The kids are out of school, sunny skies fill the forecast, and your vacation time has been accruing for months: It’s time to plan your summer trip to Central Oregon.
Our mountain forests, sun-kissed high desert, alpine lakes, lazy rivers, and starry night skies provide the perfect playground for enjoying the top things to do in Central Oregon—so we’ve put together a curated round-up of the best summer activities and events across our region:
Keep reading for some of the top things to do in Bend, Oregon, in the summer—and across Central Oregon’s scenic landscapes.
Central Oregon’s Signature Summer Water Experiences
Whether you’re looking for an easy afternoon on the water or a thrilling adventure, you’ll find plenty of aquatic opportunities all summer long on the winding Deschutes River.
Brush up on water safety before your trip by checking river conditions with your outfitter, wearing a life jacket (required for children 12 and younger—and a good idea for all), and reviewing all necessary boating laws.
Float the Deschutes in Bend and Sunriver
Far and away, one of the top things to do in Bend, Oregon, in the summer is to float the Deschutes River through town. A local outfitter makes it easy by providing transportation to and from the river, along with all the gear you’ll need for a relaxing float. For more, see how to float the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon.
If you’re staying in Sunriver, enjoy a six-mile river float or paddle with gear and transportation from the Marina at Sunriver Resort. While you’re in the area, check out our guide to Sunriver, OR, for more fun activities.
Go Whitewater Rafting in Bend and Maupin
Around the likes of Bend and Maupin, the Deschutes River churns through lava flows and rocky canyons—creating rapids perfectly suited to whitewater rafting. Get started with a look at white water rafting in Bend and Central Oregon. And since Maupin is an idyllic home base for rafting the Lower Deschutes, plan your adventure with highlights in Maupin, Oregon.
Make the Most of Central Oregon’s Mountains
The Cascade Range hosts several vacations worth of outdoor adventures for laid-back travelers and thrill-seekers alike. Here are a few fun ideas for exploring the mountains of Central Oregon.
Discover Mt. Bachelor and Mountain Biking Across the Region
Mt. Bachelor is renowned for its powdery slopes and snowy offerings every winter, but the fun doesn’t stop when the weather warms up. In summer, the resort transforms into a scenic network of mountain biking paths that pair machine-built, flowy trails with views of nearby peaks.
Whether on Mt. Bachelor or elsewhere around the region, mountain biking is among the most popular things to do in Bend, Oregon, in the summer. Get inspired with our guide to biking in Central Oregon and a round-up of popular biking trails.
Drive the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Heading southwest from Bend, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway ascends into the heart of the iconic mountain range and offers some of the region’s most striking views (like those of South Sister at Sparks Lake), popular hiking trails, beloved paddling spots, and bucolic campgrounds. The 66-mile road is usually open between mid-May or early June and late October and mid-November—making it a staple of any Bend, Oregon, summer adventure. See some of the route’s highlights with our local’s guide to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Discover more things to do in spring on our summer activities page.
Tee-off with World-Class Golf
Sunny summer days and jaw-dropping backdrops make Central Oregon a golfer’s paradise. Dust off your clubs, and see some of the highlights on the Central Oregon Golf Trail.
Play Scenic Golf Courses Around Bend, Sunriver, Terrebonne and Beyond
Nearly 30 courses spread out across the region, taking golfers through pine forests, across lava flows, and onto wide-open fairways—usually with iconic peaks towering over it all. Courses at beloved resorts are designed by world-class architects, while public courses offer inventive experiences that incorporate the surrounding landscapes into their layouts. See what makes golfing in Central Oregon so special, and book your tee time today.
Explore Lava Landscapes, Lakes, and Caves Near Bend, Sunriver and La Pine
A series of eruptions of Newberry Volcano literally shaped the landscapes of Central Oregon and, eventually, some of our best outdoor adventures. An essential part of any Bend, Oregon, summer is a visit to the expansive Newberry National Volcanic Monument. There, around Bend and Sunriver, three separate sites take travelers underground at Lava River Cave, through the Lava Cast Forest, and into the heart of the still-active volcano at Paulina Lake.
Hike, Climb, and Take in the Views at Smith Rock and Beyond
Wherever your travels take you, epic views are never far away. Check out volcanic rock formations and the Crooked River at Smith Rock State Park, and stick around the area to explore many of the top things to do in Terrebonne. Just outside of Bend, meanwhile, Tumalo Falls tumbles nearly 100 feet in a forested canyon and is among Central Oregon’s most-photographed sites; make a day of your outing with our ultimate guide to hiking Tumalo Falls.
Saddle Up in Sunriver, at Brasada Ranch, and Black Butte Ranch
Embrace your inner cowboy or cowgirl with a laid-back horseback ride through Central Oregon’s peaceful forests. Stables at Sunriver Resort leads relaxing rides through pine forests and across meadows dotted with wildflowers; get an idea of what to expect with our guide to horseback riding in Sunriver, Oregon. The trails at Brasada Ranch cover more than 900 acres of Central Oregon high desert—and are open to riders 8 and older. And just outside Sisters, Black Butte Stables offers a variety of classic trail rides in the shadow of the Cascade Range.
Try Rockhounding and High Desert Adventures Near Prineville and Terrebonne
Volcanic lava flows, hardened ash, petrified wood, and other rocks and minerals reflect a variety of ecosystems that haven’t stopped changing for millions of years. On your next visit, try rockhounding in Central Oregon to see that evolution up-close and collect a few specimens for your collection back home. Prineville sits surrounded by forests, fields, and high desert expanses—and is among the region’s top rockhounding sites—so make the most of your expedition with our insider’s guide to Prineville, Oregon: things to do, food & lodging.
Catch Rodeos, Festivals, and Summer Events Across the Region
All summer long, events showcase the culture, history, creativity, artistry, and scenic beauty of Central Oregon. The fun ranges from art walks and food pairings to long-running rodeos and multi-day music festivals. If you’re looking to celebrate our Old West spirit, don your cowboy hat, and catch all the action with our rodeo events roundup. No matter your interests, browse our easy-to-use calendar of events to see what’s happening soon.
Wind Down with Family-Friendly Stops, Stargazing, and Summer Nights
Families from all walks of life find a variety of kid-friendly activities in Central Oregon—with opportunities that explore our region’s cultures, landscapes, and natural wonders.
Just outside of Bend and Sunriver, the High Desert Museum is an indoor-outdoor attraction with live animal displays (including several species of raptor), exhibits that celebrate the Native American cultures of Central Oregon, and activities for children of all ages. Nearby, Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is an idyllic visit during the daytime—hosting native plants and animals—but really comes alive at night, when visitors can stargaze with the largest collection of telescopes available for public use in the United States.
Plan Your Summer Trip Across Central Oregon
Ready to plan a memorable Bend, Oregon, summer—and to see the myriad scenic sites around our beautiful region? Plan your Central Oregon vacation with suggestions for how to get here, what to do, where to stay, and how to make your trip an unforgettable one. We’d also suggest perusing our breakdown of the top summer activities in Central Oregon to learn all about outdoor adventures—ranging from disc golf and live concerts to climbing at Smith Rock State Park and stargazing under our pristine night skies.
