Sisters Oregon Guide 2024-2025

Sisters, Oregon TheNugget NEWSPAPER

442

Editor in Chief: Jim Cornelius

Graphic Design: Leith Easterling

Advertising: Vicki Curlett

Contributing

Writers:

Bill Bartlett

T. Lee Brown

Ceili Gatley

Charlie Kanzig

Sue Stafford

Contributing

Photographers: Jerry Baldock

Bill Bartlett

Ceili Gatley

Jarod Gatley

Cody Rheault

Cover photo: Jarod Gatley

Welcome…

5 Welcome 6 Frequently asked questions 7 Where to find what

8 Sisters adapts to growth 10 Live like a local 12 What’s in a name? History

14 Instagrammable sights 16 The high desert heroines

18 A town that loves the arts 20 Sisters Bakery: A destination

22 Well-protected community 25 Starry, starry skies 27 Bunking in Sisters

28 Sisters Farmers Market 30 Bon Appétit! 32 Wildflowers 34 Parks

36 Education options expand across Sisters Country 39 Getting hitched in Sisters

41 Getting tuned in 43 Sisters is Alpaca country 44 Must see sights

Adventure…

47 A permit to roam 48 Getting a little further afield

50 Step up to the challenge of bouldering 52 Jump in a lake!

54 Underground wonders 58 Catch the pickleball bug 60 Cast your line

62 Camp Sherman: Paradise in the tall pines 66 Resorting to relaxation

68 Climb on! 70 The call of the trail 73 Taking Sisters on two wheels

75 Black Butte Ranch 76 Birders perch in Sisters 78 Throw some circles

80 Open up the throttle for adventure 82 Par excellence

85 Run our wild, beautiful rivers 86 Sisters Country snowtopia

88 Horsin’ around 90 Sisters is pawsome! 92 Running the backroads

94 Roaring into Sisters 96 Campgrounds 98 Bike & skate in Sisters

100 Visit Bend & Redmond

105 A rich harvest of events 106 2024 events 109 Sisters Rodeo

110 Big Ponderoo 112 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show 114 Sisters Folk Festival

117 Sisters map 118 Dining 119 Lodging

Welcome

Howdy!

Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and stay a while. We’re glad to have you here. Folks in Sisters enjoy sharing this place we found — our shops, our events and heck, some of us will even share a favorite trail or fishing spot.

Truth is, we’re proud of the community we’ve created in this beautiful spot — the quality schools we’ve built, the world-class art and music scene, the innovative businesses. Of course we want to share it, especially with like-minded folks who share our values of neighborliness and environmental awareness.

Over the past few years, a whole lot of new people have discovered Sisters and Central Oregon. Some come here to recreate and some find a second home here, and many of those seek to find a way to make this their forever home. We welcome them all — though we can’t deny that there’s an impact.

You’ll notice that Sisters has a brandnew roundabout under construction at the east end of town. That will smooth out the

increasingly heavy levels of traffic through town — and give those heading west over the Santiam Pass an alternative way of getting around downtown.

The Sisters City Council recently tightened up its code to help preserve dark skies and our magnificent display of stars.

Like other mountain towns in the West, housing in Sisters is at a premium price, and the community is trying to figure out how to maintain its character without becoming an exclusive enclave, or growing out of proportion to become just another city.

We’re experiencing the challenges of being “on the map” for people around the world. Staying focused on our values helps us face up to those challenges. Sisters has reinvented itself before, from a timber and ranching town to a tourist town — and we’re still a friendly, neighborly community where people look out for each other, and all of us wake up each morning feeling blessed to look upon the Three Sisters that gave us their name.

— Jim Cornelius — The Nugget Newspaper

Frequently asked questions

What is the population of Sisters? 3,823 inside city limits; 10,000± in the school district.

What are the Three Sisters Mountains called? Informally —Faith, Hope & Charity.

Schools: Sisters School District: elementary, middle, and high school. Total enrollment: 1,170.

How much do homes cost? Median home listing price: $699,000 to $746,000.

What’s the climate like? Sisters is considered high desert. Hottest month is July (avg. temp. 78.8/49.6); coldest month is December (40.8/20.1). Driest month is July; wettest month is January. Average annual precipitation is 11.4 inches. Average snowfall is 32 inches. There are approximately 162 days of sun each year, and 73 days see some precipitation.

Who are some of Sisters’ largest employers?

Black Butte Ranch, 390; Sisters School District, 170; U.S. Forest Service, 114; Sisters Coffee Co., 94;

Energyneering Solutions, Inc., 87.

Does Sisters have a cannabis dispensary? No. Sisters voters voted overwhelmingly in a referendum against having a cannabis dispensary in town, leaving that market to Bend and Redmond.

Does Sisters have an airport? Yes, Sisters Eagle Airport is located less than a mile from downtown Sisters on Camp Polk Road. 3,550 ft. of expanded and improved runway; airplane tie-downs; fuel available on-site. Year-round access.

Redmond Municipal Airport — Roberts Field

The wider world is just a plane ride away out of Redmond Municipal Airport-Roberts Field.Located just 20 miles down Highway 126, east of Sisters, seven airlines offer direct flights to Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Burbank, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Palm Springs and Dallas-Ft. Worth. From these hubs, you can get anywhere. Visit www.flyrdm.com.

(Sources: Oregon Climate Service/Oregon Economic & Community Development; Central Oregon Assoc. of Realtors & Economic Development for Central Oregon)

Photograph taken from Broken Top (not pictured) Elevation: 9,175 ft.

Middle Sister Elevation: 10,047 ft.

South Sister Elevation: 10,358 ft.

North Sister Elevation: 10,085 ft.

Mt. Washington Elevation: 7,794 ft.

Three Fingered Jack Elevation: 7,841 ft.

Mt. Jefferson Elevation: 10,497 ft.

Black Butte Elevation: 6,436 ft.

WHERE TO FIND WHAT

BANKS:

First Interstate Bank

272 E. Main Ave. 541-549-2061. ATM.

Mid Oregon Credit Union

650 N. Arrowleaf Trail 541-382-1795. ATM.

U.S. Bank

123 W. Hood Ave. 541-549-2141. ATM.

Washington Federal Bank

610 N. Arrowleaf Trail 541-549-8110. ATM.

Wells Fargo ATM 665 N. Arrowleaf Trail

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

257 S. Pine St. 541-549-0251

DENTAL:

Pine Desert Dental

304 W. Adams Ave. 541-549-0109

Sisters Dental

491 E. Main Ave. 541-549-9486

EMERGENCY/POLICE:

Black Butte Ranch Police 13885 Bishops Cap 541-595-2191

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

Sisters Station 703 N. Larch St. 541-549-2302

Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD

301 S. Elm St. 541-549-0771

GROCERIES:

Black Butte General Store 13890 Bishops Cap Black Butte Ranch 541-595-1222

Camp Sherman General Store 25451 F.S. Road 1419 Camp Sherman | 541-595-6711

Oliver Lemon’s 160 S. Fir St. 541-549-0711

Ray’s Food Place 635 N. Arrowleaf Trail 541-549-2222

Sisters Liquor Store 110 W. Cascade Ave. 541-904-0339

Sisters Meat & Smokehouse 110 S. Spruce St. 541-719-1186

LAUNDRY:

Sisters Lock ’n’ Load 247 N. Fir St. 541-549-6165

MEDICAL:

High Lakes Health Care 354 W. Adams Ave. 541-549-9609

St. Charles Medical Center 630 N. Arrowleaf Trail 541-549-1318

Summit Health Care 231 E. Cascade Ave. 541-706-5440

NEWSPAPER:

The Nugget Newspaper 442 E. Main Ave. 541-549-9941

PET/VETERINARY BOARDING:

Black Butte Veterinary Clinic 703 N. Larch St. 541-549-1837

Broken Top Veterinary Clinic 67293 Hwy. 20 541-389-0391

Central Woof & Groom 367 W. Sisters Park Dr. 541-549-2275

Sisters Veterinary Clinic 371 E. Cascade Ave. 541-549-6961

POST OFFICE: 694 N. Larch St. 541-549-0412

SISTERS RECYCLING CENTER:

328 Sisters Park Drive 541-548-4984

Sisters and all of Central Oregon are a major destination for vacationers and adventurers seeking to enjoy the region’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural events. It’s also a destination for people who want to live among all of those attractions.

That means growth and traffic, and Sisters is adapting to meet changes and challenges.

As the Sisters Oregon Guide hits the streets, the Oregon Department of Transportation will be opening a roundabout on the east end of town at the intersection of Highway 20 and Locust Street.

ODOT provided $5 million in state transportation improvement funds, combined with $1.425 million from the City of Sisters and $1 million from Deschutes County, to fund the project.

The roundabout, which is expected to be fully completed in September 2024, is designed for Highway 20 to make a gentle curve into the

roundabout, intended to slow traffic coming into town from the east. Through traffic from the east will have the option of turning north on Locust Street to take an alternative route around downtown through the Sisters Industrial Park. Those who are stopping in Sisters can proceed right up the highway into downtown on Cascade Avenue.

The roundabout pairs with another constructed years ago at the west end of town.

Over the next year, Sisters will debate whether and how to expand its urban growth boundary to accommodate more housing. Like most mountain towns across the West, Sisters is facing a crisis of affordability. How to manage the pressures of being a desirable place to be while maintaining the small town charm that is a big part of that desirability is a major work in progress for Sisters.

SISTERS ADAPTS TO growth

live like a local

Cody Rheault — photojournalist

“One of the many beautiful things about Sisters is the way it has something for everyone. For me — the introverted type — I find the most joy in the outdoors; scaling Black Butte, biking Peterson Ridge, or fly fishing the Metolius. On a summer’s evening, with my wife and two kids, we stroll through downtown — stopping at venues with live music, perhaps grabbing a milkshake at Sno Cap. Inside or out, festive or peaceful, winter or summer, Sisters has a way of finding you at your best and me on my perfect day.”

Steve Stratos — pastor

Steve Stratos loves the “wealth of beauty” he is surrounded by in Sisters. That includes, of course, the natural beauty of our forests, streams, and mountains. But Steve sees great beauty in the community itself.

“A perfect day in Sisters is going for a walk and enjoying the diversity of the town — the place and the people,” he says. “I’m always meeting interesting people and being educated by them.”

Lisa May — writer and office manager

The perfect Sisters day revolves around simple things — like a trip to one of the local lakes. She’s been doing that since her kids were little. She’ll stop for coffee at one of Sisters’ coffeehouses, then head out to Round Lake, Suttle Lake, or Three Creek Lake for a day of kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. Then it’s back to town to grab some food to go for a picnic in the back yard. Enjoying the peace of a sunny Sisters day can be just about perfect.

Kellen Klein — Executive Director, Citizens4Community

“You’ve got to get baked goods from the bakery,” says Kellen Klein (see story, page 20). “Or you could get a breakfast burrito (at Sisters Coffee Co.) and stop at the bookstore across the street.”

A hike is a mandatory part of the ideal day, and Kellen likes to head out to Eagle Rock or The Whychus Creek Overlook. Follow that with lunch from a food cart at The Barn, walk it off with window shopping around town, and enjoy dinner at High Camp Taphouse, followed by live music somewhere in town to cap the evening.

Craig Rullman — film maker

Craig Rullman’s ideal day in Sisters starts with a cup of tea in the sunshine. Then he’ll head down to the barn to feed the horses, and let the dogs run in the woods.

After that, he’ll head out to Zimmerman Butte for a shooting session, followed by an afternoon reading and writing and enjoying the sunshine.

Dinner time is occupied with “enjoying Murphy Ranch beef from the mighty Murphy Ranch in Paisley, Oregon.”

WILT BARCLAY HARRINGTON GIST CYRUS FRYREAR WILT WHAT’S IN A NAME? History

By Sue Stafford

A review of a local street map is like walking through the pages of Sisters history, with names like Edgington, Fryrear, Barclay, and Camp Polk, enshrining people and places that played a role in the establishment and growth of Sisters.

Throughout Deschutes County are “market roads”, named after the family who lived on the road. The roads made it possible for ranchers, farmers, fishermen, and lumber companies to get their goods to markets.

Driving north of town on North Locust Street, by the Sisters Eagle Airport, it becomes Camp Polk Road, named after the early Camp Polk army post that was established in 1865, five miles northeast of present day Sisters, only to be abandoned the next year.

Samuel Hindman settled near the post in 1870 and established the first post office in the area. Today, Camp Polk Meadow is a 151-acre preserve of the Deschutes Land Trust. On the hill above the meadow is the Camp Polk Cemetery, where lie the remains of many early Sisters families, some of whom have roads named after them.

One of those families is the Fryrears for whom a road southeast of Sisters, running between Highways 20 and 126, is named. John B. and Elizabeth Fryrear came from the Willamette Valley and filed a claim in 1883 on 160 acres of land on Squaw (now Whychus) Creek east of Camp Polk where their family lived for many years.

The Fryrears both contributed to their community, Elizabeth as a midwife helping deliver many Sisters area babies. They had three sons and one daughter. John B. died in 1919 and was buried in the Camp Polk Cemetery. Elizabeth lived her later years

in Sisters, where she was cared for by Kate Rockwell, better known as Klondike Kate. When Elizabeth died in 1926 she was laid to rest next to her husband in Camp Polk Cemetery.

The John Wilt family arrived in Sisters on October 15, 1885, having left Kansas in May of that year. They originally intended to go all the way to Coos Bay, but when they reached Squaw (Whychus) Creek, the McKenzie and Santiam roads were already closed by heavy snow, so they settled on land that is now part of Pole Creek Ranch off Highway 242.

Ranchers in those days raised oats, wheat, and barley for hay which was cut with a scythe; nobody owned mowing machines. The grain was threshed by a horse-powered threshing machine owned by J. B. Fryrear. It took eight men to operate and could thresh about 1,500 bushels in 10 hours.

John Wilt delivered hay, grain, and groceries to the crew grading the railroad being built by Col. T. E. Hogg northwest of Sisters. It was never completed, but the grade can be seen above Highway 20 at Hogg Rock.

Wilt Road takes off of Camp Polk Road north of Sisters and runs up the hill and out onto the grasslands where it joins Squaw Flats Road near the abandoned towns of Grandview and Geneva on the way to Lake Billy Chinook.

Many other Sisters roads and streets bear the names of earlier residents, including Harrington Loop, George Cyrus Road, and Gist Road.

The main street through Sisters (Highway 20) is Cascade Avenue named for the mountain range, with streets north and south of Cascade bearing the names of mountain peaks in the Cascades. The cross streets are all named after trees — from Locust to Pine.

Instagrammable Sights

PHALAROPE LAKE

EAGLE ROCK

Eagle Rock is a frequented Sisters locals’ spot. A relatively accessible trail system takes you up to glorious mountain vistas on all sides with unique boulders surrounding you. Just up Forest Road 16 on your way up to Three Creek Lake or Whychus Creek.

Phalarope Lake is a scenic lake located in Black Butte Ranch with a unique perspective of the Three Sisters Mountains on the horizon. Frequented by flyfishermen, this location offers perfect Central Oregon scenes year-round. You can also learn how to flyfish with lessons and, in the summer, free flyfishing clinics are offered through The Fly Fisher’s Place. There are trails and areas to walk along the lake and snap some photos of the mountain vista.

HOODOO SKI AREA

Located 22 miles from Sisters, Hoodoo ski resort is a family-friendly mountain with options for all ages and skill levels. They’ve got the tubing autobahn which is good fun for the whole family, they’ve got Nordic ski trails for those looking to do more cross-scountry skiing. And then of course the ski routes… the chairlift rides offer vista views of the Cascades on a clear day.

JEFFERSON VIEW SHELTER

The Jefferson View Shelter offers a place to warm up on popular snowshoeing and cross-country trails. The trails start at the Upper Three Creek Sno-Park and extend for miles throughout the Deschutes National Forest with the. The route is a 4.9-mile moderately challenging out-and-back.

JAROD GATLEY

ARTISAN LOOSE TEAS & GIFTS

HORSE STATUE

The iconic horse statue stands tall as you enter downtown Sisters and it makes for the perfect photo op letting your people know you’re in Sisters country. The statue is a symbol of the town and its cowboy roots and being home to the biggest little show in the world, the Sisters Rodeo.

CHUSH FALLS

Chush Falls, also known as Lower Whychus Falls, is a waterfall formed along Whychus Creek on the north skirt of North Sister in the Three Sisters Wilderness located off Highway 242 and Forest Road 16. The falls are unique, springing from a creek with the water falling off a rock cliff and flowing downstream. The falls are accessible on a 2.5-mile trail offering picturesque views of the wide waterfall; you can take photos close in and cool off in the summer.

THE HIGH DESERT Heroines

By Maret Pajutee

Sisters is the perfect place to celebrate the role of women in history. We live in the shadow of mountains named after three women, and Native American women were known to camp along our creek, calling it “Whychus”.

It’s a challenge to find the stories of women who played a part in building our community. Most walk silently through the pages of history. If they are mentioned, it’s often under their husbands’ names, and although they worked together as a team, they were unrecognized. But some women stand out and we still speak their names long after they took their last breath.

The pioneers were the first European women to settle here, providing homes and comfort to their families and early travelers. Martha Cobb Hindman helped her husband open the Cobb Roadhouse in 1883, providing a welcome stop for people on the long journey from the Willamette Valley to Prineville. Married at the age of 13, she took care of a family of five while welcoming visitors to their station, built from the profits and trade of smoked deer meat and cured hides. Her light sourdough biscuits were famous. She was a tough survivor who outlived three husbands, becoming the mistress of the large ranch and dairy at historic Camp Polk. If you visit the Deschutes Land Trust Preserve there today you can see photos along the interpretive path and visit the spring-fed, stone -ined hole where she kept her milk and butter cool.

