Exploring Central Oregon
Food and Drink scene
Long time Central Oregon restaurant serving homemade Mexican food! The six-page menu includes entrees and combinations for lunch and dinner (the latter is served anytime). Appetizers include the usual nachos, quesadillas and bean dip, and our choice, guacamole. The heaping of creamy avocado had a good balance of flavors, neither too much lime or spice, but enough to enhance the avocado, making for a great starter. The shining star at Cinco de Mayo is the homemade tortillas. Closed on Sundays.
21 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Cinco de Mayo Mexican Restaurant
51470 US-97Long time Central Oregon restaurant serving homemade Mexican food! The six-page menu includes entrees and combinations for lunch and dinner (the latter is served anytime). Appetizers include the usual nachos, quesadillas and bean dip, and our choice, guacamole. The heaping of creamy avocado had a good balance of flavors, neither too much lime or spice, but enough to enhance the avocado, making for a great starter. The shining star at Cinco de Mayo is the homemade tortillas. Closed on Sundays.
Diner style breakfast, lunch or an early dinner with a variety of classic menu items. Closed on Sundays.
9 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Harvest Depot
U.S. 97Diner style breakfast, lunch or an early dinner with a variety of classic menu items. Closed on Sundays.
One of my favorites and highly recommended! Interesting and delicious uniquely-crafted spirits. Also offers light breakfast items including coffee, sandwiches, soups, salads and shareable plates. Cool outdoor space. During the months of nice weather (spring - fall), you may be lucky enough to stumble in for live music on the patio or a comedian. Usually closed M,Tu,W and open through the weekend. But best to call first!!! Their hours do vary. Food trucks available.
8 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Badlands Artisan Distillery
One of my favorites and highly recommended! Interesting and delicious uniquely-crafted spirits. Also offers light breakfast items including coffee, sandwiches, soups, salads and shareable plates. Cool outdoor space. During the months of nice weather (spring - fall), you may be lucky enough to stumble in for live music on the patio or a comedian. Usually closed M,Tu,W and open through the weekend. But best to call first!!! Their hours do vary. Food trucks available.
Another great place in La Pine! Unfiltered all-natural cider made from only Northwest-grown apples and all natural juices. No added sugar, corn syrup, or anything artificial. Fun indoor and outdoor space and great place to end your day of exploring in Central Oregon. Also offers a food truck with wood fired pizza and another serving authentic Mexican food. Really great place and definitely worth the stop.
Closed on Tuesdays. Shorter hours during the week, a bit longer on weekends. Call before heading over there as their hours do vary!!
13 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Legend Cider Company
16481 hwy 97Another great place in La Pine! Unfiltered all-natural cider made from only Northwest-grown apples and all natural juices. No added sugar, corn syrup, or anything artificial. Fun indoor and outdoor space and great place to end your day of exploring in Central Oregon. Also offers a food truck with wood fired pizza and another serving authentic Mexican food. Really great place and definitely worth the stop.
Closed on Tuesdays. Shorter hours during the week, a bit longer on weekends. Call before heading over there as their hours do vary!!
Looking for a place to grab a drink, a bit to eat AND relax with one of the best views in Central Oregon? The family-friendly taphouse is located on the edge of the wetlands overlooking the Little Deschutes. There is an outdoor eating area (covered/heated in the winter), a remodeled indoor bar, and four food trucks. Food trucks can vary but currently, the offerings are Cluckin Amazing, Fat Kat BBQ, Fish Lips and LaChapelle's Pizza. Grab a beer and cheers to the sun going down on another beautiful day in La Pine!
Wetlands Taphouse
Looking for a place to grab a drink, a bit to eat AND relax with one of the best views in Central Oregon? The family-friendly taphouse is located on the edge of the wetlands overlooking the Little Deschutes. There is an outdoor eating area (covered/heated in the winter), a remodeled indoor bar, and four food trucks. Food trucks can vary but currently, the offerings are Cluckin Amazing, Fat Kat BBQ, Fish Lips and LaChapelle's Pizza. Grab a beer and cheers to the sun going down on another beautiful day in La Pine!
Grocery Stores
Rays Food Place
51537 US-97Local grocery store for all your needs.
Wide selection of groceries at discount prices.
19 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market
694-B SE 3rd StWide selection of groceries at discount prices.
