Sunriver Oregon Travel Guide

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Things to do in Sunriver Oregon

Sunriver Oregon

Sunriver is a 3,300-acre private, planned residential and resort community in Deschutes County of Central Oregon. Sunriver is encircled in a national forest along side of the Deschutes River. Sunriver is located about 20 minutes from Bend, the largest city in central Oregon. Luxury vacation homes and condo rentals in Sunriver are thoughtfully placed among the exquisite scenery, preserving the tranquil, remote ambiance. While on holiday in a Sunriver rental you’ll see residents and tourists utilizing the 40 miles of paved bike paths interconnecting the community’s attractions. Sunriver’s amenities include golf courses, an aquatic center, a marina, a nature center and observatory, High Desert Museum, Horse Stables, Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, Local Breweries, Fine Dining, and a Shopping Village, to name a few.

Miles of lush green forest, meandering rivers that sparkle, a mountain ski resort, and a community encircled by a national forest along side of the Deschutes River. Does this sound inviting and interesting enough? Sunriver, Oregon is a resort community rich with resort style vacation homes and resort style activities but not without being absolutely immersed in the delights of what Oregon has to offer. Come and experience what has vacationers coming back for more year after year!

Be sure to discover the magical beauty of Prineville Reservoir State Park and the Smith Rock Park, often called one of the "Seven Wonders of Oregon." Another treasure of Sunriver that you will be hard pressed to find anywhere else is the State of the Art Aquatic Facility. For anyone who enjoys swimming, its a site to see and must be experienced first-hand.

Learn about more of the treasures of the area by visiting the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and the High Desert Museum. There you can view the inside of an active volcano, as well as some colorful historic characters. Sunriver and the surrounding area of Deschutes County is so absolutely full of what makes a vacation destination great that you'll have to plan a return trip in order to come even close to experiencing it all!

 


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Village Properties at Sunriver

Village Properties at Sunriver

At Village Properties, we embrace the Sunriver lifestyle and can help you find your home base for adventure. From Sunriver homes for sale to vacation..  learn more

 

Things To Do in Sunriver Oregon

The Great Outdoors

Fishing

Central Oregon is steps above any other vacation destination when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors. Sunriver, as well as, the surrounding area, is some of the best land you could ever fish. Many enjoy fly-fishing with the abundant supply of large mouth bass, native redband trout, steelhead, as well as, over 4 different varieties of trout.

Fishing enthusiasts will be in heaven here. The Deschutes River is renowned for its abundant trout and steelhead. Grab your gear and spend a relaxing day casting lines in one of the most picturesque settings imaginable. For those who enjoy a slower pace, consider floating down the river in an inner tube. It's a fantastic way to soak up the sun and take in the beautiful scenery. Don't miss out on the guided river tours. These excursions provide fascinating insights into the local ecosystem and history. Whether you opt for a quiet canoe ride or a thrilling rafting trip, the Deschutes River promises an adventure you won't forget.

Golfing

This area has over a dozen golf courses to choose from plus the Sunriver Resort has one of America's top rated courses for difficulty, including one of PGA's most challenging holes! Crosswater Golf Course is surrounded in forest and littered with rivers-leaving you with a golf game experience that will be remembered for years to come. 

Hiking and Biking Trails

Situated in the heart of Central Oregon, Sunriver offers a myriad of hiking and biking trails that cater to all skill levels. Hike and bike the miles and miles of breathtaking nature trails that have a way to make you endlessly wanting just a little bit more. Whether you're a novice looking for a leisurely stroll or an experienced biker seeking a challenging ride, you'll find the perfect trail here. The scenic beauty and well-maintained paths make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the best ways to explore Sunriver's natural landscape is by hitting the trails. Here are some must-try routes:
●    Benham Falls Trail: This easy 1.5-mile trail is perfect for families. It takes you along the Deschutes River to the stunning Benham Falls.
●    Sun-Lava Trail: Ideal for bikers, this 5.5-mile paved path connects Sunriver with the Lava Lands Visitor Center, offering spectacular lava field views.
●    Deschutes River Trail: Spanning 12 miles, this trail is great for both hiking and biking, featuring breathtaking river views and diverse wildlife.
●    Paulina Lakeshore Trail: For a moderate hike, this 7.5-mile loop around Paulina Lake offers panoramic views and plenty of spots to rest and enjoy the scenery. Don't forget to bring your camera; the views are picture-perfect!

Ski Resort

Mt. Bachelor Mountain Resort in nearby town of Bend is one of Oregon's largest ski resort areas. Known for its heavy snow falls, Mount Bachelor's snow is supreme for the best of skiing adventures or snowboarding excursions. For those who are just starting out-Sunshine Park is a great resort for beginners to take the bunny slopes or stick to cross country. Sunriver offers an all season and year-round vacation destination that you'll have to plan a return trip in order to come even close to experiencing it all!

 

Deschutes River in Sunriver Oregon

 

Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory

Discover the wonders of the universe and the beauty of the natural world at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, where outdoor adventures await. Located in the heart of Sunriver, this unique destination offers an exciting blend of astronomy and natural science that's perfect for all ages.
 
At the observatory, you'll get the chance to peer through some of the largest telescopes in the Pacific Northwest. On clear nights, you can marvel at planets, star clusters, and distant galaxies. Meanwhile, the nature center provides a hands-on experience with local flora and fauna, making it an educational outing that's fun too.
 
