Central
Gaze upon the clear waters of Crater Lake as eagles fly overhead. Feel
the exhilaration of skiing down a 9000 foot volcanic cone. Ride the
powerful waves of the stunning Deschutes River. Discover Central Oregon.
the exhilaration of skiing down a 9000 foot volcanic cone. Ride the
powerful waves of the stunning Deschutes River. Discover Central Oregon.
Crater Lake
In the south central region of Oregon lies Crater Lake, one of the deepest lakes in
the world. With an average of 533 inches of snowfall per year, Crater Lake is a
winter playground. Skiing and snowshoeing on the many trails and unpaved roads
will lead you to breathtaking views.
Created by the eruption and collapse of Mt. Mazama, a 6 mile wide caldera was
formed, giving us what we now know as Crater Lake. Drive the beautiful rim drive, a
33 mile scenic drive throughout the national park. The Sinnott Memorial
Observation Station is 900 feet above the lake and provides outstanding views.
Dedicated in 1902, Crater Lake National Park is the nation’s fifth oldest national
park. The 71 room historic Crater Lake Lodge is listed in the National Register of
Historic Places. It was built in 1915 to boost tourist potential of the new park. The
lodge was restored and renovated in the 1990’s.
Don’t miss Crater Lake in the summer, when swimming is available from the
Cleetwood Cove Trail. Bald eagles are often seen during the summer months.
Fishing for Rainbow Trout and salmon is encouraged in some areas of the lake.
Boat tours are also available on the lake. Or try hiking one of the 90 miles of trails
weaving through the park.
Before venturing into this beautiful landmark, check the site for rules and
regulations regarding fishing, swimming, and road closures.
nps.gov/crla
In the south central region of Oregon lies Crater Lake, one of the deepest lakes in
the world. With an average of 533 inches of snowfall per year, Crater Lake is a
winter playground. Skiing and snowshoeing on the many trails and unpaved roads
will lead you to breathtaking views.
Created by the eruption and collapse of Mt. Mazama, a 6 mile wide caldera was
formed, giving us what we now know as Crater Lake. Drive the beautiful rim drive, a
33 mile scenic drive throughout the national park. The Sinnott Memorial
Observation Station is 900 feet above the lake and provides outstanding views.
Dedicated in 1902, Crater Lake National Park is the nation’s fifth oldest national
park. The 71 room historic Crater Lake Lodge is listed in the National Register of
Historic Places. It was built in 1915 to boost tourist potential of the new park. The
lodge was restored and renovated in the 1990’s.
Don’t miss Crater Lake in the summer, when swimming is available from the
Cleetwood Cove Trail. Bald eagles are often seen during the summer months.
Fishing for Rainbow Trout and salmon is encouraged in some areas of the lake.
Boat tours are also available on the lake. Or try hiking one of the 90 miles of trails
weaving through the park.
Before venturing into this beautiful landmark, check the site for rules and
regulations regarding fishing, swimming, and road closures.
nps.gov/crla
McKenzie River
| At 1,943 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. |
 | |  | |  |
Sahalie Falls
Sisters/Bend
Look into the heart of Oregon, an area hidden by the shadows of the
mountains, and discover a region filled with beauty, relaxation, and
endless activities.
Sisters, the gateway to the Cascades, is a small town with a big heart.
From the ice cream server to the small shop clerk, the people of this
town provide special attention to each visitor. The residents are proud
of their town, and proud they should be. Sisters comes alive each
summer with the Sisters Rodeo, festivals, fairs, and the amateur golf
classic. Quaint shopping and unique restaurants line the downtown
area, offering the opportunity to buy an item made by a local artist or
eat in a one-of-a-kind establishment.
Relax at the Sisters Beer and Movie House. This cute theatre, built like
a barn, was designed to fit into a quaint town such as Sisters. The
barn offers a four- screen theater. Food such as wraps, Panini
sandwiches, and pizza, is delivered to your seat. The theatre is
located at 720 desperado court.
Take advantage of the beauty of Central Oregon and venture off the
beaten path to discover McKenzie Pass. Located on Highway 242, the
scenic road will lead you to the Dee Wright Observatory. Made of lava
rock, the building showcases each of the surrounding mountains
through labeled windows. A short trail travels through the bed of lava
just outside the building. Highway 242 is closed during the winter
months – check weather conditions before heading out.
