Central Oregon is a rugged, scenic region known as an all-season playground for outdoor recreation. Let’s look at the characteristics of this gorgeous region that make it an idyllic summer escape.
Outdoor Recreation in Stunning Settings
As one of the most scenic regions in the U.S., Central Oregon has become a popular tourist destination. It has lush, forested landscapes with diverse ecosystems that range from jagged mountains to hundreds of lakes, rivers, and streams. People like to visit the Cascade Mountains and the region’s incredible ski resorts in the winter, but the recreational opportunities are endless during the summer.
Central Oregon is a popular area for a broad range of outdoor fun in the summer. It has hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, along with protected natural areas like the Deschutes National Forest and Smith Rock State Park. Boating, swimming, and water sports are all popular pastimes in Central Oregon’s many lakes, including the Cascade Lakes and East Lake, and the area is famed as one of the country’s best spots for fly fishing.
Appealing Communities
Central Oregon is not a densely populated region like Willamette Valley. Instead, it is a quiet, charming area with pleasant communities surrounded by natural beauty. Visitors will find plenty of appealing towns and cities to stay in while visiting Central Oregon, and there are diverse options that can accommodate different preferences.
Bend is the biggest of the Central Oregon communities and also a particularly popular destination. Surrounded by mountains and evergreen forests, the city is convenient to gorgeous lakes, incredible trails, and natural sites such as Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Even if outdoor activities aren’t your thing, Bend has great museums, art galleries, and restaurants.
Also, Redmond is a smaller city famous for its nearby outdoor areas, including Smith Rock State Park and the Redmond Caves, and Prineville is a quiet little town with a nearby reservoir ideal for water skiing, fishing, and summer fun.
Summer Festivals and Events
Summer is the time when Central Oregon hosts its biggest and best festivals, drawing crowds for celebrations of everything from food and culture to art and music. Central Oregon is famous for its excellent craft breweries, and several festivals throughout the summer offer tastings and beer gardens. These include the Bend Brewfest and The Fermentation Celebration in June and July, respectively. Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo, a festival that has been running for over 100 years in Redmond, is the biggest annual event in the region. It features carnival rides, music, food, and a rodeo. Redmond also hosts the FairWell Festival, a major music festival with a stacked lineup of talented performers. This year’s participants include Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, and Zach Bryan.
