The summer season around Central Oregon provides lots of sunshine and many days of warm temperatures. Whether you’re trying to embrace the heat or take a break from it, you can always find a great summer activity to do to suit your adventure needs. From trekking through the rugged Cascade Mountains, to navigating your way down the Deschutes River, Central Oregon has you covered. Here are a few great summertime activities to consider while you’re exploring this beautiful area.
McKenzie River
Central Oregon is known for having really warm summers, after all, it is the high desert. Willamette National Forest is only a couple hour drive outside of Bend and there you’ll discover the pristine, and cold, McKenzie River. The river stretches around 90 miles through the forest and along it are some of Oregon’s most valued gems.
One of those great spots is Tamolitch Pool, or better known as Blue Pool. It’s an easy 4-mile round-trip hike and the trail takes you to a spectacular, turquoise colored oasis where you can choose to admire the water from above, or take a leap of courage into the really cold, translucent swimming hole.
Drink A Beer
Bend, Oregon is recognized for its abundant number of micro-breweries. In fact, Bend has more breweries per-capita than any other city in Oregon. So, what better way to cool yourself off during the summer than by having a Central Oregon brewed beer? The Bend Ale Trail Beer Tour gives you a passport to pint glasses where you can travel around this beer town and sip on a few of Bend’s very own brews. Get your beer tour passport stamped, and then you’re off to your next pub. And of course, The Bend Ale Trail Tour wants you to travel responsibly. You can take your pick from a styled-out town car, to a plush bus, or even your very own horse drawn carriage. Once your passport is completed, head over to Bend’s visitor center and collect your prize. If the Ale Trail isn't your thing, you can check out one of Central Oregon's many brewfests throughout the summer including the signature Bend Brewfest in August.
Oregon Senior Games
Those over the age of 50 are invited to participate in the Bend, Oregon Senior Games (June 12-18), where athletes from all over will compete in sporting events like cycling, tennis, swimming, bowling, archery, track and field, basketball, and more! Find out more information on how you can participate at VisitBend.com. Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty is also proud to sponsor this fun local event, and we’re hosting a packet pick-up party at our Old Mill office on June 14 from 3-7pm.
Hot Springs
As if Central Oregon doesn’t provide enough warmth during the summer months, you can turn up the heat by checking out the notorious Umpqua Hot Springs. Situated right along North Umpqua River, the hot springs is located on a mineral deposit and the all natural pools are heated from past volcanic activity, with the hottest pool being around 108 degrees. Be sure to kick up your feet and enjoy the view of the river flowing right below you while soaking. Be sure to check out the many other Central Oregon hot springs that are all worth visiting too.
Take A Helicopter Ride
Hiking the Cascade Mountain Range is a humbling experience within itself. But imagine what it’s like to see the mountains from a bird’s eye view. Give your feet a break for the day and explore Central Oregon’s beauty from the sky. Big Mountain Heli Tours will fly you high over the breathtaking Cascades, giving you a top-notch view of the jagged ridgelines and alpine lakes. And if you’re visiting during the 4th of July, be sure to check out their tour where you’ll hover above Bend’s Old Mill District during their grand fire work show, providing you with a new perspective on Independence Day fireworks.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Over many years, volcanos and glaciers formed the spectacular mountains and bodies of water that provide Central Oregon’s residents and visitors with great hiking, backpacking, and camping. You can drive along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway to experience a lot of what Central Oregon offers during the summer. Beginning on the west side of Bend, the 66-mile drive takes you to numerous alpine lakes, beautiful trails, and stunning views. Ranging from something more rugged like Sparks Lake, which covers 250 acres of wet meadow and a jagged lava shoreline, all the way to resort style Elk Lake with cabin rentals, boat rentals, campgrounds and dining.
Whitewater Rafting
Sun Country Tours, now owned by Mt. Bachelor, can guide you on a thrilling summer rafting trip along many rivers around Central Oregon. You can choose between the remote wilderness of the North Umpqua River, wind through a mossy forest on the McKenzie River, or view the beautiful high desert by traveling down the rugged Deschutes River. Looking to tie in a camping trip with your whitewater trip? Check out Rogue Wilderness Adventures for overnight camping after a day filled with class I through III rapids.
Do all of these great summer activities in Central Oregon want to make you buy a place here? Check out some great homes that will have you close to all of the fun and living in a great community.
Beautiful home in NW Bend's Awbrey Park Neighborhood. Just steps from the community park & Deschutes River Trail.
Original post from Cascade Sotheby's International Realty.