Things to See and Do in Sunriver, Oregon

Are you headed to Sunriver, Oregon? Sunriver Resort is where our son learned to walk. This family-friendly resort holds a special place in our heart. In fact, when I recommend other places to vacation, the family insists on returning to Sunriver. There are so many things to see and do in Sunriver, Oregon that you’ll want to come back for a second, or third visit.

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to the top of Lava Butte.

If you are traveling with kids, or you simply like home made ice cream, you’ll want to visit Goody’s at the Sunriver Resort Village Mall.

Once you’ve had your sugar fix, head out to the Deschutes National Forest on a mountain bike or take a horseback ride.

For complete quiet, take a float on a canoe or kayak down the Deschutes River or Cascade Lakes.

If you come to Sunriver, get your picture taken next to Benham Falls. This is a flat, fairly easy bike ride with kids.

If you have to order one thing off the menu at the Grille at Crosswater, get the salmon.

Sunriver is my one stop shop for outdoor recreation.

Not a lot of money to spend on restaurant dining, head to the farmers’ market in Bend.

For a huge splurge, I go to the Grille at Crosswater.

Photo ops in Sunriver could be on a horse next to the Deschutes River, in a Glider soaring over the Cascade Mountains, or on the 12^thhole at Crosswater.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of Lava Butte or on horseback at Ramsey Ridge.

The most random thing about Sunriver Resort is the Wings and Wheels Antique Car and Airplane Festival.

In Sunriver, an active day outdoors involves biking, horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, paddle-boarding, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, caving. The recreational opportunities are wide open.

My favorite walking route is the Benham Falls trail.

Sunriver’s best museum is the High Desert Museum.

For a night of dancing, go to your back porch and dance under the stars. Otherwise, you’ll have to head into Bend for live music with nightlife.

To find out what’s going on a night or on weekends, read the Sunriver Scene.

You can tell a lot about Central Oregon from visiting Sisters and watching the Sisters rodeo.

In the spring you should go skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor. Usually Bachelor has the best late season snow in the country.

In the summer you should take a white water rafting trip on the Deschutes.

In the fall you should hike the Deschutes river trail when the aspens are on fire.

In the winter you should go to Mt. Bachelor for dog sledding rides.

A hidden gem in Central Oregon is Fall River.

For a great breakfast treat or espresso, go to the Bellatzza.

Just outside of Sunriver Resort you can visit Sparks lake and have a picnic.

The best way to see Sunriver is to ride bikes.

If you have kids, you won’t want to miss Ft. Funnigan.

What are your favorite things to do in Sunriver, Oregon?

Thanks to Sunriver Resort for assistance with this post.