6 Days of Central & SE Oregon

After exploring the attractions in and around Bend—the hippest little town in Oregon—you’ll be heading east into areas where the population density drops to near zero. This less developed region will lead you to spots that are off the beaten path enough that it's even common for Oregonians themselves to have them on their bucket list. I have many friends and coworkers in Portland who have travelled to the coast and Bend dozens of times but have never been to SE Oregon. So I'll be transparent here, this is not a route I normally recommend for first-time visitors to Oregon, unless they have specific destinations of interest. But if you've already seen plenty of Oregon's "main highlights" and are intrigued by remote, desert-y wilderness with no or few human traces, this is for you.

FYI: all itinerary examples on our website are very light on restaurant recommendations, if any, by design. While we might briefly mention a restaurant (or a winery, a store, etc.) worth looking up, telling you where to get lunch or where to sleep won't fit the spirit of our travel guides. We want you to travel at your own pace, to your taste, and embrace spontaneity. If you are travelling in a developed town, Google Maps will help plenty. If you will be out in nature most of the day, pack a sandwich. Easy.

DAY 1

If you fly into RDM rather than PDX, you can skip the long distance drive between Portland and Bend. That being said, this is a very scenic drive so long as you take Route 26 (going through Madras) instead of the bland I-5. Considering that flights and rental cars are generally cheaper at PDX, I recommend you weigh both options and pick one to your liking. There is no bad option.

Day 1 of this itinerary could be your arrival day if you flew in early enough, or the day after if you'd rather relax on your arrival day and begin the journey fully recharged. Either way, your first destination is the majestic Smith Rock, one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon! Parking fee is $10 or free for Oregon State Day Use Pass holders.

Activity options at Smith Rock:

• If you're in good hiking shape and love to enjoy scenic views from higher up, I recommend hiking either the Misery Ridge - Summit Trail (6.2 mi) or the Misery Ridge - River Trail (3.6 mi). Refer to the trail maps below. Be warned: if you go on a cloudless summer day, both trails can get extremely hot—bring lots of water!

• If you’d prefer a lower effort hike that still offers great scenery, the flat River Trail is more than beautiful enough, so pick a hike that suits your energy level and the weather for a safe adventure.

35 minutes south of Smith Rock is Bend, the largest city on the east side of Oregon's Cascade range, packing a ton of activities perfect for the afternoon and evening.

• If it’s a clear day, a stop at Pilot Butte will mesmerize you with sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountain peaks.

• Stroll along the Deschutes River: While there’s no one best path per se, one easy option is to park here and follow the Deschutes River Trail toward Farewell Bend Park. You can either go farther south from there or cross the river and loop back to your car.

• Beer Tasting. Being the hippest little city in Oregon, Bend has an amazing craft beer scene going on, with many of its breweries nationally renowned. The biggest names include Deschutes Brewery, Crux Fermentation Project, and Silver Moon Brewing. Tip: Crux’s non-alcoholic line NØMØ offers the best NA beers I’ve ever tasted. If you or your travel companion loves the taste of beer but isn’t big on alcohol, I highly recommend them.

  If you’re more into ciders, check out Tumalo Cider or Bend Cider Company, just a bit north of the city center.

Recommended lodging location for DAY 1: Bend, Sunriver, or La Pine. Since travel destinations in Central Oregon are pretty spaced out to begin with, no need to stress over the exact location. Pick a place that you think you'll be happy to make home for three nights.

DAY 2

Cascade Mountain Range:

• Tumalo Falls: the waterfall is only a 5 min walk from the parking lot so it's hard to beat the convenience. It also makes it a very popular spot especially during weekends and holidays, so try to arrive early. 

• Green Lakes: The alpine lakes in this region present some of the best hiking opportunities. It's the most pleasant in Summer and Fall, during which you are required to get a trailhead use permit ($1) from here. From the trailhead you'll head north and walk total of 9 mi (15km), taking about 4 hrs. Make that 5 hrs if you plan to do a loop around the lake too. Pack enough water, lunch, and bug spray, and enjoy the incredibly rewarding alpine views. 

  

• Ziplining is a unique, adrenaline-filled way to take in the stunning views of Mt. Bachelor. You can make reservation at https://www.mtbachelor.com/events-activities/summer-activities/zipline/.

In the afternoon, we'll return to Bend and explore the downtown.

• Tubing on the Deschutes River: This would be best during the peak of summer when the weather’s hot enough to enjoy the cold water. You can rent tubes from Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. After floating down the river, you can get back to your starting point using the same company's shuttle service or the city-run one. Make sure to pack water-friendly shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen!

• Prefer a dry stroll on foot? Downtown Bend has many nice eats along with cute little galleries and stores to browse. Punch in “art gallery” on Google Maps and you’ll find several high-quality free galleries. My personal favorites are Mockingbird Gallery and Jeffrey Murray Gallery but there are many other smaller ones too. If you love coffee, swing by Lone Pine Coffee Roasters—they roast their own beans and out-brew some of the best coffee shops in Portland.

Lodging: same as yesterday.

