Sunriver Guidebook
Parks & Nature
During the day you can visit the Nature Center in Sunriver and see owls, hawks and other birds of prey outside of the facility. You don’t have to pay admission to view the birds that are kept outside; the inside has more exhibits geared toward younger kids.
See if you can spot the Sunriver's resident Trumpeter swans from the Nature Center!
https://snco.org
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Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
57245 River RdDuring the day you can visit the Nature Center in Sunriver and see owls, hawks and other birds of prey outside of the facility. You don’t have to pay admission to view the birds that are kept outside; the inside has more exhibits geared toward younger kids.
See if you can spot the Sunriver's resident Trumpeter swans from the Nature Center!
https://snco.org
Reserve a raft, kayaks, or stand up paddle boards for the 6 mile gentle paddle/float down the Deschutes River. From personal experience, it takes about 3 hours to complete. Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks and enjoy the scenery. There are a few places to get out and swim along the float downstream, if you’re up for that snowmelt runoff water :)
https://www.destinationhotels.com/sunriver-resort/activities/sunriver-resort-marina
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Resort marina
17400 Deschutes RdReserve a raft, kayaks, or stand up paddle boards for the 6 mile gentle paddle/float down the Deschutes River. From personal experience, it takes about 3 hours to complete. Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks and enjoy the scenery. There are a few places to get out and swim along the float downstream, if you’re up for that snowmelt runoff water :)
https://www.destinationhotels.com/sunriver-resort/activities/sunriver-resort-marina
Guided horseback trail rides for all levels available to be reserved during the summer; majestic horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow-covered landscape during the winter.
Reservations and info: https://www.destinationhotels.com/sunriver-resort/activities/horseback-riding-bend-oregon
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Sunriver Stables
57215 River RdGuided horseback trail rides for all levels available to be reserved during the summer; majestic horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow-covered landscape during the winter.
Reservations and info: https://www.destinationhotels.com/sunriver-resort/activities/horseback-riding-bend-oregon
A 3.9 mile bike ride from the cabin, follow the signs on the bike paths to Lava Lands and the path is clearly marked from there. Benham Falls is a picturesque home to churning rapids within the Deschutes National Forest. One of our favorite bike rides from the house, the hike into the woods from the footbridge and sounds from the rapids is beautiful and serene.
*Be prepared by bringing bug spray, as mosquitos love Benham Falls also*
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Benham Falls Overlook
A 3.9 mile bike ride from the cabin, follow the signs on the bike paths to Lava Lands and the path is clearly marked from there. Benham Falls is a picturesque home to churning rapids within the Deschutes National Forest. One of our favorite bike rides from the house, the hike into the woods from the footbridge and sounds from the rapids is beautiful and serene.
*Be prepared by bringing bug spray, as mosquitos love Benham Falls also*
Recreation
Tennis and pickle ball courts are available to be reserved in Sunriver for $16/hour. Rent equipment there or bring your own. Currently they are operating at limited capacity due to COVID-19, but the courts closest to our house are open to book.
http://www.sunrivertennis.com/tennis-facilities.html
Tennis Village
Tennis VillageTennis and pickle ball courts are available to be reserved in Sunriver for $16/hour. Rent equipment there or bring your own. Currently they are operating at limited capacity due to COVID-19, but the courts closest to our house are open to book.
http://www.sunrivertennis.com/tennis-facilities.html
Sightseeing
Here you can get a special viewing of the Sun during the day, but at night is where the Observatory really shines. Central Oregon is one of the best stargazing destinations in the United States due to it’s remote location and low levels of light pollution.
From the website: “Seek the stars at the nation’s largest publicly accessible observatory. One-hour sessions include night sky viewing through various telescopes with staff astronomers, a guided constellation tour, meteorite displays, and an educational presentation.”
https://snco.org/experiences/
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Oregon Observatory at Sunriver
57245 River RoadHere you can get a special viewing of the Sun during the day, but at night is where the Observatory really shines. Central Oregon is one of the best stargazing destinations in the United States due to it’s remote location and low levels of light pollution.
From the website: “Seek the stars at the nation’s largest publicly accessible observatory. One-hour sessions include night sky viewing through various telescopes with staff astronomers, a guided constellation tour, meteorite displays, and an educational presentation.”
https://snco.org/experiences/
One of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, the second deepest lake in all of North America, and the ninth deepest lake on Earth.
