Central Oregon

If you love the outdoors you could spend a year in Central Oregon and not even scratch the surface of the things to do and sights to see. I lived in Oregon all my life, with about fifteen of those years in the Bend area until moving to Boise Id. because of my work. My family and I still have Central Oregon on the top of our list for vacations, even after living there all that time. What I miss the most is the fact that you can walk out your front door and be out in the mountains, desert or fishing at one of the many rivers and lakes in a matter of minutes. People who go to Central Oregon know all the main spots, I thought I would tell you about some of my favorite places a little more off the beaten trail.

I will start with a few places around Bend. All of these locations can be located on a map very easily. Tumalo Falls is a great place for a day hike, about 15 miles west of Bend. In the summer you can drive right to the parking lot and take a short hike to the top of the falls and beyond. I would recommend going in the winter, if you don't mind hiking a few miles in the snow. They close the gate at the bridge, but the falls when they are half frozen is defiantly worth the hike. Next Find China Hat road on the south side of Bend. As you drive out China Hat into the forest you will be treated to a great drive with a couple of fantastic views of the city as you go. But the real reason to head that direction is the lava tube caves. The Ice Cave and many more all just a few yards to a couple miles right off China Hat road. Most even have signs to them and will be marked on a map. Bring a good flash light. If you continue on China Hat road, the drive is great. In the summer you can go about 40 miles or so and end up at Fort Rock just outside Christmas Valley. This Rock formation shoots up about 400 feet straight out of the desert. Great hiking, (bring lots of water in the summer).Another place that most do not know about is the road to Todd Lake on the Cascade Lakes highway, a few miles past Mt.Bachelor. This road I would recommend at least a high clearance vehicle if not a 4x4. This road is only open to cars in the summer and that is depending on the snow. One side note, a lot of people want this road closed so stay on designated roads please. There is plenty of incredible views and trails to hike. About ten miles up the road there is a turn to the left that heads to a parking area almost at the base of Broken Top Mt. Park at the end of the road and take a short hike up the trail, as the trees break off to your left you will be treated to one of the most spectacular views in Oregon. You will be looking right into the crater, at the base of Broken Top. You can follow the trails all over the mountain, on to the glaciers ect. You can also hike up to the South Sister from here. The road you came in on from the highway will continue on and take you out to Three Creeks Lake, outside of Sisters, or you will come out at Tumalo Falls, outside of Bend. 4x4 recommended and a map, but well worth the drive. Newberry Crater outside of Lapine most locals know about with the fishing at Paulina Lake. I think the best part of Newberry Crater is the view from the top of Paulina Peak. A regular car can make the drive in the summer. You can even see Mt. Shasta on a clear day from the top. A few other places of note, Table Rock outside of Christmas Valley, Freemont Point, in the Freemont wilderness above Summer Lake, the hike to the top of Black Butte outside of Sisters, and Sand Mountain on the Santiam Pass behind Hodoo Ski Area. They are all great locations. I could keep going for days but I will stop for now. If anyone wants better direction or more info I would be glad to help out, just leave a note. Hope someone will use this to discover for themselves how wonderful Central Oregon is.