Liquor Stores
La Pine Liquor Store
51470 U.S. 97Closed on Sundays
Activities
40 miles, 60 minutes. The sixth largest ski resort in the United States has over 4,300 acres of lift accessible terrain with 12 lifts, magic carpets, terrain parks, rental shops and plenty of food options for a day away. The Nordic center offers classic and skate-style cross country skiing with 56 kilometers of groomed trails.
In the summer, the mountain bike park has downhill trails for all ability levels - from novice riders to expert dirt jumpers. Or go for a day of frisbee golf or ride the zip line. Enjoy a sunset dinner on the mountain for a perfect evening at high elevations.
176 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Mount Bachelor
40 miles, 60 minutes. The sixth largest ski resort in the United States has over 4,300 acres of lift accessible terrain with 12 lifts, magic carpets, terrain parks, rental shops and plenty of food options for a day away. The Nordic center offers classic and skate-style cross country skiing with 56 kilometers of groomed trails.
In the summer, the mountain bike park has downhill trails for all ability levels - from novice riders to expert dirt jumpers. Or go for a day of frisbee golf or ride the zip line. Enjoy a sunset dinner on the mountain for a perfect evening at high elevations.
63 miles, 1 hour 10 mins to North Entrance. With a depth of 1,943 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States - and one of the most beautiful. The water's intense blue color is an indication of its great depth and purity. Surrounded by cliffs, the lake is fed entirely by rain and snow. Scientists consider Crater Lake to be the cleanest and clearest large body of water in the world. Crater Lake rests in the belly of a dormant volcano. The volcano once stood 12,000 feet tall, but it collapsed after a major eruption 7,700 years ago. Later eruptions formed Wizard Island, a cinder cone that rises from the water. The park has an abundance of fascinating volcanic features, including a second rocky island, the Phantom Ship. Crater Lake itself occupies less than 10% of the park. Beyond the lake, old-growth forests blanket the landscape. Established in 1902, the park protects 15 species of conifers, from towering ponderosa pines to ancient whitebark pines. These trees shelter a wide array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, elk, and spotted owls. In the summer, enjoy hiking, biking or exploring the lake. In the winter, the road around the lake is closed to cars, making it a fun place to Nordic ski or snowshoe. Drive time to Crater Lake in the winter is longer due to North Rim road closure due to snow. North Rim entrance opens in mid-June, but varies based on snow pack. BE SURE TO CHECK ROAD/WEATHER CONDITIONS BEFORE YOU GO.
385 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Parque Nacional del Lago del Cráter
63 miles, 1 hour 10 mins to North Entrance. With a depth of 1,943 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States - and one of the most beautiful. The water's intense blue color is an indication of its great depth and purity. Surrounded by cliffs, the lake is fed entirely by rain and snow. Scientists consider Crater Lake to be the cleanest and clearest large body of water in the world. Crater Lake rests in the belly of a dormant volcano. The volcano once stood 12,000 feet tall, but it collapsed after a major eruption 7,700 years ago. Later eruptions formed Wizard Island, a cinder cone that rises from the water. The park has an abundance of fascinating volcanic features, including a second rocky island, the Phantom Ship. Crater Lake itself occupies less than 10% of the park. Beyond the lake, old-growth forests blanket the landscape. Established in 1902, the park protects 15 species of conifers, from towering ponderosa pines to ancient whitebark pines. These trees shelter a wide array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, elk, and spotted owls. In the summer, enjoy hiking, biking or exploring the lake. In the winter, the road around the lake is closed to cars, making it a fun place to Nordic ski or snowshoe. Drive time to Crater Lake in the winter is longer due to North Rim road closure due to snow. North Rim entrance opens in mid-June, but varies based on snow pack. BE SURE TO CHECK ROAD/WEATHER CONDITIONS BEFORE YOU GO.
You could spend days exploring the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. There are 14 alpine lakes along the route and many miles of hiking trails. It was selected by Scenic America as one of the nation’s ten most important byways. It’s a drive of 66 miles and with stops for exploration, will take you 3-5 hours to complete. The route offers stunning mountain views including Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, South Sister, and more. The road opens seasonally in June (depending on snow conditions) and closes in October beyond Mt. Bachelor. Along this drive, you can fly fish, see the headwaters of the Deschutes River, swim, hike, climb a mountain, see wildlife, get ice cream, launch a kayak and soak your soul in the outdoors in any other variety of ways, before the Cascade Lakes Highways ends at OR-58 near Crescent and Odell Lake.
