the shuttle to Bend's trailheads along Century Drive. Each shuttle will drop at all 3 trailheads. Wanoga is the lowest, Sawmpy in the Middle and Dutchmans is the highest drop point. Please choose your desired trailhead when booking. Wanoga and Swampy drops are $15 per person. Dutchman is $20 per personThis is a one way shuttle, plan your route to end back at Cog Wild. All shuttles are non-guided. Shuttle riders need to be self sufficient: bring a map and have a route in mind, carry a first aid kit since there is no bike patrol out there. Carry enough food, water and clothing to support a day in the woods.If you have a large group and are interested in a Private shuttle please call us at 541-385-7002Rental bikes are not included in the cost of the tour. Please contact us directly with questions about the activity.Please sign the waiver, which is good for the entire year. Bend Trails and Trail Forks are great sites for researching which trail to ride for your group’s skill level and goals for the day. Maps are available to purchase at Cog Wild.
$17 - $22
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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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Bend Badlands | 2 Hrs.
Bend Badlands Tour. Take the wheel and conquer the ever-changing terrain or sit back and enjoy the exhilarating ride. Outriders' will show you the way through the true back country of Central Oregon. Drive through winding roads and spectacular lava flows. Head up and experience advanced trails to spot the wildlife and landscape of the lava flows with spectacular geologic features. The fresh air and beauty of Central Oregon will surround you. Come check out the fascinating terrain of The Deschutes National Forest! #goexplore!
$329
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.
Come for the
Adventure
Relish the
Relaxation
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.
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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Tour the Central Oregon Mural Trail
Take a scenic tour around Central Oregon, and among the lush forests, arid high desert landscapes and bright blue skies, you’ll start to notice stunning murals dotting the region. The murals, each with distinct symbols unique to the town, reflect the spirit of Central Oregon in animated colors and design. Artists Katie Daisy and Karen Eland began the “Greetings From…” series with inspiration from vintage postcards. Now, nearly every town in Central Oregon hosts a large hand painted mural with stunning details specifically designed for that town. Follow the Central Oregon Mural Trail and discover hidden treasures in each high desert town along the way.
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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.