Key Takeaways
Oregon is packed with unforgettable adventures, from iconic landscapes like Crater Lake and The Painted Hills to outdoor playgrounds such as Smith Rock, Mt. Bachelor, and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Whether you’re hiking, rafting the Deschutes River, biking Phil’s Trail, or chasing waterfalls at Tumalo Falls, Central Oregon offers bucket-list experiences for every type of explorer. For the ultimate perspective, tandem skydiving over Central Oregon lets you see these incredible landscapes from 12,000 feet in one unforgettable moment.
The PNW is unlike anywhere else, and there are plenty of things to do in Oregon in particular – for adventurers of all ages! Most visitors only scratch the surface of all the fun things in Oregon. Plus, there’s one experience that lets you see it all (hint: it takes place 12,000 feet up)! Let’s dive into the top 10 bucket list items in Oregon.
Crater Lake National Park
What is the number one tourist attraction in Oregon? Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the US! It’s Oregon’s only National Park, and boy oh boy is it a must-see Oregon adventure.
Visitors often drive the scenic Rim Drive, a 33-mile loop that circles the lake and offers breathtaking views along the way. There are also hiking trails, boat tours to Wizard Island, and several overlooks where you can simply take in the scale of the lake.
Crater Lake is a two to three hour drive from Bend, depending on the route you take. Be sure to pack a picnic or grab lunch from a local spot, like Famer’s Deli, ‘Wich Doctor, or Planker Sandwiches! The best time to visit is generally between June and September (which is also the perfect time to skydive; just sayin’)!
The Painted Hills
If you’re wondering what to do in Oregon, The Painted Hills are a must. They are located near Mitchell, Oregon; are one of the three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument; and are one of “The 7 Wonders of Oregon”!
These striking multi-colored hills look like a giant painting featuring vibrant yellows, golds, reds, and oranges – which appear richer after it rains! And, as if that weren’t awe-inspiring enough, The Painted Hills also house fossils.
The Painted Hills are approximately a one and a half hour drive from Bend and they are absolutely worth a day trip. There are several short walking paths that allow visitors to experience the landscape up close without disturbing the fragile terrain. Trails like the Painted Cove Trail and the Carroll Rim Trail offer unique vantage points of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Smith Rock State Park
For those who like to rock climb, Smith Rock State Park is the place to visit. Being only 30 minutes from Bend, Smith Rock makes an ideal half-day trip.
Top tip! The Misery Ridge Trail is the park’s most famous hike, climbing steeply up the canyon wall before rewarding hikers with incredible views of Monkey Face rock formation and the winding river below. Wildlife sightings are common, and golden eagles, prairie falcons, and mule deer are often spotted throughout the park.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
The Newberry National Volcanic Monument is one of Central Oregon’s most fascinating landscapes, showcasing the dramatic volcanic forces that shaped the region.
Located just south of Bend, the monument spans more than 50,000 acres of lava flows, cinder cones, forests, and alpine lakes surrounding the massive Newberry Volcano. This unique terrain offers visitors a rare chance to explore volcanic features up close while enjoying hiking, paddling, and scenic viewpoints across the high desert.
Highlights include the striking Big Obsidian Flow, a vast field of shimmering black volcanic glass formed during the volcano’s most recent eruption about 1,300 years ago, and the mile-long Lava River Cave, one of Oregon’s longest lava tubes. From the summit of Paulina Peak, visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of the Cascade Range, the caldera lakes below, and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Mt. Bachelor
If you’re asking what to see and do in Oregon, Mt. Bachelor needs to be high on the list. In winter, Mt. Bachelor is the sixth-largest ski resort in North America and has more than 4,300 acres of famously dry powder! Skiers and snowboarders travel from around the country to carve down this phenomenal mountain.
During summer, Mt. Bachelor transforms into an entirely different kind of adventure zone. The ski lifts still operate and allow viewers to soak in the vastness of the Cascade Mountains, while hiking trails, disc golf, and sunset dinners on the mountain give visitors plenty of reasons to stick around after the ride up. There’s fun for the most and least-experienced adventurer on Mt. Bachelor – and it is only a ~30 minute drive from downtown Bend!
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is one of Central Oregon’s most beautiful drives, stretching roughly 66 miles through the Cascade Mountains just west of Bend. This scenic route winds past alpine forests, volcanic landscapes, and a series of sparkling mountain lakes, with breathtaking views of prominent Cascade peaks including Mount Bachelor, South Sister, and Broken Top.
Along the byway, visitors can stop to hike, paddle, fish, or simply take in the scenery at lakes such as Sparks Lake, Devils Lake, and Elk Lake. Open seasonally, typically from late spring through fall due to winter snow, the drive offers an unforgettable way to experience the dramatic landscapes that make Central Oregon such a popular destination for outdoor adventure.
The Deschutes River
Many Bend visitors float the calm section of the Deschutes River that runs through town, but the real adventure is further downstream. Near the town of Maupin (less than two hours from Bend), the river transforms into one of the best whitewater rafting destinations in the Pacific Northwest! This stretch of river features Class III and IV rapids that deliver just the right balance of excitement and scenery. Half-day and full-day guided trips are available!
Between rapids, rafters float through wide canyon walls and high desert landscapes that feel distinctly Oregonian – it’s truly something everyone must experience at least once.
Phil’s Trailhead
Phil’s Trailhead is where many mountain bike riders start their adventure. Located right at the edge of downtown Bend, this trail network offers miles of trail that travel through pine forests and classic Oregon rolling hills.
One of the best things about Phil’s is that there’s truly something for everyone. Beginners can stick to smooth, flowy trails that are easy to navigate (yes, please!), while experienced riders can push themselves on more technical sections.
Local bicycle shops make it easy to rent gear if you don’t travel with your own bike, and many trails connect together so riders can customize their route depending on time and skill level. Even a short ride here gives you a taste of the best cycling Oregon has to offer.
Tumalo Falls
Just 20 minutes west of Bend is Tumalo Falls, one of the easiest bucket-list views in Central Oregon. The 97-foot waterfall can be seen from a short walk from the main viewing area, which means you don’t need to plan a big hike to experience it.
However, if you do want to explore further, trails continue beyond the falls along Tumalo Creek and lead to several smaller waterfalls. It’s a peaceful stretch of trail that feels worlds away from town despite being so close.
Witnessing Tumalo Falls is one of the best things to do in Oregon, and if you’re visiting during summer months (peak time), it’s best to arrive early in the morning or during the week to avoid crowds. Either way, standing in front of a waterfall this powerful is one of those beautiful moments that reminds you how small we really are – similar to skydiving!
Tandem Skydiving Over Central Oregon
Skydiving ties all of these fabulous Oregon experiences together – the views, the vibes, and the adventure.
Tandem skydiving over Central Oregon offers a perspective that simply isn’t possible from the ground. From 12,000 feet, the Cascade Mountains stretch across the horizon, lava fields carve through the earth, rivers wind through the desert, and on clear days you can even spot The Painted Hills in the distance!
For travelers looking to turn a great trip into a life-changing memory, skydiving is the ultimate way to do it. Book your jump at Skydive Bend today! Blue skies!