DAY 3

Central Oregon keeps giving! Now onto the geological wonderlands formed by lava:

• Newberry National Volcanic monument: Formed by volcanic eruptions ~70,000 years ago, this lava land is now preserved by the government for its unique geological features. The Trail of Molten Lands features informative signs all over the walking path, making it a fun and educational self-guided hike.

  As for Lava Butte, private vehicles aren’t allowed to drive up. Instead, stop by the visitor center to purchase a shuttle ticket and take the shuttle bus to the top.🌋

• Big Obsidian Flow: This volcanic terrain was formed by lava rich in silica and metals, which cooled into black, glass-like rocks—like the photos below. Every time I visit, I’m amazed by how nature created something so striking. But “glass-like” of course means sharp, so this place is not for those traveling with kids or dogs. Even for adults, flip-flops or sandals are a big no-no. Be sure to wear sturdy sneakers and explore with caution. A fall here can easily lead to serious injury.

  

  

  

  

• Lava River Cave: It's what the name sounds like. You’ll need a headlamp or flashlight and a winter jacket to comfortably visit this cave. Even in summer, it’s cold inside—around 42°F (5.5°C)—and the terrain is uneven. Although it's not a guided tour, you still need to reserve a timed entry ticket here and arrive at your scheduled time.

• High Desert Museum: This spot is particularly recommended for those who enjoy nature-focused museums or simply want to balance indoor and outdoor activities. It features a wide range of exhibits on the natural environment and history of Central Oregon, along with some animal displays—so both adults and kids will enjoy their time without getting bored.

  
  

At night, consider stargazing at the Sunriver Observatory🔭 especially if cloud cover is minimal. Their event offerings vary by day, so be sure to visit their website and review the up-to-date event calendar.

• You'll see that they offer both public and private viewings. While “private” might sound more appealing, I’ve tried both and found each has pros and cons really. Private sessions offer a cozy, quiet experience just for your group with no other tourists, but they’re understandably more expensive per person. And personally, I found the lively, crowded atmosphere of the public ones more fun and engaging.

• If you're considering a daytime visit, I haven’t done it myself, but I’ve heard it offers a fascinating chance to observe the surface of the Sun!

Lodging: same as yesterday.

DAY 4

Today is the day you'll leave all the crowds, modern restaurants, big-name supermarkets, and well-maintained roads behind... and head east!! You may choose between two options for Day 4 itinerary:

[Option 1] for those who have already been to Crater Lake or want to minimize long drives and enjoy a leisurely day before heading out to the eastern nowhere land.

[Option 2] for those looking to include Crater Lake on the route despite the added driving distance.

→ Whichever option you pick, I highly recommend doing any needed grocery shopping before you head east. Not as many options out there.

[Option 1]

• Visit any spots you missed or regretted skipping during Day 1–3.

• Enjoy lunch and/or some more beer tasting in Bend.

• Head to Crane Hot Springs: this recommended lodging features an open-air hot spring. You can go straight from Bend and jump into their healing water to melt away fatigue, or swing by Fort Rock with a small detour. Fort Rock sits alone on a barren plain—mysterious at first glance, and as you draw nearer its immense size becomes apparent, giving it a uniquely majestic presence.

[Option 2]

Crater Lake National Park is Oregon’s only national park and a flagship of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Because it sits at a high elevation and gets heavy snowfall, not all roads in the park will be open until late June or sometimes even mid-July. Even if only the south entrance is open, you can still enjoy stunning views of the lake—so before your visit, check the official website to see which roads are accessible. If the Rim Drive isn’t fully open, don’t be discouraged; it’s still worth going, really.

✧Pro Tip✧ During peak season, entrance lines after 9 AM can get ridiculous, so aim to arrive early.

Once you’ve entered the park, take your time soaking in the views until you get tired of them (except you won't😜). If Rim Drive is fully open, drive the full loop around the lake and stop at any viewpoint that catches your eye. For hiking, Cleetwood Cove Trail is a great option if you're up for a descent to the lake. If you're visiting when only the southern portion of Rim Drive is open, or looking for a flatter hike, the Discovery Point Trail is family-friendly and offers plenty of scenic viewpoints.

It's now time to leave the Cascade Range behind and head east to Crane Hot Springs - this recommended lodging features an open-air hot spring. You can either go straight there, or swing by Fort Rock with a small detour. Fort Rock sits alone on a barren plain—mysterious at first glance, and as you draw nearer its immense size becomes apparent, giving it a uniquely majestic presence.

✧Local's Tip✧ relevant for both Options 1 & 2:

In the desert area you’ll be traveling through tomorrow, there’s only one gas station—it’s very old-fashioned and has only one pump... To avoid worrying about the single point of failure, I recommend topping off your tank tonight in Burns where you can find relatively modern gas stations.

Recommended lodging location for DAY 4: Crane Hot Springs. On the property’s website, you’ll find several lodging options. If you dislike sharing bathroom Suites with a full bath (adults only) or wheel campers are nice. Else there are many more budget-friendly, unique options with shared bathrooms to choose from. If none of these options appeal to you, or if you’re not interested in their hot springs pool, consider accommodations in Burns to the west or in Diamond to the south.

