| Tours |
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| Central Oregon Frontier |
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It was true a 150 years ago, and it´s true now. The frontier beckons to people with endless possibilities. This is Oregon´s frontier ... a place where you can immerse yourself in mind-blowing vistas (can the air really be that clear? The mountains that dramatic?). Where the crisp, still air has preserved the rich flavor of Oregon´s pioneer heritage. Where you wake up much earlier than usual, because you´re flushed with excitement over the possibilities each day brings.
What will you see today? A small knot of deer picking their way through the campground? A trout bursting from a silver stream in pursuit of breakfast? Spend four days with us on the Oregon frontier. Find out for yourself.
DAY 1
Afternoon
- Check into the Cove Palisades State Park campground near Culver just west of Highway 97.
- Cool off with a swim before dinner, or walk the nature trail, then soak in the sunset from a viewpoint on the eastern ridge of the canyon.
Evening
- There may be an evening program in the amphitheater — check with the ranger.
DAY 2
Morning
- Drop a line in the lake (you´re not enjoying central Oregon until you have fish for breakfast). If the weather is good, pack a lunch and head out for the day.
- Visit the Museum at Warm Springs (head north from the park along the canyon rim to Hwy 26. Turn left on Hwy 26 and drive 4 miles west to the museum).
- Have lunch at the Museum (unpack your picnic and bask in the sun, or head across the street to the restaurant).
Afternoon
- Finish the museum tour.
- Head back to the Cove Palisades and take a refreshing walk on the new grassland trail.
Evening
- Wind down with some stunning stargazing from the park amphitheater.
DAY 3
Morning
- After breakfast, pack up and head south.
- Stop at Smith Rock State Park for a mid-morning stroll along the Crooked River. If you´re lucky you may see climbers scaling the sheer rock face.
- Continue south on Hwy 97 to Redmond. Head east from Redmond two miles on Hwy 126.
- Stop for lunch at Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint (look for tracks and other marks left by beavers along the river).
Afternoon
- Backtrack to Redmond and head south on Highway 97. Check into Tumalo State Park near Bend — a picturesque little park on the banks of the Deschutes.
- You´ve earned a relaxing afternoon in downtown Bend. Enjoy the specialty stores in the heart of the town.
Evening
- Back at the park, explore the Deschutes from the park´s day-use area. There´s still enough daylight to fish, read, play frisbee ... whatever.
DAY 4
Morning
- Today´s a big day. Get up early, grab some breakfast and head across town. One mile east of Bend on Hwy 20, park at the base of Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint and wake up with a brisk 2 mile walk to the summit (you can also drive to top). You´ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the Cascades bathed in morning light.
- After you return to Tumalo to break camp, head south on Highway 97 from Bend.
You´ll want to stop at the High Desert Museum, for its wonderful display of local plants, animals and history. Do lunch.
Afternoon
After a few days, you´ll see why so many people love this area. The parks are clean and full of fun things to do. Museums abound. The shopping´s great. Don´t tell your kids they´re getting a lesson in the state´s history at the same time. They´ll be having too much fun to notice.
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