Plan Your Visit To
Sunriver, Oregon
Imagine the perfect vacation — a place where snow-capped mountains gleam in the distance, a meandering river cuts through picturesque fields of sagebrush and wild grass, days start with a bike ride to fresh coffee and pastries from a local shop and end with a cocktail or locally brewed beer, and every outdoor adventure is within reach. That perfect vacation exists — it’s all available in Sunriver, Oregon.
Sunriver Resort has a long record as a vacation destination for generations of Oregonians, and draws visitors from all over the world. No matter the season, a visit to Sunriver wows with its stunning backdrop and its endless activities, from golf to bike-riding to water slides.
The resort also is one of the original Central Oregon destination resorts, and it has a rich history. The land was part of Camp Abbot, a World War II-era military training post. If history is of interest to you, you’ll want to check out the Great Hall, a beautiful original Camp Abbot building which served as the officers’ mess hall and now plays host to weddings and other events. Check out the gigantic fireplaces built from tons of local lava rock, as well as the staircase hewn from a single pine tree.
Map of Sunriver, Oregon
Need to know where to start? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a map of the Sunriver, Oregon area to help find your way around:
Where to Stay in Sunriver, Oregon
Though primarily a resort community, Sunriver Resort does have some year-round residents and the accompanying amenities. The resort has a variety of options that will fit everyone, from a couple celebrating a milestone anniversary to an extended family reunion.
One of the resort’s most iconic buildings is the three-story Lodge, with 245 well-appointed guest rooms with fireplaces, decks and all the amenities of a hotel but better. Bonus: by staying in one of the lodge condos or guest rooms, you’ll be right in the thick of the action, with restaurants and shopping at hand. Those staying at the resort have access to the newly opened Cove Aquatic Center nearby, with an indoor and outdoor waterslide, as well as outdoor private cabanas and a lazy river on more than 12,000 square feet.
The resort also has vacation rental homes ranging from small condos to luxury rentals that sleep up to 16 people. These fall in three separate communities — the original area that comprises Sunriver, as well as two adjacent golf communities, Caldera Springs and Crosswater. No matter where you settle in for your time at Sunriver, you’ll be able to access 40 miles of bike trails, the marina and stables, pools and golf courses that make this area so special.
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Things to Do in Sunriver, Oregon
There is no shortage of things to do in Sunriver, and many of Central Oregon’s activities are easily found here. Rent a bike from Village Bike and Ski or another shop in the Village at Sunriver, then use it as your primary mode of transportation on nearly 40 miles of paved trails around the resort. Ride out to the Sunriver Stables for a guided horseback ride, or up to the Sunriver Marina, where in the summer you’ll want to rent a paddleboard, canoe, raft or other float and hit the Deschutes River. Start at the marina and enjoy a meandering float in the cold mountain runoff, with Ponderosa pines shading you from the high desert sun.
The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory offers family-friendly ways to learn more about the region’s diverse flora and fauna, or to check out the night sky through state-of-the-art telescopes. It’s one of several observatories in the region, all well worth your time.
When high desert temperatures rise, cool down at the Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic and Recreation Center (SHARC), which boasts a lazy river, water slides and an obstacle course.
In the winter, Central Oregon’s mountains are a big draw for visitors. Sunriver serves as an excellent home base for a ski or snowboard trip to Mt. Bachelor, which offers 4,300 acres of skiable terrain. You can rent skis and snowboards in Sunriver — the mountain is just 30 minutes away. Mt. Bachelor increasingly offers summertime activities as well, including a zip line and lift-accessed mountain bike trails.
The Village at Sunriver always has interesting events taking place. In summer you’ll find family-friendly activities, including a climbing wall, mini golf and a tiny train for the little ones. In the winter, the pavilion transforms into an ice-skating rink ready for the magic that comes with a snow-covered Central Oregon day. If you’re seeking a guided adventure, Sun Country Tours has a storefront in the Village at Sunriver and can help you access whitewater rafting and other outdoor fun.
Or strike out on your own and visit one of the nearby trails — just a few minutes from Sunriver is the Lava Lands portion of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, where you can access family-friendly hikes through the Lava Cast Forest and the Big Obsidian Flow or head underground into the Lava River Cave.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, the Village at Sunriver has a variety of dining options, including Sunriver Brewing Company, a mainstay for locals and visitors alike to grab a beer and pub fare. Or grab picnic makings at Sunriver Country Store and take them with you on your next adventure. Finish your perfect meal with a shave ice from Good 2 Go or an ice cream cone from Goody’s, which has been delighting visitors of all ages for decades. Outside of the Village, check out the Lodge’s centerpiece, Carson’s, or swing by Cafe Sintra for some Portuguese flavors.
More stories from Sunriver
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: Pull Off For a Central Oregon Adventure
The Cascade Lakes Scenic byway is one of the prettiest drives in the U.S. But it might be the most recreationally rich road you’ll ever drive too. From Bend southwest to the Highway 58 junction, the Oregon Route 372 cuts through 66 miles unique volcanic formations and geological beauty that offers everything that makes Central Oregon an outdoor lover’s paradise.
Winter Isn’t Only About Snow in Central Oregon
It’s true that when winter rolls around in Central Oregon, most people’s minds veer toward things to do in the snow. With Mt. Bachelor, Hoodoo, sno-parks and more, there’s plenty of options for folks to get out and play.
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.
Camp Abbot’s Important Role During World War II
Sunriver is one of the region’s oldest and most beloved destination resorts. Since the late 1960s, Oregon families have made memories here, riding bikes to the general store, learning to golf on the courses and swimming in the river and the resort’s pools.
Casual Family Weekend in Sunriver
Imagine this: you’re riding your bike through a rolling meadow, the Cascade mountain range in the background, and the only sound is from the whir of a prop plane taking off against a crisp blue sky. Up ahead, your children pull carrots from their pockets and present them to a gathering of friendly horses in an adjacent pasture.
Adventures Abound Starting at Sunriver Resort
Sunriver is the type of place that takes your breath away no matter what season it is. During the summer you can hop on a horse for your very own wild wild west experience. The team at Sunriver Stables will make you feel comfortable on your ride, even if you’ve never saddled up before. Whether you’re in a tube or a kayak, floating down the Deschutes River is a relaxing activity that’s fun for the whole family.
Lava Lands Visitor Center a Central Oregon Geologic Gem
In the late 1960s NASA looked for a place to send astronauts who were training for a mission that would change the world. But before the mission could happen, NASA needed a place to mimic what they believed those astronauts would find on the surface of the moon. Because, after all, nobody had been there before so nobody really knew what the surface of the moon was like.
Central Oregon Winter Adventures
WHEN THE SNOW FLIES, CENTRAL OREGON SHINES. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE.
Sammies and Sandos: Central Oregon’s Best Sandwiches
Sometimes after a day full of adventure, all that you crave is a simple, yet delicious, stick-to-your-ribs sandwich. (And a beer, obviously.)
Get Your “Ah-Ha” Beer Moment at Sunriver Brewing Company
Central Oregon can claim more breweries than quite a few states. We’re not exaggerating. Our region has 30+ breweries. That shows how much we care about craft beer but, it can make it tough to choose where to taste local brews, we get it!