Formed 7,700 years ago, when Mount Mazama violently erupted and collapsed in on itself, the peak of the volcano is now Crater Lake’s Wizard Island. A marvel of deep blue that has no streams or tributaries, Crater Lake’s depth is maintained by snowmelt and rainfall alone.
Crater Lake is 92 miles from the house- pack some lunches and waters, as there are only two dining options once you get there and they can get crowded.
https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm
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Crater Lake
One of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, the second deepest lake in all of North America, and the ninth deepest lake on Earth.
Formed 7,700 years ago, when Mount Mazama violently erupted and collapsed in on itself, the peak of the volcano is now Crater Lake’s Wizard Island. A marvel of deep blue that has no streams or tributaries, Crater Lake’s depth is maintained by snowmelt and rainfall alone.
Crater Lake is 92 miles from the house- pack some lunches and waters, as there are only two dining options once you get there and they can get crowded.
https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm
Smith Rock is known as the birthplace of American rock climbing, but if you’re not up for scaling rock walls, the scenery here is breathtaking and there are hiking trails for all levels, including with kids.
41 miles from the house, the rocky canyons and desert landscape of Smith Rock makes it feel like you’re in a totally different place in the country. Information about park hours and trails can be found on the website.
https://smithrock.com/the-park#park-overview
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Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock is known as the birthplace of American rock climbing, but if you’re not up for scaling rock walls, the scenery here is breathtaking and there are hiking trails for all levels, including with kids.
41 miles from the house, the rocky canyons and desert landscape of Smith Rock makes it feel like you’re in a totally different place in the country. Information about park hours and trails can be found on the website.
https://smithrock.com/the-park#park-overview
From VisitBend.com:
“There’s a reason the High Desert Museum is consistently voted the #1 thing to do in Bend! Just minutes south of town, you’ll step into a different time and place. The Museum is set on 135 wooded acres, with indoor and outdoor experiences to delight the whole family.
See raptors, otters, porcupines and reptiles up close. During the summer months, experience birds of prey swooping just overhead on the Museum’s grounds during our Raptors of the Desert Sky daily flight program. Stop at the Miller Family Ranch and Sawmill and engage in a lively conversation with living history characters who believe it’s still 1904! Explore ever-changing exhibits throughout the year. Discover the spirit of the West as you journey through the history of the Plateau Indians and see how the West was settled. The Museum weaves together history, culture, art and natural history to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the High Desert region they’re visiting.”
9.5 miles from the cabin, The High Desert Museum is an uber cool museum with a focus on the High Desert region. I consider it a “must do” for families.
Info: https://highdesertmuseum.org
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High Desert Museum
59800 US-97From VisitBend.com:
“There’s a reason the High Desert Museum is consistently voted the #1 thing to do in Bend! Just minutes south of town, you’ll step into a different time and place. The Museum is set on 135 wooded acres, with indoor and outdoor experiences to delight the whole family.
See raptors, otters, porcupines and reptiles up close. During the summer months, experience birds of prey swooping just overhead on the Museum’s grounds during our Raptors of the Desert Sky daily flight program. Stop at the Miller Family Ranch and Sawmill and engage in a lively conversation with living history characters who believe it’s still 1904! Explore ever-changing exhibits throughout the year. Discover the spirit of the West as you journey through the history of the Plateau Indians and see how the West was settled. The Museum weaves together history, culture, art and natural history to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the High Desert region they’re visiting.”
9.5 miles from the cabin, The High Desert Museum is an uber cool museum with a focus on the High Desert region. I consider it a “must do” for families.
Info: https://highdesertmuseum.org
Food scene
Large portion sizes of tasty Mexican food. El Caporal is located in the Village in Sunriver. It can get very busy in the summer, so reservations are recommended.
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El Caporal Sunriver
57100 Beaver DrLarge portion sizes of tasty Mexican food. El Caporal is located in the Village in Sunriver. It can get very busy in the summer, so reservations are recommended.
Call ahead and place an order for pickup or delivery at this Sunriver classic. Blondie's gets very busy during holidays and peak season, so call earlier than later to get your order in the queue.