In the winter, there are sno-parks before Mt. Bachelor for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiles or sledding.
BE SURE TO CHECK ROAD/WEATHER CONDITIONS BEFORE YOU GO.
17 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway
Cascade Lakes National Scenic BywayYou could spend days exploring the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. There are 14 alpine lakes along the route and many miles of hiking trails. It was selected by Scenic America as one of the nation’s ten most important byways. It’s a drive of 66 miles and with stops for exploration, will take you 3-5 hours to complete. The route offers stunning mountain views including Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, South Sister, and more. The road opens seasonally in June (depending on snow conditions) and closes in October beyond Mt. Bachelor. Along this drive, you can fly fish, see the headwaters of the Deschutes River, swim, hike, climb a mountain, see wildlife, get ice cream, launch a kayak and soak your soul in the outdoors in any other variety of ways, before the Cascade Lakes Highways ends at OR-58 near Crescent and Odell Lake.
In the winter, there are sno-parks before Mt. Bachelor for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiles or sledding.
BE SURE TO CHECK ROAD/WEATHER CONDITIONS BEFORE YOU GO.
35 miles, 45 minutes. Check out the Newberry National Volcanic Monument for a look at 500,000 years of Central Oregon history. Spread across the monument’s 57,400 acres are dozens of explosive attractions—including the Lava Butte cinder cone, the eerie Lava Cast Forest, the mile-long Lava River Cave, Newberry Caldera, the other-worldly Big Obsidian Flow, and the 80-foot Paulina Falls. Within the Newberry Caldera sits two lakes as well as numerous hiking and biking trails. BE SURE TO CHECK ROAD/WEATHER CONDITIONS BEFORE YOU GO.
58 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF
58201 U.S. 9735 miles, 45 minutes. Check out the Newberry National Volcanic Monument for a look at 500,000 years of Central Oregon history. Spread across the monument’s 57,400 acres are dozens of explosive attractions—including the Lava Butte cinder cone, the eerie Lava Cast Forest, the mile-long Lava River Cave, Newberry Caldera, the other-worldly Big Obsidian Flow, and the 80-foot Paulina Falls. Within the Newberry Caldera sits two lakes as well as numerous hiking and biking trails. BE SURE TO CHECK ROAD/WEATHER CONDITIONS BEFORE YOU GO.
15 miles, 25 mins. Just north of us and set in a forest of ponderosa pine, LaPine State Park is an idyllic spot for year-round outdoor recreation. Summer means exploring the mountain biking and hiking trails that run through the park, standing at the foot of “Big Tree” (the oldest Ponderosa Pine in the World), floating the Deschutes River; in winter, visitors cross-country ski and snowshoe the park’s trails, which occasionally afford dramatic views of nearby Cascade peaks. McGregor Point is a fantastic place for a quiet picnic with some pretty incredible views. The Day Use area offers a swimming hole and more picnic options. Best part is that this is a FREE state park!
25 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Parque Estatal LaPine
15800 State Recreation Rd15 miles, 25 mins. Just north of us and set in a forest of ponderosa pine, LaPine State Park is an idyllic spot for year-round outdoor recreation. Summer means exploring the mountain biking and hiking trails that run through the park, standing at the foot of “Big Tree” (the oldest Ponderosa Pine in the World), floating the Deschutes River; in winter, visitors cross-country ski and snowshoe the park’s trails, which occasionally afford dramatic views of nearby Cascade peaks. McGregor Point is a fantastic place for a quiet picnic with some pretty incredible views. The Day Use area offers a swimming hole and more picnic options. Best part is that this is a FREE state park!
30 miles, 35 minutes. This unique museum reveals the West’s High Desert region through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs and meaningful history.
The Museum is just 35 minutes north on Highway 97, but it feels like stepping into a different time and place. Get close-up views of native wildlife such as river otters, porcupines and birds of prey. See art through a different lens. Chat with historic characters who’ll share tales of life at the turn of the 20th century. Visit an authentic homestead and sawmill from 1904. Learn about Native American cultures, and delight your children with one of many fun, hands-on programs. You’ll be glad you came!
284 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Museo del Desierto Alto
59800 US-9730 miles, 35 minutes. This unique museum reveals the West’s High Desert region through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs and meaningful history.
