Sunriver Oregon Travel Guide
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
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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!
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
● 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
Fort Rock Park
Sunriver Stables
● Riding Lessons: Learn the basics or improve your riding skills with lessons from professional instructors. They cater to all skill levels.
Mount Bachelor Mountain Resort
● 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.
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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