Bend, OR

So many people come and go but it is those who choose to stay who see the beauty and bounty that Central Oregon and its’ surrounding areas have to offer. From the little known Kokanee Cafe on the Metolious River to the High Cascades drive and all of its’ individual lakes, each with their own uniqueness; full of rich history, to the constant bantering of activities around the area, anyone can find a smorgasbord of entertainment, serenity, family activities and much more.

Lava Butte, Lava Caves, High Desert Museum, Paulina Peak and its’ two lakes; East & Paulina, with their unmapped hot springs and commercial hot springs, the Big Deschutes River with its’ abundance of wildlife, fishing and whitewater opportunities as well as the Little Deschutes River which is great for kayaking and photographers are just a few out of many dozens of rich places to visit. Central Oregon also has access to three different ski resorts and even more golf resorts. There is a multitude of scheduled activities year round for adults, children and families that have a rich involvement of what Central Oregon has to offer.

Lava Butte has a great pull out area for rafters and on the opposite of the butte the lava flow can be followed, by vehicle, clear back into Bend while also viewing much wildlife and sagebrush taller than my truck in many areas. Lava River caves is just up the highway a few additional miles. One of Central Oregon’s more prolific golfing communities is just minutes away from this particular area yet at the same time you are not among the hustle and bustle of frenzied people.

Now upon going into Bend itself, while not the bigger of Oregon’s metropolitan areas, there is plenty of life. Gallery hops, Saturday markets, numerous music festivals, athletic competitions, restaurant hops, Entertainment lounges, carnivals, parades, outdoor concerts and movies, moonlight dinners upon various rivers and lakes, skiing and much more.

There is so much to see and experience and from any vantage point one has access to all these and so much more and all within just minutes of a drive or walk, so watch out for future editions of Central Oregon at Large.

Have you visited Central Oregon? Would you like to add your thoughts, experiences or stories? We’d love to hear them! Just comment below! If you have a story or a Thing To Do that you would like to add to this site, please email us today.