Central Oregon Blog Post

Recently I moved to Bend, Oregon, an absolutely beautiful area in Central Oregon.

Central Oregon is situated at the Western edge of the Great Basin which stretches from the Rocky Mountains to the Cascade Mountains. It is considered high desert with elevations ranging from 3000 feet all the way up to 7000 feet. The area has over 280 days of sunshine and just two weeks less of “sun” days than San Diego.

Daytime temperatures can range in the winter from single digits up into the 60’s Fahrenheit. In the summer there are warm days and cool nights.

The Central Oregon area is considered THE top recreational destination in the State for not only the Oregonians but also from those that live in the bordering states of Idaho, Washington, Nevada and California. With Crater Lake at its southern edge and the Columbia Gorge at the northern edge, Central Oregon has alpine forests and sagebrush deserts. It’s many lakes, rivers and streams attract all types of water-sport enthusiasts. It’s nine snow-capped volcanic peaks are favored by winter-sport adventurers.

At this time, the Incorporated Cities of Central Oregon are Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Madras, Prineville, Culver, Metolius, and La Pine.

Crater Lake National Park was established in 1902 and is the fifth-oldest national park in the United States and the only national park in Oregon. Crater Lake is 1,949 feet deep at its deepest point which makes it the deepest lake in the United States, the second-deepest in North America and the nine-deepest in the world. The national park encompasses 183,224 acres (286.3 square miles) with the rim range elevation from 7,000-8,000 feet and the lake surface elevation at 6,178 feet. Notable park features include Wizard Island, The Pinnacles and the Pumice Desert. Activities include – camping, hiking, fishing and swimming in the lake.

Central Oregon’s largest city is Bend which was named “Farewell Bend” before the turn of the 20^th Century. The Deschutes River runs from the High Cascade Lakes through Bend on its way to the Columbia Gorge. The Deschutes was named by French trappers referring to the great number of rapids associated with the river. Kit Carson and Captain John Fremont explored and camped at various sites throughout Central Oregon. The Deschutes National Forest offers snowmobiling in the winter and hiking/trail riding in the summers.

Considered the OREGON OUTBACK, Bend is home to many large cattle and hay ranches. Other places to visit while in Bend include the High Desert Museum, Tumalo Falls and the Lava Caves. There are many lake resorts in the High Cascade Lake area. Bend has all the amenities of a large city but with the small-town atmosphere. Bend is also known as The Palm Springs of Central Oregon mainly because of the many golf resorts and courses. It is also the site of Central Oregon Community College which offers 4-year degrees through Oregon State University.

When you pull into the Old West town of Sisters, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time. Sisters is named for the trio of towering peaks to its west, Faith (North Sister), Hope (Middle Sister) & Charity (South Sister). Sisters is an artsy community with charming 1880s facades and small-town ambience. This friendly little town in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains is known for its natural beauty as well as annual celebrations like the Sisters Rodeo, the Sisters Quilt Show and the Sisters Folk Festival.

The Pacific Crest Trail, running from Mexico to Canada crosses central Oregon just west of the western town of Sisters, a popular tourist destination. The area is also home to Smith Rocks, considered one of the premier rock-climbing sites in the world with vertical faces climbing above the Crooked River. The Great Lava Flow is along the Mackenzie Pass Highway just above Sisters.

Mount Bachelor is the principal ski area in Central Oregon. Blessed by dry powder snow it has been the site for training the U.S. Olympic ski team as well as cross-country skiing and biathlon training. The Metolius River is world-renowned for its fly-fishing, the source of which erupts from the base of Black Butte, instantly becoming a river.

Have you ever thought of being a cowboy or cowgirl? Come to Central Oregon and ride alongside a brook or lake, through meadows and shaded trails or around ancient volcanic formations. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time to the days of the pioneers and homesteaders who used the same trails for transportation or to herd cattle. Annual equestrian events include the Sisters Rodeo, Crooked River Roundup and the PRC Northwest Division Rodeo.

Both summer and winter recreational activities are enjoyed by local residents and tourists alike.  Come for a visit and discover all that the high desert of Central Oregon has to offer.

Kathy Von Hurst