The Graham sisters, Leda and Lora, helped their pioneer parents tend another stop along the Santiam Wagon Road in the late 1800s, now called Graham Corral. Sheepherders from Shaniko came by with large bands of sheep on their way to high mountain pastures and traded for meals with mutton, huckleberries, and staples. In 1906, Leda married early Forest Service Ranger Perry South. In those days wives were considered convenient free labor and no doubt Leda supported her husband as he began to manage public lands, but we know nothing of her life except a few photos. Her first child Jesse was born and died along the Metolius and is poignantly buried with an elaborate tombstone at Camp Polk Cemetery. Lora married a Fire Guard and her life at Allingham Station from 1918-1924 is recorded in

Grace Cyrus Aitken

Maida Bailey

the classic history “That was Yesterday.” When her husband was away, she answered calls on the primitive phone, issued permits, and was required to feed any Forest Service staff that stopped by for 45 cents. She could barely keep up with the vegetable garden, baking bread and pies, butter churning, and other duties while raising three children. If you are lucky, you may see the narcissus bloom where her house stood at Allingham Meadow.

Librarians were a quiet but powerful force. Grace Cyrus Aitken began her career as a clever business woman around 1912. A young single woman she became postmistress and owned her own store, Sisters’ first gift shop with ladies’ clothing. She later married, helping her husband manage his drug store and ran a small library there. In 1923, she famously saved the mail, paychecks, and the store’s goods, when half of town burned in a terrible fire, by recruiting men to empty shelves into baskets and onto a lawn across the street. Her original store became the bottom floor of The Palace, which still stands in Sisters today. She later served as librarian for 16 years, quietly doing what needed to be done.

Maida Bailey was an expert on libraries, serving Stanford, Reed College, and the State of Oregon. A University Dean, she became a sheep rancher in Sisters while lending her brains and books across the state, helping expand our first tiny library for more access to books for everyone. Maida became

an integral part of Sisters’ ranching, logging, and library culture and in later years cruised town in her green and white Chevy coupe, waving to her many friends.

Teachers worked hard to educate children of the early settlers and Native Americans. The first school was built in 1885, serving 30 children. Elva Smith homesteaded in a remote cabin on the lower Metolius River and was reported to cross the swift icy water on her horse to teach children on the Warm Springs Reservation. She disappeared in the pages of history, her cabin burned in a wildfire, and the site is now only marked by old apple trees.

The lady lookouts broke the glass ceiling of employment in the man’s world of the Forest Service in 1921 when Gertrude Merrill accepted a primitive posting on top of Black Butte. Men were scarce during World War I and II and women proved adept at fire detection. In 1923 Hazel McKinney, her two daughters, and their collie Snip, served from the new cupola with a living quarters inside the lookout. She delighted visitors with stories of mountaintop life. Hazel was an ace at reporting fire locations and had a mirror flash system to guide her firefighter husband on the ground far below. If you are feeling frisky you can climb to visit the restored cupola and imagine her lookout life.

To learn more about the history of Sisters visit the Three Sisters Historical Society in the historic Maida Bailey Library building.

Martha Cobb Hindman Martha Cobb Hindman (right) Aitken Sisters Drug

A TOWN THAT LOVES THE ARTS

…art is so much more than “decoration”, it is sustenance for the mind, body and soul…

Sisters has created a true community of artists – people who support and inspire each other to dig deeper, reach higher.

On the fourth Friday of each month, art lovers enjoy a stroll among Sisters’ many galleries. It’s a great way to get out and experience the range of creativity to be found in this small town.

For the past several years, artists, gallery owners, and arts patrons have been working to create an arts district on Hood Avenue, where many of Sisters’ galleries can be found. Any day is a good day to stroll those galleries, where you will find extraordinary work in every medium imaginable, from sculpture to watercolors, pottery to jewelry, and on — as far as the creative mind can take you.

Several local artists have created books, which can be found at Paulina Springs Books on Hood Avenue, and some artists host open studio tours when able during the summer.

That’s just the tip of the paintbrush in Sisters Country.

The Sisters Library, located at 110 N. Cedar Street, also plays host to art with rotating exhibits. The library has been remodeled, making it an even more attractive place for art displays.

Many local restaurants and cafés also feature Sisters artists’ work.

SFF Presents celebrates the visual arts with the Big Ponderoo Arts Experience, on June 28, an art stroll leading into a weekend of music. SFF Presents has provided grant funding and other support to develop an integrated arts program in all three Sisters schools, giving students the benefit of self-expression through art — and the creative, think-outside-the-box spirit that is so critical to thriving in any field of endeavor.

That spirit is reflective of a town where art is so much more than “decoration”, it is sustenance for the mind, body, and soul. Visit www.sistersartsassociation.org, www.sisters oregonguide.com for information.

222 W. Hood Ave., Sisters | 541-595-8285 June through October, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appointment

Sisters Bakery: A DESTINATION

For more than four decades, all kinds of folks have made a point of stopping at Sisters Bakery on Cascade Avenue for a cup of coffee for the road, and some of the finest baked treats to be found in the West.

Spencer Hamiga is the steward of that fourdecade tradition, and he and his team, including general manager Macon Luhning, are taking it to new heights. With a background in food service, Hamiga took a front-of-house-position at Sisters Bakery while moving toward a new career in teaching.

“I was between jobs; between careers really,” he recalled. “I just fell in love with the place.”

He worked up to general manager, and in 2022, when the opportunity presented itself to purchase the business, he and his wife Gloria took the plunge. He’s still in love with the place — and so are the bakery’s loyal customers.

Favorites change over time. For years, Sisters Bakery was famous for its donuts. Now, the most popular items are scones. Whatever your taste in baked goods — from bear claws to pies — you’ll find it here. And it’s all made in-house. Those perfectly-rolled croissants? They’re rolled out by hand.

“It’s a huge spread,” Luhning said.

The bakery built a reputation for exceptional bread — especially its sourdough.

“Macon came in and really tightened up that sourdough recipe,” Hamiga said.

It’s so popular that Sisters Bakery opened an off-site bakery to support wholesale business.

“We’re mostly in grocery stores with our bread,” Luhning said. “A few restaurants around Central Oregon.”

Many of the region’s coffee shops feature their pastries.

The delectable baked goods are only one part

of the experience at Sisters Bakery. Hamiga and Luhning emphasize personal engagement with customers. They see a genuine connection between staff and customers as vital to the customer experience and the long-term success of Sisters Bakery.

“It makes it memorable,” Hamiga said. “It makes it a place you want to come back to.”

They invest in their employees by providing sector-leading pay and benefits.

A thoughtful, people-centered approach to a business they genuinely love allows Hamiga and Luhning to confidently expect that their customers will walk out, and hit the road to whatever adventure awaits, fully satisfied. As Hamiga puts it:

“You’ll have one of the best customer service experiences you can have — and you’ll get the best scones on the market.”

WELL-PROTECTED COMMUNITY

Residents and vistors alike benefit from top-tier fire and police services…

Sisters may be a small town, but its residents, businesses, and visitors are well-protected and well-served by robust and highly professional emergency services.

Sisters doesn’t have its own police force, but it might as well have. The City of Sisters contracts with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to provide a lieutenant and a cadre of three deputies who are assigned full-time to the Sisters substation. The DCSO patrol vehicles all carry the City of Sisters logo to foster community identity. Knowing the community you are working in on an intimate basis makes a big difference in law enforcement, and that has proved out in Sisters.“

That consistent piece (having a set cadre of deputies in town) has made us way more effective,” says DCSO Lt. Chad Davis. “We know people by their first names. We know the names of their dogs.”

Black Butte Ranch has its own police department to keep the Ranch secure, and

the agencies cooperate and assist each other whenever needed.

Sisters is also served by the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District. The District has 18 paid staff, including career EMTs and firefighters. The District also prides itself on a robust volunteer program. Like most modern fire departments, the majority of their calls are medical (73 percent in 2023) and the district has multiple ambulances and a highly trained cadre of paramedics.

The farm and ranch land east of Sisters has its own Cloverdale Fire District. Cloverdale provides fire protection and responds to vehicle accidents. Black Butte Ranch has its own fire department — including the area’s ladder truck — and the BBR District has its own ambulance.

Sisters is located in wildfire country, and the U.S. Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry both stage firefighters here during the summer and fall months.

JAROD GATLEY

starry,Skiesstarry

Sisters Country rests on the edge of the largest area of dark sky in the Lower 48, which lies over Southeast Oregon. The Sisters backcountry and the high desert to our east offer some extraordinary opportunities to take in awe-inspiring views of the vault of the heavens.

The chance to experience soul-stirring encounters with the cosmos is part of the draw to Central Oregon.

Backpackers who venture into the Sisters backcountry can enjoy that experience when it’s at its best, viewing the core of the galaxy during the summer months. You can also touch it with a drive up the McKenzie Highway (Highway 242) to the summit, or venturing up Three Creek Road to the lakes or the snow parks.

The Perseid meteor shower will peak August 12-13.

Our local snow parks are a good place to view the sky, as is the high desert.

“You want to get to a place that has the lowest horizon around you, so you can see more of the sky,” he said.

For those enthralled by the night sky, a visit to the University of Oregon’s Pine Mountain Observatory is a worthy excursion during the summer season. Visit https://pmo.uoregon.edu for dates and more information. The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is another option. Visit https:// snco.org for more information.

The City of Sisters has tightened up its code to support dark skies.

City of Sisters planning staff noted that, “Community-led efforts to educate the community of the importance of sensitive lighting on the ability to see the nighttime stars have also inspired this effort — most notably by the Astronomy Club with Sisters High School, who have provided community education about the impacts of lighting on the ability to see the stars at night and on wildlife and the environment.”

BUNKING IN SISTERS

By Bill Bartlett

When you lay your head down to sleep in Sisters, the options are kind of amazing. You’re covered for just about any budget –luxury, moderate, economy. And style? Well you name it and Sisters pretty much has it. Upscale cabins to up-mountain yurts. You can even bunk in a forest fire watch tower.

Sisters has over 200 traditional motel-style rooms in four properties, all within walking distance of town. They range from straightforward rooms to suites. Amenities range from spas, to free breakfast, to pools, to hot tubs, to exercise and business centers.

Or if you are seeking more privacy, there are three choices with classic and stylish cabins nestled among treed settings. All within the city limits. Want an Old West boarding house style? You can find that too, right downtown. If you’re looking for more rustic lodging then head on out to nearby Camp Sherman. Vintage cabins or connected rooms, some streamside, all heavenly, await solo or family

solace seekers.

Airbnb, FlipKey, Vacasa, and Vrbo are all chock full of listings for Sisters Country. Rather live it up resort-style? Then take your pick – 15 minutes west or 15 minutes east for 5-star golf, tennis, gourmet dining, and accommodations with glorious mountain views.

Bring your own bed and camp in one of several dozen bucolic sites, deep in the woods, high on a ridge, or alongside a lake or stream. The options are endless.

If you’re towing your bed or it’s behind the driver’s seat, then Sisters is a must-stop oasis for RVers. Roll into a choice of wellrun parks including the City-run Creekside Campground facility beside Whychus Creek, two blocks from downtown.

There’s only one problem with lodging in Sisters. No matter if you spend $100 a night or $800 — both are possible — the key is to book early. Let’s just say when it’s this special, those who wait, wait.

FIVEPINE LODGE | BILL BARLETT

SISTERS FARMERS MARKET

Each Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June through September, Fir Street Park in the center of Sisters becomes a bustling open-air marketplace where locals and visitors alike gather to seek out locally grown vegetables, fruits, meats, and eggs, and find artisan products from soaps to pet food to lotions to kombucha.

Sisters Farmers Market is growing a vibrant community that connects Oregon farmers, ranchers, makers, and shoppers. The market provides access to fresh foods, locally-made goods, and educational activities in a welcoming environment. Close to 40 local ranches, farms, and artisans are represented in booths in the park.

Sisters Farmers Market is a program of Seed to Table, a nonprofit educational farm dedicated to connecting food, wellness, and

education in Sisters.

The park is full of vendors, and the shopping is unique and fun — but a couple of hours at the Sisters Farmers Market is about something more than simply filling your tote with fresh and locally-made goods. It’s a place to connect, a place to make new friends, a place to have fun. Kids love to play on the splash pad on the hot summer days, and the Songbird Stage hosts a variety of live music performers.

Sisters Farmers Market accepts SNAP/ EBT and offers a SNAP match of up to $20 with Double Up Food Bucks. Stop by the Info Booth to learn more about using SNAP at the market or visit the Market’s website for more information.

For more information on the market and events visit sistersfarmersmarket.com.

BON APPÉTIT!

By Bill Bartlett

So you’re into food truck dining? So are we. Maybe we’re biased, but we think of food trucks in Sisters as gourmet. Many a townie only eats this way when dining out. Who can blame them?

The options are diverse and wonderful: wood-fired pizza, Pavones-style Latin plates inspired by Rosario cuisine in Baja — cashew sour cream, aioli, hemp hearts, griddled mushrooms, pineapple marinated pork, collard greens, Japanese milk bread, Italian wedding soup. Getting the idea? Let’s go check them out...

Where to eat:

• Eurosports Food Cart Garden on E. Hood Avenue with at least three trucks and a taphouse. You can also rent or buy bikes and get outfitted with skis.

• The Barn In Sisters on E. Main, a tap-house with at least four trucks and frequent events.

Insiders say:

Nearly a dozen Sisters eateries offer patio or porch dining in season with take away. Keep an eye out for solo food trucks that might pop up around town.

What to expect:

Homemade, cooked to order. Organic? Of course. Vegan options? About 25. Variety? 150 menu offerings. Beer and wine? You bet. What’s food truck food without beer? 20 plus taps and over 100 beverage choices including herbal, Kombucha, and sparkling.

Dog- and kid-friendly. Heated patios or decks. Live music regularly and abundantly, free street parking.

The Barn in Sisters: “Great location and building. Great seating and good options for food and the food trucks. Sandbox for the kids and a stage for live entertainment. Plenty of seating and nicely landscaped. Fire features for those cold days and nights. Staff were great and helpful.” – Elite 24 Yelp Review.

Eurosports: “Friendly and knowledgeable bike technicians. Seasoned knowledge found here. It’s a fun place to visit, rent a bike, hangout, and eat from the food trucks, catch live music on Friday evenings during the summer. Love this place. And it’s in a perfect location to park, and just up the road is the PRT system. Can’t go wrong.” – Chris Parsons, Restaurant Guru.

Wildflowers

From Three Creek Lake south of town, to the lands of the Deschutes Land Trust along Whychus Creek, to Iron Mountain a short drive to the west in the Cascades, Sisters Country is painted each summer with the vibrant color of wildflowers. July tends to be the height of the season, so make sure your summer visit includes some time in the field.

Bitterroot: May

April-September

Balsamroot: May-June

Bitterroot, Lewisia rediviva. A desert beauty growing in rocky, open soils. White to pink flowers burst from rosettes on the ground. Named for Meriwether Lewis whose samples grew 2 years after collecting (rediviva = restored to life)!

Yarrow, Achillea millefolium. A widespread native at home in sagebrush meadows and pine forests. Leaves are feathery and flowers grow on tall stems in an umbrella-like cluster. Each white flower has 3-5 rays and a yellow center.

Arrowleaf balsamroot, Balsamorhiza sagittata. One of our showiest wildflowers lighting up hillsides with sunny, disk-like faces. Grows in clumps with large wide triangular leaves that have heart-shaped bases. Yellow flowers are 2½-4 in. wide on 1-3 ft. stems.

Red columbine, Aquilegia formosa. A stunningly delicate native that grows in moist, partly shaded areas. Drooping bright red and yellow flowers grow on stalks up to 4 ft. tall. Hummingbirds and butterflies love columbine nectar.

Spotted mountain bells, Fritillaria atropurpurea. A beautifully delicate native lily, found in forests near openings. Brownish bell-shaped flowers have yellow-red spots and grow 5-25 in. tall. This uncommon lily takes a keen eye to find!

Mariposa lily, Calochortus

macrocarpus. A sagebrush jewel that blooms intensely lavender on tall 8-23 in. stems. Mariposa is ‘butterfly’ in Spanish, and kalo and chortos are Greek for ‘beautiful,’ and ‘grass.’

Scarlet gilia, Ipomopsis aggregata.

Trumpet-shaped, bright red flowers on stems up to 3 ft. tall. Flower color may vary from scarlet, speckled with white, to pale pink, speckled with red. Grows in dry soils in woodland openings and meadows.

May-July

Washington lily, Lilium washingtonianum. This native lily seems like it came straight from the flower shop with its classic shape, smell, and size! Large white to pink flowers on tall, 2-8 ft. stems. Grows in dry forests and is named for Martha Washington.

Yarrow:

Arrowleaf

Mariposa Lily: June-July

Scarlet Gilia: June-August

Spotted Mountain Bells: June

PHOTOS AND INFORMATION COURTESY DESCHUTES LAND TRUST

Washington Lily: June-July

Park

PARKS

Barclay Park

Located on Cascade Avenue (Highway 20) in the center of downtown Sisters. Includes a public restroom.

Bike & Skate

Skaters and cyclists have their own skate park and their own bike park thanks to volunteer efforts by local youth and adult mentors. Bike Park 242 offers jumps and skill features. Located next to the Sisters Park & Recreation District Coffield Center, at the west end of the Sisters High School parking lot. Head west from downtown Sisters on Hwy. 242 (McKenzie Hwy).

Cliff Clemens Park

On the north side of Sisters, approximately three blocks from downtown on Larch Street. Motorhomes may park in this area during the daytime only. Large grassy area and play equipment. Creekside Park, Vil-

lage Green Park, and Cliff Clemens Park are available for events for a fee. Electricity is available. Includes a public restroom. Call 541-549-6022 for additional information.

