Group travel has grown enormously in recent years, and the trend has certainly taken root in Central Oregon. Families plan white water rafting adventures on the Deschutes River, couples take romantic hot air balloon rides high above Smith Rock State Park, and business groups hit the trail for mountain bike and ATV adventures that head deep into our forested backcountry.
If you’re inspired to plan a bonding exercise, team-building trip, or just-for-fun outdoor foray on your next visit, we put together a list of the top 10 group adventures in Central Oregon:
Keep reading to learn about some of the best group tours and guided adventures in Central Oregon.
1. White Water Rafting on the Deschutes River
One of our most popular group travel outings every summer is white water rafting on the Deschutes River. A number of experienced outfitters who know the water well lead trips through the Big Eddy Thriller rapids near Bend and on the Lower Deschutes River near Maupin—home to some of the channel’s biggest, most exhilarating stretches of white water. River Drifters, in particular, is a knowledgeable outfitter beloved for taking groups out on fun, fast-paced guided adventures in Central Oregon. For more, check out our guide to white water rafting in Central Oregon.
2. Spend a Summer Day at Mt. Bachelor
See our Cascade peaks from new heights on a thrilling zipline adventure at Mt. Bachelor. Every summer, the resort transforms from one of our top ski and snowboard destinations into a summer playground with a dual-line zip line that drops 1,400 feet while showing off the Three Sisters and other peaks. Even if you’re not thrilled about heights, Mt. Bachelor offers sunset dinners, a network of mountain biking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, hiking trails to its summit, and sun-kissed chair lift rides—all of which make excellent group activities near Bend, Oregon.
3. Paddle the Cascade Lakes
With dozens of crystal-clear lakes and many more mountain views to admire, paddling is an iconic sport around our region—which makes a day on the water one of the top group activities near Bend, Oregon. Kayak tours with Wanderlust Tours make it easy to get started by providing gear, transportation, instruction, and insight into the natural and cultural history of Central Oregon. The Bend-based outfitter’s Cascade Lakes tour includes two hours on the water and plenty of time to snap photos of nearby peaks. For more inspiration, read about kayaking & canoeing in Central Oregon.
4. Backcountry Skiing Tours
Some of the more popular group activities in Sunriver and the surrounding mountains are backcountry ski tours with local outfitter Oregon Ski Guides—which take skiers away from popular resorts and onto quieter, more remote slopes. The beginner-friendly outings include instruction, snowmobile transportation, and a day of breaking new trails. Best of all: The small-group excursions don’t require any backcountry experience.
5. Hot Air Balloon Ride Near Terrebonne
If you’re listing the most scenic guided adventures in Central Oregon, chances are good that hot air balloon tours with Big Sky Balloon Co. would land near the top. The long-running outfitter departs from near Redmond and Terrebonne and offers one-hour sunrise flights that tower over the signature formations at Smith Rock State Park. Small group tours are available, as are romantic outings for couples.
6. Hike or Climb at Smith Rock State Park
Several miles of trails crisscross Smith Rock State Park, from mostly flat footpaths along the winding Crooked River to hikes that summit Misery Ridge and reach the highest heights of the popular park. With so many trails to choose from and so much to see, let an expert lead the way. The outfitter Adventure Tours Bend leads a hiking group tour for up to four people, with the intensity of each trip determined by your group’s members. Of course, with thousands of routes in the park, Smith Rock is also a climber’s paradise—so brush up on climbing in Central Oregon if you’re interested in scaling the park’s sheer rock faces.
7. Guided Mountain Bike Tours in Bend
Whether you’ve never hopped in the saddle or are an expert rider, mountain bike tours provide some of the most fun guided adventures in Central Oregon. Local outfitter Cog Wild leads a number of mountain bike tours that encompass half- and full-day guided rides, family-friendly trips, advanced treks, and all-inclusive adventures for private groups. If you’re curious, get the rundown on bike tours in Central Oregon.
8. Book a Guided Fly Fishing Trip
Clean channels, cool pools, and deep waters offer idyllic conditions for resident and migrating fish—which has transformed Central Oregon into a world-class fly fishing destination. Several outfitters lead half- and full-day tours that include all the necessary instruction, gear rentals, and (for full-day trips) lunch. Numerous guides and outfitters across the region will show you the ropes and take you where the fish are biting; a few include River Borne Outfitters, which has led guided fly fishing trips on the Lower Deschutes since 2008, and Confluence Fly Shop based in Bend.
9. ATV or Off-Road Tour in Sisters, OR
Glide across gravel backroads and across lava tubes—all in the shadow of our snow-capped Cascade peaks—with an ATV or off-road adventure. Head out with Outriders Northwest, which leads tours that cross lava flows, cut through forests of ponderosa pine, and afford views of several snow-capped peaks. Octane Adventures leads ATV scenic tours throughout Central Oregon, with one of the top group tours taking place on Santiam Pass near Sisters. See where else the less-traveled roads might take you with a look at ATV and off-roading in Central Oregon.
10. Guided Snowmobile Tours
Make the most of winter with snowmobiling tours in Central Oregon. Outfitter Octane Adventures, part of the Polaris Adventures network, offers two- and four-hour tours, along with a sunset dinner trip, that head high above the Central Oregon high desert and into the heart of Newberry National Volcanic Monument—which is otherwise mostly inaccessible during the heart of winter. Small groups can book two-seat snowmobiles, necessary equipment, and instruction for a safe and enjoyable day in the snowy forest.
Choose the Right Central Oregon Adventure for Your Group
Start to plan your Central Oregon vacation by choosing the right experience for you and your group. No matter your crew’s size, start the brainstorming by narrowing your options by season (take a look at our top summer activities for group travel inspiration), where you’ll be based, what activity levels you’ll feel comfortable with, and which activities sound fun and might benefit from a guide. Once you’ve zeroed in on a few fun outings, book well in advance to ensure your spot—and get ready to enjoy popular guided adventures in Central Oregon.