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Blondie's Pizza
57195 Beaver DrCall ahead and place an order for pickup or delivery at this Sunriver classic. Blondie's gets very busy during holidays and peak season, so call earlier than later to get your order in the queue.
Sunriver's own brewery. Come to eat a variety of tasty foods, and try their award winning brews. Make reservations in advance to avoid waiting.
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Sunriver Brewing Co. - Sunriver Pub
57100 Beaver DrSunriver's own brewery. Come to eat a variety of tasty foods, and try their award winning brews. Make reservations in advance to avoid waiting.
"A classic neighborhood restaurant in downtown Bend serving up creative & inspirational comfort food."
Drake is a favorite for their delicious small plates and tasty drinks. Make a reservation in advance and stroll through downtown Bend before your meal.
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Drake
801 NW Wall St"A classic neighborhood restaurant in downtown Bend serving up creative & inspirational comfort food."
Drake is a favorite for their delicious small plates and tasty drinks. Make a reservation in advance and stroll through downtown Bend before your meal.
"Where the Middle East meets the Wild West"
Joolz offers a fusion of Eastern Mediterranean fare in the heart of Bend, Oregon. This Bend-local favorite specializes in its Southwestern twist on classic Middle Eastern dishes. We've never gotten anything at Joolz that we didn't love. Reservations are encouraged.
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Joolz
916 NW Wall St"Where the Middle East meets the Wild West"
Joolz offers a fusion of Eastern Mediterranean fare in the heart of Bend, Oregon. This Bend-local favorite specializes in its Southwestern twist on classic Middle Eastern dishes. We've never gotten anything at Joolz that we didn't love. Reservations are encouraged.
A festive downtown Bend eatery crafting Latin-inspired favorites, from tapas & tacos to paella & margaritas. One of our favorites.
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Barrio
915 NW Wall StA festive downtown Bend eatery crafting Latin-inspired favorites, from tapas & tacos to paella & margaritas. One of our favorites.
From VisitBend.com:
"Spork, now a festive 50 seat (plus patio) brick and mortar casual counter service location on Bend’s west side that’s open daily for lunch, dinner, and cocktails and aims to bring inspired food, drink, ambiance and hospitality to a casual setting started in 2009 as a globally-inspired green-conscious mobile streetfood kitchen. Once housed in a 1962 Airstream Tradewind serving creative delicious global cuisine, Spork was voted Best Chow Cart in Bend every year in the Source Reader Poll. They offer delicious global eats at daily prices with a green sensibility that includes goals of sourcing ingredients locally, using quality seasonal veggies and humanely raised meats, and using green materials, and policies."
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Spork
937 NW Newport AveFrom VisitBend.com:
"Spork, now a festive 50 seat (plus patio) brick and mortar casual counter service location on Bend’s west side that’s open daily for lunch, dinner, and cocktails and aims to bring inspired food, drink, ambiance and hospitality to a casual setting started in 2009 as a globally-inspired green-conscious mobile streetfood kitchen. Once housed in a 1962 Airstream Tradewind serving creative delicious global cuisine, Spork was voted Best Chow Cart in Bend every year in the Source Reader Poll. They offer delicious global eats at daily prices with a green sensibility that includes goals of sourcing ingredients locally, using quality seasonal veggies and humanely raised meats, and using green materials, and policies."
The original Deschutes Brewery, located in Downtown Bend. Reliably good food, and of course, lots of beer. Good for families. Reservations recommended.
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Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House
1044 NW Bond StThe original Deschutes Brewery, located in Downtown Bend. Reliably good food, and of course, lots of beer. Good for families. Reservations recommended.
Tipps für Reisende
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Bike and Ski Rental Resources
There are a slew of places to rent bikes from within Sunriver. If you’re planning on renting, I’d highly recommend making reservations for the bikes you want. We frequent Lucky Chucky’s/4 Seasons Recreational Outfitters the most for rentals, but Sunriver Sports, Village Bike and Ski, and Sunriver Bike Barn are all good options.
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Grocery Shopping
The Sunriver Country Store in the Village is the closest grocery store to the cabin, and good for most food essentials. If you're more of a gourmand or looking for a more diverse selection, head to the Market of Choice in Bend. The Trader Joe's in Bend is an easy stop on your way in if you're coming from Portland.