Best Things to Do in Central Oregon
Central Oregon is a dream destination for outdoor lovers and adventurers! From dramatic canyons and vibrant painted hills to raging waterfalls and alpine lakes, Central Oregon has something for everyone. Go on a hike, search for rocks, and try delicious local beer- whether it’s just a few nights or a longer visit. In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite hikes, adventurous activities, and the best free things to do in Central Oregon, as well as where to eat and the best places to stay on your trip!
Disclosure: My trip to Central Oregon was sponsored by Visit Central Oregon. However, all opinions shared in this post are entirely my own. This post also contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through one of the links.
Hike to One of the Best Waterfalls in Central Oregon
Oregon is known for its waterfalls, and Central Oregon has some great ones! Make sure to stop by one (or all) of these waterfalls on your trip to Central Oregon.
White River Falls
- Length: No hiking required to the top, 1 mile for Lower Falls
- Elevation Gain: 170 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
White River Falls is a hidden gem of a waterfall in Oregon! It is incredibly powerful and has two massive cascading falls! You can view White River Falls from the top, just steps from the parking lot, or continue down a short but steep trail to another view of the falls.
Steelhead Falls
- Length: 2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Steelhead Falls flows down the Deschutes River, and you can hike to a great view of the horseshoe-shaped falls. This trail is short but slick in spots from loose dirt and slippery rocks, so wear good shoes here!
Tumalo Falls
- Length: 0.5 miles, 6.4 miles when the gate is closed
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet, 557 feet when the gate is closed
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Summer season is busy for Tumalo Falls (which is easy to drive up to), so consider a mid-week or Spring/Fall visit. In Winter, the road closes, and it is a 3-mile hike down to the road to the massive waterfall.
Best Hikes in Central Oregon
One of the best things to do in Central Oregon is to go for a hike! Central Oregon has many hiking opportunities, including beautiful desert views like Smith Rock State Park, alpine lakes and meadows in Deschutes National Forest, and canyon trails near Crooked River!
Best Hikes in Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is a famous destination for climbers, but it’s also a great place for a hike! Take a relaxing stroll along the river or hike to the top of the rock!
Tip: Visit mid-week for a quieter visit. This area can get crowded, especially on weekends!
- Misery Ridge & River Trail– Trail that climbs up the infamous “Misery Ridge” and back down to walk along the Crooked River- 3.6 miles, 908 feet, difficult
- Crooked River Trail– If you don’t want to climb Misery Ridge, just walk along the Crooked River with views of Smith Rock- 4.3 miles, 324 feet, easy
- Rim Rock Trail– Easy trail that stays to the rim above Crooked River- 1 mile, easy
Best Hikes in Deschutes National Forest
If you’d rather hike in the mountains than the desert, visit the Deschutes National Forest. Some of these hikes require a day pass in the Summer, so check before you go.
- Green Lakes Trail– This trail winds up through a meadow and along a stream to three alpine lakes with views of South Sister- 9 miles, 1174 feet, moderate
- Black Butte Trail- Trail to the top of Black Butte, an extinct volcano that can be seen throughout Bend- 4 miles, 1558 feet, difficult
- Canyon Creek Meadows Loop– Loop trail through an alpine meadow that will take you past a couple of lakes- 7.4 miles, 1597 feet, moderate
Best Hikes Near Prineville
Prineville is an hidden gem of a town a little under an hour’s drive from Bend. It offers some great hiking and outdoor activities nearby!
- Chimney Rock Trail– An underrated trail that climbs up to the unique Chimney Rock, with great views all around- 2.7 miles, 623 feet, moderate
- Barnes Butte– Barnes Butte is close to Prineville, and climbing it will give you a view of the whole town!- 2.6 miles, 544 feet, moderate
Best Hikes Near Crooked River
If you want views similar to Smith Rock but with fewer crowds, check out hikes near Crooked River.
- Tam-a-lau Trail– This trail climbs above where the Deschutes and Crooked River meet for a great view. You can hike the whole trail or shorten it by just hiking to the first overlook- 6.6 miles, 823 feet, moderate
- Crooked River Canyon Overlook– Start at the top of Crooked River Canyon and hike down close to the river for a beautiful view- 2.2 mile, 518 feet, moderate
Best Hikes in John Day Fossil Beds Monument
A little further East of Central Oregon is John Day Fossil Beds Monument. This area is known for the “Painted Hills,” where the soil is vibrant oranges and reds, giving the rolling hills the illusion of being painted
- Painted Cove Trail– A quick loop through the bright red hills- 0.3 miles, easy
- Painted Hills Overlook– This trail leads to the main overlook of the Painted Hills- 0.6 miles, easy
- Red Scar Knoll– A short hike out the vibrant red knoll- 0.5 miles, easy
Free Things to Do in Central Oregon
Hiking is usually free (or with a small parking fee), but there are plenty of other free activities in Central Oregon as well! Go rockhounding, check out Central Oregon’s mural trail, or float down the Deschutes River.
Rock Hounding in Central Oregon
Central Oregon is known for having some of the best rockhounding in the world! What is rockhounding? Rockhounding is searching for interesting rocks and minerals, often on public land.
