Central Oregon: Explore a Mountainous Paradise

Central Oregon’s beautiful scenery, sunny skies and dry climate set the ideal landscape for golf. Many of the game’s finest architects – including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and Bandon Dunes designer David McLay Kidd – have embraced the setting. Central Oregon has earned its place among the Top 50 Golf Destinations in the World by Golf Digest magazine, boasting 30 spectacular courses on the Central Oregon Golf Trail. At Sunriver Resort, the Northwest’s premier destination resort, golfers thrill to four unique on-property courses, including the challenge of Crosswater, a Golf Digest Top 100 and Golf Magazine Gold Medal award winner.

Come winter, sunshine and blue skies provide the backdrop for magical snow-covered landscapes and world-class skiing. Mt. Bachelor, a 2,760-meter volcanic cone, offers 360-degree skiing and snowboarding from November through May. Famous for its deep, dry powder, the mountain plays host to Olympic hopefuls and international competitions, as well as families looking for winter fun. With 88 runs served by a network of ten of the world’s fastest express lifts, there’s room for every interest and ability. Snowshoeing tours, sled dog rides and Nordic skiing are all offered on site.

With 300 days of sunshine, outdoor recreation beckons visitors throughout the year. The High Desert’s sparkling rivers and dozens of alpine lakes offer some of the finest fishing in the West. Stand-up paddling, whitewater rafting, hiking, boating, mountain biking on miles of single-track and cycling on designated scenic bikeways are popular pastimes.

When it’s time to come indoors, the High Desert Museum just south of Bend offers an engaging, educational experience for the whole family. This nationally acclaimed “living” museum explores the natural forces, historic events and cultural traditions that have shaped Central Oregon. This showplace facility incorporates live animals, a dynamic Birds of Prey exhibit, pioneer presentations, Western and Native American art, stream-side exhibits and walk-through-time dioramas.

Fine dining, award-winning craft breweries and tax-free shopping abound in picturesque settings that include the rustic Old West feel of Sisters, the beauty and sophistication of Sunriver and the historic Old Mill District or charming downtown village atmosphere of Bend. A busy cultural calendar includes music, theater, art festivals and special events. Accommodations in Central Oregon cater to every budget and taste, from intimate bed and breakfasts to luxurious Four Diamond resorts to traditional Western dude ranches. Convenient commercial air service to Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) from San Francisco and Los Angeles, CA; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; Salt Lake City, UT; and Denver, CO, make this world-renowned paradise accessible.