Deschutes Dreams Riverfront Oasis

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We want to hike and walk in the beautiful area! Suggestions?

Top Hikes in Tumalo and Bend

Tumalo Hikes, some personal favorites

  • Tumalo Falls & North Fork Trail
    A must-see 97-foot waterfall just 12 miles west of Bend. Options range from a short walk to the viewpoint to a 4-mile out-and-back or an 8.2-mile loop to Happy Valley.
  • Tumalo Mountain Trail
    A 4.1-mile out-and-back trail offering panoramic views of the Cascade Range. It's a challenging hike with an elevation gain of approximately 1,400 feet.
  • Twin Bridges
    Super close to the house and very nice to explore the trails along the river. Decent shade with sunny spots and places to sit and enjoy along the river bank.
  • Tumalo State Park
    Also very close to the house. And a great spot to start floating the river. The park’s main hiking route is a 2.4-mile section of the Deschutes River Trail, which offers beautiful views of the river, basalt cliffs, and juniper woodlands. This trail is relatively flat, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels, including families and casual walks. The trail can be extended by continuing into the Riley Ranch Nature Reserve, though dogs are not permitted in that area.

Bend Hikes, a select variety for exploring

  • Pilot Butte
    An easy 1.8-mile out-and-back trail providing 360-degree views of Bend and the surrounding mountains.

  • Shevlin Park
    Features multiple trails along Tumalo Creek, suitable for all skill levels. The park offers a serene forested environment close to downtown Bend.

  • Deschutes River Trail
    A scenic trail that meanders along the Deschutes River, offering various access points and distances. It's popular for walking, running, and biking.  Old Mill. South Canyon. 

  • Broken Top Trail to No Name Lake
    A 6-mile round-trip alpine hike requiring a permit. The trail leads to a stunning glacial lake nestled beneath Broken Top Mountain.

There are also great hikes to explore in other nearby towns. If you need more, just let me know.  Or check out the amazing resource, the Bend Trails map! 

What are some must-see favorites around Central Oregon?

Natural Wonders & Parks

  • Smith Rock State Park (Terrebonne)

    • Iconic for rock climbing, but also stunning for hiking and photography.

    • Hike suggestion: Misery Ridge Trail for panoramic views.

  • Newberry National Volcanic Monument (near La Pine)

    • Lava lands, obsidian flows, cinder cones, and Paulina Lake.

    • Don’t miss: Big Obsidian Flow and the Lava River Cave (bring a flashlight or rent one!).

  • Tumalo Falls (near Bend)

    • 97-foot waterfall with hikes upstream to more falls.

    • Go early in the summer—parking fills up quickly.

  • Crater Lake National Park (about 2 hours south)

    • The deepest lake in the U.S. with unbelievable blue water.

    • Take: Rim Drive or the boat tour (summer only).

Scenic Drives & Views

  • Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

    • A stunning drive with access to alpine lakes (Sparks, Elk, Devil’s Lake) and trailheads.

    • Summer & early fall only – road closes in winter.

  • McKenzie Pass – Santiam Pass Scenic Byway

    • Volcanic landscapes, Dee Wright Observatory, lava fields.

    • Only open late spring to early fall.

Cultural & Local Favorites

Bend, Oregon

  • Breweries (Deschutes, Crux, 10 Barrel), boutiques, and the Old Mill District.

  • High Desert Museum – great for all ages with wildlife and cultural exhibits.

Sisters, Oregon

  • Western-themed town with charming shops and great access to trails.

  • Check out: Sisters Rodeo (June) and Sisters Quilt Show (July).

Geological Oddities

  1. Painted Hills (part of the John Day Fossil Beds)

    • Striking colorful hills – best at golden hour.

    • About 2 hours from Bend, but worth the drive.

  2. Fort Rock (Fort Rock State Natural Area)

    • A ring-shaped volcanic tuff formation rising from the high desert.

    • Remote, eerie, and beautiful.

Outdoor Fun

  • Deschutes River Trail (Bend area)  
    Easy access to trails along the river; great for hiking, biking, and even tubing in summer.

  • Mount Bachelor
    Skiing in winter, mountain biking, and zip lines in summer.

  • Phil's Trail for biking amazing-ness!


Events

    Events Galore: Really. Just to try to keep current, check out what is going on around this joint!

    https://visitbend.com/event-ca...

    Tower Theater

    Haden Homes Amphitheater, live music concerts at gorgeous venue

    Drake park fun family music summer only:  Munch and Music

    There are many more things going around, we will update and grow this over time, but also please let me know if we are missing an event that should be listed.

    Swimming Spots

    💦 A Few Notable Swimming Holes in Central Oregon

    Central Oregon is bursting with beautiful places to take a dip — from alpine lakes to secret river bends. Whether you're looking for an easy-access beach or a more secluded spot to cool off, here are some top local favorites, as recommended by The Bulletin staff and longtime locals:

    🏞 Deschutes River Access Points (in and near Bend)

    • Bill Healy Memorial Bridge (Bend): A great entry point for floating the river, near Farewell Bend and Riverbend parks.

    • McKay Park (Downtown Bend): Right by the Whitewater Park, this spot is popular with sunbathers and tubers.

    • Tumalo State Park (Northwest Bend): Gentle current, grassy picnic areas, and easy river access make this a family-friendly favorite.

    • Deschutes River in Tumalo (Wharton Ave): A quieter local gem between 4th and 5th Streets — shallow, peaceful, and close to town.

    • Cardinal Bridge (Sunriver): A less-trafficked spot with beautiful surroundings — bring water shoes!

    🏕 Lakes Along the Cascade Lakes Highway

    • Elk Lake:

      • Day-Use Beach (South Shore): Sandy beach, shallow wading, and stunning views of Mt. Bachelor.

      • Little Fawn Campground: Lakeside camping and crystal-clear water just steps from your site.

    • Sparks Lake: Shallow, scenic, and ideal for paddleboarding and floating.

    • Cultus Lake: Popular for both swimming and boating, with a resort and day-use area on-site.

    🏔 Other Great Lakes & Reservoirs

    • Scout Lake (Near Suttle Lake, west of Sisters): A spring-fed lake with clear water and a quiet, forested setting.

    • Wickiup Reservoir (Off Forest Road 42): More rustic, with dispersed spots perfect for cooling off after a hike or paddle.

    • Lake Billy Chinook (Culver): Swim in designated areas at The Cove Palisades State Park — also great for boating and cliffside views.

    🌊 Bonus Spot: Cline Falls State Park (Redmond)

    A classic Redmond favorite with a small waterfall, swimming area, and shaded picnic tables. Pack snacks and make a day of it!

    🏖 Tips for Enjoying Central Oregon’s Swimming Holes

    • Most spots have limited shade — bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and extra water.

    • Footwear helps! Many river spots have rocky or slippery bottoms.

    • Pack in, pack out — help keep our natural areas clean.

    • Water temperatures vary — even in summer, some lakes are snow-fed and chilly!

    Direct booking agreements

    Vacation house agreement: This agreement outlines the terms, house rules, payment schedule, cancellation policy, and security deposit details for guests staying at Deschutes Dreams Riverfront Oasis.Click here

    This document is for guests bringing an RV to the property. It outlines RV usage rules, fees, liability terms, and security deposit requirements. All RV guests must follow the same house rules as main home guests.  Click here

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