The Museum is just 35 minutes north on Highway 97, but it feels like stepping into a different time and place. Get close-up views of native wildlife such as river otters, porcupines and birds of prey. See art through a different lens. Chat with historic characters who’ll share tales of life at the turn of the 20th century. Visit an authentic homestead and sawmill from 1904. Learn about Native American cultures, and delight your children with one of many fun, hands-on programs. You’ll be glad you came!
23 miles, 30 minutes. A planned mountain resort with golfing, bike and walking paths, restaurants, shops, aquatic center, and access to the Deschutes River for fishing, paddling and floating on a hot summer day. Boat, SUP and tub rentals including shuttle are available. In the winter, there is plenty of Nordic skiing, playing in the snow and drinking hot chocolate.
60 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sunriver
23 miles, 30 minutes. A planned mountain resort with golfing, bike and walking paths, restaurants, shops, aquatic center, and access to the Deschutes River for fishing, paddling and floating on a hot summer day. Boat, SUP and tub rentals including shuttle are available. In the winter, there is plenty of Nordic skiing, playing in the snow and drinking hot chocolate.
36 miles, 45 minutes. Oregon’s largest city east of the Cascades, Bend is the sunny face of Central Oregon and one of the state’s most popular hubs for year-round recreation. Its vibrant downtown — filled with shops, hotels, restaurants and Bend’s renowned array of craft breweries — nudges up alongside the Deschutes River, bordered by historic Drake Park. A bit farther south, a shuttered paper mill has been reborn as the Old Mill District, another riverfront commercial core with shopping, entertainment and a network of walking/ cycling paths. Bend is a great place to start the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and then end at our place.
87 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Bend
36 miles, 45 minutes. Oregon’s largest city east of the Cascades, Bend is the sunny face of Central Oregon and one of the state’s most popular hubs for year-round recreation. Its vibrant downtown — filled with shops, hotels, restaurants and Bend’s renowned array of craft breweries — nudges up alongside the Deschutes River, bordered by historic Drake Park. A bit farther south, a shuttered paper mill has been reborn as the Old Mill District, another riverfront commercial core with shopping, entertainment and a network of walking/ cycling paths. Bend is a great place to start the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and then end at our place.
Accessible from either Sunriver or just beyond the Lava Lands Visitor Center at the Benham Falls East Day Use Area, Benham Falls is a short hike or bike ride through the old growth ponderosa pines on the edge of a riparian area to the falls. There are picnic tables at the falls so bring a lunch. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to see local kayakers testing their skills running the falls. Continue down the Deschutes River Trail for spectacular scenery and a truly enjoyable outing.
81 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Benham Falls Overlook
Accessible from either Sunriver or just beyond the Lava Lands Visitor Center at the Benham Falls East Day Use Area, Benham Falls is a short hike or bike ride through the old growth ponderosa pines on the edge of a riparian area to the falls. There are picnic tables at the falls so bring a lunch. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to see local kayakers testing their skills running the falls. Continue down the Deschutes River Trail for spectacular scenery and a truly enjoyable outing.
39 miles, 45 minutes. Crescent Lake is a popular recreation lake in a setting of wooded shorelines, sandy beaches and brilliant blue-green water. In addition to fishing for kokanee, lake trout, rainbow and brown trout, people come to this lake for sailing, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing and camping.
13 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Crescent Lake
39 miles, 45 minutes. Crescent Lake is a popular recreation lake in a setting of wooded shorelines, sandy beaches and brilliant blue-green water. In addition to fishing for kokanee, lake trout, rainbow and brown trout, people come to this lake for sailing, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing and camping.
54 miles, 1.5 hours. Thick forests, hiking, mountain biking, camping, swimming and boating. Waldo Lake is a recreation gem of the Cascades (besides the hordes of mosquitoes in early summer). Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon. Lying high on the western slopes of the Oregon Cascades, Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon and one of the purest lakes in the world. It has no permanent inlet to bring nutrients into the lake for plant growth. The lack of plant life contributes to its purity. You can see to depths of 120 feet on a calm day. It offers a uniquely peaceful setting on the water and along remote shorelines, surrounded by forests of Douglas fir and Western Hemlock. Recreation in the area is abundant with the lake an ideal location for water activities like sailing, canoeing and swimming.