Creekside Campground

The Creekside Campground is a municipal park with 60 sites (of which 23 are fullhook-up sites) and a large grass area. The park is situated along Whychus Creek and within walking distance of downtown. The park is open April to November and is closed for the winter months. Includes a public restroom. Call 541-323-5218 for reservations and more information.

Creekside Park

Creekside Park is located adjacent to Whychus Creek across the covered footbridge from the Creekside Campground. The grassy park has tables and small barbecues for daytime use. There are no events here.

Creekside

Fir Street Park

Sisters’ downtown park is centrally located at the corner of Fir Street and Main Avenue. This “pocket park” features a splash play area for kids, a performance stage with timber-frame pavilion and seating area, a picnic facility, restrooms, bike corrals, benches, a fire pit with seating, a drinking fountain, and on-site parking. Many features were created by local artists. The park hosts Sisters Farmers Market on Sundays and outdoor concerts sponsored by Sisters Folk Festival.

Hyzer Pines

The Hyzer Pines 18-hole disc golf course is located near the Sisters Park & Recreation District Coffield Center on McKinney Butte Road.

Village Green Park

Village Green Park is located two blocks south of downtown between Elm & Fir Streets. There is a covered gazebo, barbecue area, playground equipment, and restrooms.

EDUCATION OPTIONS EXPAND ACROSS SISTERS COUNTRY

By T. Lee Brown

As more families move to Sisters Country, more opportunities arise to meet the need for high quality education.

Local Public Schools

Sisters School District (SSD) provides unique opportunities in music, outdoor learning, sports, and science—often in partnership with an enthusiastic local community. Songwriting is taught via the Americana program, initiated by Sisters Folk Festival; luthier classes allow students to build their own ukuleles and guitars. Outdoor education is available for some students via the rigorous interdisciplinary IEE program (Integrated Environmental Expedition) at Sisters High School. There’s even an aviation program.

Sisters Elementary School will soon relocate to its new building on the west end of town.

Black Butte School (BBS) is a small K–8 school based in Camp Sherman, the only school in its district. Outdoor learning is frequent, including field studies on the nearby Metolius River and learning on the slopes at Hoodoo Ski Bowl. A strong community and performing arts showcases round out the experience.

Students living in either district may apply for transfer to the other; busing is usually provided.

Charter Schools

Regional public charter schools bring a wider range of education options. A welcome choice for advanced/TAG youth is Redmond Proficiency Academy (grades 6–12), with a ride

on the local CET bus. For global focus and Spanish language, there’s Bend International School (K–8). Some learners thrive at Westside Village Magnet School in Bend (K–12), celebrating equity and inclusivity.

Camps & Programs

Music, arts, sports, science, and outdoor programs blossom in the area, from the sliding-scale creativity camps of SFF Presents (formerly Sisters Folk Festival) in downtown Sisters, to the nature, theater, and imagination offerings of Starshine on the shores of Suttle Lake. Local nonprofit Seed to Table provides food and farm education on-site and in partnership with school districts. Sisters Parks and Recreation District (SPRD) hosts sports, outdoor, and daycare options including survival and fishing camps. Underserved kids find meaningful mentorship and activities through Circle of Friends.

Preschools

Pine Siskin is a Waldorf-based program (pre–1st grade); Mountain Montessori teaches children aged 2–6. Wellspring Church hosts Wellspring Preschool, and SPRD offers part-time and full-time

for ages 3–6 with some public funding. Waitlists are common and may be eased soon by a potential new preschool.

Religious Education

Local churches offer an Episcopal Sunday School and a Christian nondenominational Youth Ministry, among others. Jewish families typically drive to Bend for community and instruction.

More Options

Online and homeschooling have been big in Sisters Country since long before the pandemic. Kids can still participate in SSD sports and arts offerings. Baker Web Academy, popular locally, is a public charter with many years’ experience teaching online.

Homeschool families gather for socializing and support via groups like Central Oregon Open Learners (COOL) and Central Oregon Homeschoolers of Redmond (COHR). Families supplement with programs such as the Bible-focused Commonplace Homeschool Cooperative in Sisters or Wildheart Nature School classes, which take place on mountains, rivers, and farms around Bend and Tumalo.

GETTING HITCHED IN SISTERS

By Bill Bartlett

Sisters Country is popping up more often on destination wedding maps. And why not? Talk about the perfect backdrop for the big day. Memories are forever when you tie the knot in our picture-perfect setting.

Choose from a variety of themes to accent the special day: luxury resort with world-class amenities, ranch, historic river lodge, bucolic winery, or right in town. Heck, you can even honeymoon in a forest fire lookout tower.

As for bachelor or bachelorette parties, golf, whitewater rafting or kayaking offers something way outside the run-of-the-mill.

Want to get married on horseback? You can do

that in Sisters. At the base of a waterfall? You bet. In a garden? On a mountaintop? Yep. How about in a National Forest? Sure thing. If you’re looking for an alternative to ballroom weddings, or if fancy isn’t your vibe (or your budget), then exchanging vows in Sisters just might be for you.

Book early — at least a year in advance. A handful of nearby wedding planners can help create the perfect wedding.

All the support teams are here for embellishing the cherished moments — caterers, florists, photographers, music. Just because Sisters is synonymous with a laid-back, easy-going lifestyle doesn’t mean you can’t get all duded up. Formal wear or boots and jeans, either works.

VENUES THAT MATCH THE SISTERS STYLE AND BRAND:

Aspen Lakes: www.aspenlakes.com/restaurant/weddings

Black Butte Ranch: www.blackbutteranch.com/weddings

Faith Hope & Charity Vineyard: www.faithhopeandcharityevents.com/weddings

FivePine Lodge: www.fivepine.com/weddings

House on Metolius: www.metolius.com/weddings

Long Hollow Ranch: thelonghollowranch.com/weddings-events

Pole Creek Ranch: www.polecreek.com/wedding-events

The Suttle Lodge: thesuttlelodge.com/groups/weddings

GETTING TUNED IN

There’s music in the air almost all the time in Sisters. From major music festivals to a thriving open mic scene, local musicians mix with national and regional performing artists to create a vibrant music community. The food cart scene at The Barn and at Eurosports Food Cart Garden is spiced up with music throughout the summer.

Hardtails Bar & Grill hosts a popular series of classic rock tribute band concerts each summer. This year there will be tributes to Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and more. Visit https://bendticket.com/venues/9983 for more information.

Sisters Depot Kitchen & Cocktail Bar hosts music in its courtyard during the summer, and has created a listening room known as Frankie’s Upstairs. Visit https://sistersdepot.com/our-events. The restaurant also plays host to a popular open mic session that encourages musicians and songwriters

of all levels to share their work or their work-in-progress.

You’ll find music at The Open Door Wine Bar (https://www.opendoorwinebar.com/ calendar) and at Sisters Saloon (https://sisterssaloon.net/live-music/) with a mixture of local and regional artists taking the stage. The Belfry (https://belfryevents.com/) has become a legendary venue and a destination for touring musicians in the Pacific Northwest.

The scene is enhanced by strong music programs in Sisters schools. Young jazz musicians are encouraged to jam with established pros in jazz sessions, and the Americana Project cultivates young songwriters and performers. An active fiddle club at Sisters Middle School is producing young fiddlers who have hit the road to experience music festivals in the Pacific Northwest.

Sisters is always reaching for a high note.

SISTERS IS ALPACA COUNTRY

By Bill Bartlett

Alpacas are highly sociable, gentle, and curious. They are the smallest members of the camel family, on average three feet high at the shoulder and 4-7 feet long.

Alpacas never spit at or bite humans, unless they’ve been abused, which makes them instant favorites of parents. Children are instantly drawn to their whimsical, crimped faces and their friendly personalities.

In Sisters you can make a partial or whole day visits to alpaca ranches where you can get up close and personal, petting, feeding, and “chatting” with them. Alpacas make a gentle humming noise when happy.

WHERE TO FIND THEM:S

No less than 1,000 alpacas are about a 15-minute ride east from Sisters. Alpaca Country Estates started with just six Huacaya alpacas in 2006. The 134-acre pastured ranch is set with breathtaking views of the Cascades. Alpaca fiber produces amazingly soft garments and warm throws, rugs, and yarn. The property includes an all things alpaca seasonal farm store. Luxurious alpaca fiber is one of the rarest and most treasured natural fibers in the world.

Private tours and group activities are available; reserve ahead.

PICNIC

WITH ALPACAS

At Paca Picnics you’ll eat, drink, and be merry while surrounded by a pack of friendly alpacas. Some will be just as curious about you as you are about them. All of them will put smiles on your face.

Picnics happen at Flying Dutchman Alpacas north of Tumalo.

The fun is all managed by the same folks who run Alpaca by Design, a premium apparel shop in downtown Sisters.

COURTESY WASIM MUKLASHY

COURTESY WASIM MUKLASHY

COURTESY ALPACA COUNTRY ESTATES

Tamolitch Blue Pool

Tamolitch Blue Pool is accessible by an approximately four-mile, out-and-back hike. On a hot summer day, you may be tempted to take a dip in the pool — but think twice; it’s glacier-cold. Take Highway 126 west just over 40 miles to Trail Bridge Reservoir. Turn right on FS Road 730 (at the sign to Trail Bridge Reservoir). Cross the river and turn right on FS Road 2672-655, then travel a half mile to parking.

Dee Wright Observatory

At the summit of McKenzie Pass, at 5,187 feet, stands Dee Wright Observatory. The lava-rock structure was completed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). On a clear day, you will have spectacular views of Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson, the South, North, and Middle Sister, and even catch a glimpse of Mt. Hood. Take Highway 242 west out of Sisters on a forest drive 22 miles to the McKenzie Summit.

Head of the Metolius

It’s hard to believe that the mighty Metolius River starts from tiny springs in the shadow of Black Butte. Over the next five miles, more springs and tributary creeks build the river into a rushing torrent. Drive 10 miles west of Sisters to the entrance to Camp Sherman and follow the signs along FS Road 14. Park and walk about 300 yards down a paved path to an overlook that treats you to a calendar shot of the headwaters and Mt. Jefferson.

Whychus Creek Overlook

Here you’ll find spectacular views of the Whychus Creek watershed and the Cascade Range. The Overlook and its short loop trail are barrier-free and handicapaccessible, and there are restrooms at the trailhead. Head south on Three Creek Lake Road (Elm Street in town) for a little over five miles. The turnout is near the summit of Peterson Ridge, on the right-hand (west) side of the road, just a short distance beyond the five-mile marker.

Adventure

A PERMIT TO Roam

Singular among the jewels in the crown of Sisters Country are our trails, which lead a hiker into the wonders and glories of the Cascades backcountry.

Those wonders are on the map internationally and in danger of being “loved to death.” So the U.S. Forest Service has implemented a permit system.

Central Cascades Wilderness Permits are required for all overnight-use within the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters wilderness areas June 15 through October 15.

Overnight permits are available through a rolling seven-day window on Recreation. gov.

Overnight trips can be up to 13 nights (14 days maximum) with groups no larger than 12 individuals. The processing fee for an overnight permit remains at $6. Permit availability is based on the starting trailhead and start date.

All reservations for Central Cascades Wilderness Permits need to be made through Recreation.gov either online, via the Recreation.gov app on Google Android and

Apple iOS devices, or by calling their call center at 1-877-444-6777 or TDD 877-833-6777. Search for “Central Cascades Wilderness.” Overnight permits are NOT available at local Forest Service offices or outside of the reservation system.

Day-use permits are required on 19 of 79 trails within those same three wilderness areas during the permit season. However, day-use permits do not have advance reservations ahead of the season. Day-use permits will be opened for reservation in a 10-day and two-day rolling window beginning on June 5.

The system was implemented in 2021, prompted by increasingly heavy use of certain forest trails. Certain trails had seen 15-20% increases in use each year, and the impacts — from simple wear-and-tear to garbage and waste left behind — have begun to materially affect the health of the forest and the quality of the wilderness experience.

The permit system is designed not only to reduce wear-and-tear, but to improve the backcountry experience for users.

GETTING A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD

— BY BILL BARTLETT —

When you’ve climbed Black Butte, made it to the top – the very top – of Upper Chush Falls, notched Black Crater, and want even more, then the 50-minute bucolic ride to Scout Camp Loop Trail will slake your thirst for adventure in Sisters.

Getting there is a fantasy trip itself through pastoral hay and orchard grass fields, and sprawling cattle ranches. You’ll drive past an alpaca ranch with over 1,000 head of the lovable creatures who will come right up to the fence to say hi. Any map app takes you past a vineyard or two, a wildlife preserve, and a 570-acre deactivated diatomaceous earth mine with its otherworldly white crystalline dunes.

The trailhead has ample parking and the locals cannot recall it ever being full. The trail seldom shows up on any “best of” lists for Central Oregon, but once you get into the reviews of the most popular online trail blogs, all at once its prominence rises easily to the top five in all of Oregon.

It’s deceptive at only three miles. It’s not a walk in the woods. The lollipop loop starts out easy enough through generous junipers until you quickly reach the loop. BLM, on whose land it rests, asks that you go clock-

wise, and for good reason.

Now it’s down, way down — 718 feet — in very short order. Using a series of switchbacks as you wind your way deep into the canyons to the riverbed below, you are treated – make that blown away — by some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find anywhere in Oregon.

The hike follows the upper Deschutes River, full of fish and deep pools punctuated by roaring rapids. The river is walled on both sides by cliffs, some sheer, and many housing raptors and dozens of other bird species.

This is not a hike to take with young children or dogs, or if you are afraid even a little of heights. Poles are helpful. At its closest point to the river, about 50 feet, you will have to boulder twice to continue. This can be a challenge and deal-breaker for some.

It is at this point where the Whychus, which runs through Sisters, now cascading, has its confluence with the Deschutes. It is teeming with birds and beauty. Plan to go early in the day especially in the summer months. For an optimal experience picnic on one of the many dramatic outcroppings.

Then head back to Sisters and revel in the memories that will last forever.

BILL BARTLETT

SCOUT CAMP LOOP TRAIL

The Waterfall Trail

Make a day outing to the waterfalls trail. Head west on Highway 20, and at the junction with Highway 126 (National Scenic Byway), follow it and the well-marked signs to the pristine McKenzie River’s Sahalie Falls with a spacious parking lot. Sahalie Falls is a mass of foaming white water plunging 100 feet over a natural lava dam. This famous falls can be spotted in Disney’s “Homeward Bound.”

The Sahalie Falls viewing platform is less then 100 feet from the parking lot and is wheelchair accessible. An easy and wildly scenic 2.6-mile roundtrip trail brings you downriver to Koosah Falls, a 70-foot drop into a deep pool.

These falls mark the terminus of two thick flows of basaltic andesite lava that dammed Clear Lake and moved into the McKenzie River 3,000 years ago. Sahalie, meaning “heaven,” and Koosah, meaning “sky,” are Chinook jargon words — part of a rudimentary trade language that allowed people to exchange news and goods in the area. The Kalapuya, Molalla, Sahaptin, and Chinook peoples traveled and traded here, perhaps on their way to obtain obsidian in the high Cascades or to gather huckleberries.

Both sites feature parking, interpretive panels that tell the story of area geology, restrooms, and

observation points.

Next stop is Proxy Falls by continuing down Highway 126 to the junction of Highway 242 (McKenzie Highway). Make the only turn and drive nine miles to the trailhead for the splendid 1.6-mile loop trail.

Proxy Falls is a cascade and plunge waterfall from a collection of springs that plunges into a gaping canyon near McKenzie Pass. The waterfall sports an impressive main drop of 226 feet, which makes it one of the highest plunge waterfalls in Oregon.

Continue the loop by driving Highway 242 all the way back to Sisters with a stop at Dee Wright Observatory.

SAHALIE FALLS

PROXY FALLS

STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE OF

— BY CEILI GATLEY —

Bouldering

The sport of bouldering is in the rockclimbing family but has its own culture and is often used as a practice for cliff rock climbing. Bouldering is considered ‘free climbing’ performed on small rock formations or artificial routes. Bouldering is climbing without the use of ropes or harnesses. It involves vertical pitches utilizing body weight to propel up a rock. Bouldering sights in Central Oregon are becoming increasingly popular. Bouldering sights can be made from any area with jagged rock formations. Boulders and rock formations create natural hand holds and vertical pitches.

Climbers use crash pads underneath their route in case of falling as they aren’t using a rope or harness to catch them. Most climbers use climbing shoes and chalk to stick into handholds as they work their way up a vertical pitch.

Typically, bouldering routes are not a very high pitch, so if you do fall, you aren’t falling very far and you’re falling onto a crash pad.

Bouldering started as a practice for mountaineering and rock climbing that a climber could do on their own. “It’s the most

physical and gymnastic aspect of climbing,” said Andy Coleman, owner of The Circuit Bouldering Gym in Bend.

The Circuit Bouldering Gym in Bend is a gym dedicated to free climbing and bouldering. For climbers that typically rock climb, bouldering can be an interesting challenge. Bouldering allows climbers at any skill level to dive into the sport. Because it doesn’t require much equipment, someone interested can go out to a gym and try it for themselves, completely on their own.

There are several bouldering locations in the Sisters and Central Oregon areas. Any place you can climb on boulders can be constituted as a bouldering area. With a crash pad, shoes, and chalk, climbers can boulder anywhere.

Locations include an area off Wilt Road near the Whychus Canyon Estates properties, as well as on the west side of Bend near Shevlin Park. There are several places next to the Deschutes River that allow for serene vistas on top of basalt boulder columns. To learn more visit: https://www. mountainproject.com/area/114430286/ sisters-area.

JUMP IN Alake!

