I would suggest renting a 4-wheel- or all-wheel-drive vehicle because Central Oregon usually gets quite a bit of snow. One good thing is that the roads will usually be either snow covered (which isn’t difficult to drive in if you take your time) or completely clear because they de-ice and plow pretty frequently. Here is…

Have you spent any time east of Bend or in the Oregon Outback area? These are some of my favorite places in the state. The China Hat/Four Corners area south and east of Bend is terrific for dirt bike riding, etc. Some amazing views out there of the high desert and the Cascade Range. Bend…

How wonderful that you’ll be honeymooning in Bend! There is so much to see and do here. Where should I begin… take a walk on the Deschutes River Trail, which stretches 19 miles on trails both paved and dirt. Wander downtown and in Drake Park with views of the mountains and river. Dine at Jackson’s…

Newberry National Volcanic Monument will not be accessible by car. The road isn’t usually plowed and open until May. As for Lava River Cave, it isn’t open at all. Not until May 3.

Glad you are visiting Oregon! The route between Mill City and Bend is fairly remote and mountainous. There aren’t a whole lot of towns in between – but two spring to mind that you could check out. Sisters is just 30 minutes from Bend. It’s a charming western-themed town with some good shopping and restaurants….

I suggest the 7-mile Tam-a-láu Trail loop hike near Lake Billy Chinook. It features a mile-long climb to the top of a lava plateau called the Peninsula, which separates the Deschutes River and Crooked River arms of Lake Billy Chinook. Hikers are treated to bird’s-eye views of the reservoir and the dramatic cliffs and plateaus that line…

Hello! It’s hard to say about the weather for sure, but there’s a good chance it’ll be cold in Central Oregon. Still, there are plenty of great places to visit. The High Desert Museum is great for families. The resorts Black Butte Ranch and Sunriver are also good choices. You can still walk the river…

Hi Jason, welcome to Bend! There are two actual observatories, one in Sunriver and one at Pine Mountain east of town. Aside from that, I’d suggest getting away from the lights of town. Smith Rock would be a good choice, or head up Cascade Lakes Highway to Mt. Bachelor or one of the Cascade Lakes. Brasada…

There is much to be discovered in Bend. If you only have a day, here are my suggestions. Walk a bit of the Deschutes River Trail, in town. Visit a few of our famous breweries – I suggest Crux, Bend Brewing Co. and Worthy. Walk through Drake Park (the leaves should be changing, and beautiful,…

Definitely check out the Green Lakes Trail on Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. It’s popular, but for a good reason — it’s a very scenic and a great trail. The more ambitious climb would be South Sister, an accessible but challenging hike. In Newberry, don’t miss the Obsidian Trail. There’s also a short hike to the Paulina…

You’re in luck. There are great rafting and water sports options around here. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway offers many lakes for flatwater kayaking and boating. The Deschutes River offers kayaking and slow-rafting right in town, or sign up for a white water raft trip with Sun Country Tours, on the river southwest of town. Also in…

I’d say the most popular place for wakeboarding in Central Oregon is Lake Billy Chinook. It’s strikingly beautiful and large. Three rivers come together and are dammed into a fantastic waterway for boating. Another popular spot is Cultus Lake. Both Billy Chinook and Cultus are about the same accessibility from Bend, but they are vastly different…

I can recommend many great restaurants. Don’t miss 5 Fusion — award-winning chef Joe Kim is amazing. Ariana and Zydeco are other excellent fine dining choices. For more casual food, try Jackson’s Corner and Nancy P’s Bakery. Also, Hola! has great Peruvian food. Definitely hit a few brew pubs — my favorites for both food and beer are Bend…

I can think of several scenic tours you might enjoy. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a great choice — lakes, mountains and lots of beautiful forest. Take Highway 26 east through Prineville to the Ochocos — another great backroad through forests. Old McKenzie Highway, Highway 242, is amazing, as is the Aufderheide, Scenic Highway 19. A trip…

Hi! You’re in for a treat. Central Oregon in September is so beautiful. I have several recommendations for you. Don’t miss the High Desert Museum, which presents natural and cultural history and also has live animals on site. For hiking, try Smith Rock State Park, the Deschutes River Trail, or the Cascade Lakes region. Tumalo…

Oh, wow, you are in for a treat! Klamath Falls is a beautiful area with lots to see. Bird watching and boating are popular on its many waterways. There is also a fantastic geological destination south at Lava Beds National Monument. Try fishing or rafting with Roe Outfitters. If you are up for a two hour…

Hello! Lucky you, there are some beautiful places near Bend to ride horses! Here are my top faves: Black Butte Ranch (large family friendly resort outside of Sisters with incredible views of the Cascade Range and Black Butte) Brasada Ranch (upscale resort near Prineville with luxury touches and also incredible Cascade and high desert views)…

Elk Lake Resort (www.elklakeresort.net) might be a good destination for you. Cabins allow pets, though not sure about the “run free” part. There is a beach, however, on the other side of Elk Lake that I know allows dogs off-leash. It’s called Little Fawn. Fishing is popular on the lake, as well as sailing, stand-up-paddle boarding…

A great hiking option, relatively flat, is the Deschutes River Trail, which runs right through Bend. The trail system is awesome! People do swim at McKay Park, but it’s not really safe or a swimming hole, necessarily. If you want that, I’d head up to Elk Lake. Especially in August, the water is warm and definitely…

I take it you haven’t been here before? I’ll tell you my top five highlights for the Bend area: The High Desert Museum, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, The Deschutes River Trail, Downtown Bend and Mirror Pond, and The Old Mill District on the Deschutes River. I would devote a day to driving the mountains (Cascade Lakes)…