V ISIT CENTRAL OREGON
TRAILHEAD A DVEN T URE CA LLS
DESTINATION
Sunriver MAUPIN ITINERARY: WHAT TO SEE, WHERE TO STAY, AND WHAT TO DO HIDDEN GEMS TO EXPLORE
VISIT CENTRAL OREGON S UMMER 2021
IN THIS ISSUE 4 5 6 8 11 12 14 15
Maupin Itinerary Adventure Calls Trails Without a Permit Destination: Sunriver History & Heritage Guided Tours Hidden Gems Staff Picks
VISIT CENTRAL OREGON
Produced by: Visit Central Oregon Email us: trailhead@visitcentraloregon.com
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MAUPIN ITINERARY
MAUPIN IS A SMALL TOWN THAT SITS ON THE BANKS OF THE DESCHUTES RIVER, ON THE NORTHERN END OF CENTRAL OREGON IN WASCO COUNTY. THE TOWN IS KNOWN FOR ITS WORLD-CLASS WHITEWATER RAFTING THROUGH STEEP CANYON WALLS, MOUNTAIN BIKING, HIKING AND CAMPING.
What to do Out of all the things to do here, rafting takes the cake. This portion of the Deschutes is full of rapids, so even some experienced rafters might want to consider hiring a professional river guide. There are ten different chamber approved companies that offer guided rafting tours through whitewater sections, while four other companies offer boat rentals. While rafting might be king, there are plenty of activities in and around Maupin that’ll keep everyone entertained. Hunting, fishing, cycling, camping, hiking and more await any would-be adventurer.
Where to Eat Want to enjoy a beer and a burger on the banks of the Deschutes River? Look no further than the Imperial Bar and Grill, a restaurant with a brewery-like atmosphere; an open patio connects with a beautiful lawn going right up to the water, fit with cornhole and lawn chairs. Pick a seat or walk right up to the river and enjoy a wide selection of beer, wine, cider and homemade cocktails. The menu is full of classic pub fare like burgers made with local beef, wings
and salads, while also boasting dishes like beef stroganoff or grilled salmon fillet.
Where to Stay The Deschutes River is truly the lifeblood of Maupin, and there is no better place to stay on the river than the lodging at Imperial River Company; with a quarter-mile of riverfront lodging, this is the perfect base camp for any river adventure. There are twenty-five unique rooms available, all providing a high desert lodge feel. An onsite bar and restaurant are available for drinks and a bite on the riverfront.
Take advantage of package deals that combine a half-day of rafting or a fly-fishing casting lesson with dining and optional overnight lodging, offered by Visit Central Oregon.
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Central Oregon is one of the most pet-friendly communities you’ll ever visit. Our furry friends work, dine and adventure with us all year round. With one pup for every three people, each dog has a personality as unique as their owner. Join Chad Copeland as he explores the region with man’s—and woman’s—best friend. Follow the show and see special behind the scenes content at adventurecalls.visitcentraloregon.com.
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NO PERMIT? NO PROBLEM
Wildflowers Keep a lookout for the beautiful wildflowers in Whychus Creek, like this vibrant desert paintbrush, below
TAKE A HIKE ON ONE OF THESE BEAUTIFUL CENTRAL OREGON TRAILS
Learn more about the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit System. Twin Lakes Trail Loop around two smaller lakes sandwiched between Crane Prairie Reservoir (to the north) and Wickiup Reservoir (to the south) on this 4.5 mile loop trail. Hike through forested areas and take in the views of these crystal blue mountain lakes.
West Metolius River Trail Meander along the beautiful Metolius River outside Camp Sherman by taking the West Metolius River Trail, starting at the Canyon Creek Campground and heading north. See fisherman and pass by the Wizard Falls Hatchery (temporarily closed for COVID-19) and several riverside campgrounds. Loop back after reaching the hatchery for a 5.4 mile trek or continue further for a longer hike.
Whychus Creek Scenic Overlook Take in views of the Three Sisters mountains from this scenic overlook above Whychus Creek. Arrive at the overlook via the one mile wheelchair-accessible South Trail or the more difficult North Trail loop, which is longer, but involves more of an incline (hikers are rewarded with additional mountain views). Waldo Lake and Diamond Peak Wilderness Looking for a permit-free overnight stay? There are eighty-four miles of trails in the Waldo Lake Wilderness Area and more than fifty miles of trails as part of the Diamond Peak Wilderness area, including fourteen miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. These forested wilderness areas southwest of Sunriver and west of La Pine are a great option for day hikes and overnight outings. Camp Sherman photo Alex Jordan
The newly launched Central Cascades Wilderness Permit System aims to tame the crowds and preserve the solitude on some of Central Oregon’s most popular trails in the Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington and Three Sisters wilderness areas. While permits are required for nineteen popular day hikes and all overnight backpacking in these areas, this represents just a portion of the vast wilderness in our beautiful part of the state. Whether you’re seeking a last-minute adventure sans-permit or would rather choose a route known for being less busy, there are plenty of options to get out into the wilderness on a day-hike or overnight outing. Here’s a few trails worth exploring this summer.