The Cascades are dotted with lakes, most of them carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago. Fed by snowmelt and/ or springs, the high lakes are cold and refreshing after a day’s hike. Some are readily accessible and make for popular swimming and water play spots; some are remote and require a hike to get there. Many have fish populations, some of them augmented by stocking.

Scout Lake:

Scout Lake is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to get some time in the water. Children love splashing in its waters. No dogs are allowed at the day-use area, due to sanitation concerns.

From Sisters, travel 13.2 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 1.3 miles west on Forest Road 2070, and then 0.8 miles south on Forest Road 2066.

Suttle Lake:

Suttle Lake is a favorite spot in the Deschutes National Forest. Surrounded by forest, the lake is deep and clear, and everything from a rowboat to a water skiing boat is allowed in separate parts of the lake. Link Creek, which empties into Suttle Lake, is shallow and clear enough to view spawning fish. You can hike an easy trail all around the lake, and Cinder

CLEAR LAKE

SUTTLE LAKE

Beach provides access for swimmers and water play. Yellow, orange, or red hues from vine maple proclaim the arrival of autumn in September or October.

Travel west on Highway 20 for 13 miles to Forest Road 2070 and turn in.

Three Creek Lake:

Nestled under the majestic Tam McArthur Rim, Three Creek Lake is a popular spot for fishing — or just enjoying a day by (or in) the water. Motors are not allowed on Three Creek Lake, contributing to the serenity of the setting. There is a primitive boat ramp on the east shore as well as a small store that rents boats. It can be buggy, so don’t forget your insect repellant.

Note: Access delayed until July 21 due to road repair work.

Take Elm Street/FS Road 16 south out of Sisters for 16 miles.

Clear Lake:

It’s a bit of a jaunt, but Clear Lake is one of the gems of the Cascades, and worth the trip. The lake is about 142 acres in size and lies at an elevation of 3,012 feet, with a maximum depth of 175 feet. It is

one of the clearest and coldest lakes in the Cascades. A day on Clear Lake in a canoe or rowboat is good for the soul. Fishing is good at Clear Lake — brook trout and cutthroat trout reproduce naturally in the lake, and rainbow trout are stocked annually. You won’t want to jump in this one though — it’s COLD!

Clear Lake is a 40-minute drive from Sisters. Take Highway 20/126 west over Santiam Pass. At the junction, take Highway 126 west and watch for signs on the left side of the highway.

If you want a road trip, the Cascade Lakes Highway offers a 66-mile scenic drive with stops for exploration. The road opens seasonally in June (depending on snow conditions) and closes in October beyond Mt. Bachelor. Take Highway 20 to Bend and link up with Century Drive, which becomes the highway outside the city limits. (For more information visit www.visitbend.com/pointsinterest/cascade lakes-national-scenic-byway/).

If you’re up for a stout hike of nine miles, Summit Lake offers a reward for your hard work. To find it, visit www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/ santiam-highway-to-summit-lake.

UNDERGROUND wonders

By Bill Bartlett

With its iconic mountains, rivers, and coastline, it’s easy to overlook the adventure of discovering some of Oregon’s underground wonders. Oregon is home to some of the best examples of deep caves and ancient lava beds formed ages ago from the many volcanoes in Oregon’s geological history. So significant that one of them was used by NASA as training grounds for lunar landings.

The two are linked as some of the best caves are, in fact, a lava tube, which is a natural tunnel formed by flowing lava moving underneath the hardened surface of a lava flow. Tubes act as a pressure relief valve of sorts, a natural drainage for the molten rock when an eruption occurs. When cooled, the tube, up to miles in length, is like other naturally forming caves — home to wildlife and even plant life. And the source of many a ghost tale or tales of hideouts and burial grounds.

You might already know that temperature-wise, caves are uniformly cool with little fluctuation in readings. They can be cooler by far and somewhat warmer than the surface above them. When it nears 100 in July, a cave is a great place to be. And if it’s in the teens outside, it is still likely to be in the 40s in the cave.

Many caves in Oregon, however, are offlimits in the colder months primarily to give aid and comfort to the struggling bat population and to give the caves with their own life cycle time to heal from the annual visitation of adventurers. You don’t have to be a hardcore spelunker (cave explorer) to get awed by caves in Oregon.

Lava River Cave

It’s a mile-long, self-guided lava tube. Around 42 degrees year-round means a jacket or fleece and, to be sure, have two light sources, preferably the standard flashlight and a miner’s or camp lamp, or the Forest

JULY 13 - LUCKYTOWN

Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band Tribute

JULY 20 - CANDY-O

World’s Best Cars Tribute

AUGUST 3 - VALHALLA A Tribute to Led Zeppelin

AUGUST 10 • GOLD DUST

World’s Best Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

AUGUST 17 • PETTY FEVER The Multi-Award Winning Tom Petty Tribute

AUGUST 24 • IN THE PINK Outstanding Tribute to Pink Floyd Concert tickets at BENDTICKET.COM

Service will rent you a lantern.

It’s cold, and the floor is uneven, some of it’s boardwalk and stairways, the first of which is the 55 stepper that descends into the tube. The first 1,000 feet might still have fallen rocks, even ice patches into June.

The cave is open only from May 1 into September. It’s a highly popular Central Oregon outing. Get there early, maybe 9:30 for the 10:00 opening, or plan a hefty walk from and to your car. The interpretive signage, outside the cave, is exceptional and will give you all you need to know once you are inside, if you can remember it.

The cave, a continuous tube, has sections, six in all. Each is distinctly different in feel and texture.

Arnold Ice Caves

Yes, there is ice in the cave, and at times blocking or impeding exploration; however, the ice forms some interesting stalagmites. The icy cave, really a series of 19 connected caves, once produced ice for businesses in Bend and was home to various mining operations, evidence of which can still be found.

Regrettably, Wind Cave, nearly 4,000 feet in length, is closed for the protection of its important bat population. The caves, lava tubes, to be more precise, are situated on the boundary of Newberry Volcano.

The caves are typically open from May to October.

Not to fret. At least seven other caves in the system are accessible, including Pictograph Cave, 1,640 feet long. Plus: Deg, Bat, Charcoal (closed for bat rehabilitation), Dar Hole, and Stookey Ranch Cave. The names alone are symbolic of the caves’ heritage.

Another three miles northwest gets you to Skeleton or Boyd Caves.

Skeleton is only possible via Wanderlust Tours in Bend, who hold the permit for visit-

ing. It’s a 2,900-footer full of enlightenment. Boyd, on the other hand, is permit-free and open pretty much year-round.

On clear days, the entire color spectrum is in cosmic rays of varying widths.

small hole in the ceiling is the access point and down a metal staircase.

It’s a cluster of fives caves dating 6,000 years with a long history of use by Native Americans. Being right in the city limits of Redmond and open year-round, they are the most accessible of all our favorite Oregon caves.

Twisting underground trails connect caves 1 and 3. Cave 4 also has a less serpentine trail. Like our other favorite caves, remember they are dark, without any light source, are cool (often damp) with uneven footing. In the case of Redmond Caves, you might also be sharing it with a rattler. The caves are jointly managed by the City of Redmond and BLM. There are no fees to enter and are self-guided.

Skylight Cave

This is one of those must-see places. It is very special, even by Oregon standards. Skylight Cave has three openings in the ceiling allowing light to enter the cave. At certain times of the day, primarily early morning and the two days before or after the summer solstice, the penetrating light makes ethereal spotlights on the cave floor.

On clear days, the entire color spectrum is possible in cosmic rays of varying widths. The seasonal illumination, deep in the Deschutes National Forest, is not exactly hidden but is not easy to find either.

It’s roughly a 30-minute drive from Sisters, including some 6-7 miles on a nonmaintained forest service road. The cave, a lava tube, is 900 feet in total length. The marked entry has a metal ladder that descends to the uneven floor. The “skylights” are 300 feet into the cave. The mist coming off the cool, damp floor, when caught by the light, is an added dimension to the

It is right at 1,800 feet and easy to explore with little collapse over the millennia. A descends to the uneven floor. The “skylights” are 300 feet into the cave. The mist coming off the cool, damp floor, when caught by the light, is an added dimension to the phenomena.

CATCH THE PICKLEBALL BUG

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America. There’s a very simple reason for that: It’s a LOT of fun.

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. Players — doubles or singles — use a paddle and a plastic ball with holes.

It’s easier on the body than tennis, and can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels.

Access to pickleball is one of the most frequently-asked questions among visitors to Sisters. Visitors who are staying at Black Butte Ranch or in a vacation rental at Tollgate can avail themselves of the courts reserved for residents and guests. Public courts are not available right now in Sisters, but Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) has pickleball in its plans.

The Sisters Country Pickleball Club, under the auspices of Sisters Park & Recreation District, is hard at work on finding a suitable

site for eight pickleball courts — the number needed to stage tournaments.

Courts are planned in a new SPRD center at the site of the current Sisters Elementary School. Those courts may be available in 2025.

Lake Creek Lodge in Camp Sherman has pickleball courts available for guests.

That means that avid pickleball players will — for now — have to head down the road to find public courts to play on.

Players can head to Redmond’s Sam Johnson Park where there are several courts, or check out the courts at the Pine Nursery Park Pickleball Complex in Bend, where Courts 1-4 are open to the public at all times, except during specified tournament dates. Quail Park has a pickleball court (marked, with net available for public use.

For more information on Sisters Pickleball Club, visit sisters pickleballclub.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACK BUTTE RANCH

Cast Your Line…

By Ceili Gatley

Central Oregon has several jewels of places to experience fly-fishing. It is arguably one of the most popular fly fishing destinations in the American West. One of Central Oregon’s finest jewels is just 20 minutes west of Sisters in Camp Sherman.

The Metolius River is a unique, spring-fed river, home to a wild fish hatchery. The river’s topography cuts through ponderosa pine forest; the temperature and flow rate are constant, making it a unique environment. The temperature doesn’t fluctuate throughout the seasons, making it a consistent environment for fish.

The water of the Metolius River is clear, clean, and cold most of the year fed by underground springs, some of which aren’t even documented. The scenery changes as you move downriver, which you can see from a myriad of trails through the Metolius River corridor.

The wild fish swimming the Metolius include bull trout, brown trout and redband. Fishing here is a challenge due to the abundance of stoneflies flowing beneath the water. Different flies have different stages throughout the season, making it important to understand the food sources fish prefer at different times of year to get a catch.

The Metolius is a catch-and-release and a no-guide river. Eric Gunson, manager of the fly shop at the Camp Sherman Store, works to educate flyfishers on the best areas to hit for catches. Some of those places include the Bridge 99/Lower Bridge Campground all the way downriver to Pine Rest Campground, where the river hugs the highway taking you through the entire Metolius River basin.

There are areas where fish hang out on the river, including in some of the 20-foot deep

pools all the way up into the shallows, hiding under downed trees and log jams. Going into spring and summer, the big green mayfly will be the primary fly hatch that the fish will key in on.

Gunson provides a “hatch menu” every day, based on what flies are hatching and in the area.

“I listen to other fishermen, and learn what’s happening on the river in different areas. I love seeing the families that come in and explore the area and all it has to offer,” said Gunson.

You can fish the Metolius year-round but the peak season is Memorial Day in May through Labor Day in September. Camp Sherman and the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife have recently built a man-made pond for kids to practice fishing, stocked with hatchery fish, making for a fun experience where kids can learn.

Just west of the Metolius, Suttle Lake, Scout Lake, and Big Lake offer opportunities for fishing of all kinds, and a place to cool off in the summer months.

Whychus Creek, downstream of Sisters, offers fishing for small rainbow trout, but access is not as easy.

Three Creek Lake, Lava Lake, and other lakes in the Central Oregon area offer potential for catching a fish on a fly line.

Outfitters offer float trips down the Deschutes River for classic Central Oregon fishing.

Located in a scenic location at Black Butte Ranch, Phalarope Lake is a nice place to learn to cast a fly. This is the only lake on the Ranch reserved for fly fishing. During the summer, free, fly-fishing clinics are offered through The Fly Fisher’s Place, at the Ranch at 10 a.m. on Saturday mornings.

TOP HATCHES ON WATERS Central Oregon

green drake

The hatch goes from about Memorial Day weekend to the end of June. The trout in the Metolius come crashing to the surface to feast on the dark green flies.

blue wing

A tiny little olive mayfly with gray wings. The only mayfly found in Central Oregon hatching all 12 months of the year, so it provides some of the only dry fly fishing in the winter.

callibaetis

Callibaetis mayflies are a lake angler’s dream. It took us many years to invent the fly we call the Black Butte Callibaetis, but wherever the black mayflies are found this fly is a match.

stonefly

Stonefly hatches bring the most tourists to fish a single hatch. The famed salmonfly and golden stone hatches happen on the Deschutes from mid-May until early June.

CAMP SHERMAN: PARADISE IN THE TALL PINES

By Sue Stafford

The picturesque spot known as Camp Sherman lies in the southwest corner of Jefferson County within the Metolius Basin, a geologic treasure trove that provides hints into the formation of the basin. Between volcanoes, glaciers, earthquakes, and a fault scarp (vertical movement of one side of a fault in the earth’s surface), the basin is now bounded by Black Butte on the south, the Cascade Mountains to the west, Green Ridge on the east, and Jefferson Creek to the north. The history of Camp Sherman is as unique as the place itself. Peoples’ eyes light up when questioned about the old days and many residents have more than one story to share.

Native Americans

Indigenous people were visiting the basin and its fish-filled river for centuries

before Captain John C. Fremont crossed the Metolius River on December 1, 1843, with his Indian guide. Mpto-ly-as is a Native American word meaning white fish or “stinking fish” for all the salmon that came up the river to spawn and die. Artifacts have been unearthed at multiple archaeological sites that indicate the Metolius basin has had human inhabitants since before the eruption of Mt. Mazama (Crater Lake) 7,700 years ago.

One long-time Camp Sherman resident recalled that in the early to mid-1930s, an Indian woman would visit each summer with huckleberries to sell, carried in a deer skin pouch. She was dressed in doeskin, with her baby in a papoose on her back, and riding horseback.

In 1855, a United States treaty deeded land to the Native Americans and established Warm Springs Reservation where

Continued on page 64

JAROD GATLEY

Get Lost…

Camp Sherman Store/Fly Shop

A one-of-a-kind general store. Fly shop. Deli. Groceries. Beverages. Clothing and a lot of other goodies you didn’t even know you needed! 541-595-6711 www.campshermanstore.com

Cold Springs Resort

Fifteen tastefully decorated cabins on and around the banks of the spring-fed Metolius River. Old-fashioned hospitality with a scenic and relaxing environment. We also have 15 RV sites under towering ponderosa pines. Hiking, biking, and world-class fly fishing make for the perfect vacation or family retreat. A family tradition since 1938. Pet-friendly. 541-595-6271 www.coldspringsresort.com

Hoodoo’s Camp Sherman RV Park & Motel

Resort features restrooms, showers, fire pits and laundromat. Six units, reminiscent of an old-fashioned bunkhouse, offers solitude and comfort in the shadow of Black Butte. 541-595-6514 www.campshermanrv.com

Hoodoo Mountain Resort

The majesty of Hoodoo’s location and fun of Hoodoo’s night skiing will bring you back again and again. Even if you don’t ski, we have plenty to do for everyone, including the very popular Autobahn Tube Hill. 541-822-3799 www.skihoodoo.com

House on Metolius

Lake Creek Lodge

This privately owned, beautiful two-hundred-acre estate sits astride the river, with magnificent views of Mt. Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, and the Metolius as it flows through the natural meadow. Accommodations include eight cabins and eight rooms in the Main House. For reservations call 541-595-6620 www.metolius.com Hola!

Serving innovative Nouveau Mexican and Peruvian cuisine for lunch and dinner. This award-winning restaurant has transformed the cabinstyle building that was previously the Kokanee Café, alongside the Metolius River. 541-595-6420 www.holabend.com

Historic resort featuring 22 unique cabins, the Lake Creek Lodge Restaurant, swimming pool, trout pond, game room, and outdoor game area. Family-friendly. Pet-friendly Group events welcome. 541-588-2150 www.lakecreeklodge.com

Metolius River Lodges

Thirteen cozy cabins on the pristine, emerald-green banks of the Metolius River. Comfort and quiet under centuries-old ponderosa pines, just steps away from world-class fly fishing and hiking. 541-595-6290 www.metoliusriverlodges.com

Metolius River Resort

Eleven cabins nestled among ponderosa pines along the banks of the Metolius River. The cabins are fully furnished, with kitchens, riverrock fireplaces, and decks with river views. Cast your line or enjoy a book by the fire. 541-595-6281 www.metoliusriverresort.com

The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse

The first Suttle Lodge & Boathouse was built in 1928 on the shores of Suttle Lake. Four fires later, we are continuing their bootlegging tradition: Good food, beer, wine, and games on the lawn, cocktails, boats for rent, lodge rooms, full-service, and rustic cabins. www.thesuttlelodge.com

the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute tribes still live today as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

Homesteaders

In 1862, the Homestead Act opened up settlement in the western U.S., allowing any American to put in a claim for up to 160 acres of free land. General Land Office records of 1881 show there were five homesteads within the upper Metolius basin.

Camp Sherman Cabins

The next influx of inhabitants to the basin came from Sherman County beginning in 1908. There are various stories related to how that county’s wheat farmers discovered the Metolius but, once they did, whole families began to make annual pilgrimages every summer to camp on the river’s bank, fish, and recreate. Lots were available to rent from the Federal government for $5-$15 a year. They were allowed to build cabins as long as they were neat and substantial.

Regulations required there be 50 feet of space between the riverbank and the cabin, with that space to remain open to the public, which is still the case today on both sides of the river.

