Central Oregon Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Drake Park featuring a park and autumn leaves
Newberry National Volcanic Monument which includes a lake or waterhole, forests and landscape views
Bend which includes a garden
Old Mill District featuring a river or creek and a bridge
Drake Park featuring a garden

Enjoy year-round outdoor pursuits in a region of great natural beauty. Hike where astronauts learned to walk on the moon.

Central Oregon's wide-open spaces, tall mountain peaks, lava fields, rivers and crater lakes exert a powerful pull year-round on thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Walk through arid badlands, descend mountain ski runs and scale sheer rock walls. Visit the region’s towns and cities for concerts, museum exhibitions and other cultural pursuits.

A great way to experience Central Oregon’s diverse terrain is on a hiking expedition. Take the Waterfalls Loop Trail along the McKenzie River, which passes the powerful cascades of Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls. Go walking in the Oregon Badlands Wilderness, a vast swath of arid terrain.

At the Newberry National Volcanic Monument find more than 100 miles (170 kilometers) of trails through a volcanic landscape that resembles the moon's surface. During the 1960s, NASA’s Apollo astronauts trained in a lava field that is now part of the Trail of Molten Lands. Enjoy many other outdoor pursuits. Bike, hike or ride horseback on the trails. Canoe, kayak and raft on the Deschutes River. Surf and standup paddleboard at Bend Whitewater Park. Climb the spectacular peaks of Smith Rock State Park or view them from lower levels.

In the winter, snow turns parts of Central Oregon into a frozen playground. Ski, snowboard and take part in other snow-based adventures at Hoodoo Ski Area and at Mount Bachelor Ski ResortOpens in a new window.

About 20 miles (30 kilometers) east of Mount Bachelor is the town of BendOpens in a new window. Go on a beer-tasting adventure with visits to the breweries on the Bend Ale Trail. Attend a concert at the art deco Tower Theatre. Travel to other towns and cities, such as Madras and Culver. In Warm Springs, learn about Native American history and culture at the Museum at Warm Springs.

To reach Central Oregon, fly into Portland International Airport and drive south. Alternatively, travel from other parts of North America by train, bus or car.

Where to stay in Central Oregon

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Sunriver

Unique features of Sunriver include the golf courses and river views. Make a stop by Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center or Sunriver Resort Golf Course while you're exploring the area.

Sunriver
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Southern Crossing

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Southern Crossing, you might make a stop by sights like Hayden Homes Amphitheater and Old Mill District.

Southern Crossing
Bend featuring a bridge

River West

While visiting River West, you might make a stop by sights like Drake Park and Deschutes River.

River West
Bend featuring a bridge

Old Bend

If you're spending some time in Old Bend, Deschutes River and Drake Park are top sights worth seeing.

Old Bend
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Larkspur

While Larkspur isn't home to many top sights, Pilot Butte State Park and Old Mill District are some notable places to visit nearby.

Larkspur
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Three Rivers

Three Rivers is noteworthy for its river views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Deschutes River and La Pine State Park.

Three Rivers
Days Inn by Wyndham Bend

Days Inn by Wyndham Bend

2 out of 5
849 NE Third Street, Bend, OR
The price is NZ$179 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$179
28 July - 29 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Staff was awesome..remember they have a counter with coffee cereal oatmeal and mini cups of drinks but no real food..claiming covid stopped that..they should take that off theirads..false advertising is rude"

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Bend
The Lodge at Eagle Crest Resort

The Lodge at Eagle Crest Resort

3.5 out of 5
1522 Cline Falls Road, Redmond, OR
The price is NZ$322 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$322
28 July - 29 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa resort in Redmond. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Nice golf course very quiet."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

The Lodge at Eagle Crest Resort
Red Lion Inn & Suites Deschutes River Bend

Red Lion Inn & Suites Deschutes River Bend

2.5 out of 5
15 NE Butler Market Road, Bend, OR
The price is NZ$270 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$270
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,026 reviews)
"Convenient location and good breakfast."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Red Lion Inn & Suites Deschutes River Bend
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sunriver Resort

Sunriver Resort

4 out of 5
17600 Center Drive, Bend, OR
Book a stay at this spa condo in Bend. Enjoy free valet parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
"Nice property and suite but check-in was 1.5 later than posted on Expedia. According to property, Check-in is at 4 pm and not guaranteed until 6 pm. Expedia did not add that info on their listing of the property - only that check-in was at 4 pm. We got there at 4:00 and our suite wasn’t ready until ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Sunriver Resort
Crooked River Ranch Cabins

Crooked River Ranch Cabins

3 out of 5
14193 SW Chinook Dr, Terrebonne, OR
Stay at this 3-star golf cabin in Terrebonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Crooked River Ranch Golf Course and Steelhead ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (143 reviews)
"Great family retreat. Very relaxing lots of outdoor activities to do, limited TV channels which can be good and bad."

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Crooked River Ranch Cabins
Luxury in Bend, OR | Guestroom + Nature Experience

Luxury in Bend, OR | Guestroom + Nature Experience

3 out of 5
3075 N. Business 97, Bend, OR
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Hayden Homes Amphitheater and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (17 reviews)
"Amazing spot. Loved our room. Would recommend!"

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025

Luxury in Bend, OR | Guestroom + Nature Experience
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Central Oregon