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TAKE CARE OUT THERE Central Oregon’s outdoor spaces are our playground — and they’re also our responsibility. In the last year, we have seen extraordinary growth in recreation across our public lands. Hundreds of thousands of new users are accessing trails, learning new sports and spending time outside. That means it’s up to all of us to do our part in keeping ourselves, our communities and the land we play on, safe.
trails
more ways to take care out there
litter
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The
Season for Sunriver
SUMMERTIME ADVENTURES AWAIT AT THIS CENTRAL OREGON RESORT Photos by Tyler Roemer
Just fifteen miles south of beautiful Bend lies a tight-knit resort community that has been a hit destination for people from around the world for the last fifty years. Sunriver Resort sits in the heart of Central Oregon, and offers visitors a chance to experience everything the region is known for, from world-class golf to farm-to-table dining and so much more. With so many options for recreation, dining and relaxation to choose from, it’s likely everyone in the family will find something they love to do at Sunriver.
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Hit the greens on the family friendly 9-hole Caldera Links or get some practice shots in at the resort’s new 18-hole putting course. The putting course, named after Sunriver Resort’s founder John Gray, offers kids and adults alike a chance to hone their shots before taking on the three 18-hole championship golf courses on the resort. Avid golfers are encouraged to take advantage of the resort’s Unlimited Golf Stay & Play, with rates starting as low as $99 per person, per night.
The Cove is Sunriver Resort’s newest attraction, exclusive for resort guests. The 10,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor facility features two zero-entry pools, hot tubs, a waterslide and a nature trail to walk. The Cove opened Memorial Day weekend, with the cabanas offering full meal and drink service from The Spotted Frog Restaurant; a nod to the endangered species of amphibian that has a protected habitat in The Cove’s nature discovery area.
SU MME R 2 0 21 |TR AI LHEAD Year-round educational activities and interpretive exhibits that offer insight into native flora and fauna are offered at the Sunriver Nature Center. Stroll along the nature trail, explore the botanical garden and learn more about the natural world that surrounds you.
Is any visit to Central Oregon truly complete without some time on the seat of a bike? At Sunriver Resort, you can rent out bikes to explore over forty miles of paved trails, connecting the community. This firstcome, first-served system provides riders with bikes, helmets, locks and a biking trail map. Alternatively, ditch the paved path to explore the region’s world class mountain biking; hundreds of miles of trails exist within a short drive or ride from the resort. To explore with a different view, try renting out a kayak or paddleboard from the marina, and spend your day floating along the banks of the Deschutes River. Stop by the marina shop for all the supplies you could need.
Central Oregon has a long equestrian history, and that legacy lives on. Visit the Sunriver Stables and reserve your time to explore miles of trails from horseback, with a trained guide. Kids under 6 will love the pony rides, and anyone interested in learning about grooming and saddling can attend one of the stable’s horseback riding lessons.
Explore the starry skies of Sunriver, which in 2020 was listed as the first International Dark Sky Place in the state of Oregon. Visit the Oregon Observatory to learn more about the skies above. Daytime viewings through filtered telescopes even offer safe views of the sun. Finish off your day with a tranquil time at the Sage Springs Club & Spa. Designed to encapsulate the spirit of the Oregon high desert with its warm ambiance, signature services and local products, the spa offers a variety of experiences that are sure to help you achieve ultimate relaxation. The options truly feel limitless here at Sunriver Resort. The historic resort features lodge style rooms, suites, vacation homes and condominiums to both rent or purchase. Cap off your vacation by uncorking a local bottle of wine by the fire and watching the sun set behind the snowcapped Cascade peaks, all from the comfort of your own private lodge.
To learn more, visit sunriverresort.com
History & Heritage
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THE MUSEUM AT WARM SPRINGS In 1992, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs chartered The Museum At Warm Springs as a nonprofit organization. The following year, the museum opened its doors to the public and has since been sharing a wealth of knowledge with all who enter. The museum houses one of the largest and most complete collections of Native American artifacts in the nation, and one of the only collections run by a Native American governing body; the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are composed of the Warm Springs, Wasco and Northern Paiute Tribes. “Many precious artifacts, funerary items and objects of cultural patrimony remain in outside collections,” said Liz Woody, executive director of the museum. “Many of the Oregon tribes have visited and cataloged some of the cultural materials and human remains housed in institutions located in St. Petersburg, Quebec and Great Britain. For this reason, The Museum At Warm Springs has become an important institution as tribal repatriation becomes more prevalent.” As the discussion around returning Native American artifacts continues into the future, institutions like The Museum At Warm Springs stand ready and eager to receive and take proper care of these items.
The museum, which was built according to Smithsonian standards, stands as one of the most important cultural repositories in the nation, where Native traditions are celebrated while Native communities are supported. The museum also collaborates with local Native artisans to fill the gift shop. Many Americans are eager to know more about Native American culture—in fact 78 percent of people said as much in a recent survey by Echo Hawk Consulting and First National Development Institute. The Museum At Warm Springs is the perfect place to start learning. In the future, Woody plans for the museum to become a dynamic cultural center that supports and works with Native American communities, while maintaining a space for Native and non-Native people to come together in mutual understanding and respect for our shared heritage. The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Entry is $7 for adults, $3.50 for children 5 to 12, $4.50 for students 18 and younger and $6 for seniors.
