Central Oregon Spring Guides

Plan Your Spring Stay

Spring Skiing At Mt. Bachelor

Don't underestimate a day of spring skiing at Mt. Bachelor. Start your day on the hill with bluebird skies, and finish with après ski. With a little bit of preparation, your powder day will be all fun and no fuss!

• Step One: Check Road Conditions (Tripcheck.com)
• Step Two: Order Your Passes (MtBachelor.com)
• Step Three: Show Up Early for First Come, First Serve Parking
• Step Four: Ski Down (be sure to wear a face covering) and sunscreen!

Hike Central Oregon

Spring weather is ideal for hiking—it's not too hot, and it's (usually) not too cold. We recommend:

• Smith Rock
• The Oregon Badlands
• Cline Butte
• Deschutes River Trail
• Steins Pillar
• Chimney Rock
• Alder Springs Trail
• Metolius Preserve
• Big Obsidian Flow
• Tumalo Mountain Trail
• Tamolitch Blue Pool

Bring the Dogs!

Vacationing with the dogs this spring? Here are some great, dog friendly trails to checkout:

• Pine Nursery Park
• Rim Rock Good Dog
• The Oregon Badlands
• Deschutes River Trail
• Steelhead Falls
• Horse Butte
• Green Lakes Trail
• Chush Falls

Patio Season

Central Oregon's food scene has many great options for outdoor dining. A few of our favorite places to dine under the sun are below. All pet friendly!

• Crux Fermentation Project
• River's Place
• General Duffy's
• On Tap Bend
• Midtown Yacht Club
• Sunriver Brewing
• Spork
• Jackson's Corner

Golf

Central Oregon offers scenic, world-class golf courses for all skill levels. Here are some of the top spots to tee off:

• Glaze Meadow
• Brasada Canyons Golf Course
• Awbrey Glen Golf Course
• River's Edge Golf Course
• Eagle Crest Golf Course
• The Greens at Redmond 
• Aspen Lakes Golf Course

Waterfalls

Central Oregon is home to stunning waterfalls, each offering a unique experience. Here are some of the must-see falls in the area:

• Tumalo Falls
• Cline Falls
• Paulina Falls
• Salt Creek Falls
• Sahalie & Koosah Falls
• Proxy Falls
• Steelhead Falls 
• Toketee Falls

Bird Watching

Central Oregon is a paradise for bird watchers, with diverse habitats and a wide range of species. Here are some top spots to catch a glimpse of local wildlife:

• Old Mill District
• Deschutes River Trail
• Hatfield Ponds
• Shevlin Park
• High Desert Museum
• Pilot Butte
• Ancient Juniper Trail
• Cougar Woods Loop

Rock Climbing

Central Oregon is a rock climber’s dream, with towering cliffs and rugged terrain perfect for all skill levels. Check out these top climbing spots in the area:

• Smith Rock State Park (Outdoor)
• Trout Creek Climbing Area (Outdoor)
• Meadow Camp Climbing Area (Outdoor)
• The Circuit (Indoor)
• Boardworks (Indoor)
• Bend Rock Gym (Indoor)
  

Paddle Board

Central Oregon offers perfect conditions for paddleboarding, with serene lakes and rivers to explore. Here are the best spots to get out on the water:

• Suttle Lake
• Todd Lake
• Deschutes River
• Clear Lake
• Crescent Lake
• Prineville Reservoir
• Lake Billy Chinook
• South Twin Lakes

Snowmobile Adventures 

Octane Adventures offers exhilarating snowmobile experiences that showcase Central Oregon’s stunning winter landscapes. Specializing in guided snowmobile tours, they provide top-quality equipment and expert guides to lead you through pristine, snow-covered trails, from towering mountain ridges to serene forest paths. Octane Adventures adds an adrenaline-packed edge to winter getaways, allowing guests to embrace the thrill of the season while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Whether you're a first-time rider or an experienced snowmobiler, these tours are the ideal way to make the most of winter in Central Oregon!

Clothing & Gear

Spring in Central Oregon is a time of transition, with mild days and cool evenings. Light layers are ideal for daytime activities, while a warmer jacket or sweater is perfect for crisp nights. Be prepared for changing weather to make the most of the season.

Layers: Lightweight fleece, long-sleeve shirts, and moisture-wicking T-shirts.
Outerwear: Waterproof jacket and pants (rain is possible).
Bottoms: Hiking pants or leggings for daytime, jeans for casual outings.
Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots and trail shoes.
Accessories: Gloves, hat, and sunglasses for changing weather conditions.

Gear for Outdoor Adventures:
Essentials: Daypack for hikes, waterproof covers for gear, and a reusable water bottle.
Trail Support: Hiking poles for muddy trails.
Activity-Specific: Pack for lower-elevation hikes and mountain biking. If snow remains in the mountains, bring snowshoes or cross-country ski gear.

Scenic Spring Drives

Spring in Central Oregon is an ideal time for scenic drives, with blooming wildflowers and lush landscapes around every turn. These drives offer a relaxed way to take in the beauty of the season and explore the region's diverse scenery.

• Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (Partial): Opens as snow melts, offering views of lakes and snow-capped mountains.
• McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway: Typically opens mid-spring, with winding roads through lava fields and breathtaking vistas.

Buckboard Lodge

This updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath Sunriver home sleeps 8 and features vaulted ceilings, a remodeled kitchen, a private hot tub, and a cozy gas fireplace. With SHARC passes, bikes, and pet-friendly amenities, it’s an ideal retreat for families, friends, and dogs alike. Whether your Central Oregon trip includes warm, sunny spring days or the temperatures are still cooler, you'll have plenty of activities to enjoy when you stay at Buckboard Lodge.

Juniper Haven

This recently remodeled Eagle Crest Condo has everything you need for a perfect spring vacation in Central Oregon. Access to Eagle Crest's three golf courses, resort pools, and hot tubs are all included, and you'll be just 30 minutes from Mt. Bachelor when your trip calls for spring skiing. If hiking and rock climbing are on your agenda, Smith Rock State Park is also in close proximity. When you stay at Juniper Haven you'll be in the heart of the action!

15th Avenue Getaway

Nestled in the heart of Bend, 15th Avenue Getaway is just minutes from downtown Bend restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and the Deschutes river trail. Add to this the home's large, fenced backyard, ample natural light, and open concept living and you are sure to enjoy your spring vacation in Bend. No matter what activities you plan to take advantage of during your stay in Central Oregon, 15th Avenue Getaway won't disappoint!

Buckboard Lodge

This updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath Sunriver home sleeps 8 and features vaulted ceilings, a remodeled kitchen, a private hot tub, and a cozy gas fireplace. With SHARC passes, bikes, and pet-friendly amenities, it’s an ideal retreat for families, friends, and dogs alike.