Top places to visit in Central Oregon

Bend is surrounded by Sisters (West), Redmond (North), and Sunriver (South), all of which are main cities in Central Oregon! Here are some favorites to check-out in the area:

The Cascade Lakes

During the Spring / Summer / Fall seasons when the Cascade Lakes pass is open, be sure you to spend at least a half day exploring the series of 14 lakes set within the Cascade Mountain Range. The best way to see and reach the lakes is to drive the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway that stretches 66 miles long and has many stops for camping and adventure! Although there are amazing views throughout the whole drive, some of the biggest draws for locals and visitors alike are the sweeping views of Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top and Three Sisters.

Check out Todd Lake for a shorter hike, Sparks Lake for a picnic and paddle board sesh, Elk Lake for a solid day trip (there's a lodge there), and Little Fawn Campground for beach-by-the-lake overnight stay!

Bachelor Butte (Mt. Bachelor)

Often called "Mt Bachelor", though it is technically a Butte, this spot is a phenomenal place to spend the day skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer. If you don't want to pay for a lift ticket and are feeling adventurous, you can trek up the Cone (the right side of the mountain) and snowboard or ski down! Across the street is some of the best backcountry hiking and riding in town.

Suttle Lake Lodge

A beautiful place to rest, recharge and cozy up. This gorgeous wooden-beam lodge greets you with an open living-room style dining room to eat, gather and take-in the lake. Sit by the indoor fireplace and play a board game, or venture outside to the boathouse for rentals and lake fun. If you're planning to stay overnight, Suttle Lake offers rooms at the Lodge, beautiful on-site cabins or campgrounds spots around the water. Last but not least, the Lodge has a super yummy menu and bar! Try the trout, it's the day's catch!

Sahalie Falls

Sahalie Falls or "Heaven" in Chinook jargon, is located along the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass and West Cascades National Scenic Byways off Highway 126. The evolution of these falls date back 3,000 years and provide stunning white water cascades to view just minutes from the parking lot.

For a better view, take the trail up behind the fall to see the river flow stream. You can also enjoy miles and miles of hiking around the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail.

Smith Rock

Smith Rock State Park is like the 8th wonder of the world and is gorgeous for catching a sunrise or sunset! With several thousand climbs, more than a thousand are bolted routes and miles upon miles of hiking, this breathtaking place offers day-time adventuring and overnight camping. During your trek, keep an eye out for golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otter and beaver throughout the canyon!!

Crater Lake

A national park that is incredible to experience in the summer's heat or winter's snow. You can see as much of the sky in the reflection from Crater Lake as you can looking up; the water, the land, and the air carries a purity and cleanliness that will take your breath away. It is a 90 minute drive south of Casa Virginia, and is worth every minute.