William Henrichs, O.L. Belshe, and Martin Hansen, all of Sherman County, built the first three cabins in 1916. Judge Henrichs is credited with naming the enclave Camp Sherman, after posting signs along the route from Sherman County to the Metolius, to guide the farmers.

Camp Sherman Store and Post Office

The heart of Camp Sherman has always been the store and post office. The store began as a platform tent and was run by Dick Fuller. After the tent, a small store was built in 1917 by Frank Leithauser, who had the grocery store in Sisters. In 1922, the current building was constructed by Ross Ornduff from Sherman County. Until 1976, when a separate building was built, the post office was always located inside the store.

The Chapel in the Pines

The Chapel in the Pines was originally part of the Shevlin-Hixon logging town that

moved from area to area in south Deschutes County as timber was cut. In 1950, Shevlin ceased operation and Brooks-Scanlon purchased their buildings. A long-time resident of Camp Sherman and an executive with Brooks-Scanlon, Lloyd Blakely, had the chapel moved in the fall of 1957 to Camp Sherman – in two pieces. With the efforts of many people and businesses, the little chapel was refurbished and ready for congregates. When services began, there was a Catholic mass on Sunday morning and a Protestant service in the afternoon. Since 1980, there has been one non-denominational service on Sunday morning.

Lodging

Camp Sherman has always been known for its river and fishing. Early on, tourists began to come stay and play, requiring lodging to be built, particularly Hansen’s Resort (later called Lake Creek Lodge), the Heising Ranch, Circle M Ranch, the old Metolius River Lodge, and Camp Sherman Resort. Later came Haglund’s Resort, Twin View Resort, The Pines Resort off Metke Lane, and Metolius Meadows guest ranch.

The Community Hall

Nowhere are the traditions of Camp Sherman more evident than at the Community Hall. It has been the scene of potlucks, community meetings, memorial services, school programs, weddings and receptions, and dances. The Fourth of July pancake breakfasts over the years have raised funds for a number of worthy causes.

The original construction of the hall was a total community effort. When it was decided that residents of Camp Sherman needed a place to gather, in the spring of 1948 building began, on land donated by the McMullins. On the first day, 50 volunteers arrived to help clear the building site, aided by Sisters garage owner George Wakefield who used his wrecker to pull out jack pines.

Local full-time residents did all the construction work while summer residents contributed equipment and furnishings for the completed hall. There were a number of fund raising events held as well, including a bear barbecue.

Black Butte Ranch has been a beloved destination for families for half a century. Last year the Ranch celebrated its 50th anniversary. Black Butte Ranch opened in 1970 and was completed in 1987 with over 1,800 acres and 1,250 homesites. It’s a small city, with its own fire and police department, and is one of the top 20 employers in Deschutes County.

With bike and walking paths, tennis courts, and world-renowned golf courses, there’s plenty to do right on the Ranch — but it also makes a perfect headquarters for your adventures across Central Oregon. The Lodge Restaurant and Aspen Lounge reopened last year in a new incarnation. Robert’s Pub and the Lakeside Bistro offer a range of dining options, and you can enjoy live music on the lawn near the Bistro on Wednesday evenings in the summertime. Groceries can be found on the property at the General Store. The Spa at Black Butte Ranch is the perfect spot to unwind and indulge your body after a full day of play.

The Suttle Lodge offers a retreat on the shores of Suttle Lake west of Sisters. The magnificent log lodge has 11 rooms, and there are cabins scattered across the 15-acre property ranging from the deluxe to the rustic. In the summer season, enjoy dining at The Boathouse after a hike on the lakeside trail, or a kayak on the waters of Suttle Lake.

FivePine Lodge & Shibui Spa lie right in town, within walking distance of Sisters’ activities. The resort, which features an array of lodge rooms and nicely appointed cabins, is designed to be a restorative and romantic getaway (popular with locals as well as visitors) with the personal touch of a bed-and-breakfast. The adjacent Shibui Spa, Sisters Athletic Club, and Three Creeks Brewing Co. pub give FivePine all the amenities of a major resort on a comfortable and cozy scale.

Sisters’ resorts serve up respite, restoration, romance — and lifelong memories.

Packing

Climb on!

By Ceili Gatley

It’s no secret that Central Oregon is one of the premier locations for rock climbing.

Josh Spoelstra, a Central Oregon local, spent most of his young life serving as a youth group leader as a climbing guide and made it part of his career. He is originally from the Seattle area and began climbing in high school with his church youth group leader. He spoke with The Nugget about starting out in the climbing community and where to begin. “The climbing community is friendly and inclusive and always willing to bring someone in, no matter the skill level. So, the first thing I would say is find a friend and then learn some information about climbing and go out together,” said Spoelstra. It is important, when entering rock climbing to know your own skill level and to understand that indoor climbing in a rock gym is an entirely different experience than climbing outside. “Gyms give you a good idea of what climbing a route is like, but the elements aren’t there, so maybe start in the gym and get a feel for it then move into outdoor climbing with a partner after that,” he said.

One of the best places to get started in the Central Oregon area is the Bend Rock Gym (BRG) in Bend. Jeremy Wassenaar, Director of Operations, spoke to the importance of starting out in a rock gym. “Come into your local gym and just start asking questions. We have highly trained people working here and willing to help you get started,” said Wassenaar. “I am really proud of how welcoming of a team we have here,” he said. Bend Rock Gym has harnesses, shoes, and belay equipment, all available to rent if you come in without your own gear.

Bend Rock Gym also caters to climbers of all skill levels with differently ranked routes based on difficulty throughout the gym. Bend Rock Gym has two main types of climbing for beginners. There is auto-belay climbing (which is a main feature at the Bend Rock Gym), where the rope is worked into a machine system at the top of the route, and you hook into it and can complete the route on your own because the rope contracts as you get higher up. Auto-belay is a good beginner type of climbing because it allows you to feel what it is like to climb on a route. Top-rope climbing is one of the most common types of climbing at the rock gym,

where you have a belay partner at the bottom.

“Top-rope is where you learn the knots and ties for belaying,” said Wassenaar. You and your climbing partner are roped together using different knots and the bottom partner uses a belay device to keep the rope moving through as you climb up the route.

Bend Rock Gym offers programs and classes for climbers at any skill level. “The best class is a basics climbing class where you learn the knots, safety checks as a climber, and some techniques for climbing indoors,” said Wassenaar. BRG also partners with guides and programs at Smith Rock for outdoor climbing classes.

Smith Rock is one of the most well-known climbing destinations in the Central Oregon area. “There are routes for every type of climber, even beginners, at Smith Rock,” said Spoelstra. Smith Rock and BRG work together to bring climbers together and partnered up to learn the routes and understand outdoor climbing.

“If you want to start outdoor climbing, go out with someone that knows the area and terrain, so you can remain safe, because outdoor climbing is totally different than in a gym” said Spoelstra.

THE CALL OF THE TRAIL

— BY SCOTT BOWLER —

WHYCHUS CANYON PRESERVE

The Wychus Canyon Preserve has it all: great views, plenty of wildlife, pioneer history, fascinating geology, weird rocks, loads of flowers in spring, interesting old junipers, and a beautiful creekside riparian zone. It’s usually doable year-round, although there can be some quite icy spots in winter.

Why go:

This moderately challenging criss-crossing trail system starts right on the edge of lower Whychus Canyon, and has a lot of variety and options.

When to go:

It’s a great hike just about anytime really, and usually possible whatever the weather, as long as your vehicle can get to the trailhead and you choose the right footwear.

What to expect:

Both the beginning and end of the hike is high on the canyon rim, so you will be going down and back up while traversing the slopes. You can choose how much to do and where to go, using the good map available from the kiosk. You will have climbed/ descended about 1,000 feet and hiked up to 5-7 miles if you do it all.

Getting there:

Take Highway 126 east towards Redmond, and in about five miles turn left on Goodrich Road. Continue all the way out (east) to the canyon rim, about three more miles. Note that the pavement turns right and becomes Edmundson Rd., so be sure to keep on straight as it turns to gravel.

What you’ll need:

Footing can be treacherous if icy, so take poles, cleats, and maybe snowshoes in the car, just in case. Note that it can get really muddy in thaws and the trails are best avoided then! Don’t forget the Ten Essentials, including layers of clothing, plenty of snacks and water, and/or a filter to drink from the creek. Dogs MUST be leashed in the Preserve!

METOLIUS PRESERVE

Along Lake Creek, in between Suttle Lake and Metolious River lies a little known protected area known as the Metolious Preserve, owned by Deschutes Land Trust. It’s an unusual property, with a very diverse species mix along beautiful creeks—making it a great place to go.

Why go:

It’s an easy, essentially flat hike with beautiful creeks and diverse plants, with plenty of wildlife.

When to go:

Spring brings abundant diversity in flowers and birds because of the variety of habitats.

What to expect:

The Preserve is full of wildlife, and not a lot of people. A plus is that the flat aspect and short distances make it great for kids and families exploring. Dogs are allowed but MUST be under your direct control on a six-foot leash the whole time in order to protect the wildlife who call the place home—and be sure to bag and carry out their poop!

Getting there:

Take Highway 20 west towards Santiam Pass, and in about 10 miles watch carefully for USFS Road 2064 taking off on the right, which leads to the south trailhead—a warning, though, that this road is little used and is likely difficult to navigate in deep snow or thawing mud! You can access the north entrance from Suttle-Sherman Road, a more well-used and more likely passable option in spring “sloppy” season. Get to Suttle-Sherman Road either from Highway 20 via a right turn on USFS Road 12, heading west and turning right, or take Camp Sherman Road off Highway 20 to the east and turning left. The short spur road to the trailhead parking area is about halfway between the two main crossroads.

What you’ll need:

The Ten Essentials, including layers, plenty of snacks and water, and/or a filter to drink from the creek.

Guided hikes:

From April through October, Deschutes Land Trust volunteer naturalists lead nearly 100 free walks, hikes, and family outings at various Land Trust protected lands throughout Central Oregon. Participants can explore birds, wildflowers, or geology while enjoying the great outdoors.

This year, there is a new offering — Nature Kids — guided family nature walks just for families with kids ages 5-10.

All walks and hikes are free. Group size is small to give attendees the best experience possible. Registration for each outing opens one month prior to the outing and can be done online. Once registered, detailed directions for the outing will be provided. Find the full schedule online: deschuteslandtrust. org/hikes.

TOP 5 SISTERS HIKES

1 Black Butte Lookout

2 Tam McArthur Rim

3 Metolius River

4 Whychus Creek

5 Black Crater

West on Highway 20 to FS Road 11 (Green Ridge Road). Turn right and pass Indian Ford Campground. Turn left at graveled Road 1110 and follow it to the trailhead. Strenuous twomile climb yields 360° views.

This hike is so popular that it requires a wilderness permit. From the trailhead near Three Creek Lake, the trail leads up toward the foot of Broken Top, yielding spectacular mountain views. It's a roundtrip 5.3-mile strenuous hike.

Take Highway 20 west to the Camp Sherman turnoff. Follow FS Road 14 to a fork in the road and bear right. Continue on approximately 7.5 miles and turn left at the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery signs and cross the bridge to the fish hatchery parking area.

Take Elm Street south out of Sisters 4.2 miles. There’s a turnout on the west (right) side of the road. Park and walk past the green gate down to the trail and start hiking upstream. Out-andback hike can vary distance to suit. Easy-moderate.

Drive 11.5 miles west from Sisters, past Windy Point, on Highway 242 (McKenzie Highway). The trailhead with parking is on the south (left) side of highway. This is a strenuous 7.5-mile roundtrip climb to the summit and return.

TAKING SISTERS ON two wheels

By Bill Bartlett

Sisters is bicycling nirvana. There’s a ride for all ages, all levels. From gentle touring to rim bending, you’ve come to the right place. And aprés cycling just doesn’t get any better. Slake your thirst with over 100 taps. Refuel with eats as varied as the riding.

Where to ride:

• Peterson Ridge is the top of the food chain with 32 distinct, single-track trails, 55 miles in total length and starting right in town.

• The Gravel Cracker 5-star route is a 44mile loop with an 1,800 foot gain.

• Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway lets you ride the high desert with a different flavor of the Old West at each end. The 37-mile gem provides riders with one of the most scenic and rewarding rides in Central Oregon.

• McKenzie Pass. The 38-mile ride on historic Highway 242 scenic byway is considered the most spectacular ride in Central Oregon starting in downtown Sisters and ending at a lava rock moonscape.

Visit with the knowledgeable staff at Blazin Saddles for tips on rides and gear.

What to expect:

Courteous drivers. Two helpful bike shops. Hospitable merchants. A warm welcome. And a range of ride options from thick forests to high deserts to in-town gliding.

Plus four adrenaline pumping events that draw hundreds to our cycling mecca. The Sisters Stampede and Cascade Gravel Grinder are but two. Those in the know, know. E-bikes are not permitted in the Deschutes National Forest but are welcome on the 30plus miles of in-town riding. Sisters Trails Alliance (STA) is the go-to place for maps and other useful info.

Insiders say:

Travel Oregon: “This is high desert country, but you’ll also pedal in forests, through rich agricultural valleys, and alongside streams and rivers. Pay attention to the beauty of this landscape – the hues of the rocks, the way light plays on the trees and water, and the sounds of the local fauna.”

Back Roads: “Now this is living! Sun shining. Legs pumping. It’s official, you’re in love. With rugged beauty, the laid back, small town and the stunning Cascades, you’re sure life can’t get any better. Then you kick back on the deck and find yourself mesmerized.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACK BUTTE RANCH

BlackRanchButte

For more than half a century, Black Butte Ranch (BBR) has built lifelong memories.

For many, it’s an annual destination where families can reconnect with the natural beauty found on more than 1,800 acres of some of Oregon’s most spectacular terrain. Others are just discovering this gem that lies just eight miles west of Sisters. They, too, will likely be back.

It’s not just the beauty: Black Butte Ranch offers a wealth of year-round activities— from golf on two 18-hole championship courses with mountain views, to horseback riding, over 23 miles of paved hiking and biking trails, a full-service day spa, indoor and outdoor pool complexes, tennis courts, fitness facilities with cardio and weight equipment, a recreation center with entertainment for the whole family, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and convenient access to some of the finest fishing and whitewater rafting you’ll find anywhere.

The Lakeside area features an expansive outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness facility, sauna, and locker rooms, — but it’s steps away from a game-filled Activity Center and playground.

There are a dozen pickleball courts to meet

the demand for one of America’s fastestgrowing sports activities; 14 tennis courts, two bocce ball courts, and two horseshoe pits, along with sand volleyball courts and a full-length basketball court.

There are a variety of dining options, from the Aspen Lounge near the pool, to Robert’s Pub, and the completely renovated Lodge Restaurant, opened last year to great acclaim. Chef Don McCradic combines the finest locally-sourced ingredients with unbounded creativity to create incredible dishes with regional Northwest flare.

BBR proclaims itself to be in the business of creating memories — and they do it in style.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BLACK BUTTE RANCH

BIRDERS PERCH IN SISTERS

By Bill Bartlett

Over 190 species of birds can be found in the woods and marshes surrounding Sisters, from the smallest to majestic raptors. Just five minutes from town at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve there have been sightings of 86 – that’s not a misprint. The preserve, owned and managed by the Deschutes Land Trust, has an improving meadow habitat with pools and surrounding riparian habitats.

Calliope Crossing

Warbler,

Gnatcatcher, Veery, Gray Catbird, Northern Waterthrush,

This is one of the best known and beloved birding locations in all of Deschutes County. Dense riparian habitat surrounded by ponderosa pine forest supports all three Sapsuckers, “Western” and Gray Flycatchers, Cassin’s Vireo, Western Wood-Pewee, House Wren, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Cassin’s Finch, and Calliope Hummingbird.

According to the Audubon Society, among the uncommon birds in the area are Wild Turkey, Northern PygmyOwl, Long-eared Owl, Northern Goshawk, and an occasional American Redstart. Rare birds found here have included Costa’s Hummingbird, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Veery, Gray Catbird, Northern Waterthrush, Blue-winged Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Rosebreasted Grosbeak.

Glaze Meadow & Gobbler’s Knob

The surrounding forest is good for White-headed Woodpeckers close to the western access point. The small hill (Gobbler’s Knob) at the eastern access point has breeding Fox Sparrow and Green-tailed Towhee. The Black Butte Swamp has a variety of birds similar to Calliope Crossing. It is currently the only place in Deschutes County where you are very likely to find Veery and Swainson’s Thrush, which nest there in small numbers.

Rooster Rock Burn

10 years. Now that it is older, it is less attractive to wood-

Why drive?

Simply stay right in town. Best birds to be discovered by just walking or biking around include Clark’s Nutcracker, Pinyon Jay, White-headed Woodpecker, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, and Red Crossbill.

The 1,634-acre Rooster Rock Fire of 2010 is a surreal backdrop and was a prolific woodpecker location for about 10 years. Now that it is older, it is less attractive to woodpeckers, but they can still be found here.

Red Crossbill

WhiteHeaded Woodpecker

THROW SOMEcircles

By Ceili Gatley

Disc golf was created as a version of golf, with similar rules, except you play with plastic discs, versus golf clubs. The rules of disc golf are like that of golf.

The disc golf community in Central Oregon has grown over the years thanks to the addition of the Hyzer Pines disc golf course. Hyzer Pines was built and put into use officially in 2007. It opened through the endeavor of Kathy Kemper-Zanck, who created a community campaign for disc golfers in the area to build a premier disc golf course.

Hyzer Pines is a challenging course that is heavily treed with small gaps for distance throws, to work around using backhand and forehand throws. Hyzer Pines is in an accessible area just a few minutes from downtown Sisters off of highway 242 next to the Sisters High School.

