CENTRAL OREGON
Museum at Warm Springs
A FEW NOT-TO-MISS ATTRACTIONS
Dee Wright Observatory Perched on the lava-studded peak of the McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway, this observatory provides panoramic views of the Mt. Washington and Three Sisters Wilderness areas. Learn about the geology and natural and human history of the region, and take a self-guided hike along a lava trail. McKenzie Highway, fs.usda.gov/visit/destination/ dee-wright-observatory Head of the Metolius This quick, half-mile/0.8-kilometer jaunt leads to the very source of the Metolius River burbling out of the ground. Enjoy views of the scenic river — one of the largest spring-fed rivers in the nation. Towering ponderosa pines and a 13 6 T R AV ELO R EG O N .CO M
gorgeous view of Mt. Jefferson complete the package. Camp Sherman, HikeSpeak.com/Trails/ Head-Of-The-Metolius-River-Hike-Oregon High Desert Museum Just south of Bend, this nationally acclaimed natural-history museum holds a collection of nearly 29,000 artifacts and more than 100 animals. Its dynamic mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits brings the high-desert environments to life with up-close wildlife encounters, living-history demonstrations and hands-on displays. Bend, HighDesertMuseum.org Mt. Bachelor Zip Tour Brace yourself to launch from an elevation of 7,800 feet/2,377 meters and zip down nearly 1,400 vertical feet/427 meters along the volcano’s slopes to make it the Northwest’s steepest, fastest and highestelevation zip adventure. Bend, MtBachelor.com
Museum at Warm Springs Located on their reservation lands, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs share their histories and traditions at this museum. With permanent and special exhibits, the museum also serves as a way to preserve a cultural record. Warm Springs, MuseumAtWarmSprings.org Sunriver Nature Center Encounter Central Oregon’s wildlife up close and learn more about the area’s native plants. This nonprofit nature center features live-animal exhibits, a nature trail and botanical garden, and naturalistled educational programs. Kids love the “creature cave” teeming with snakes, lizards, scorpions, frogs and toads. Sunriver, SNCO.org Worthy Brewing Hopservatory Adjacent to Worthy Brewing and operated by a garden club, this observatory inspires sky gazers with its research-grade telescope. The hopservatory offers educational programming with night sky and solar viewings as well as private events. Bend, WorthyGardenClub.com
STEVE HEINRICHS / VISIT CENTRAL OREGON
Box Factory Signature local goods abound at this Old Mill District hub of stores. Craft-beverage lovers can choose from beer, cider, coffee and wine. A host of distinctive clothing shops offer a browser’s paradise, and local eateries offer unique noshing. Bend, BoxFactoryBend.com
