Visit Central Oregon

13/08/2025

The Museum at Warm Springs annual Membership Drive is happening all month.
Visit Central Oregon is pleased to be helping spread the word. 📣

There are several membership levels with great benefits. Please consider joining!

The Museum at Warm Springs is about educating the world about preservation, advancement and sharing of the Indigenous cultures throughout the Northwest and beyond. We invite you to support The Museum by becoming a Member! We offer several levels of Membership with wonderful benefits.

12/08/2025

Top spots in Central Oregon for stargazing 🌠

In case you haven’t already heard—the peak nights for viewing the Perseid Meteor Shower are August 12–13! 💫☄️

Central Oregon has four ISDA-designated Dark Sky locations perfect for catching shooting stars:

🌌 Antelope — Dark Sky Community
✨ Prineville Reservoir State Park — International Dark Sky Park
🌌 Sunriver — Dark Sky Friendly Development of Distinction
✨ Sisters — Dark Sky Community

Plus, Central Oregon is your ideal basecamp to explore the world’s largest dark sky sanctuary🥇—the Oregon Outback in Southern Oregon.

Check the link in bio to learn more about Central Oregon Dark Skies and resources. 🔭

08/08/2025

⚠️ Travel Update! Highway 58 is closed. ⛔️
Alternative routes to/from Central Oregon: Hwy 20 & 22.

View road closures with TripCheck.com

The TripCheck website provides roadside camera images and detailed information about Oregon road traffic congestion, incidents, weather conditions, services and commercial vehicle restrictions and registration.

07/08/2025

The Ultimate Central Oregon Road Trip Itinerary 🚗 North → South

Start your adventure just south of the Columbia River Gorge or Portland.

🗓️ Day 1: Maupin – Whitewater Rafting on the Deschutes.

🚣‍♂️ Book a guided trip with local outfitters for Class III–IV rapids on the Lower Deschutes River.
🌙 Overnight in Maupin.

🗓️ Day 2: The Cove Palisades State Park.

🥾Hike the Tam-a-láu Trail for panoramic views of Lake Billy Chinook. Or take a kayak or boat out on the lake!
🌙 Overnight in Madras or Terrebonne.

🗓️ Day 3: Smith Rock State Park

🧗‍♂️ Explore Oregon’s iconic rock-climbing mecca.
🌙 Overnight in Redmond.

🗓️ Day 4: Camp Sherman

🐟 Fish the Metolius River. Then enjoy the Western heritage charm of downtown Sisters.
🌙 Overnight in Sisters.

🗓️ Day 5: Bend – The Heart of Central Oregon.

🛟 Float or paddle the Deschutes River. Shop at the Old Mill District. Or simply enjoy a scenic walk around Drake Park! 🦆
🌙 Overnight in Bend.

🗓️ Day 6: Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.

🚗 Head west into alpine lake country! Highlights on this scenic cruise include: Sparks Lake, Elk Lake, and Devils Lake.
🌙 Overnight in Sunriver.

🗓️ Day 7: Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

🌋 Explore the awesome volcanic landscapes! Popular hikes include: Lava River Cave, Paulina Falls.
♨️ Pro tip: There’s some hot springs in the area.
🌙 Overnight in La Pine or continue your journey south toward Crater Lake!

We know this is far from an exhaustive list—just a glimpse into all Central Oregon has to offer. 🌄✨

What must-see spots, hidden gems, or favorite spots would you add? Drop your recommendations below! 👇

05/08/2025

The beauty of a Central Oregon sunset never ceases to amaze. 🌄😍

📸: .penner

01/08/2025

Artfully plated. Thoughtfully crafted.
Come for the seasonally inspired rotating menu, stay for the lush ambiance. 🥂 ✨

📍Dear Irene, Bend
📸: Tambi Lane Photo

30/07/2025

Hot off the press! 📰 👀
Visit Central Oregon has launched the Central Oregon Regional Business Development Initiative. The goal of this cooperative program is to support our regional lodging providers by promoting and coordinating year-round group travel business.

Read more ➡️

Visit Central Oregon (VCO) announces the launch of the Central Oregon Regional Business Development Initiative, a collaborative effort between the destination marketing organizations of Visit Bend, Discover Redmond, Explore Sisters and Explore Prineville. The initiative was designed to leverage regi...

22/07/2025

🔥 Wildfire Update 🚨
There are still active fires in parts of the region.

Evacuation Notices ⚠️ Wildfire.Oregon.gov/Evacuations
While many Evacuation Levels have been reduced or lifted in Jefferson & Wasco Counties, some still remain in place.

👩‍🚒This is a major step forward—and a reflection of the hard work by firefighters, local law enforcement, and emergency responders. 🙏

22/07/2025

Find your flow 🚣‍♀️
Carve through calm waters of Lake Billy Chinook, and let nature set the pace. 💦☀️

📸: Max Rhulen

21/07/2025

🔥 Wildfire Update 🚨
There are still active fires in parts of the region.

Stay informed with tools like 🌐 centraloregonfire.org

🚗 Roads Remain Open.
Travelers are advised to check 🌐 TripCheck.com before heading out.

👷‍♀️ Please be mindful of fire crews working hard in affected areas.

🌤️ Minimal Smoke Today!
Air conditions are currently clear across most of the region.
Stay updated using 🌐 Map.PurpleAir.com