It is easy to get started in disc golf. Find a couple of friends to go out and play with and visit a local store that sells discs. It is best to get putters to start out with as they are the heaviest and easiest to throw. Gear Fix in Bend is a great resource to buy discs and learn more about types of discs to throw. It is

super easy to go out and have fun on a course with a couple of friends throwing discs.

Another popular course in the Central Oregon area is Pine Nursery, a park and disc golf course located off Empire Avenue in Bend. That course has hosted a few tournaments and is one of the more challenging courses because of the unique terrain of lava rock and high desert environment.

There is also a course in Redmond near Dry Canyon offering a different type of terrain and views. According to Visit Central Oregon: “Dry Canyon Disc Golf Course, on Redmond’s west side, winds through all the hallmarks of the Central Oregon high desert—including gnarled juniper trees, a rimrock canyon, and plenty of sagebrush. The nine-hole course features two basket placements per hole, so players with a bit more time can play it like a standard 18-hole course.”

To learn more about disc golf rules and types of discs to play, you can visit: https:// www.innovadiscs.com/.

Innova is one of the premier disc golf manufacturers and sponsors of disc golf tournaments around the nation.

PHOTO

OPEN UP THE THROTTLE FOR ADVENTURE

By Bill Bartlett

Besides your machine and a way to haul it, you need two key things for a great day in the backcountry. Snow and terrain. Sisters has both in abundance. And no matter your experience level, you’ll get a high-octane charge on our nearby trails and parks. And after a fun-packed day on your sled, Sisters is just the place to celebrate your adventure.

Where to go:

Upper and Lower Three Creek SnoPark in the Deschutes National Forest is first choice for visitors from the east. Miles and miles of trails through ponderosa forests that will take you all the way to Three Creek Lake and the Tam McArthur Rim. In fact, if you’re so inclined, you can ride on marked trails all the way to Dutchman, Wanoga, and Edison Sno-Parks in Bend.

You won’t need to. There are so many loops and connector trails with all the elevation you like, about 2,500 feet from bottom to top. Zip around buttes or go ridge riding. Head up to Moon Mountain or the spectacular viewpoint at Triangle Hill. Catch no less than seven iconic peaks.

Just head out South Elm Street from downtown about 15 minutes and pick one of two staging areas with toilets. Lower Three

Creek (4,800 feet), is primarily overflow for Upper (5,200 feet) and on some weekends both are thrilling rides.

Ray Benson Sno-Park is just as popular, especially with riders from the Valley or traveling from the west. It has two restrooms and three warming huts. It’s also popular with dog sledders, so expect an occasional howl.

Benson, primarily in the Willamette National Forest, extends into the Deschutes, letting you get within a few miles of Sisters. While the principal staging area is due west of town by only 15 minutes on Highway 20 at Santiam Pass, where the Pacific Crest Trail passes, you can get on only five miles west of Sisters on Highway 242, the historic McKenzie Highway. This is kind of like the secret fishing hole.

There are myriad well-marked trails with to-die-for views of Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington, Hoodoo Butte, and Faith, Hope and Charity — the majestic Three Sisters. Both parks show up on various highdefinition maps. Both require a Sno-Park permit, available in Sisters at the Ranger Station or Bi-Mart. Benson borders two wilderness areas, so be careful to stay within boundaries.

PAR EXCELLENCE BY

By Bill Bartlett

Golfing in Sisters Country is an exceptional experience. Highly rated courses set in some of the most beautiful scenery in the Northwest will delight your senses. Will it improve your swing? Who knows? But it will for sure improve your mood.

Where to play:

• Aspen Lakes, a 10-minute drive from Sisters. Immaculately maintained bent grass fairways and multiple tees combined with red sand bunkers create a playing experience unique to Aspen Lakes.

• Black Butte Ranch, 15 minutes west. With two award-winning golf courses, a driving range, and a new putting course situated at the foot of the Cascades, Black Butte Ranch is a golfer’s paradise. Sculpted, emerald fairways, stunning mountain views, and 300 days of sunshine per year make every day a great day to tee off.

• Eagle Crest Resort, 20 minutes east, features two championship golf courses, The Ridge Course and The Resort Course. Its tough 18-hole, par-63 Challenge Course, and popular 18-hole Putting Course, means links lovers are never far from their favorite pastime. Thanks to their lower elevation, Eagle Crest Resort boasts the longest season in all of Central Oregon.

Insiders say:

Aspen Lakes: “GPS carts make maneuvering the course an informed pleasure. Several gentle elevation changes exist throughout the layout which offers variety and intrigue within the course design.”

Glaze Meadow: “The front nine is the signature nine with attractive water features coming into the play, none more impressively than on the 3rd and 4th holes where your camera will get a workout.”

At Black Butte Ranch

MEADOW

18

At Eagle Crest EAGLE CREST RIDGE

Big Meadow: “The most impressive view happens at the signature 14th hole where the elevated tee offers an exciting downhill tee shot with Three Fingered Jack towering in the background.”

Eagle Crest – Ridge: “The Ridge Course is Eagle Crest’s premier layout and best challenge with several elevation changes, demanding approach shots.”

Eagle Crest – Resort. “The 2nd hole certainly deserves recognition as one of the Beaver State’s finest.”

RUN OUR WILD, BEAUTIFUL RIVERS River Classes:

If you have an itch to get your feet wet while enjoying a thrilling ride through some spectacular country, head out to raft one of Central Oregon’s wild rivers.

The beautiful McKenzie River is widely regarded as the finest river-running experience in the region. With a steady plunge down the mountains, the river creates continual excitement for rafters.

This designated Wild & Scenic River is exquisitely beautiful, rolling between stands of tall Douglas fir, western red cedar, western and mountain hemlock, and white alder that line the banks.

The Deschutes River has long been a popular destination for rafters. The short Upper Deschutes is suitable for a family outing with children as young as seven, according to the guidebook “Whitewater Rafting in North America.” The relatively brief run features the Class IV thrills of Big Eddy, which rolls and swirls in a lava canyon formed by the region’s volcanic activity.

The rest of the trip offers more mellow rapids in a scenic environment.

The Lower Deschutes offers a series of exciting rapids, and multiday rafters have the chance to explore the canyons. Numerous outfitters offer outfitting and guide services. Not only do they supply the equipment, but their experience and expertise

Class I: Gentle, moving water. Very small waves requiring little or no maneuvering. A nice float down the river.

Class II: Regular waves, easy to see, reaching three to four feet in height. May require simple maneuvering to avoid rocks and other obstacles.

Class III: Large, continuous series or sets of waves, some in excess of six feet. You can run holes or hydraulics or maneuver around them. There may be some small drops, ledges or waterfalls. Plenty of thrills for most folks.

Class IV: Difficult, wild water; for experienced rafters.

Class V: Very challenging water;

only expertise make running the rivers safer.

Check with local resorts for information. Metolius it is best left to highly experienced expert boatmen.

The Metolius River near Sisters is beautiful — but navigating

for the most experienced river runners only.

Class VI: Virtually non-navigable.

SISTERS COUNTRYsnowtopia

By Bill Bartlett

It’s almost a guarantee that for six months of the year in Sisters Country you can ski, board, strap on snowshoes, or jump on your snowmobile in some of the most scenic terrain in the Pacific Northwest. Being surrounded on three sides by a 300,000-acre playground, Sisters is base camp for winter enthusiasts intent on snowy adventure.

Where to play:

• Three Creeks Sno-Park, an easy 15-minute drive straight south of town on Forest Road 16 (Three Creek Road) provides access to 14 miles of Nordic ski trails and several loop opportunities. The trails here are very easy and the views you get on a clear day are absolutely incredible! This is as close to the base of the Three Sisters as you can get on snowshoes without doing winter snow camping.

Here you can find the only designated snowshoe trail in the Deschutes National Forest. An idyllic 4.9 mile out-and-back trek to Jefferson View Shelter.

Snowmobilers have their own haven with miles upon miles (more than 100) of groomed

trails, all the way to Moon Mountain and Bend if you’re so inclined. Or connect with four other Sno-Parks!

• Ray Benson Sno-Park is about 25 minutes due west of Sisters off Highway 20 and is a vast winter wonderland north of 4,500 feet. There are nearly two dozen variations with a grand loop of 7.6 miles. Benson is one of the largest Sno-Parks in Oregon, room for every user. And it boasts the sturdy Brandenburg Shelter, plus two others.

The mountain views are flat out stunning. Snowshoers find their happy place on the 5.7 mile south loop. Snowmobilers can hardly count their options as they wiz on by Hoodoo Butte or glide out to Big Lake.

• If you want more, then we have Maxwell and Potato Hill Sno-Parks, just a couple miles farther west.

What to expect:

Superb grooming thanks to the many volunteers from area Nordic and snowmobile clubs who take their stewardship very seriously. Multiple terrain options – open meadows, dense forest, panoramic slopes, and more.

BILL BARTLETT

HORSIN’ AROUND

— BY BILL BARTLETT —

Riding a horse in Sisters is serious business. Serious fun that is. Every discpline and style is represented, from English to Western, and a Sisters steed might be a $100,000 Arabian or a $500 backyard pony. Sisters is an equestrian playground like no other. What’s your pleasure? It’s all right here in a setting straight out of the movies.

Where to ride:

• Metolius-Windigo Trail. The premier trail in all of Oregon. 150 miles, 27 horse camps, and dispersed campsites. Crosses a river, climbs the Cascades, rounds buttes, and much more. And it comes within five miles of Sisters.

• Green Ridge, just 8 miles west. This outand-back trail runs along the spine of Green Ridge, a fault-block ridge that defines the eastern edge of the Metolius Basin. Huge ponderosa pines will shade your route, and you’ll have spectacular views of the Cascades and the Metolius Basin below.

• Peterson Ridge. The 20+ miles of horse trails are the result of a remarkable collaboration between local equestrians and mountain bike riders. The horse trails are completely separate from the bike trails, and you’ll enjoy splendid views of the Cascades from various vantage points as you travel through mature ponderosa forest. And all this is less than five miles from Sisters.

• So many more. Broken Top Loop, Black

Crater, Park Meadow. All within 15 miles of town. Heck, you can even ride your horse in town. It’s Sisters. We do that.

What to expect:

About 300,000 acres for starters. Plenty of shade. Lots of access. Easy unloading. Good supply of water. Flat, even terrain if that’s your thing, or picturesque climbs with views you can only dream of.

Insiders say:

“Central Oregon horse trails offer spectacular riding and camps. Not only does it boast 300 days a year of sunshine, Central Oregon has incredibly varied scenery. You can ride trails to soaring mountain peaks, past alpine lakes and meadows, through pristine forests, or through the sagebrush of the high desert.” – Kim McCarrell, author of four best-selling horse guides.

“In Central Oregon, near the town of Sisters, natural resources and avid equestrians have created rich riding opportunities. Sisters – an 1880s Western-themed town – lies in the heart of what’s known as Sisters Country, a slice of trail-riding heaven nestled on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains.”

“This area offers a guest ranch with an amazing stable, U.S. Forest Service equestrian camps with corrals, and miles of riding trails over varied terrain. The quaint town of Sisters bubbles with art galleries, boutiques, and dining opportunities.” – Horse & Rider Magazine

SISTERS IS Pawsome!

By Bill Bartlett

Is Sisters pet-friendly? Does the sun come up in the east? Dogs (and other furry friends) are a vibrant part of Sisters Country. And our love for animals goes well beyond our pets: Working dogs herd on our ranches, and peacocks are common alarm systems in town and for rural folk. Many of us wake up to the nearby sound of chickens. Most every house in town has bird feeders.

LODGING:

A quick check at bringfido.com lists at least 100 places where your critter can bunk for the night, including several right in town. Both Airbnb and Vrbo, the vacation home rental giants, are full of pet-friendly options in Sisters Country.

DOG PARK:

Sisters might just have the biggest in Oregon. We don’t need a fenced-off area near traffic when the 300,000+acre Deschutes National Forest, Sisters District, is at your doorstep, the vast majority of which allows your pooch to roam free-of-leash.

DINING:

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on patios

and decks of some of Sisters’ best-known eateries. If it weren’t for the County Health Department, they’d be allowed inside — but they’re not. Store after store in town has watering bowls at their doors. And there are about a dozen places selling dog food.

SHOPPING:

Like most places, some shops have merchandise too fragile for wagging tails. But signs will let you know, and the sidewalks are full of benches where shoppers can alternate browsing while companions chill out with Fido.

GROOMING AND BOARDING:

Sisters has grooming shops to keep your pal looking great. If you want to leave Fido for daycare or overnight, Central Woof & Groom has you covered —but reserve early.

PET SUPPLIES:

Sisters Feed & Supply on Main Avenue has you covered with most anything your pet needs.

HEALTHY PETS:

Three highly respected veterinary clinics have cared for Sisters Country pets for decades.

RUNNING THE backroads

By Charlie Kanzig

Many visitors to Sisters Country come to the area for outdoor pursuits, including running. The area is a paradise for trail running, with choices of established trails as well as backroads and paved byways.

Those visitors looking to find an organized race to run are in luck. Local running events take place throughout the year in and around Sisters.

From low-key 5k’s to ultra-length trail runs, Sisters Country has a lot to offer.

When Kelly Bither moved to Sisters she immediately established an organization called RunSistersRun and over the past three years she has offered three different family-friendly, themed races during the year, with a fourth on the way.

In December runners don their holiday garb for the Ugly Sweater Run. Around St. Patrick’s Day in March everything turns

green for the Lucky Leprechaun 5k and 10k, and in September runners kick up their heels at the Pole Creek Ranch for the GiddyUp run.

Bither plans to add a Fourth of July run to take the place of the popular Rumble on the Runway, which had its last hurrah in 2023.

Details for all these races can be found at www.runsistersrun.com.

The grandfather of all the local races is the Peterson Ridge Rumble, which takes place in mid-April. The Rumble got its start in 2001 as a low-key trail run and has now grown into one of the most popular trail races in Oregon, with distances of 20 and 40 miles on courses that use large sections of the Peterson Ridge Trail system, as well as the Metolius-Windigo Trail. The race attracts participants from throughout the Northwest and has a cap of 500 entrants.  Sean Meissner, race director for the

Rumble said, “For runners, having these local races just gives them one more reason to come and visit this beautiful area.”

Summertime features a unique race held July 20 at the Hoodoo Ski Area called the Hoodoo Run to the Top, sponsored by the Sisters Kiwanis Club. The main event is a trail half marathon, but a 5k race is also available. And, yes, the finish line is truly at the top of Hoodoo Butte.

October 26 is the date for the annual Happy Girls Sisters half-marathon, 10k and 5k for women. The half-marathon is mostly on the Peterson Ridge Trail and finishes at FivePine Lodge.

Additionally, visitors are welcome to join the local running club for get-together runs throughout the year. The Sisters Country Running Club posts invitations for informal runs via Facebook. Those interested need to request to join the group on Facebook as it is private, according to Amy Margolis, one of the site administrators. In addition to “Track Tuesday” when the group meets at 6:30 a.m. at the high school track, other offerings are posted throughout the week with dates, times, and distances.

Many other races are offered in the Central Oregon region as well,  most of which are posted on the website for FootZone, the running store in Bend www.footzonebend.com.

July 4: Red, White and Blue 5k

October 12: Giddy-Up

October 26: Happy Girls Sisters: Half Marathon, 10k, 5k

December 7: Ugly Sweater

Track Tuesdays (6:30 a.m. year-round)

JAROD GATLEY

ROARING INTO SISTERS

By Bill Bartlett

Easy riding

From cruising on your ‘hog’ or popping a wheelie on your KTM, riding in Sisters is about as good as it gets. Crosscountry, enduro, Supermoto, MX… yeah, it’s all good in Sisters. Bring it on. Hard to say what’s better – the riding or the meeting up in town.

Where to ride:

• The McKenzie-Santiam Pass Loop at around 80 miles is the big daddy. Jawdropping views are the payout. Winding roads, sharp bends, and steady climbs are the easy-to-pay toll. Midway is like landing on the moon where lava fields are geologic wonders best viewed from the Dee Wright Observatory.

camping options. And a slew of trails and roads into nature’s wonderland that starts –or ends – right downtown.

Park and hike. Park and fish. Park and camp.

• The Cloverdale Loop. A little bit of everything on this ride – bucolic hay fields, alpaca ranches, a winery, longhorn cattle, multi-million-dollar horse farms, a wildlife preserve, abandoned mine, western art gallery, meandering streams….

• Getting dirty. Sisters, surrounded on three sides by national forest, will thrill you with hundreds of miles of unpaved roads, with two-lane “avenues” leading to pristine creeks and lakes. Sisters has some of nature’s most stunning landscapes, many snowcapped year round.

That’s just a sample. Not too far away are the Oregon Badlands and the spectacular Cascade Loops.

What to expect?

It all starts with the big welcome mat. Sisters folk share your sense of adventure — helpful professionals like the team down at Sisters Moto. The terrain is as vast as your imagination. We have ridiculously cool

Hardtails Bar & Grill welcomes riders, in keeping with its theme.

Insiders say:

“It is a lovely backroad experience. Santiam Pass has views of Mt. Washington, Three Fingered Jack, as well as the Three Sisters. Along the McKenzie Pass, the Three Sisters are close at hand. It gives great access to hiking trails into the wilderness with lots of alpine lakes nearby as well as waterfalls.” – All Trails

“Our local community of riders is impressive and not only in numbers! We come from all walks of life. We take care of each other on the trail, and we act as good land stewards and ambassadors to the visiting outdoor enthusiasts we encounter.” — Rick Leiberson, local rider

“Kinda hard to find a better basecamp than Sisters for days and miles of getting your riding fix. We rode about 250 miles in all directions over two days and didn’t see the same thing twice.” – Outback Riders

BILL BARTLETT

Campgrounds

ALLEN SPRINGS

Season: Year-round (weather permitting).

