Top Things to do in Central Oregon
Top Hotels in Central Oregon
- 1. Best Western Plus Rama Inn
- 2. SCP Redmond Hotel
- 3. Best Western Premier Peppertree Inn at Bend
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Bend
- 5. The Oxford Hotel
- 6. Hilton Garden Inn Bend
- 7. Springhill Suites by Marriott Bend
- 8. Best Western Plus Bend North
- 9. Best Western Ponderosa Lodge
- 10. La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Bend
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10 Things to do in Central Oregon That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Central Oregon, United States including Smith Rock State Park, Sahalie and Koosah Falls, Clear Lake, High Desert Museum, Lava Lands Visitor Center, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint, Trail to Benham Falls, Tumalo Falls, Painted Hills.
Restaurants in Central Oregon
1. Smith Rock State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,086 reviews
Reviewed By wonderland62 - Hillsboro, United States
I don't know what is more impressive - views of nature or watching rock climbers scale cliff walls! Bring water and you can have your pick of different trails (difficulty scale is accurate).
2. Sahalie and Koosah Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By AnitaH489 - Lodi, United States
We have vacationed in the Sisters area a couple times over the recent years and included this hike on our itineraries. Our friends actually hired a limosine the first time we went there as we were all on bicycles and without cars. We went back this summer because it's close to Sisters, it's an easy hike for a rest day off the bike and the scenery and falls are beautiful.
3. Clear Lake
4. High Desert Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,911 reviews
The museum, set on 135 acres of pine forest, has something for everyone. Explore the nature, culture and spirit of the High Desert through fun, interactive, indoor and outdoor exhibits. Encounter live animals, interact with living history characters at the Miller Ranch, visit the 1904 sawmill. See what life was like for pioneers, enjoy Western art and an extensive Native American collection. Special programs and events for all ages. Due to current state COVID-related restrictions, our outdoor exhibits, gift shop and cafe patio are open. All indoor exhibits are closed. Go to highdesertmuseum.org/tickets to see our reduced rates!
Reviewed By NorthStar606814
OHDM is an awesome place to visit. It has wonderful interpreter presentations to discuss wonderful exhibits like the Otter Ponds and the Rapters (Eagles, Hawks, Owls,etc) The American Indian exhibits are excellent with awethentic displays. The reptile exhibit is very interesting (altho I miss the rattlesnakes). There is just so much to see -- both inside and outside! The walks and living history exhibits of pioneer days, logging days, and the interesting willow brush round pen for livestock is fascinating. It is easy to spend a whole day seeing and interacting with the wonderful displays and presenters. Be sure and schedule time to take in the excellent retail shop with its array of books, gifts, food, children's items and collectibles. A top-rate facility!
5. Lava Lands Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
The interpretive hub for the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Reviewed By Anne47675 - Bend, United States
We love this visitor center and would visit frequently since it is free with your northwest pass. The short hiking loop around the lava flow is great for a short hike with a super view of the 3 Sisters and Cascades. The displays have an amazing amount of information about volcanoes and the formation of the local area. In addition you can take a shuttle up to the top of the cinder cone lava butte. Super outing for family or friends.
6. Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 819 reviews
One of the nation's newest national monuments, this 55,500 acre area seeks to preserve unique accessible volcanic features.
Reviewed By hbodesign - Portland, United States
Take the whole day and don’t miss a thing! We went to the lava fields first (caves were closed due to COVID) - an easy paved path throughout with plenty of view points and info placards along the way for a self-guided tour. Getting to the top requires some uphill walking, but not too steep. Next up was the Obsidian Flow - DO NOT MISS THIS! Unbelievable, and the perfect follow up to the rough textured pumice from the lava fields. The Obsidian Flow trail is more rugged than the lava fields, so wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops!). You can view from the bottom of the hill, but if you are able, you can get a gorgeous view from half way up via a railed staircase. There are benches to sit down and take it all in. And if you’ve got some stability and healthy knees/ankles, you can climb even higher via a worn rough path through the rocks. The view is SPECTACULAR up there, and its a bit like walking on another planet, with black glass rocks all around. Literally, awesome! Lastly, we ended our day by driving to the peak of Paulina. WOW - a winding drive on a sometimes narrowing road, but so worth it! I thought the view at Timberline Lodge was good, this is BEYOND. 360 degree views from 8000 ft. Additionally, incredible foliage, random obsidian, and petrified wood abound. No hiking required but there are a few paths from the parking lot if you’re adventurous and want to get a little closer to the edge!
7. Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 707 reviews
Reviewed By E4823BPbenv - Spokane, United States
We hiked up the road which was in the sun and a steady grade. It was tougher than I expected for a trail ranked as easy on AllTrails. Hiked down the dirt trail and it was more scenic and shaded and less steep. The 360 degree view was worth the 1.2 mile hike. Appreciated the signs that pointed out each of the peaks in the distance. Stunning!
8. Trail to Benham Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Reviewed By marktS5189DV - Hillsboro, United States
Nice hike on a well-manintained trail to Benham Falls. the trails after the falls were pretty muddy .Enjoy the natural beauty of Oregon
9. Tumalo Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 684 reviews
Reviewed By JimHop - Seattle, United States
This trail was fantastic. You can drive right up to see the spectacular falls right from the parking lot, then our group did an 8 mile hike through the forest to the valley, with even more waterfalls and views along the way.
10. Painted Hills
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By PandaHouston - Houston, United States
After visiting the Sheep Rock Unit, we drove 50 minutes to Painted Hills. We did this during our road trip as we made our way from Boise to Bend on Wednesday 9/9. Neither area required any fees which was nice. At Painted Hills, we did several trails: Carroll Rim - this was the longest at 1.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 374 feet. It took us around an hour. It gives you views from above but really isn't necessary if you are not up to it because it can get hot and there is no shade. Painted Hills Overlook Trail - 1 mile round trip. This was easy and took around 20 minutes. This trail gives you the best photos of Painted Hills. Note that the colors will change depending on the time of day. Painted Cove Trail - .25 miles round trip and on easy board walk. You can see the red hills here. This trail took around 10 minutes. Leaf Hill Trail - .5 miles round trip. This trail was not very interesting. You can give it a pass. The last one which we did not do was Red Star Knoll Trail. This is a short .5 mile round trip trail as well. The roads in Painted Hills are not paved. It is a dirt gravelly road. In total, we spent around 2 hours here and I really enjoyed our time here. The crowds were not too bad when we visited on a Wednesday.
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