Highway 126 offers another gorgeous scenic drive. Stop at Sahalie
Falls, a mesmerizing 100 foot drop waterfall. A walk along the path in
the other direction will lead you to Koosah Falls, another magnificent
Oregon waterfall.
At the intersection of Highway 126 and Highway 242 is the famous
Belknap Hot Springs. Belknap, which is open year round, has a lodge,
gardens, and two hot springs. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the warm
waters.
For the adventurous, many hikes are available in the region. From the
3.8 mile trek to the Black Butte Lookout, with an elevation gain of 1600
feet, to the 7 mile hike to Chambers Lakes, with a gain of 1800 feet,
there are many areas to explore. For a gentler walk, hike one of the
many trails around Sisters. Rafting is a popular form of entertainment
on both the McKenzie and Deschutes Rivers. Or try your hand at a
guided fly fishing trip to catch one of the many varieties of trout
swimming in the blue waters of the Deschutes or Metolius Rivers.
Winter is a snow-lovers playground in the central region of Oregon.
Ski at Hoodoo or Mt. Bachelor, or tube down the mountain at Ray
Benson Sno Park or Santiam Sno Park. Ray Benson offers a shelter
with a wood-burning stove and stocked wood for winter guests.
Travel further into the state and discover the newest hotspot of
Central Oregon. Bend, a booming town whose population has grown in
the last few years, has gorgeous scenery and endless activities. Visit
downtown, where the atmosphere of a small town combines with the
opportunities of a large suburb, creating an eclectic mix of incredible
restaurants and an endless array of quaint shops.
Bend is truly an outdoor playground. The urban trail system offers
miles of biking and hiking around town. There are almost enough golf
courses in the area to try a new one every day for a month. Or if
fishing is the passion of the moment, head for one of the large rivers
or small streams that meander through the area. Orvis Old Mill Casting
Park offers a casting course where you try to land a fly under real life
conditions. Hiking in one of the many parks is also a popular activity
around Bend. Tumalo Falls, Smith Rock (a climber’s playground),
Devils Lake, and Green Lake are a few of the incredible parks to hike
in.
Just twenty-five minutes south of Bend is the community of Sunriver.
Surrounded by the Deschutes National Forest, this 3300 acre resort
area offers vacation rentals, restaurants, and shopping. The Sunriver
Observatory has 11 telescopes, offering an unobstructed view of the
galaxy. Try your hand at one of the three golf courses, canoe on the
Deschutes River, swim, play a set of tennis, horseback ride, or listen
to the music at one of the festivals.
Between Bend and Sunriver is the Newberry National Volcanic
Monument. Over 50,000 acres of lava flows and many lakes lie in what
is still an active volcanic area. Paulina Peak, at 7,985 feet, is the
highest point in the park. Hike the Big Obsidian with black glass-like
rocks beneath your feet. Wear shoes as the obsidian really does cut
like glass. Spelunking is popular in the Lava River Cave, the longest
tube in Oregon. At a constant 45 degrees, a jacket is highly
recommended. The cave contains steps and railings. Lantern rentals
are available. Newberry also offers fishing in the Paulina and East
Lakes. Or hike to one of the three waterfalls along the Deschutes
River – Benham, Dillon, and Lava Island. The Lava Land Visitor
Center is open seasonally – check the website for information.
Cascade Lakes Highway travels through Deschutes National Forest.
Stop at the spring fed Devils Lake, and visit the small rock garden
where the Apollo astronauts once trained for moon missions.
Uncover the beauty of Lake Billy Chinook, named after a Wasco Indian
Scout. With 72 miles of shoreline and a depth of 400 feet at the Round
Butte Dam, Lake Billy Chinook has much to offer. Cabins, camping,
and many trails run throughout the Cove Palisades State Park, where
this beautiful lake, lined by rocky cliffs, is located.
Smith Rock State Park, with the famous 350 foot Monkey Face pillar
climb, is a park filled with 1600 climbing routes. The major rock faces
are made of volcanic ash. The breathtaking views of the canyons in
this park are worth the trip. The park is located north of Bend on
Highway 97.
Visit a place where 300 days of sunshine awaits you each year; a
place to have fun, unwind, and relax.
Look into the heart of Oregon, an area hidden by the shadows of the
mountains, and discover a region filled with beauty, relaxation, and
endless activities.
Sisters, the gateway to the Cascades, is a small town with a big heart.
