Van and small trailer camping in Oregon’s outdoors From colorful deserts to pristine coastlines and pine-covered mountains in between, Oregon’s diverse landscape offers many impressive areas to explore. To truly be immersed in these environments, we often camp right in the middle of it all. But...
Our favorite local outdoor activities Rock Climbing Try world-class rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park, bouldering at Meadow Camp, or the awesome walls at Bend Rock Gym for those (who want a safe place to start out.) Paddle Boarding All ages can enjoy a paddle. Try...
Stand on Liquid Have you tried stand up paddle boarding yet? The sport continues to grow in popularity and Central Oregon is a great place to pick it up. Beginners will have the best luck at a lake on a calm weather day—flat water is your...
Pack some delectable snacks and get outdoors Picnic. That iconic ritual of warm days, involving food with friends and family, a breath of fresh air and a break from life’s hectic pace. Central Oregon lays out a wide blanket of options for picnickers, from public parks...
Encouraging kids to take outdoor fun to the next level For children, summer is about riding bikes, exploring neighborhoods and climbing trees. With plenty of free time and good weather, summer is also the perfect time to encourage kids to take that neighborhood stroll or...
Tips for growing fresh garden peppers Central Oregon can be the perfect place to grow a variety of peppers in your home garden. Our frequent long hot summer days can produce outstanding results with minimal damage from disease. Furthermore, there are many incredible varieties to choose...
Accessible trails and destinations offer a taste of Central Oregon for wheelchairs and strollers alike For our summer vacation last year, we drove the scenic 175 miles from Portland, passing picturesque Detroit Lake and crossing Santiam Pass to spend time in beautiful Bend, Oregon. Our mission:...
Cairn offers a monthly grab-bag of outdoor goodies In the fall of 2013, entrepreneur and Wharton School of Business graduate Rob Little moved to Bend, bringing with him the idea to motivate people into spending more time outside. By December, Little had launched Cairn, an innovative...
Oregon hikes for history buffs Oregon’s world-class hiking trails are one reason many of us hang our hats here. The state also lays claim to an abundance of intriguing and significant chapters in human and natural history. These events leave their mark on both the landscape...
Five locals share their passion for mountain biking Long gone are the days when mountain bikers were a renegade bunch, riding their modified “clunkers” down old dirt roads and game trails for a cheap thrill in the forests outside of Bend. Mountain biking is now a...