19 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Waldo Lake
54 miles, 1.5 hours. Thick forests, hiking, mountain biking, camping, swimming and boating. Waldo Lake is a recreation gem of the Cascades (besides the hordes of mosquitoes in early summer). Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon. Lying high on the western slopes of the Oregon Cascades, Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon and one of the purest lakes in the world. It has no permanent inlet to bring nutrients into the lake for plant growth. The lack of plant life contributes to its purity. You can see to depths of 120 feet on a calm day. It offers a uniquely peaceful setting on the water and along remote shorelines, surrounded by forests of Douglas fir and Western Hemlock. Recreation in the area is abundant with the lake an ideal location for water activities like sailing, canoeing and swimming.
35 miles, 45 minutes. This is one of central Oregon's best wildlife viewing sites because it attracts such a variety of nesting and/or migrating birds. The relatively shallow reservoir was dammed to store irrigation water that is managed by the North Unit Irrigation District. The water level often lowers dramatically by October. The easiest access for shoreline viewing is at recreation sites or along the 2.6-mile earthen dam.
The reservoir covers an area on the Deschutes River which was known as the Wickiup's. It was a camping area for Native Americans during the fall. Wickiup Dam was started in 1939, and was completed in 1949. Wickiup Reservoir is very rich, highly productive, relatively warm water and cooler deep channels generate some of the finest fishing in Central Oregon.
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Wickiup Reservoir
35 miles, 45 minutes. This is one of central Oregon's best wildlife viewing sites because it attracts such a variety of nesting and/or migrating birds. The relatively shallow reservoir was dammed to store irrigation water that is managed by the North Unit Irrigation District. The water level often lowers dramatically by October. The easiest access for shoreline viewing is at recreation sites or along the 2.6-mile earthen dam.
The reservoir covers an area on the Deschutes River which was known as the Wickiup's. It was a camping area for Native Americans during the fall. Wickiup Dam was started in 1939, and was completed in 1949. Wickiup Reservoir is very rich, highly productive, relatively warm water and cooler deep channels generate some of the finest fishing in Central Oregon.
45 miles, 1 hour. Elk Lake is a picturesque setting, with the Three Sisters towering over the north end of the lake and Mt. Bachelor dominating the eastern horizon. It is not a rich lake but is so transparent you can see the bottom clearly from any location on the surface. There are no obstacles to boating on the lake, and the few weed beds stay pretty short. Great place for sitting on the beach, sailing or kayaking, swimming or eating dinner while listening to live music at the resort.
41 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Elk Lake
45 miles, 1 hour. Elk Lake is a picturesque setting, with the Three Sisters towering over the north end of the lake and Mt. Bachelor dominating the eastern horizon. It is not a rich lake but is so transparent you can see the bottom clearly from any location on the surface. There are no obstacles to boating on the lake, and the few weed beds stay pretty short. Great place for sitting on the beach, sailing or kayaking, swimming or eating dinner while listening to live music at the resort.
23 miles, 35 minutes. Another one of central Oregon's premier wildlife viewing sites for migrating birds. Osprey, bald eagle and many waterfowl frequent the area. The relatively shallow reservoir was originally dammed to store irrigation water managed by the Central Oregon Irrigation District. Most access to the shoreline is at recreation sites. Go to Osprey Point for interpretive signs about the local fauna, and to see artificial osprey nesting platforms erected after natural snags toppled from age.
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Crane Prairie Reservoir
23 miles, 35 minutes. Another one of central Oregon's premier wildlife viewing sites for migrating birds. Osprey, bald eagle and many waterfowl frequent the area. The relatively shallow reservoir was originally dammed to store irrigation water managed by the Central Oregon Irrigation District. Most access to the shoreline is at recreation sites. Go to Osprey Point for interpretive signs about the local fauna, and to see artificial osprey nesting platforms erected after natural snags toppled from age.
69 miles, 1.5 hours. World class mountain biking with hundreds of miles of mountain bike trails weave through the heart of the Willamette National Forest.
15 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Oakridge
69 miles, 1.5 hours. World class mountain biking with hundreds of miles of mountain bike trails weave through the heart of the Willamette National Forest.
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Looking for a GREAT massage
If you are interested in getting a massage, I recommend Rayenell from Muscles in Mind (https://musclesinmind.massagetherapy.com/home). She's a long time Bend resident, who has been practicing for many years. Used to be an instructor at Sage massage school. Definitely worth the trip!