Bike through evergreen forests, hike past cascading waterfalls, or enjoy snowboarding on snow-covered slopes - all are within easy reach in central Oregon

Top hiking attractions

If you're here to hike along the charming trails, you'll be thrilled with your choice. You might even add more hikes to your itinerary. Your first stop should be Smith Rock State Park, which features 12 different hiking trails in the picturesque high desert of central Oregon.

The landscape has been shaped by volcanic eruptions, and the mountains themselves are a stunning sight on the horizon. In summer, take the Black Butte Trail for stunning views of these magnificent mountains and wildflowers in full bloom. You won't want to miss the Lava River Cave. Yes, the attraction is truly extraordinary. The one-kilometer-long cave is part of the Newbweey National Volcanic Monument.

Of course, waterfalls, irregular streams and towering ancient trees always add to the charm of the experience. Take the fun along the Green Lakes Loop through the Three Sisters Wilderness or follow the North Fork Trail to Tumalo Falls.

Your love of food and wine is as strong as your desire to explore the great outdoors? Well, you've come to the right place

Known as "Oregon Wine Country," the Willamette Valley is located in one of the most scenic regions in the United States and cleverly blends luxury experiences with natural beauty. Be sure to visit the bustling wine region and experience the endless outdoor recreation.

Oregon Wine Country offers countless outdoor adventure options. Head to the Cascade Mountain Foothills and sign up at an outdoor outfitter for a true Pacific Northwest adventure - white water rafting. Float a raft down the secondary and tertiary turbulence of the McKenzie River, North Santiam River and Clackamas River.

If hiking is more your thing, the Willamette Valley has plenty of photo-friendly trails, These include the 10 Falls Canyon Trail, the Mary's Peak Trail, the Iron Mountains Trail, the McDowell Creek Trail and the Spencer Butte Trail.

If you like to enjoy a delicious wine on the water, there are some options on the Willamette River that will definitely keep you entertained. Rent a paddle board and wind your way down the river alone or in a group. Kayaking Tours are also available. Some local companies offer Tours that stop at a number of wineries along the way. After you park your kayak or paddle board, feel free to take a tour or head to the tasting room. If you love horseback riding, don't miss this program - you can tour the entire wine country on horseback.

Dirt bikers clench their handlebars to ride down the hill

Central Oregon Cycling Tour

Skiing is another popular pastime in central Oregon. Mt. Bachelor is the sixth largest ski area in the United States, with 101 runs, located on the eastern edge of Central Cascades, Oregon. You can also head to the slopes of Hoodoo Ski Area, which has several mountain trails in the Willamette National Forest, and even experience the fun of skiing at night.

Summer is the ideal season to enjoy a white water rafting trip on the Deschutes or McKenzie River. Splash, laugh and cheer on an afternoon tour with a local outdoor specialist. If you want, try an overnight rafting trip, where you can spend a night or two in a tent and dine around a campfire under the stars.

Book a river or lake charter trip to see if you can catch trout, red pot flower (inland salmon) or even big-mouth bass. Fly-fishers will equip you to cast on the banks of the Lower Deschutes, Fall River or Crooked River. The fishing experience here is excellent, but even if you're out of luck (or a novice), there are plenty of surprises to be had from any of the waterways in central Oregon.