Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Sunriver

"Whether it is out on the water, sitting down for a cup of coffee, strolling along the paths at Drake Park, spending time viewing a small indie film in a boutique theater or savoring the delicious fare at the many locally owned, family run restaurants, some of which have been recognized by the James Beard association, there are many simple, beautiful and memorable ways to spend your time in my new hometown. And I am more than happy to share what I’ve discovered."

"Home to the famous Mirror Pond, Drake Park is likely one of Bend’s most popular parks for visitors and locals alike. They host several events throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule to see what will be around during your visit."

"One of Bend’s newest parks, Riley Ranch Nature Reserve is the site of the oldest homestead in Bend’s city limits. Ovid B. Riley and his family farmed and raised cattle, building a number of cabins and outbuildings. Not only can you still see remnants of those buildings, but also a prehistoric rock shelter once occupied by natives of the area."

"A post shared by Stu Curtis (@sand_to_snow) on Oct 5, 2019 at 8:58pm PDT. Riley Ranch Nature Reserve is the last mention on our list and stretches 6.5 mi (10.5 km). The terrain is mostly mountainous and is a worthwhile experience."

"Once upon a time, Hollinshead Park in northeast Bend was a working ranch with horses and orchards, barns and outbuildings. Some of those buildings still stand today, including Hollinshead Barn (a popular site for events and weddings) and the caretaker’s cottage, which Bend Park and Rec opens up once a year for tours. Stroll the grounds on your own to check out some of the remaining structures like the restored outhouse and items from Dean Hollinshead’s family freight line business from the early1900s."

"This excellent museum, about 3 miles south of Bend, charts the exploration and settlement of the West, using reenactments of a Native American camp, a hard-rock mine and an old Western town. The region's natural history is also explored; kids love the live snake, tortoise and trout exhibits, and watching the birds of prey and otters is always fun. Guided walks and other programs are well worth attending – don't miss the raptor presentation."

"If the weather isn't ideal (it happens – it was cloudy, rainy, and cool the whole time I was in Bend in June!), downtown Bend has tons of cute shops to explore, and there's also the High Desert Museum you could visit. Sunset at Pilot Butte"

"Bend is one of the only cities in the continental U.S. that boasts a dormant volcano right in the middle of town. For hundreds (heck, thousands) of years, Pilot Butte served as a beacon and a landmark for settlers and for native people before them. Modern visitors study the marker on Pilot Butte that points out the mountains viewable from the top."

"If the weather is clear this evening, head up to Pilot Butte – an extinct volcano in the center of town – for sunset. Sunset at Pilot Butte"

"The Deschutes National Forest is a United States National Forest located in parts of Deschutes, Klamath, Lake, and Jefferson counties in central Oregon. It comprises 1.8 million acres along the east side of the Cascade Range. In 1908, the Deschutes National Forest was established from parts of the Blue Mountains, Cascade, and Fremont National Forests."

"Below is an image on the day of the Total Solar Eclipse on Hosmer Lake. But summer doesn’t last all year and as many of you know, Bend is known for the snow and skiing on Mt. Bachelor. While I am not a down hill skier, I do love to take my dogs cross country skiing or go by myself at a handful of different parks along the Cascade Lakes Highway headed to Mt. Bachelor. Usually, I head up in the morning to make the most of the snow, and then return down the hill for a leisurely rest of the day."

"Fall in love with the food and the river views when you dine at Crossings at the Riverhouse. You don’t need to stay at The Riverhouse Hotel & Convention Center to dine at their spacious, river-front restaurant, Crossings. The fact that they serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour makes them an excellent go-to spot almost any time of day, and the fact that their back deck offers killer river views makes it one of my favorite spots in Bend for river-view dining."

"As I typed the words just now, my mouth literally started watering as I thought about their corned beef hash served with onions, bell pepper, potato, spinach, poached eggs, and horseradish crème fraiche. It’s one of the few breakfast items that reheats beautifully so you can take half of it home (it’s a big portion, yo) to enjoy the next day. Or an hour later because you can’t stop thinking about it."

"As the name implies, Bad Wolf Bakery & Bistro has a knack for tasty baked goods and pastries, but they’re so much more than that. Mmmm waffles at Bad Wolf Bakery & Bistro!. The cardamom waffles with vanilla bean yogurt and fresh fruit will hit the spot for brunch fans with a sweet tooth, or opt for the artery-clogging delight of the Shipwreck."

"That and their fantastic food, made from scratch and fresh every day. There’s something for every palate on the menu. If you’re craving something sweet, you have to try the cardamom waffles accompanied by vanilla bean yogurt and fresh fruit."