From the ice cream server to the small shop clerk, the people of this
town provide special attention to each visitor. The residents are proud
of their town, and proud they should be. Sisters comes alive each
summer with the Sisters Rodeo, festivals, fairs, and the amateur golf
classic. Quaint shopping and unique restaurants line the downtown
area, offering the opportunity to buy an item made by a local artist or
eat in a one-of-a-kind establishment.
Relax at the Sisters Beer and Movie House. This cute theatre, built like
a barn, was designed to fit into a quaint town such as Sisters. The
barn offers a four- screen theater. Food such as wraps, Panini
sandwiches, and pizza, is delivered to your seat. The theatre is
located at 720 desperado court.
Take advantage of the beauty of Central Oregon and venture off the
beaten path to discover McKenzie Pass. Located on Highway 242, the
scenic road will lead you to the Dee Wright Observatory. Made of lava
rock, the building showcases each of the surrounding mountains
through labeled windows. A short trail travels through the bed of lava
just outside the building. Highway 242 is closed during the winter
months – check weather conditions before heading out.
Highway 126 offers another gorgeous scenic drive. Stop at Sahalie
Falls, a mesmerizing 100 foot drop waterfall. A walk along the path in
the other direction will lead you to Koosah Falls, another magnificent
Oregon waterfall.
At the intersection of Highway 126 and Highway 242 is the famous
Belknap Hot Springs. Belknap, which is open year round, has a lodge,
gardens, and two hot springs. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the warm
waters.
For the adventurous, many hikes are available in the region. From the
3.8 mile trek to the Black Butte Lookout, with an elevation gain of 1600
feet, to the 7 mile hike to Chambers Lakes, with a gain of 1800 feet,
there are many areas to explore. For a gentler walk, hike one of the
many trails around Sisters. Rafting is a popular form of entertainment
on both the McKenzie and Deschutes Rivers. Or try your hand at a
guided fly fishing trip to catch one of the many varieties of trout
swimming in the blue waters of the Deschutes or Metolius Rivers.
Winter is a snow-lovers playground in the central region of Oregon.
Ski at Hoodoo or Mt. Bachelor, or tube down the mountain at Ray
Benson Sno Park or Santiam Sno Park. Ray Benson offers a shelter
with a wood-burning stove and stocked wood for winter guests.
Travel further into the state and discover the newest hotspot of
Central Oregon. Bend, a booming town whose population has grown in
the last few years, has gorgeous scenery and endless activities. Visit
downtown, where the atmosphere of a small town combines with the
opportunities of a large suburb, creating an eclectic mix of incredible
restaurants and an endless array of quaint shops.
Bend is truly an outdoor playground. The urban trail system offers
miles of biking and hiking around town. There are almost enough golf
courses in the area to try a new one every day for a month. Or if
fishing is the passion of the moment, head for one of the large rivers
or small streams that meander through the area. Orvis Old Mill Casting
Park offers a casting course where you try to land a fly under real life
conditions. Hiking in one of the many parks is also a popular activity
around Bend. Tumalo Falls, Smith Rock (a climber’s playground),
Devils Lake, and Green Lake are a few of the incredible parks to hike
in.
Just twenty-five minutes south of Bend is the community of Sunriver.
Surrounded by the Deschutes National Forest, this 3300 acre resort
area offers vacation rentals, restaurants, and shopping. The Sunriver
Observatory has 11 telescopes, offering an unobstructed view of the
galaxy. Try your hand at one of the three golf courses, canoe on the
Deschutes River, swim, play a set of tennis, horseback ride, or listen
to the music at one of the festivals.
Between Bend and Sunriver is the Newberry National Volcanic
Monument. Over 50,000 acres of lava flows and many lakes lie in what
is still an active volcanic area. Paulina Peak, at 7,985 feet, is the
highest point in the park. Hike the Big Obsidian with black glass-like
rocks beneath your feet. Wear shoes as the obsidian really does cut
like glass. Spelunking is popular in the Lava River Cave, the longest
tube in Oregon. At a constant 45 degrees, a jacket is highly
recommended. The cave contains steps and railings. Lantern rentals
are available. Newberry also offers fishing in the Paulina and East
Lakes. Or hike to one of the three waterfalls along the Deschutes
River – Benham, Dillon, and Lava Island. The Lava Land Visitor
Center is open seasonally – check the website for information.
Cascade Lakes Highway travels through Deschutes National Forest.
