Spend a Weekend in Oregon’s Scenic High Desert

When people think of Oregon, they often think first of lush evergreen forests, expansive coastal beauty, and above all, a wet and soggy climate—and they’re necessarily not wrong. But in actuality, roughly half of the Beaver State is considered high desert, defined by an arid climate, sparse vegetation, and elevations that rise 4,000 feet above sea level. Beginning at the eastern foot of the Cascade Mountains, which cast a sheltering rain shadow over the region, the Oregon High Desert stretches through the central, eastern, and southern parts of the state. At its center, the cities of Bend, Redmond, and Sisters form a triangular hub.

Cold in winter and hot in summer, the region’s best seasons are fall and spring, when the sun is shining but the temperatures are still bearable for all-day adventuring—whether hiking on a forested trail, perusing exhibits at a museum, or imbibing on the patio of a winery. Here’s how to spend a weekend in the High Desert.

Things to Do

Perhaps the best evidence of the area’s volcanic past is at Smith Rock State Park, where sheer cliffs rise to 3,200 feet and overlook a hook in the Crooked River. The basalt towers are wildly popular for climbing, while miles of developed trails give hikers of varying levels something to do, too. From the Welcome Center off the parking lot, the main paved trail turns into a scree chute that’s quite steep. Hiking boots and trekking poles are recommended. The 1.8-mile round-trip Homestead to North Point Loop is one of the shorter routes, and the 7.3-mile round-trip Summit Loop is among the longer. Easier trails lie to the northeast on Bureau of Land Management property and along the Deschutes River Trail in Bend, which features bridges, benches, educational signs, and scenic lookouts.

In 2024, DarkSky International certified 2.5 million acres in southeastern Oregon as the largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary to date. Known as the Oregon Outback, this area is fantastic for observing the night sky. Wanderlust Tours leads a dazzling night hike and stargazing outing at Fort Rock State Natural Area, which features a prominent near-circle rock formation just outside sanctuary, a little over an hour south of Bend.

A highlight for the whole family is feeding (or just admiring) alpacas at Crescent Moon Ranch off U.S. 97 in Terrebonne, where the fluffy creatures are well cared for and have vista views of the Three Sisters mountains, Mt. Jefferson, and Smith Rock. There is also a boutique housed in an old potato cellar onsite that sells an array of alpaca wool products like socks and yarn. 

For an indoor activity, the Museum at Warm Springs answers cultural and historical questions about the area’s Indigenous peoples. The immersive collection includes paintings by artists from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, as well sculpture, masks, ceremonial clothing, ritual implements, beadwork, and historical archives that keep their rich traditions alive.

Where to Eat

With deep roots in agriculture, the region’s culinary scene centers around fresh and local ingredients. Check out the High Desert Food Trail, which features nearly 50 farms, ranches, restaurants, markets, and beverage makers in the area. Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards in Terrebonne has a family-friendly tasting room that serves award-winning wines and wood-fired pizzas. Another on the list is the iconic Black Butte Ranch, a private resort community in Deschutes County. The Lodge restaurant, lakeside bistro, and pub are open daily, even if you’re not staying there.

In Bend, the most populous city in Central Oregon, you’ll find more dining options within walking distance of one another. Wild Rose Northern Thai Eats is a local favorite, and Bend Brewing Company is a craft beer lover’s landmark. Just west of Bend, it’s worth stopping off at Sakari Farms, a woman- and Native-owned tribal farm and store stocked with Hopi black beans, squash candy, seasonings and hot sauces, teas and medicinal herbs, and other products made from regeneratively grown Native American First Foods.

Places to Stay

Oregonians have a close relationship with nature, and the accommodations are reflective of that. Bend’s LOGE Camps and Campfire Hotel are two budget-friendly spots designed around outdoor travel and camp culture, featuring gear rentals, fire pits, and communal spaces. To the east, Brasada Ranch opened 16 gorgeously designed, adult-only bungalows in 2023, each with a private hot tub and picnic breakfast. Visitors can also book cabins and ranch house suites.

Up north, on the Warm Springs Reservation, Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort recently reopened after a years-long closure and major remodel. Stay in a teepee or hotel room, join a traditional salmon bake for dinner, reserve a riverside cabana, and soak in the hot springs and pools. Day visitors are also welcome, with passes starting at $34.