Location: On Metolius River, 5 miles north of Camp Sherman Store. Access: From Sisters, 9.6 miles northwest on Hwy. 20, then 11.1 miles north on Road 14. Elevation: 2,750 feet. Facilities: Vault toilets, no water. Sites: 16, best suited to tents. Activities: Catch-and-release fishing, trails. Rates: $24-$26. Reservations: Some at recreation.gov or for additional info, call 541-323-1746.

ALLINGHAM

Season: May-September (weather permitting). Location: On Metolius River, one mile north of Camp Sherman Store. Access: From Sisters, 9.6 miles northwest on Hwy. 20, then 6.1 miles north on Road 14, then one mile north on 1419. Elevation: 2,900 feet. Facilities: Vault toilets, piped drinking water. Sites: 10. Activities: Catch-and-release fishing, trails. Rates: $24 per night. Reservations: None. www.recreation.gov.

CANDLE CREEK

Season: May-September (weather permitting). Location: Last campground on the Metolius River in Camp Sherman. Not recommended for RVs. Access: From Sisters, 12.4 miles northwest on Hwy. 20, then 12.3 miles north on Road 12 and then 1.6 miles east on Road 1200 980. Elevation: 2,700 feet. Facilities: Vault toilets; no water. Sites: 10. Activities: Catch-andrelease fishing, trails. Rates: $17 per night. Reservations: Some at recreation.gov or for additional info, call 541-323-1746.

COLD SPRINGS

CREEKSIDE

Season: April-October with Camp Host. Location: City of Sisters, 504 S. Locust St. Access: From S. Locust St. and from Desperado Trail. Elevation: 3,100 feet. Facilities: Restrooms, showers, tables, and fire pits. Sites: 60 camp sites include 28 full-hookup plus non hookup, tent, and hiker/biker sites. Activities: On Whychus Creek downtown, walking, biking. Rates: $25-$55 per night based on site. Reservations: 541-323-5218 or 541-549-6022. Details: ci.sisters.or.us.

SCOUT LAKE

Season: May-September (weather permitting). Location: Near Suttle Lake, 16 miles west of Sisters. Access: From Sisters, 12 miles northwest on Hwy. 20, left on F.S. Road 2070, then under a mile and left on F.S. Road 2066. Elevation: 3,600 feet. Facilities: Vault toilets, piped water, tables, and fire pits. Sites: 10. Activities: Swimming (beachfront), hiking, popular group/family meeting location. No dogs allowed at day use area adjacent to campground. Rates: $23$69 per night. Reservations: recreation.gov or for additional info, call 541-323-1746.

SOUTH SHORE SUTTLE LAKE

Season: May-October (weather permitting). Location: On Hwy. 242 west of Sisters. Access: From Sisters, 4.2 miles west on Hwy. 242. Elevation: 3,500 feet. Facilities: Vault toilets, hand-pump drinking water. Sites: 22. Activities: Birdwatching, hiking, biking. Rates: $21 per night. Reservations: Some at www.recreation.gov or for additional info, call 541-323-1746.

Season: May-September (weather permitting). Location: On Suttle Lake, 16 miles west of Sisters. Access: From Sisters, 12 miles northwest on Hwy. 20, left on F.S. Road 2070, then under a half mile to entrance on the right. Elevation: 3,400 feet. Facilities: Vault and wheelchair-friendly toilets, piped water, tables, and grills. Sites: 38. Activities: Fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking. Rates: $26 per night. Reservations: Some at www.recreation. gov or for additional info, call 541-323-1746.

THREE CREEK LAKE

Season: June-September (weather permitting). Location: On Three Creek Lake. Access: From Sisters, take Elm Street (becomes Road 16) south 16 miles (last 2.1 miles rough and rocky, not RV friendly). Elevation: 6,500 feet. Facilities: Vault toilets. Sites: 11. Activities: Fishing, non-power boating, hiking. Rates: $22 per night. Reservations: recreation.gov. or for additional info, call 541-323-1746.

BIKE & SKATE IN SISTERS

Sisters has a hidden gem for those who like to test their skills on two wheels. Bike Park 242 is located just off the McKenzie Highway (242) adjacent to the Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) Coffield Center, at the west end of the Sisters High School parking lot (1750 McKinney Butte Rd.).

Bike Park 242 features four handshaped, progressive dirt jump lines ranging from beginner to expert. There are also two pump tracks with one designed for smaller riders and the second shaped for more advanced riders, although both pump tracks may be ridden by all levels. A pump track is meant to be ridden for as many laps as possible without pedaling. The beginner-friendly technical skills section consists of groundlevel skinnies, rock drop-offs, and smooth wooden rainbow-like features.

The park is open sunrise to sunset and is open April-October. SPRD offers a series of pump & jump clinics in the summertime (https://sistersrecreation.com/activity/bikeclinics/).

Bike Park 242 is maintained and managed by Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) reps and volunteers and (SPRD). Kyle Jameson and Black Sage Dirt Works performed a major overhaul of dirt jumps and constructed new wooden drop-ins in the Spring of 2023.

Also adjacent to the Coffield Center is the Sisters Skate Park — designed and built with the impetus and assistance of the skateboarding community at Sister High School. The park is unsupervised and open sunrise to sunset. It offers skaters three main bowls and a number of street features.

The park has been in place for over a decade, and recently underwent renovations driven by the skaters who use the park.

The additions include a new entrance, half-pipe, and many other small features.

Daniel O’Neill, a math teacher at Sisters High School and a lifelong skateboarder, described the project as “a way of allowing kids to realize that they can be powerful contributors to their community.”

VISIT BEND & REDMOND

Many folks who come to visit Sisters enjoy rolling just a little further down the highway to Bend or Redmond.

Bend has a lot to offer to visitors, including the region’s showpiece High Desert Museum. The museum is truly a must-see for anyone visiting — or living in — the region. Many folks visit regularly. The museum sits on 135 acres with more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space that features native wildlife, such as river otters, porcupines, and raptors. Historic characters share tales of early Oregon homesteaders. You can visit an authentic ranch and sawmill from 1904.

The High Desert Museum is located just five minutes south of Bend, on Highway 97. Visit https://highdesertmuseum.org/.

Bend has become a cultural hub, with arts and live music driving a vibrant scene. It is home to the Tower Theatre, a historic building that offers music and cultural events. Hayden Homes Amphitheater presents

national touring acts through the summer and fall.

Venture down to  Riverbend Park and stroll on the River Trail. Get wet at the Bend Whitewater Park and river surf on the Deschutes (visit the Bend Whitewater Park’s main page at www.bendparksandrec.org/ facility/bend-whitewater-park/). Give your furry friend a frolic session at the dog park.

Central Oregon’s premier juried fine art and craft show, Art In The High Desert, will also be at Riverbend Park August 23-25. The event features 150 highly acclaimed artists from across the country and Canada.

From July 26-28, Balloons Over Bend creates a spectacle that you will never forget. Visit balloonsoverbend.com.

Cascade Village Mall on Highway 97 at the northwest edge of Bend offers shopping opportunities for some items that you might not be able to find in Sisters. There is also shopping at the Old Mill District in Bend.

Food carts abound from Sisters to Bend, to

Redmond, including The Bite in Tumalo (between Sisters and Bend).

One great way to venture out to Central Oregon’s largest city is to jump on the  Bend Ale Trail — the biggest ale trail in the West. And you can jump on the trail right here in Sisters, starting at Three Creeks Brewing Co. or Cascade Street Distillery. Then head on down Highway 20. There is a dizzying array of breweries and distilleries in Central Oregon, and this is a fun way to familiarize yourself with them. Pick up a passport at a participating brewery or print it out online at www.visitbend. com/bend-ale-trail.

Redmond, 20 miles east down Highway 126 from Sisters, is the location of the region’s airport at Roberts Field. It’s also the site of the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo, currently scheduled for July 31-August 4. The annual event — the largest in Central Oregon — features championship NPRA Rodeo, top name concerts, 4-H animal exhibitions, carnival rides, cotton candy, corn dogs, along with shopping and exhibits. Visit expo.deschutes.org/fair.

The fairgrounds will also host the massive FairWell Festival July 19-21, featuring some of

the most significant performers in the world of alternative country music, folk, and blues — Billy Strings, Jason Isbell, Colter Wall, Brandi Carlile are among a large and varied lineup. For more information visit https://www.fairwellfestival.com/.

The number one attraction in the Redmond area is  Smith Rock State Park (located just to the north in Terrebonne) — one of Oregon’s most scenic features, where crags vault to the sky along the meandering Crooked River. It’s an international destination for rock climbers — and a great place for a day hike or a family picnic.

Visit Redmond’s revitalizing downtown for dining and a stroll among its shops.

General Duffy’s Waterhole & Annex (https:// www.generalduffys.com/) has become a hotspot for live music from local, regional, and nationaltouring artists, set alongside a food cart court and vendor market that stays lively throughout the year.

You may also recognize a familiar name: One of Sisters’ favorite eateries and artisan meat experts known for their house-smoked jerky, meats and cheeses, Sisters Meat & Smokehouse, has a second location in Redmond.

Events

A RICH HARVEST OF EVENTS

Sisters has a brand-new event to mark the nation’s birth: The Sisters July 4th Roundup at Village Green Park, sponsored by Rotary Club of Sisters and Citizens 4 Community. A pancake breakfast, a fun run, and a livestock demonstration are just a sampling of the fun, which will also include live music.

The Sisters Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration serves up a traditional day of fun with its annual Country Fair on the church grounds at 121 Brooks Camp Rd. The event is set for Saturday, August 17.

Car lovers revel in the Glory Daze Car Show staged by Sisters Park and Recreation District and sponsored by Rotary Club on September 21. Classic cars line East Main Avenue and prizes go to vehicles that prove themselves special. The event fills up; register your vehicle early at https://sistersrecreationcom/activityglorydaze.

Keep an eye out for Sisters Fresh Hops Festival, which celebrates the harvest in September.

Sisters Harvest Faire is as venerable and as much of a destination as any of Sisters big events. For decades, people from across the Pacific Northwest have come to Sisters on the second weekend in October to hunt for treasures from more than 150 juried artisan vendors.

These vendors, many of whom have been coming to Sisters for decades, offer quality handcrafted items including pottery, metal art, photography, painting, jewelry, furniture, home décor, specialty foods, and much more.

This year’s event, sponsored by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, is set for Saturday and Sunday, October 12-13.

Sisters celebrates Christmas with a tree lighting and parade on Saturday, November 30 that have become a family tradition for people across the region.

There are events going on almost all the time in Sisters. Check the events calendar in The Nugget Newspaper (www.nuggetnews.com) to keep up.

JUNE

Sisters Farmers Market

2024 events

Sundays, June 2 through October 27. Located at Fir Street Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Local and fresh veggies, meats, fruits, honey, pickles, eggs, ice cream, artisan crafts, grains, and more! www.sistersfarmersmarket.com

4th Friday Art Walks

March through December

Stroll through downtown Sisters and enjoy beautiful art and meet various artists. www.sistersartsassociation.org

Xtreme Bulls

Wednesday, June 5 | 6:30 p.m.

Come see the best in bull riding at the Sisters Rodeo grounds. Ticket hotline: 800-827-7522. Contact: Sisters Rodeo Association, 541-549-0121 or sistersrodeo.com

Sisters Rodeo & Parade

Wednesday-Sunday, June 5-June 9

Come to “The Biggest Little Show in the World”! Now in its 84th year. Four performances sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Sisters Rodeo Parade, Saturday morning, 9:30 a.m. Tickets available at sistersrodeo.com: 800-827-7522. Contact: Sisters Rodeo Association, 541-549-0121

Sisters Arts & Antiques in the Park

Saturday & Sunday, June 8 & 9 |

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This annual event features a variety of arts, crafts, antiques, food, entertainment with a special fundraiser benefiting artists and crafters. Located at the Sisters School Administration Building. www centraloregonshows.com

Big Ponderoo

Saturday & Sunday, June 29-30

A celebration of Americana music and the arts, located at Village Green Park. Sponsor and contact: Sisters Folk Festival, 541-549-4979 www. bigponderoo.com

JULY

Sisters July 4th Roundup

A pancake breakfast, a fun run, livestock demonstration and live music at Village Green Park, sponsored by Rotary Club of Sisters and Citizens4Community.

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Quilt Walk Quilts will be on display inside Sisters businesses during regular hours the month of July. Contact: Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, 541-549-0989 or www.soqs.org

Quilter’s Affair

Monday-Friday, July 8-12

Five days of virtual quilting classes, lectures, and programs. Contact: Stitchin’ Post, 541-549-6061 or stitchinpost.com/ pages/qa-home

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show™

Saturday, July 13

The 49th year of the largest outdoor quilt show in the country! Contact: 541-5490989 or www.soqs.org

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show

Sunday, July 14

More quilting exhibits and special events that you can save for Sunday, at FivePine Conference Center. Contact: 541-549-0989 or www.soqs.org

AUGUST

Country Fair

Saturday, August 17 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This 27th annual event includes a silent auction, music, homemade marionberry cobbler and ice cream, children’s games and much more. Free admission! All proceeds are donated to local community support agencies. The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration at the corner of Hwy 242 and Brooks Camp Road. (1/8 mile from the intersection of Hwy 20 and Hwy. 242). For information call 541-549-7087.

SEPTEMBER

“Glory Daze” Car Show

Saturday, September 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cruise through Sisters! All categories, makes and models, with vendors, awards and music with DJ Boogie. Downtown on Main Avenue. Sponsor and contact: Sisters Park & Recreation District, 541-549-2091 or www.sistersrecreation.com

Sisters Fresh Hop Festival

September TBD

The 13th annual event at Three Creeks Brewery & Landing Zone, 265 Barclay. Ticketed 21+ beer tent with free admission to child-friendly outdoor space. Over 20 breweries will feature fresh hop beer. Live music and food all day. Contact: Three Creeks Brewing Co., 541-549-1963, or threecreeksbrewing.com

Sisters Folk Festival

Friday-Sunday, September 27-September 29

The 28th annual celebration of Americana music from blues to bluegrass, includes performances by top folk artists and musicians. Sponsor and contact: SFF Presents, 541-5494979 or www.sistersfolkfestival.org

OCTOBER

Sisters Harvest Faire

Saturday & Sunday, October 12 & 13

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In its 42nd year, this fair brings together over 150 juried vendors of handcrafted quality arts and crafts, plus food and entertainment. Located downtown on Main Avenue. Sponsor: Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, 541-549-0251 or www.sisterscountry.com

Happy Girls Run

Saturday, October 26

5K, 10K or half marathon. Best all-women running experience in the Pacific Northwest. Connect, inspire, laugh and RUN! Departs from and ends at FivePine Lodge, 1021 E. Desperado Trail. www.happygirlsrun.com

NOVEMBER

Sisters Holiday Palooza & Parade

Saturday, November 30

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Fir Street Park and Christmas parade on Hood Avenue. Sponsor: Sisters Park and Recreation District, www. sistersrecreation.com

JAROD

Rodeo is a treasured American tradition — and Sisters keeps that tradition alive and vibrant in the 21st Century like few others. Not for nothing do they call this “The Biggest Little Show in the World.”

Sisters Rodeo

JUNE 5 THROUGH JUNE 9

Staged completely by community volunteers for more than 80 years, the Sisters Rodeo traditionally offers the biggest purse available on the second weekend in June. That means the rodeo draws the best cowboys and cowgirls — and the finest rodeo stock — the country has to offer.

The action at the rodeo grounds east of town kicks off on Wednesday, June 5, with Xtreme Bulls, and continues through Sunday, June 9, with all the pageantry and rousing action the sport of rodeo has to offer. Get tickets now — all shows are expected to sell out — and book early for next year.

Not all the action is in the arena. Enjoy

the Sisters Kiwanis Buckaroo Breakfast on Sunday, June 9 starting at 7 a.m., with proceeds supporting local programs. A cowboy church service is held on Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. Throughout rodeo weekend, folks kick up their heels at local watering holes, which feature live country music.

The 2024 Sisters Rodeo is represented by Queen Destiny Wecks. She was born and raised in the Western way of life on a horse ranch. She is a graduate from Enterprise High School and is currently furthering her education, pursuing an Associate Degree in Agriculture Business, at Treasure Valley Community College.

Ernest and Alinda Dunn are this year’s Grand Marshals, who have volunteered with the Sisters Rodeo Association for 30 years and represent the grassroots community values that make the Sisters Rodeo something special.

Big Ponderoo

JUNE 29 THROUGH JUNE 30

The Big Ponderoo music festival returns to Sisters on June 29-30 with bluegrass, alt-country, and Americana music on two stages at Village Green Park, right in the heart of town. SFF Presents, who stages this festival as well as the Sisters Folk Festival later in the year, is out to create an experience that is more intimate than the huge corporate festivals of summer. “At Big Ponderoo, we’re on a mission to bring our audience a festival reminiscent of the days before the corporate music monopoly took over –where small-town charm meets world-class live music for an unforgettable, warm, and personal festival experience.” The Saturday lineup includes artists Shinyribs, The Brothers Comatose, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Hogslop String Band, Shadowgrass, The Sam

Chase and the Untraditional, Skillethead, Skybound Blue, The Parnells, Fog Holler, Rock Ridge, and Joanna Lee, with music from noon to 11 p.m.

On Sunday, festival artists Silverada (formerly Mike and the Moonpies), Oliver Wood Trio, Bella White, The East Pointers, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Shadowgrass, The Parnells, Fog Holler, Rock Ridge, Joanna Lee, and the SMS Outlaw Strings Club will take to the Ponderoo and Pinecone stages with music from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Weekend passes are available at advanced pricing of $185/ticket for adults and $80/ticket for youth ages 17 and under (children 5 and under attend for free). Saturday-only tickets are $115/adult and $45/ticket for youth ages 17 and under and Sunday-only tickets are $95/adult and $45/ticket for youth ages 17 and under.