Stop at the spring fed Devils Lake, and visit the small rock garden
where the Apollo astronauts once trained for moon missions.
Uncover the beauty of Lake Billy Chinook, named after a Wasco Indian
Scout. With 72 miles of shoreline and a depth of 400 feet at the Round
Butte Dam, Lake Billy Chinook has much to offer. Cabins, camping,
and many trails run throughout the Cove Palisades State Park, where
this beautiful lake, lined by rocky cliffs, is located.
Smith Rock State Park, with the famous 350 foot Monkey Face pillar
climb, is a park filled with 1600 climbing routes. The major rock faces
are made of volcanic ash. The breathtaking views of the canyons in
this park are worth the trip. The park is located north of Bend on
Highway 97.
Visit a place where 300 days of sunshine awaits you each year; a
place to have fun, unwind, and relax.
| At 10,358 feet, South Sister is the state’s third highest peak. |
| The film “Rooster Cogburn,” starring John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn was filmed at Smith Rock. |
| During the Apollo 15 mission, a rock from Devils Garden was placed on the moon in 1971 by astronaut James Irwin. |
Fort Klamath
Once a military post, Fort Klamath is well-known for its
role in the 1864 Peace Treaty of “Council Grove” and
for its part in the Modoc Wars trials and executions.
The fort was closed in 1889. A replica of one of the
buildings was built in the area. Several historical
displays are available for viewing.
Klamath Falls
Once an area regarded for its wild entertainment,
Klamath Falls is now a quieter, peaceful town with
much history.
When the railroad arrived in 1909, Klamath Falls
became a tourist area for wealthy San Franciscans.
With the building of the White Pelican Hotel, a building
boom began, bringing a new kind of life to the area.
Soon brothels and saloons were popping up
everywhere. The Baldwin Hotel was also a popular
hotel for tourists, and is in existence today as a
museum, containing furnishings from that time period.
Built in 1906, the hotel is known as the place where
Theodore Roosevelt signed papers creating Crater
Lake a national park. The Ross Ragland Theatre, an
art deco theatre, was built in the 1940s and is still
being used today.
Visit beautiful Klamath Lake. With its 133 square
miles, Klamath Lake is Oregon’s largest body of fresh
water, filling a basin created when the earth’s crust
dropped along fault lines on both sides. The area
attracts more than 350 species of birds, and is
renowned by anglers for rainbow trout, some of which
reach 20 pounds.
Fishing, hiking, biking, golfing – almost any outdoor
activity you can imagine are within the area. Or stay in
town and shop or eat at one of the many
establishments. Or maybe just sit back and listen to
nature speak. Imagine life as it once was, and enjoy
life as it is now. With over 300 days of sunshine a year
and a mild climate, Klamath Falls is sure to be a
peaceful retreat.
Once an area regarded for its wild entertainment,
Klamath Falls is now a quieter, peaceful town with
much history.
When the railroad arrived in 1909, Klamath Falls
became a tourist area for wealthy San Franciscans.
With the building of the White Pelican Hotel, a building
boom began, bringing a new kind of life to the area.
Soon brothels and saloons were popping up
everywhere. The Baldwin Hotel was also a popular
hotel for tourists, and is in existence today as a
museum, containing furnishings from that time period.
Built in 1906, the hotel is known as the place where
Theodore Roosevelt signed papers creating Crater
Lake a national park. The Ross Ragland Theatre, an
art deco theatre, was built in the 1940s and is still
being used today.
Visit beautiful Klamath Lake. With its 133 square
miles, Klamath Lake is Oregon’s largest body of fresh
water, filling a basin created when the earth’s crust
dropped along fault lines on both sides. The area
attracts more than 350 species of birds, and is
renowned by anglers for rainbow trout, some of which
reach 20 pounds.
Fishing, hiking, biking, golfing – almost any outdoor
activity you can imagine are within the area. Or stay in
town and shop or eat at one of the many
establishments. Or maybe just sit back and listen to
nature speak. Imagine life as it once was, and enjoy
life as it is now. With over 300 days of sunshine a year
and a mild climate, Klamath Falls is sure to be a
peaceful retreat.
Mt. Thielsen, to
the north of
Crater Lake, is
known as the
Lightening Rod
of the
Cascades,
attracting
strikes on its
spire-top peak.
the north of
Crater Lake, is
known as the
Lightening Rod
of the
Cascades,
attracting
strikes on its
spire-top peak.