Central Oregon is at the top of my bucket list. With the beautiful landscapes that include everything from lakes and rivers to buttes and mountains, it has everything any nature-lover could want. Some of the top things on my list are– hiking, rafting down level four rapids, and trying the newest brew on tap at the infamous 10 barrel. A Central Oregon itinerary can consist of many things, however here’s what I would plan out.
The first of three stops on my itinerary is Bend, Oregon.
Bend is one of the most up and coming towns on the West coast. Overflowing with personality, from its hip breweries and bars, to the calm noise of the Deschutes river flowing through, Bend is a must see for anyone traveling through Central Oregon. I would recommend spending time in Bend walking around the Old Mill District, floating the Deschutes (kayaking or paddle boarding is also a GREAT experience) and exploring the endless breweries around town.
The Old Mill District has a variety of shops and restaurants that line the river. It is the perfect spot to go for a nice meal and some quality shopping, with the assortment of stores such as: Athleta, Banana Republic and LuluLemon, as well as a handful of quaint boutiques, and outdoor / recreation shops.
The Deschutes River flowing through the Old Mill District
Floating the Deschutes River is a must when visiting Bend. It is up to you whether you chose to float in inner tubes, rafts, kayaks or paddle boards but the slow current and beautiful surroundings make for an unforgettable experience. Due to the high popularity of this recreational excursion, Bend has made it an easy and accessible experience. Between the drop off / pick up locations and tube rentals, all you’re responsible to bring is a good attitude.
The brewery scene in Bend is unmatched. They’ve got the famous big name breweries such as 10 Barrel and Deschutes Brewery, as well as some not-so-famous but still excellent ones. My top picks are between Bend Brewing Company and Sunriver Brewing. Both offer family-friendly scenes as well as mouth-watering food and delicious beer. However, it seems impossible to make a wrong choice when it comes to picking a brewery.
The Blackened Salmon Salad from Bend Brewing Company
Next up on my itinerary is Mt.Bachelor.
Mt.Bachelor is a very popular ski resort in Central Oregon. In the winter you’ll find it piled high with snow and thousands of skiers / snowboarders, but in the summer it offers a different kind of thrill. It recently introduced a new zip lining experience. It has three different stages of breathtaking scenery while you soar through the air. If the zip line isn’t for you, I recommend you check out the Sunset Dinner offered on top of the mountain, where the only way to arrive is by chairlift.
Riding the chairlift down from the Sunset Dinner
The last stop on my itinerary is Sisters.
This small town has a rich history and plenty to offer. Its named after the Three Sisters Mountains which offer a variation of hiking and biking trails. Similar to Bend, Sisters has its own variation of lakes surrounding it that provide opportunity for fun water activities. It also features a variety of up-scale spas and golf courses. A summer night in Sisters always ends with a beautiful sunset.
An August night in Sisters, Oregon
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