15 Things to Do in Central Oregon: Your Local Area Guide

Central Oregon isn't just a place to live. It's a lifestyle. With over 300 days of sunshine, world-class outdoor recreation, and a growing arts and food scene, you won't run out of things to do here. Whether you just moved in or you've been here for years and need fresh ideas, here's our local's guide to the best of the region.

1. Float the Deschutes River

From June through September, floating the Deschutes through Bend is basically a rite of passage. The popular stretch from Riverbend Park to Drake Park takes about two hours. Bring a tube, sunscreen, and a dry bag for your phone. Shuttle services run all summer long.

2. Ski or Snowboard at Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor has over 4,300 acres of skiable terrain and the season usually runs from late November through May. It's only 25 minutes from Bend, so it's easy to squeeze in a few runs before work or after school. Plenty of locals do exactly that.

3. Explore Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock is where American sport climbing got its start, and it's one of the most dramatic landscapes in the state. You don't have to climb to enjoy it. The hiking trails deliver incredible views of the Crooked River canyon. Misery Ridge is a tough hike but well worth the effort. Located just north of Redmond, it's also one of the most photographed spots in Oregon.

4. Mountain Bike the Phil's Trail System

Bend is a mountain biking town, and Phil's Trail is the crown jewel. More than 30 miles of singletrack range from beginner-friendly to expert-level. The trailhead is minutes from town, and the Central Oregon Trail Alliance keeps everything in great shape.

5. Visit the High Desert Museum

Part zoo, part museum, part nature center. The High Desert Museum south of Bend explores the natural and cultural history of the region. The raptor flight demos, the otter exhibit, and the rotating art galleries all make it worth coming back multiple times.

6. Craft Beer Tour in Bend

Bend has more breweries per capita than almost any city in the country. Deschutes Brewery, Boneyard Beer, Crux Fermentation Project, and 10 Barrel are just the start. The Bend Ale Trail passport program covers over 30 participating breweries.

7. Hike the Cascade Lakes

The Cascade Lakes Highway west of town is a scenic drive lined with alpine lakes, trailheads, and volcanic landscapes. Todd Lake, Green Lakes, and Sparks Lake are popular summer spots. Come in the fall for larch colors and thinner crowds.

8. Attend the Bend Film Festival

Every October, the Bend Film Festival brings independent filmmakers from around the world. Screenings happen at multiple venues in downtown Bend, and the festival has quietly become one of the best indie film events in the western U.S.

9. Stroll Through Sisters

Sisters combines western charm with genuine creativity. The main street is lined with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The annual Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show in July is the largest outdoor quilt show in the world, bringing in over 10,000 visitors.

10. Paddleboard on Elk Lake

Elk Lake is about 30 minutes west of Bend and offers crystal-clear water with Cascade peak views that are hard to beat anywhere. Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing are popular from June through September. Elk Lake Resort rents gear if you don't have your own.

11. Explore Newberry Volcanic Monument

South of Bend, Newberry National Volcanic Monument has obsidian flows, crater lakes, and volcanic landscapes unlike anything else nearby. Paulina Falls is an easy hike to a stunning waterfall, and the Big Obsidian Flow trail takes you across a massive field of volcanic glass.

12. Catch a Concert at Les Schwab Amphitheater

Bend's main outdoor music venue sits right along the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District. The summer concert series brings national touring acts to an intimate riverside setting. Grab dinner at one of the nearby restaurants first.

13. Winter Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

When the snow flies, Central Oregon opens up as a winter playground beyond the ski resort. Virginia Meissner Sno-Park, Swampy Lakes, and Edison Butte all have groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through beautiful ponderosa forests.

14. Farmers Markets

The Bend Farmers Market runs Wednesdays from May through October in downtown. NorthWest Crossing hosts a Saturday version. Redmond has its own Saturday market too. Expect local produce, artisan goods, and live music at all of them.

15. Sunset at Pilot Butte

Pilot Butte is a cinder cone right in the middle of Bend with 360-degree views of the Cascades, the city, and the high desert. You can drive or hike to the top, and the sunsets are some of the best you'll see in Oregon. Fun fact: it's the only state park located entirely within a city.

Central Oregon has something for everyone in every season. If you're looking for a rental out here, High Desert Property Management has listings across Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville, Madras, and beyond. Check our availability page or contact us to find your next home.