Whether you're a budding astronomer or a nature enthusiast, the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory offers something for everyone.
 
Here are some highlights you won't want to miss:
●    Stargazing Nights: Join an evening program to explore the night sky with expert astronomers.
●    Bird of Prey Center: Get up close and personal with majestic raptors like owls and hawks.
●    Interactive Exhibits: Engage with interactive displays that explain the local ecosystem and the wonders of space.
●    Guided Nature Walks: Take a leisurely stroll with a knowledgeable guide who'll point out native plants and animals.
 

 

The Village at Sunriver

An open-air mall in the heart of Sunriver, Oregon. Coffee, desserts, craft beer, restaurants, boutique shops, fine art, entertainment, and more.
 
Situated in the heart of Sunriver, The Village at Sunriver offers a delightful mix of dining and shopping experiences you won't want to miss. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at one of the charming cafes, where you can savor fresh pastries and locally roasted coffee. For lunch or dinner, there are a variety of restaurants serving everything from gourmet pizzas to hearty burgers and fine dining options.
 
Sunriver Oregon Deschutes County Travel Guide
 
 

Fort Rock Park

You'll find plenty of fun for the whole family at Fort Rock Park, where activities range from sports courts to scenic picnic areas. This spacious park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a variety of amenities that cater to all ages.
 
First, you can challenge your family to a friendly match on the basketball and tennis courts. Whether you're shooting hoops or serving aces, these courts are a great way to enjoy some active fun. Next, the expansive playground provides endless entertainment for the kids. With swings, slides, and climbing structures, they'll be busy for hours.
 
For a more relaxed experience, spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic under the towering pine trees. You'll find plenty of shaded areas perfect for a family meal. And don't forget the expansive green field, ideal for playing catch or flying kites.
 
 

Sunriver Stables

Explore the charm of Sunriver Stables, where families can bond over horseback riding adventures in the scenic Oregon landscape. Whether you're an experienced rider or a complete beginner, Sunriver Stables offers something for everyone. Saddle up and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area while creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
 
Sunriver Stables is more than just a place to ride horses; it's an opportunity to connect with nature and each other. So, put on your boots, grab your cowboy hat, and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in Sunriver, Oregon.
 
Here are some activities you can enjoy at Sunriver Stables:
 
●   Trail Rides: Experience guided trail rides through picturesque meadows and forests. The experienced staff guarantees a safe and enjoyable ride for all ages.
●   Pony Rides: Perfect for younger children, these gentle ponies provide a delightful introduction to horseback riding.
●   Riding Lessons: Learn the basics or improve your riding skills with lessons from professional instructors. They cater to all skill levels.
●   Horse Camps: Enroll your kids in summer horse camps where they'll learn about horse care, riding techniques, and even participate in fun games and activities.
 
 

Mount Bachelor Mountain Resort

Mt Bachelor Mountain Resort in Bend, Oregon is approximately 15 miles from Sunriver. Mount Bachelor offers some of the best year-round sports experiences in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a family looking for fun outdoor activities, this resort has something for everyone. Mountain Bike Park, Hiking Trails, Zipline Tours, Whitewater Rafting, and plenty of Skiing and Snowboarding Trails. With over 4,300 acres of terrain, you can find slopes for all skill levels.
 
Mount Bachelor Ski Resort guarantees you have a memorable winter getaway with its diverse range of activities. So bundle up and get ready for some snowy fun!
 
Don't miss out on these exciting activities:
●   Skiing and Snowboarding: With 101 runs, you can spend your day carving up the slopes. Beginners will appreciate the gentle runs, while experts can tackle the challenging black diamonds.
●   Nordic Skiing: Explore 56 kilometers of groomed trails that wind through serene forests. It's a perfect way to enjoy the winter landscape at a slower pace.
●   Snowshoeing: If you prefer to explore off the beaten path, strap on some snowshoes. You'll find marked trails that showcase the natural beauty of the area.
●   Snowblast Tubing Park: For a more laid-back but equally thrilling experience, head to the tubing park. It's a hit with kids and adults alike.
●  Mountain Biking: 13 miles of downhill trails. If you're new to the sport there's no better way to start out than taking laps in the Little Pine Skills Park.
●  Hiking Trails: Mt. Bachelor has an extensive network of hiking trails accessed via the base area or from the top of Pine Marten Express.
●  Zipline Tours: Ride the Northwest’s steepest, fastest, and highest-elevation zip line! This dual-line, three-stage tour launches from an elevation of 7,800 feet, above the tree line at the top of Pine Marten lift, and drops nearly 1,400 vertical feet along the volcano’s slopes.
●  Whitewater Rafting: Sun Country Tours guides raft trips across Central Oregon. Trips range from just a few hours to all-day adventures, and even multi-day excursions.

 

Mt Bachelor Mountain Resort in Bend Oregon

 

History of Sunriver

For years before White men discovered Bend, Native Americans used the area for hunting and fishing. In the late 1800's, the area gained the name Bend as it was referred to as "Fairwell Bend" by the pioneers who set this land apart along the Deschutes as affordable and eventually making it an official location for building a city. By the early 1900s, Bend began to make its profitability and growth expand with the establishment of their first water powered sawmill. Eventually this lead to the building of the Light and Power Dam which provided electricity for the entire area.


Map of Sunriver Oregon in Deschutes County

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