Central Oregon is the meca for outdoor activities. Whether you are looking for a nice nature walk or want to scale to the top of one the 7 mountain peaks there is something for everyone.

Below are a list of some of our favorite things to do.

Walks

Eagle Crest River Trail – If you make your way to the Eagle Crest Sports Center and park towards the rear there is a trailhead that drops down to the river and allows you to walk several miles along the Deschutes River. There are a few picnic tables and several great spots to jump in to cool off on a hot summer day.

Eagle Crest Walking Multi-use paths – Right from the back of the house you have access to miles of walking paths that weave through the entire Eagle Crest Resort. It is about a 1.5 mile walk to each of the nearest pools. [3 mi round trip] These trails are also great for a afternoon bike ride.

Hikes

Smith Rock – Less than a 30 minute drive from the house is Smith Rock State park; it is known as one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the country. Additionally there are views a short walk from the parking lot. (Paid Parking required) If you are up for it continue down the path as there are multiple routes you can take and the scenery and people watching (climbers) is well worth the effort. For an easy hike stay to the left after you cross over the small footbridge. This will take you to the back side along the river and provide a great view of monkey face. For those looking for more of a hike take Misery Ridge trail up and over. Click here to plan your route.

Tumalo Falls – It is always hard to beat a waterfall hike and Tumalo Falls is no exception. Depending on the time of the year you may need to hike into the trailhead and parking tends to be limited (Paid Parking required). This is a moderate hike and it is a good idea to bring plenty of water and trail snacks. [60 minute drive] Click here to see more details.

Lava River Cave – This is such a unique experience and is highly recommended for all our guests. About a 40 minute drive from the house the Lava River Cave allows you to hike nearly a half mile below the ground. Paid entrance is required and you will also need head lamps (you can rent at the entrance). As you descend into the cave it will become darker and colder. Make sure to bring some layers and see if you can make it all the way to the back of the cave. Click here for more information.

If you would like more suggestions please send us an email or message and we would be happy to provide you with several other of our favorites.

Golfing

Within Eagle Crest there are three 18-hole courses. Additionally they have one of the most amazing put-put golf courses. For families with kids this is a great way to spend the evening. To learn more about Eagle Crest golfing click here or better yet make your way to the club house. [1.5 miles] Make sure to use your guest pass to save on your round(s) of golf.

There are so many great golfing options in Central Oregon. A few nearby options outside of Eagle Crest are Black Butte Ranch and Aspen Lakes.

Biking

Whether you are looking for a long ride on the road or a thrilling mountain bike ride there are so many great options. With too many choices I would suggest using trailforks or strava to find a suitable mountain bike trail. If you are looking for something nearby then Maston Trail head is a great option. There are also a few trailheads within Eagle Crest, such as the Cascade View trailhead that also offer great Mountain biking (or hiking).

There is a small bike rental company in Eagle Crest, but there selection is primarily casual bikes. There are several companies In Bend/Redmond which offer bike rentals. A few shops we recommend are Project Bike, Trinity Bikes, or Sunnyside Sports.

Float the Deschutes

One of the most popular activities is to grab a float and drift down the Deschutes River. We would recommend heading into Bend where there are tub rentals and a more developed stretch of the river. It is best to start in the Old Mill and float all the way down through the controlled rapids (where you can watch the river surfers) and then into downtown Bend. Catch the shuttle or take 2 vehicles and park on at each end. Additionally if you want to get your paddle on rent a paddle board or kayak and make your way up stream and enjoy the view. Click here for more information.

Other activities

White water Rafting
Rock Climbing
Horse Back Riding

A few great resources are Visit Bend and Visit Redmond.

Winter Sports

Central Oregon is also a great place for outdoor activities in the winter. On average we get 462″ of snow at Mt. Bachelor. Are snow tends to be light and fluffy as the moisture content is low. This makes for some of the most amazing powder days. There are dozens of Snow Parks on the way up to the mountain each offering a variety of activities.

• Snow Shoeing
• Cross Country Skiing
• Down Hill Ski and Snowboarding
• Tubing
• Snowmobiling