DAY 5

Today you’ll be driving through areas with no cell reception, so I recommend asking a friend beforehand, something like: “If you don’t hear from me by [a certain time], please send someone to come find me along Fields-Denio Rd/Steens Hwy.” If you have AAA membership, leave your membership number with them as well. Some of the roads will be pretty rough, so safety first! My car isn’t four-wheel drive, but I was able to drive slowly over the gravel without any issues. Still, it never hurts to be extra cautious. If your vehicle does have four-wheel drive, you probably won’t need to worry.

Alvord Desert & Hot Springs:

• If you plan to soak, call ahead to confirm day-use availability (541-589-2282). If you’re only sightseeing, there’s no need to make any preparations.

• Along the drive you’ll be treated to multiple angles of breathtaking views of the Steens Mountain before you reach the Alvord Desert. Consider a quick stop at Mann Lake—an unassuming, small desert lake.

  

  

  

• When you arrive at the Alvord Desert, you can simply take in the scenery, or—if it’s not too hot—enjoy the Alvord hot springs run by a friendly local family.

• Heads up: about two miles north, you’ll find the Pike Creek Trail, a rugged path offering uniquely striking views of this area. If you plan to hike it, stop by the Alvord Hot Springs office to purchase a Wilderness Day Pass ($6).

Pike Creek Trail Hiking:

• As noted above, you must purchase your parking pass in advance at the Alvord Desert office in order to park and hike here.

• From the trailhead, head in the 10 o’clock direction (with north being 12 o’clock). There’s only one trail, so you can't really miss it.

• The trail offers sweeping views of the landscape below. Hiking the entire out-and-back route takes just over four hours. Since there isn’t a spectacular endpoint waiting for you, gauge the pace by your energy level and the weather and turn back when you feel it’s right. Safety first.

Diamond Crater Auto Tour:

• Diamond Craters Outstanding Natural Area is a self-guided site where you can explore a variety of volcanic landforms—craters, domes, and more. Download the guide in advance.

• If you visit before the snow has fully melted or your vehicle seems to struggle on the uphill sections, don’t push it. Hike only as far as you comfortably can on foot, then turn back. Safety first!

Pete French Round Barn:

• This uniquely structured barn is a nice quick stop with great surrounding scenery. The historical displays are quite engaging, and there’s a charming, rustic gift shop as well.

When you return to your lodging, don’t forget to let any friends waiting to hear from you know you’ve arrived safely! If you’re staying at Crane Hot Springs, you could head straight for the water or stroll the on-site walking trail.🙂 

Lodging: same as yesterday.

DAY 6

On the way to John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, make a pit stop is at Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site about 1.5 hr north of Crane/Burns.

The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is divided into three units: Clarno, Painted Hills, and Sheep Rock. If coming from near Bend, it’s natural to start in the west, but for this specific road trip itinerary it’s more efficient to begin at the eastern Sheep Rock Unit.

The official website’s trail guides are so thorough that I don’t need to create a lengthy post here—I’ll just give you a quick rundown below.

Sheep Rock Unit:

• I highly recommend hiking the Blue Basin! It’s a basin formed when volcanic eruptions deposited the mineral celadonite and volcanic ash, though it actually looks greenish-mint color, so I’m not sure why it’s called “blue.” 🤔From the trailhead, follow the right-hand path (to the south) until it splits into two trails. You can choose between the Blue Basin Overlook Trail (3.2 mi; marked in red on the map below), which has some incline but offers great views from above, or the Island in Time Trail (1.2 mi; marked in blue on the map below), which is flat and leads into the basin so you can take in the mysterious green hues.

  
  

  

• After the hike, make a quick stop at Thomas Condon Visitor Center for interesting displays.

Clarno Unit:

• Considering how far you have to drive, I personally find this unit not incredibly rewarding. It’s famous for the Clarno Arch and the trail certainly has its own unique character, so I’m not saying I wouldn’t recommend it. But if you want to cut down on driving time or take your time enjoying the other two units without watching the clock, you can safely skip Clarno in my opinion.

Painted Hills Unit:

• This is another one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon you get to hit in this itinerary. If you’re serious about photography or would like to watch sunset, arrive about two hours before sunset to soak up the ever-changing light and colors at their most spectacular—though honestly, I think it looks amazing anytime.

  

  

  

  

• Trails in this unit are all pretty short, so feel free to hit them all up, but my favorites are Painted Hills Overlook Trail and Painted Cove Trail pictured above.

Recommended lodging location for DAY 6: I’d recommend Mitchell or Prineville if the Painted Hills Unit is your final stop. If you decide to wrap up at the Clarno Unit instead, staying in Fossil or Condon works well, too. If you’re darting between the main spots and then heading out, you could even skip lodging altogether and drive straight back to Portland at the end of the day.

✧Local's Tip✧ If you’re staying in Prineville or your route home takes you through the town, consider:

• visiting Grandma Rose’s Petting Zoo to see exotic animals (book here)

• checking out the Bowman Museum

• stopping by The Sandwich Factory for killer sandwiches

I’m not saying these spots are worth a special detour to Prineville—more like “if you’re already passing by, why not?”

This concludes your epic 6-day road trip to Central & Southeastern Oregon!