Author: Art Gib
Central Oregon is filled with geographic diversity. Rock formations, rivers, lakes, mountains and forest all dot the landscape and make the area a popular place for vacationers who love the outdoors. The Deschutes River provides white water rafting or fishing opportunities while Smith Rock, Broken Top and Tumalo Mountain attract rock climbers and photographers.
The Ponderosa Pine Forests in the area are filled with hiking and biking trails that are conveniently shaded from the hot summer sun. Children can splash in the water on the shores of Sparks Lake, Todd Lake and Camp Lake or search for fossils in the high desert regions to the south. For visitors who are fond of animals, horseback riding is also a fun attraction.
One testament to the growing popularity of the area is that the city of Bend, located in the southern part of central Oregon, has more than tripled its population in the past fifteen years. If visitors come to Bend during the early weeks of June, they may catch a glimpse of colorful, giant hot-air balloons drifting across the sky during the Balloons Over Bend Festival. Early risers can even see the balloons launch and enjoy a yummy complimentary pancake breakfast as well.
Resorts have sprouted up all over the Cascade Mountains by Bend to house the many visitors flocking to the area. The acrid climate produces dry, powdery snow that is perfect for both expert and novice skiers at Mt. Bachelor, the local ski resort, and the predominantly sunny weather also contributes to great skiing conditions. Snowmobiling, snow shoeing, ice skating and ice climbing are also popular activities in the winter. After a day full of activity, visitors can relax and enjoy fine dining with snow-capped mountain views.
Most resorts in the area have been designed with customer tastes and comfort in mind. Visitors can rent rooms, condos, lodging or houses depending on the size of the group that they bring; and restaurants, entertainment and the ski slopes are never far away. Heated pools, hot tubs, saunas and spas are also common facilities available for guests staying at the resorts because hot water and body massages can be the perfect remedies for tired muscles that have been tested against the mountains.
In addition to the resorts, visitors can also find hotels, inns, motels, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds in the area. Camping is not very popular in the winter because of the cold but the campgrounds fill up quickly in the summer. It is wise to call ahead for reservations or arrive early. The resorts tend to be closer to the mountains than hotels and inns, but hotels and inns may be a wiser choice if you plan on spending more time in the city than nature.
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