Central Oregon Day Trips & Vacation Ideas 2023

Central Oregon is a beautiful place to visit for a weekend getaway. The area has many hiking and biking trails, great lakes for fishing, and plenty of scenic spots to take pictures.

One of the best things is that it has plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. You can enjoy hiking and biking trails, fishing at lakes, or enjoying some time at a nearby ski resort.

What to do in Central Oregon on a Day Trip

Looking for a day trip out of your Central Oregon area? Here are five great options to explore!

1. McKenzie Falls:

Just 45 minutes from Bend, McKenzie Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Mt. Shasta-Siskiyou National Monument. There are plenty of trails to take you to the falls, and you can also picnic at the site.

2. Philomath River Bike Path:

The Philomath River Bike Path is a 26-mile linear path that winds its way through rural Central Oregon. The path is paved, making it great for biking, walking, and running, and there are several points of interest along the way including the Philomath Inn and Brewery and the quaint town of Philomath.

3. La Pine Cottage:

If you’re looking for a unique cottage experience in the Central Oregon area, check out La Pine Cottage. This charming property features four bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as an outdoor hot tub and fire pit. You can even enjoy dinner on the patio in the summer!

4. Bend Brewing Company:

Bend Brewing Company is one of Central Oregon’s oldest breweries, having been established in 1988. The brewery offers tours daily in summer, and you can sample a variety of their beers on-site.

5. Mt. Bachelor:

If you’re looking for an adventure, consider heading to Mt. Bachelor for a day hike or ride. The mountain is home to several challenging trails that will have you reaching the top no matter your fitness level.

Central Oregon is also known for its wine country, which makes it a great place to visit if you’re a fan of wine. There are many wineries located in the area, and they offer tours so you can learn more about their products.

If you want to stay in a hotel to enjoy mountain views, a yard with a barbecue, and a privacy-fenced hot tub, you should visit The Osprey.

How to get to Central Oregon

Central Oregon is located in the southwestern corner of Oregon. The area is bounded by the Cascade and Great Sierra mountain ranges to the north, the Willamette Valley to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Central Oregon is home to 12 counties: Benton, Clackamas, Douglas, Klamath, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, and Washington.

There are several ways to get to Central Oregon from the Portland metropolitan area. The most common way to get there is by car. Interstate 5 runs through the middle of the region. Highway 101 follows a more scenic route along the Pacific Coast. Both highways offer access to numerous towns and attractions in Central Oregon.

Central Oregon also has several public transportation options. Amtrak offers service between Portland and Eugene every three hours. Gray Line Express operates a bus service between Portland and various points in Central Oregon. And last but not least there’s Uber!

How to stay healthy while visiting Central Oregon

Central Oregon is a beautiful place to visit, but it can be tough staying healthy while you’re here. Make sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, wear sunscreen, and avoid overexertion if you’re planning on doing any hiking or exploring.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for ideas for things to do in Central Oregon, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re planning on exploring the stunning scenery and wildlife or taking some time out to relax and enjoy some local artisan offerings, these trips are sure to please. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!