Central Oregon is home to various rocks, including jasper, agate, petrified wood, and thundereggs- geodes with colorful patterns and crystals inside. Pick up a Central Oregon Rockhounding Map to find what rocks you’re interested in and where to find them.
If you want to guarantee to take home a cool rock, stop by one of the many rock shops, including Richardson’s Rock Ranch, or visit a paid mine where you can dig for thundereggs like Lucky Strike Mine and Polka Dot Agate Mine.
Central Oregon Mural Trail
Another fun, free activity in Central Oregon is the Central Oregon Mural Trail. There are 10 murals across the towns in Central Oregon- Redmond, Sunriver, Maupin, La Pine, Sisters, Bend, Madras, Prineville, Warm Springs, and the Redmond Municipal Airport. Try to find one in each town you visit!
Rock Climbing in Central Oregon
Smith Rock State Park is well known for being one of the best climbing spots in the United States and is considered the birthplace of sport climbing. There is no better place to try out climbing if you’ve never gone before or spend the day if you’re experienced!
If you have never climbed before, book a session through a climbing guide like Chockstone Climbing Guides!
Other Things to Do in Central Oregon
Central Oregon is home to many other adventurous things to do! You can go rafting, drive ATVs, or bungee jump over its rivers.
- Rafting– Central Oregon has amazing rafting opportunities! Check out River Drifters in Maupin or Sun Country Tours near Bend
- ATV Tour– Go on an ATV adventure near La Pine with Outriders Northwest
- Bungee Jumping- In Redmond, you can bungee jump off Crooked River High Bridge with Central Oregon Bungee Adventures
Where to Eat in Central Oregon
Restaurants in Maupin
- Honey Buns Coffeehouse & Bakery– A cute coffee shop and bakery in Maupin with famous homemade honey buns!
- The Riverside– Restaurant near the Deschutes River, with great eats and a tap list!
Restaurants in Redmond & Terrebonne
- Junction Roastery– Coffee shop and roastery in Redmond
- Brand 44 N– This has to be one of the best brunch spots in Central Oregon!
- General Duffy’s Waterhole– A taphouse with a long beer list and a variety of food trucks on site
- Over the Edge Taphouse– This spot has great views and an on site pizza place
Restaurants in Prineville
- Golden Coffee Co– Cozy coffee shop in Prineville
- Dillons Grill– Great spot for lunch or dinner after a day of hiking and exploring
Restaurants in Bend
- Backporch Coffee Roasters– A delicious coffee shop in Bend
- Victorian Cafe– One of the best brunch spots in Bend!
- Wild Rose Thai– An adorable eatery with some of the best Thai food I’ve ever had
- Crux Fermentation Project– Brewery with a large outdoor patio
Where to Stay in Central Oregon
- The Oasis Cabin Resort– This is a really cute resort in Maupin with a bunch of tiny cabins and a large communal area with fire pits and picnic tables.
- Crooked River Ranch Cabins– A quiet and cozy getaway with a lodge and private cabins with a great view!
What to Pack for Central Oregon
Make sure to pack the right gear for hiking and exploring in Central Oregon! Below is what to pack for a Summer or shoulder season visit.
- Fleece- A fleece or mid-layer is great to have when hiking so you can easily take it off to cool down- Soft REI Fleece
- Heavy Jacket– The desert can be cool in the morning and evening, so you will want to pack layers if you plan on doing any sunrise or sunset hikes- My absolute favorite puffy coat
- Day Pack– If you plan on doing a decent amount of hiking, a day pack is always great to bring- Recommended Osprey Day Pack
- Beanie or Hat- You never know when the wind may pick up, so it is a good idea to always hike with a hat- Warm Beanie
- Hiking Boots Boots– Properly protect your feet and ankles when hiking with proper hiking boots- My Favorite Hiking Boots
- Hiking Pants– If you plan on doing a lot of hiking and climbing, you need a pair of pants that’s easy to move around- Comfortable Women’s Hiking Pants
- Sandals–In the Summer, there are a lot of water activities in Central Oregon! Bring a good pair of sandals.- Teva Sandals
- Water Bottle– If hiking, bring a water bottle to hydrate- Water Bottle
- Sunscreen– Much of Central Oregon is high desert, so make sure to protect your skin from the sun- SPF 50 Sunscreen
- Camera- Bring a camera to capture your memories!- Beginner Travel Camera
Leave No Trace Considerations in Central Oregon
Whenever you’re exploring, you should make sure to Leave No Trace, but this is especially important in fragile alpine and desert environments.
- Do research before heading to a trail
- Camp and travel responsibly
- Pack out what you bring in
- Leave what you find
- Minimize your campfire impact
- Don’t disturb the wildlife
- Be respectful of others
When to Visit Central Oregon
Central Oregon is worth visiting year-round! In the Summer, you can raft, paddle board, and hike in the mountains. Spring and Fall are great times to climb and go hiking in the high desert. In Winter, Central Oregon comes alive with snow sports. Go downhill or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Cascades.
