Central Oregon

Central Oregon sits in the rain shadow east of the Cascades, with Bend, Smith Rock, Newberry's volcanic landscape and year-round outdoor recreation under sunny skies.

Central Oregon lies east of the Cascade Range, where the forests give way to ponderosa pine and high desert. Bend is the main hub, with a walkable downtown, the Old Mill District on the Deschutes River, and a large craft brewery scene. Redmond has the region's airport, Roberts Field, and Sisters is a small western-themed town in the shadow of the Three Sisters volcanoes. Smith Rock State Park near Terrebonne is famed for rock climbing and has scenic hiking above the Crooked River. South of Bend, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument includes Lava Butte, Lava River Cave and the Paulina and East Lakes, while the High Desert Museum covers the natural and cultural history of the region. The Three Sisters Wilderness and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway offer alpine hikes, lakes and paddling, and Tumalo Falls is a short drive from town. Mt. Bachelor, southwest of Bend, is a major ski resort with a long season. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking and rafting on the Deschutes; winter brings skiing and snowshoeing. Spring and fall are mild and less busy. Bend is about three hours from Portland by road, and Redmond airport has direct flights from several western cities. A car is necessary to reach most trailheads and viewpoints. Crater Lake is within a long day trip to the south and is covered under Southern Oregon.