Visit museumatwarmsprings.org
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LEAD THE WAY
GUIDED TOURS FOR ALL OF CENTRAL OREGON’S ADVENTURES
Central Oregon is a wilderness wonderland, full of outdoor recreation opportunities. Sometimes these adventures can feel a bit intimidating, especially to those trying something for the first time. Hiring a professional and going on a guided tour can make conquering the wild a much safer and more stress-free experience, as an expert leads the way and helps everyone learn an activity. From mountain biking and kayaking to ATVs and more, read on to find the guided tour for you.
Mountain Biking You might never forget how to ride a bike, but remembering which trail to take is a different story. A guided mountain bike adventure is a great way to learn the trails with an experienced guide, without any chance of getting lost. Several tours around Central Oregon are based around improving overall biking skillsets, like tackling switchback trails or maneuvering high speed corners. Others are aimed simply at getting guests out in nature, because some of the best views around can be found on the seat of a bike. Companies offering biking tours or clinics: Cog Wild, Rim Tours, Pine Mountain Sports, Escape Adventures, Grit Clinic, Ladies AllRide
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ATVs ATVs, from 4-wheelers to other all terrain vehicles, are a great way to traverse the rougher sides of Central Oregon’s landscape, but some terrain, like lava rock, can be tricky to navigate. An ATV guide will show guests the basics of how to ride, as well as a quick lesson in trail etiquette. A good guide will make sure everyone in the group is accounted for and safe, while properly demonstrating how to maneuver around any hazards on the trail. Guided tours typically range from 2 hours up to a full day of adventuring. Companies offering ATV Tours: Outriders NW, Bend Jeep Tours, The Bend Tour Company
Kayaks and Canoes Central Oregon’s earliest residents used canoes to traverse the many winding rivers that flow through the land. Similar to the old design, modern kayaks are made to maneuver easily through Oregon’s many waterways. A kayak tour guide will be sure to outfit guests with proper safety gear and provide a quick lesson on paddling and dealing with any hazards, like rapids. After that, guests can follow the guide and relax knowing that an expert is guiding the way. Offered by Wanderlust Tours, the Midweek Sisters Tour is a particularly special experience. On Wednesdays, guests paddle through Sisters and the nearby countryside before ending their day with wine tasting at Cork Cellars. Companies offering kayak and/or canoe tours: Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe, Wanderlust Tours
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HIDDEN GEMS
TAKING THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED HAS ITS PERKS
Oregon has seen an uptick in public land use, with popular destinations like Crater Lake seeing recordbreaking numbers of visitors in the last year. For those looking to skip the commotion, there are many off-the-beaten-path options right here in Central Oregon, including these hidden gems that showcase the rich volcanic history of the high desert. Take the road less traveled and you just might find a new favorite destination.
above the treeline from the road that approaches its trailhead. The structure was formed when the Ochoco Mountains were spewing lava, about 50 million years ago. Pumice and ash filled the small valley where the pillar sits. Years of erosion removed the pumice and ash to reveal the light stone pillar. The Steins Pillar Trailhead is about twenty minutes outside Prineville, past the Ochoco Reservoir.
Fort Rock Sitting on the north end of Lake County, about thirty-seven miles southeast of La Pine, Fort Rock is a rugged, crescent shaped rock structure, formed ages ago when hot magma bubbling beneath the surface met cool groundwater and exploded to create a raised-crater. Online reviews remark how remote Fort Rock feels, likely due to several different hiking trails making their way to the upper rim, allowing visitors to naturally socially distance themselves as they choose different paths. Driving to Fort Rock from Bend would take a little over an hour.
Steins Pillar A lesser known remnant of Oregon’s volcanic past, Steins Pillar stands over 350 feet tall and is visible
East Lake Possibly one of the most unique examples of volcanic history, East Lake has a tale to tell. Nestled in the caldera of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, East Lake was likely once combined with its twin, Paulina Lake, before more recent volcanic activity split them in two, separated by pumice, ash and lava flow. Now, East Lake is known for its incredible fishing, with waters full of kokanee, rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, chub and particularly large brown trout. Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on the water, and wooded camping spots dot the shores. East Lake is deep in the Deschutes National Forest, located about an hour drive east of La Pine.
SU MME R 2 0 21 |TR AI LHEAD Plan Ahead! Call businesses in advance to check hours and latest protocols.
STAFF PICKS Dinner
Breakfast
Art
rio
café sintra
sunriver
public art in downtown redmond
Donuts
Cocktails
wickiup jct
redmond
la pine
the open door
Beer
Dessert
Wine
sunriver brewing
tastee treet
eqwine wine bar
madras
Food Cart
general duffy’s waterhole
sunriver
prineville
sisters
redmond
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