Tickets are available at http://www.aftontickets.com/BigPonderoo.

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show

SATURDAY

JULY 13

There is a magical day each summer when Sisters blossoms in color, as the whole town is wrapped in over 900 quilts. That day is Saturday, July 13, the celebration of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS).

SOQS has become a week-long celebration of the arts and the creative spirit. That’s reflected in this year’s Thursday evening fundraiser. It will be a colorful celebration, inspired by Freddy Moran and her love and influence of bright, joyful colors. The event will include conversations about Freddy’s influence, a special video tour of Freddy’s house, and a display and auction of Freddyinspired Faces quilts created by some very special folks.

On show day, visitors to the free, unticketed show stroll through Sisters’ quilt-festooned streets and partake of the hospitality offered by Sisters’ shops and restaurants. Hood Avenue will be closed, making it a pedestrian park where quilt enthusiasts can explore special exhibits that enhance the experience. Some of the special exhibits are

returning favorites, and there are new ones that keep the show fresh and exciting.

Featured quilter June Jaeger incorporates her love of the natural beauty and outdoor way of life that surrounds us here in her quilt design. Inspirational instructor Sujata Shah is an award-winning quilter, designer, and author of “Cultural Fusion Quilts.” She finds inspiration in the rich handmade tradition of her home country, India; Indian and American utilitarian quilts and African textiles.

It’s not over when the quilts come down on Saturday. SOQS will host a beautiful day at the FivePine Lodge and Conference Center on Sunday, July 14, with Giuseppe Ribaudo, better known as Giucy Giuce.

His fabric designs are an homage to the influence of his Sicilian family.

The quilt show is always free, but special event tickets sell out, so get them now at https://www.soqs.org/2024events.

The week running up to the big day is filled with Quilter’s Affair, hosted by Stitchin’ Post. For a run-down of classes visit https:// stitchinpost.com/pages/qa-home.

BILL BARTLETT

2024 SISTERS OUTDOOR QUILT SHOW

SATURDAY, JULY 13 • ALWAYS THE 2ND SATURDAY IN JULY

Celebrating the art, skill, and heritage of traditional and contemporary quilts for over 49 years

Quilts for Viewing • Quilts for Sale • WISH Fabric Postcards • Special Exhibits

SistersFestivalFolk

SEPT 27 THROUGH SEPT 29

For more than a quarter-century, the Sisters Folk Festival has been introducing audiences to some of the most compelling artists in the world of roots music — from R&B to Bluegrass, merging sounds from around the globe, from the Celtic Fringe to New Orleans.

SFF Presents aptly describes the festival as a “discovery” festival, where audiences find artists that become lifelong favorites. The setting, with venues scattered throughout town is unique, and artists find the community so welcoming that they have spread the word and made this festival one of the most desirable places to play on the circuit.

The 27th annual discovery music festival — set for September 27-29 — will feature

more than 30 artists from all over the world representing multiple genres of roots music performing on seven stages throughout downtown Sisters.

The preliminary lineup includes Aoife O’Donovan, Hawktail, The Mammals, Fantastic Cat, Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block Band, Peter Mulvey, SistaStrings, Cris Jacobs, Kittel & Co, Jourdan Thibodeaux et Les Rôdailleurs, and more. Read more about all the performing artists at https://www. sistersfolkfest.org/lineup.

Three-day festival passes are available at the advanced pricing of $225/ticket for adults and $85/ticket for youth ages 17 and under. Children under 5 attend for free. Single-day tickets will be available in July alongside the full performance schedule. Get tickets at https://aftontickets.com/SFF2024. Tickets are expected to sell out in advance once again.

The City of Sisters is committed to welcoming everyone who loves this special place

Together we can maintain the qualities that make it special by focusing on…

• Protecting Natural Resources

• Environmental Sustainability

• Quality of Life

PHOTO BY LOMA SMITH

DINING

Black Butte Ranch: 7 miles west of Sisters on Hwy. 20. | 877-431-5738 | 541-595-1252 | blackbutte ranch.com | Offering outstanding dining options amidst the most spectacular views in Central Oregon. The Lodge Restaurant features Northwest cuisine and majestic views of the Cascades. The Aspen Lounge offers a scenic vista for inspired cocktails and light fare. Robert’s Pub is the perfect gathering place for families and golfers, featuring salads, burgers and microbrews. Lakeside Bistro is the ideal spot to take in the beauty of the mountains and lake and enjoy espresso, fresh pastries, savory sandwiches and artisan pizza. BlackButteRanch.com/ dining. See ad on page 74.

Lake Creek Lodge Restaurant and Bar: 13375 SW Forest Service Road, #1419, Camp Sherman | 541-460-6550 | opentable.com | Experience elevated Pacific Northwest dining amongst the pines of Camp Sherman, a jewel of Central Oregon. Nestled along the banks of restored Lake Creek this beautifully preserved century old lodge is perfect for small groups and couples. Locally sourced fare –from the Oregon Coast to local Sisters farms –is expertly accompanied by a curated unique Oregoncentric wine list, specialty cocktails and PNW draft beers. Enjoy the full menu in the elegant dining room, the quaint adjacent bar or the stunning covered deck (weather permitting). Bar opens at 4pm, dining begins at 5pm Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations highly recommended. See our ad on page 65.

Luckey’s Woodsman Trailside Kitchen: 352 E Hood Ave Unit B. | 541-904-4450 | luckeyswoodsman.com

From breakfast burritos to juicy local ranch burgers, macro bowls, and crave-worthy nachos, our menu brings a taste of the PNW outdoors—serving up good vibes, local craft beer, cider and wine. Our dietary-conscious kitchen offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free options. Open daily until 8 p.m. with an amazing tree-shaded lawn to relax with friends or furry companions. PCT friendly, we specialize in off-grid adventure catering throughout Central Oregon, hosting events and being part of the community. Fuel your explorations with delicious, fresh fare. Follow us for more info, weekly happenings and seasonal events at @luckeyswoodsman. See ad on page 104.

Hardtails Bar and Grill: 175 N. Larch St. 541-5496114 | hardtailsoregon.com. | Open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to midnight weekdays, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. weekends. Now serving breakfast! Full bar; 16 brews on tap. Live music, large dance floor, indoor/outdoor seating on the patio. Outdoor concerts start July 13. Pool tables, darts, karaoke and video lottery. Watch your favorite sports on our 7x7 JumboTron. Delicious custom 1/3 lb. burgers, including elk. Always open late! See ad on page 56.

Hola!: 25545 S.W. F.S. Road 1419, Camp Sherman. 541-595-6420 | holabend.com. | Open seasonally, call for hours. Serving innovative Nouveau Mexican and Peruvian cuisine for lunch and dinner. This award-winning restaurant has transformed the landmark building that was previously the Kokanee Café, a cabin-style, homey hideaway featuring a laidback atmosphere alongside the pristine Metolius River. See ad on page 67.

Rootbound: 171 E Main Ave. | (541) 595-8246 | rootboundfoodcart.com | Women-owned vegan food cart located at The Barn serving fresh, beautiful and seasonal meals made from ingredients sourced primarily from our local community. All items on our menu can be made gluten-free and most dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Come order in person at our cart or order online. See ad on page 31.

Sisters Bakery: 251 E Cascade Ave. | 541-549-0361 | sistersbakery.com. | Open since 1981, Sisters Bakery is an essential part of any Central Oregon adventure. Visit our retail bakery in downtown Sisters to get hooked on our scones, sourdough bread, pastries, and smiling faces. Shop our pantry for local salts, teas, homemade jams, and merchandise. Take the beautiful drive and spend a day in Sisters. Open 6am daily. Be seeing you soon! See our ad on page 21 and our story on page 20.

Sisters Coffee Co.: 273 W. Hood Ave. | 541-549-0527 sisterscoffee.com | Sisters Coffee Co. is a family owned and operated roastery and retailer, based in Sisters since 1989. We focus on sourcing, roasting and serving high-quality craft coffees in our café and throughout our regional wholesale program. Our cafe is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., serving fresh baked pastries and locally sourced food items on our breakfast and lunch menus. See ad on page 91.

Sisters Depot Kitchen & Cocktail Bar: 250 W. Cascade Ave. | 541-904-4660 | SistersDepot.com

Your favorite local, woman-owned, nosh and watering hole where you can find great homemade food, craft cocktails, wine and beer. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Enjoy our fabulous out-

door, dog-friendly courtyard listening to live music on our stage, or follow us to see what new events we’re bringing to you. Perfect for hosting your event in our private dining room, courtyard or regular dining room. See ad on page 115.

Sisters Farmers Market: Located at Fir Street Park www.sistersfarmersmarket.com | Sundays, June through October from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Closed September 29 and October 13). Shop from a variety of local, fresh veggies, meats, honey, fish, pickles, and more from Central Oregon farmers, ranchers, and food producers. Find the perfect gift from local artists and enjoy live music and weekly kids activities in a welcoming, community environment. The market accepts SNAP and offers a SNAP match up to $20. See ad on page 29.

Sisters Meat and Smokehouse: 110 S. Spruce St. 541-719-1186 | 308 SW Evergreen Avenue, Redmond, 458-899-5249 | sistersmeat.com | Top-quality, Oregon-first products, locally sourced when possible. Smoked on-site, meats are hormone- and antibiotic-free, and prepared by third-generation meat experts. Wild game, pork, poultry, lamb, beef, line-caught Alaskan seafood, and complementary products. Wine, cider and craft beer on tap. Menu features exclusively Sisters Meat and Smokehouse products: meats, cheeses, sauces, sandwiches, entrées & more. Relax on the outdoor patio, or order to-go!

Sisters Movie House & Café: 720 Desperado Ct. 541-549-8833 | SistersMovieHouse.com | We’re more than just movies! Check out our expanded menu from our beloved Movie House Burger to pizzas, wraps, paninis and our “Healthical” choices, like gluten-free and veggie options, grain bowls and more. Plus four rotating beers and ciders on draft, and dozens of other beverage options, including fine wine by the glass. So come join us in the cinema, our 24-seat café or on our delightful, tree-shaded patio this summer. Sisters Movie House & Café is on the campus of FivePine Lodge, just off Hwy. 20 at the east end of town. See ad on page 67.

Sno Cap Drive In: 380 W. Cascade Ave. | 541-5496151 | Since 1954, a slice of Americana and a Sisters classic! Hours: See Google. (Hours subject to change.) Featuring 100% high-quality ground chuck burgers cooked the old-fashioned way, yummy fries, onion rings, chicken strip baskets, chili dogs and more, with incredible homemade ice cream and milkshakes, including soft-serve. Families have been returning for decades! See ad on page 56.

Spoons Restaurant: 473 W. Hood Ave. | 541-719-0572

Open 7 days a week. Serving up delicious breakfast, lunch and broasted chicken. Start your day with Carrie's famous hashbrowns, a fabulous breakfast burrito, pancakes, waffles or any of our other breakfast entrees. Come by for lunch and enjoy the most delectable sandwiches, soups and salads. Enjoy the best Reuben in Sisters or a burger and fries. Large groups are welcome. Order online for pickup or delivery at https://spoons-of-sisters.square.site. See ad on page 13.

Takoda’s: 425 W. Hwy. 20 (next to Bi-Mart) 541-549-8620 | takodassisters.com | Full-service restaurant & lounge offering lunch, dinner and take-out. Family-friendly, and accommodates large groups easily. Some menu items include awesome pizzas, PNW Ray’s meat products, fresh locally baked Big Ed’s focaccia sandwiches, always-fresh salad bar, house-made soups, homemade desserts, local microbrews, a variety of wines & more. Enjoy our beautiful outdoor patio dining with live fire pit, or challenge friends to horseshoes or cornhole! Video lottery machines & big-screen TVs in our lounge. Open daily. See ad on page 29.

LODGING

Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort: On Hwy. 20, 3-1/2 miles east of Sisters | 541-549-3021 or toll-free 888503-3588 | BendSistersGardenRV.com | Featuring RV full-hookup with 30/50-amp service, camping cabins, furnished cottages, grocery, firewood, propane, laundry, bathhouses, Wi-Fi, miniature golf, heated pool and spa, and off-leash dog park. Big rigfriendly! See ad on back cover.

Best Western Ponderosa Lodge: 500 Hwy. 20 West | 888-549-4321 or 541-549-1234 | bestwestern. com | Enjoy oversized lodgepole guest rooms, or deluxe suites featuring two-person Jacuzzi tub, river-rock gas fireplace, and walk-in rain shower, all non-smoking. Seasonal outdoor pool and large covered hot tub year-round Complimentary hot breakfast. This 14-acre tranquil setting is just a short stroll to downtown. See ad on page 40.

Black Butte Ranch: 7 miles west of Sisters on Hwy. 20. | 877-431-5738 | BlackButteRanch.com | Our 1,800 pristine acres hold something for everyone

Continued on page 120

in your family, with 36 holes of championship golf, a spa, award-winning restaurants, pools, exercise facilities, biking, tennis, horseback riding, fly-fishing and more. In winter, explore by snowshoe or cross-country ski. We’re conveniently located near hiking and mountain biking opportunities and close to Hoodoo Ski Area. See ad on page 74.

Black Butte Realty Group - Vacation Rental Program: 541-595-3840 | blackbutte.com | BBRG has specialized in vacation rentals at Black Butte Ranch for over 30 years. We are a local vacation rental program with over 40 homes available at Black Butte Ranch. We offer a variety of vacation homesexecutive retreats, family friendly fun, vintage BBR condominiums, and everything in between. Choose a home with a view of the Cascade Mountains, bordering the Central Oregon Pine Forest, or steps from our award-winning golf courses. Our amazing homes and personalized services will help you discover the magic of one of Oregon's premier destination resorts. Let us help you plan your family vacation at BBR. See ad on page 38.

FivePine Lodge & Conference Center: 1021 Desperado Trail | 541-549-5900 or 866-974-5900 | fivepine.com | Romance and adventure await at FivePine’s Craftsman-style suites and luxury cabins. Rooms feature pillow-top king bed, gas fireplace, couples soaking tub, and 55-65" flat-screen TV. Guests enjoy a complimentary wine and beer reception, deluxe morning coffee and tea service, Wi-Fi, access to Sisters Athletic Club and outdoor heated pool (seasonal). Complimentary cruiser bikes. FivePine Campus features a restaurant, movie theater, luxury spa and easy access to downtown Sisters. Rates start at $149. Meeting/event & wedding site available. See ad on page 95.

GrandStay Hotel & Suites Sisters: 1026 West Rail Way | 541-904-0967 | grandstayhospitality. com | Enjoy our new rooms with kitchens. Start your morning off with a free hot Grand Start® Breakfast. 24/7 gourmet coffee & tea available Large indoor pool and whirlpool. Complimentary Wi-Fi. Meeting room. Outdoor patio. Grand Returns™ guest loyalty program. AAA, military and senior rates. All non-smoking. See ad on page 26.

House on Metolius: NF 980, Camp Sherman 541.595.6620 | metolius.com | house@metolius. com A private resort on the Metolius River featuring eight well-appointed guest cabins with stunning views. The main house features eight guest rooms and ample gathering space for a private event. Activities include fly-fishing, hikes along the river and relaxation on this two-hundred-acre nature reserve. See ad on page 51.

Lake Creek Lodge: 13375 SW Forest Service Rd #1419, Camp Sherman | 541.588.2150 lakecreeklodge.com | Nestled into 42 acres of the Deschutes National Forest are our 22 historic and luxury cabins, all with the South Fork of Lake Creek meandering between them. Beyond our property lies the picturesque community of Camp Sherman and world-class fly-fishing on the Metolius River. In addition to our two and three bedroom cabins, we offer grab ’n go items, beer and wine, a cozy lodge, outdoor fire pits, hot tub, a seasonal swimming pool, indoor and outdoor event venues, a stocked trout pond, easy access to hiking trails and basketball, pickleball and tennis courts. Call us today and let our charming staff point you in a great direction to explore the Metolius Basin. See ad on page 65.

Metolius River Lodges: 12390 SW F.S. Road 1419, Camp Sherman | 541-595-6290 | metoliusriverlodges.com | $150 to $385. Open all year. Located in the heart of the Metolius Recreation Area. Our cottages sleep 1-8 and offer the ability to be a picture window away from the clear spring-fed Metolius River. Come experience the river’s magic away from TVs and noise. Fully equipped with Wi-Fi. Most have kitchens and fireplaces. Firewood available. Walk to Hola Restaurant and the Camp Sherman Store. No pets. See ad on page 65.

Metolius River Resort: 25551 SW Forest Service Road #1419, Camp Sherman | 977-632-7007 metoliusriverresort.com | The Metolius River Resort offers all the luxury of an intimate resort feel and the tranquility you would expect from a river cabin vacation. Nestled among the ponderosa pines and aspens are eleven architecturally award-winning cabins that are well appointed with modern amenities and décor. See ad page 65.

Sisters Inn & Suites: 605 N. Arrowleaf Trail, Sisters 541-549-7829 | sistersinnandsuites.com | Located at the Ray’s Food Place shopping center, close to Takoda's Restaurant, gas, bank, Subway, McDonald's and Dairy Queen. Comfortable beds, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, refrigerators, microwaves, coffeemakers, and a balcony or patio in every room. Kitchenettes are available. All rooms are non-smoking. Pets welcome with a small fee. See ad on page 84.

Sisters Vacation Rentals: 877-632-7007 sistersvacation.com | Enjoy the comfort, value, and flexibility of a vacation home in Sisters, Black Butte Ranch, Eagle Crest and Camp Sherman. Share time and make some memories together with family and friends in an inviting gathering room or relax in the privacy of separate bedrooms. See ad on page 89.