Enjoy peace and quiet, seclusion, and breathtaking scenery when you head to Sunriver for a relaxing getaway for all ages. A planned 3,300-acre residential and resort community, Sunriver is the perfect place to convene with nature and to escape the daily grind. Choose from rustic cabins or spacious and fully-equipped vacation rentals. You can watch deer playing and eat from your front porch, or bring your horse to ride along the paved trails. Canoeing and biking are popular or take in a round of golf at the Crosswater Club. Check out 11 of the most popular locations to find a Sunriver vacation rental to plan your escape.
1. Sunriver
Many vacation rentals are located in the heart of Sunriver, which is close to all the action in the region. Here you can relax at the Sage Springs Spa or take the kids to the Meadow Course for a game of putt. If you are up for a day of adventure, sign up for whitewater rafting, and then stop at one of the resort restaurants for an ice cream cone. One must-see stop is the Oregon Observatory. The retractable roof lets you gaze at the stars while learning about the constellations. In the winter, snuggle up with some blankets and hot chocolate as you take a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
2. Bend
Surround yourself with giant ponderosa pines and one of the largest juniper forests when you visit Bend. Step on the deck of your vacation rental to view the snowcapped Cascade Mountains, or explore the nearby Lava River Cave, the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon. Visit the Miller Family Ranch to get a peek at the porcupines, or go birdwatching at the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center. Fish and hike at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, or hike along Tumalo Creek and view the 100-foot Tumalo Falls.
3. Mt. Bachelor
Challenge yourself with a trip down the slopes in the winter at Mt. Bachelor, and then cozy up to the fireplace at your vacation rental. Mt. Bachelor offers Nordic skiing and downhill slopes, or you can go inner tubing. In the summer, go hiking or grill outdoors. Spend the day biking around the endless trails surrounding Sunriver, or visit the nearby SHARC Pool Center for a day of water sports.
4. Deschutes River
Enjoy the views of the water from your vacation rental on the banks of the Deschutes River. Deschutes provides plenty of outdoor activities and water sports. Float from the Old Mill to downtown Bend, or spend the afternoon wading and swimming at the Farewell Bend Park. You can go kayaking or canoeing, or take a stroll along the Bill Healy Memorial Bridge. Pioneer Park hosts many varieties of birds for bird lovers, and take your dog to the Riverbend Dog Park for a swim.
5. Elk Lake
Boating and jet skiing are both popular pastimes along Elk Lake. Go hiking in the summer or cross-country skiing in the winter. Pack a picnic and sit by the water’s edge, or stop by the lodge and listen to live music every day. The water is smooth as glass, which makes it ideal for kayaking. You can also rent a sailboat or ski boat and hit the open waters. Grab a fishing pole to catch some trout or bass, while you enjoy the many species of wildlife and birds, including elk, cranes, wild turkeys, bighorn sheep, and antelope.
6. Paulina Lake
Paulina Lake is the perfect place for thrill seekers. Bring your dirt bike and travel along the dirt trails, go skiing in the winter, or sit on the shores of the lake and cast off to fish. Hike to the top of the Paulina Peak Overlook for breathtaking views of East Lake, Paulina Lake, and the Cascade Mountain Range. Pack a picnic lunch, and head to the Paulina Falls, or spend the day geocaching.
7. La Pine
Take time out to explore the Oregon wilderness at La Pine. If you like playing golf but want to avoid the crowds, head to the Quail Run Golf Course. The La Pine State Park offers swimming, boating, and fishing, and the Sunriver Nature Center is close by, or go shopping at one of the quaint shops. Meander through art galleries, or create your own work of art at the Live Laugh Love Studio. Rent motorcycles to explore the winding roads, or in the winter you can rent snowmobiles.
8. Redmond
If you like being close to the center of the action, Redmond provides a host of activities and places of interest. Head to the center of town to explore antique shops, art galleries, and the Petersen Rock Garden and Museum. The Smith Rock State Park is perfect for rock climbing, and a challenging hike awaits you on the Misery Ridge Trail. Soar high above the area on a hot air balloon ride, or visit the Redmond farmers co-op for fresh fruits and vegetables.
9. Crater Lake
Located in the Cascade Mountains, Crater Lake is home to the Crater Lake National Park. View the parks volcanic formations, or go swimming in the Cleetwood Cove. Fish from anywhere on the shore or on Wizard Island, or spend the day bird watching. The water is typically calm, which makes it ideal for paddling, or you can bike around the perimeter or take a quiet early morning jog.
10. Diamond Peak
Often referred to as OregonÂ’s misshapen Mountain, Diamond Peak is the perfect place for hiking and climbing. Vacation rentals near the peak deliver excellent views of the valley below. Take a swim in Marie Lake, or in the winter, visit the Diamond Peak Ski Resort to take a snowboarding class or visit the small shops for souvenirs.
11. Mt. Thielsen
Often called the Lightning Rod of the Cascades, Mt. Thielsen includes an 80-foot spire located at the very top. Here you can go hiking, horseback riding, and backpacking. You can also fish in Miller Lake. Vacation rentals are remote and far away from the crowds. You can see the spire from Lake Lemolo, where you can rent a boat or jet skis and spend the day on the water.