Central Oregon Activities Guide

Explore Bend and the Deschutes River with ease on a guided e-bike tour. With an electric bike to assist, you can go farther and see more while learning local history and stopping for refreshments.

Tip: Includes e-bike and helmet; wear closed-toe shoes.

A relaxed guided e-bike ride focusing on Bend's riverfront, Old Mill District, and neighborhood highlights — great for visitors who want a local introduction.

Tip: Smaller groups sell out on weekends; book ahead.

A shorter e-bike experience focused on scenic stretches of the Deschutes River and nearby attractions — ideal for casual riders.

Tip: Bring a water bottle and camera for river views.

Guided kayak tours among the Cascade Lakes — stunning alpine scenery and calm water paddling. Some itineraries include multiple lakes and shore snacks.

Tip: Dress in layers; water can be chilly even on warm days.

Off-road ATV rides through High Cascades terrain — fast-paced, scenic fun with guided instruction and safety gear provided.

Tip: Closed-toe shoes required; bring sun protection and gloves if you have them.

Guided horseback rides along the Deschutes River corridor — serene river views and a relaxed pace suitable for most riders.

Tip: Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes; bring a camera for riverside views.

A guided evening canoe tour under the stars — magical moonlit paddling with storytelling and light refreshments.

Tip: Check moon phase and weather; tours run on calm nights.

Naturalist-led exploration of local lava tubes — learn volcanic geology and see dramatic subterranean formations. Guides provide lights and helmets.

Tip: Wear warm layers and sturdy shoes; tours often require bending and uneven footing.

Smaller-group or limited-access lava tube experiences — often include expert-led interpretation and quieter cave sections.

Tip: Limited-entry tours may require advance booking and have minimum fitness levels.

Meet alpacas and enjoy a guided outdoor picnic — a family-friendly experience combining animal encounter and local snacks.

Tip: Perfect for kids and small groups — book for a private time slot.

A tasty guided walk sampling chocolate, hot cocoa, and paired treats at local shops — a sweet local introduction.

Tip: Great as a half-day indulgence — bring comfortable shoes.

A guided tasting tour pairing Bend's food-truck scene with local breweries — small-group format with curated tastings.

Tip: Designated driver or transportation recommended when sampling beers.

A curated brewery crawl showcasing Bend's best craft beer scene with guided tastings and behind-the-scenes insights.

Tip: Bring ID; tours often include transportation between stops.

A playful city-wide scavenger hunt exploring downtown Bend's history, public art, and hidden gems — great for groups.

Tip: Works well for team outings or family groups; wear comfortable shoes.

A guided astrophotography outing to prime dark-sky locations with instruction on long-exposure techniques — capture the Milky Way over the Cascades.

Tip: Bring a tripod and spare batteries; instructors often provide remote triggers.

One-on-one or small-group photography tutoring focused on composition, camera settings, and local shooting locations.

Tip: Share your gear and learning goals when booking for a tailored session.

Private guided street photography tours through Bend's most photogenic neighborhoods and the Old Mill District — great for aspiring photographers and visitors who want curated shots.

Tip: Book a morning slot for softer light and fewer people.

Paddle boarding on calm waters followed by a lakeside happy hour — a relaxed small-group outing on the Cascade Lakes.

Tip: Bring swimwear and a towel; tours often include light snacks.

An interactive city-based murder-mystery experience — team up, solve clues, and explore Bend in a playful way.

Tip: Fun for groups — good for rainy-day entertainment.

The largest waterfall on the upper Deschutes River, thundering through a rugged lava canyon. Mostly flat, family-friendly, and beautiful year-round.

Tip: Combine with a bike ride on the Deschutes River Trail.

Oregon's most iconic crags — golden cliffs rising above the Crooked River. Misery Ridge is the classic loop with jaw-dropping views. Also world-class rock climbing.

Tip: Start early — the trail gets hot and crowded by midday in summer.

A Central Oregon classic — hike through wildflower meadows and lava fields to impossibly blue alpine lakes beneath the South Sister volcano.

Tip: Arrive before 7 AM on weekends — the trailhead fills fast.

A relatively short hike with enormous payoff — stand on the rim of a glacial cirque with views of Broken Top, the Three Sisters, and endless Cascades.

Tip: Wildflowers peak in July. Bring layers — it's exposed at the top.

A 97-foot waterfall just outside Bend with a scenic loop trail above the falls. Easy access and one of the most photographed spots in Central Oregon.

Tip: The upper trail gives you views most visitors miss.

Climb a cinder cone for 360° views of volcanic landscape, then walk the paved Lava Lands loop through jagged black lava fields. Great for all ages.

Tip: Timed entry may be required in summer — check recreation.gov.

The quintessential Central Oregon summer experience — float the gentle Deschutes on a tube or kayak through pine forests. Popular routes run from Sunriver toward Bend.

Tip: Rent tubes at the Sunriver Marina or in Bend. Bring sunscreen and a dry bag.

Guided rafting trips on the Deschutes — from mellow scenic floats to Class III rapids through Big Eddy. Professional guides, all gear included.

Tip: Book the Big Eddy Thriller for families with teens.

The Deschutes' most famous whitewater stretch — Class III rapids through a scenic canyon. Half-day guided trips suitable for adventurous beginners.

Tip: Wear a swimsuit under the wetsuit — you'll get soaked.

Calmer sections of the Deschutes near Sunriver are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and kayak exploring. Several outfitters rent gear by the half-day.

Tip: Morning water is glassy — best for SUP.

Bend's most beloved trail network — flowing singletrack through ponderosa pine with options from mellow to technical. Dozens of interconnected loops.

Tip: Start with 'Phil's Trail' proper — the original and still the best intro.

In winter, this sno-park transforms into fat-bike and cross-country ski terrain. In summer, nearby trails like Swampy Lakes offer high-elevation riding.

Tip: Check Trailforks for current trail conditions before heading out.

Lift-served downhill mountain biking in summer — no pedaling uphill required. Trails from green to double-black with full-suspension rentals at the base.

Tip: Rent a downhill bike at the base — it's worth it.

34+ miles of car-free paved paths through Sunriver — perfect for family rides. Grab a bike from our garage and explore the river, Village, and golf courses.

Tip: Ride to the Village for breakfast, then loop back via the river trail.

Playful, berm-filled flow trails near Bend that feel like a roller coaster on two wheels. Popular with intermediate riders looking for fun, not suffering.

Tip: Ride mid-week to avoid crowds.

Our home sits between the 1st and 10th holes — stroll to the clubhouse or driving range in minutes. A classic Central Oregon course through ponderosa pine.

Tip: McDivot's Cafe at the clubhouse is perfect for a post-round drink.

A world-renowned golf course designed by Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy — two courses ranked among the best in the Pacific Northwest. Public tee times available.

Tip: Book well ahead — this is a bucket-list course.

Guided trail rides through the pines for all experience levels, plus pony rides for little ones. A memorable family outing in any season.

Tip: Book the sunset ride for golden light through the trees.

The heart of Sunriver — shops, restaurants, an ice rink in winter, live music in summer, and events year-round. A five-minute bike ride from the house.

Tip: Check the events calendar for concerts and festivals.

Explore Bend and the Deschutes River with ease with this guided e-bike tour. With an electric bike to assist, you can go farther and see more with less effort, and with a guide, there’s no risk of getting lost. Ride through Bend, including the Old Mill District and lesser-known areas, while learning about the city and the river, with a stop along the way for snacks and beverages.

Tip: Includes use of premium e-bike and helmet