The Magic of Oregon’s High Desert: Bend and Beyond
Nestled on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, Oregon’s High Desert boasts a unique allure all its own – and trust a long-time Oregonian to tip you off about this gem! At first glance, you might see only miles of sunbaked sagebrush, but gaze linger a moment longer and you’ll find the desert is radiant and rich with mystery and wonder.
Road Trips and Roundabouts in Bend
Many Oregon explorations begin in the adventurous town of Bend, famously known for having more microbreweries per capita than any other Oregon city and, quite possibly, more roundabouts than straight roads! It’s a charming place where the Deschutes River moseys through town and locals greet each other in the bustling Old Mill District.
Bendites, as the locals call themselves, have an undeniable love affair with the great outdoors, embracing every possible pastime, from skiing at Mt. Bachelor to mountain biking at Phil’s Trail Complex. And let’s not forget the legendary floating sessions on the beloved Deschutes.
While you’re in Bend, make sure to visit Deschutes Brewery’s original Public House. Oregonians prefer to wash down a day of adventure with a locally brewed beer – think of it as one of our quirky traditions!
Beyond Bend: High Desert Proves It Isn’t Just Rocks and Tumbleweeds
Venturing beyond Bend, the high desert is home to countless hidden treasures. Smith Rock State Park, the birthplace of sport climbing in the U.S., towers majestically over the surrounding desert scenery. Visiting climbers and hikers relish the breathtaking views atop Misery Ridge Trail, swearing it’s a lot more fun than it sounds!
In the heart of the high desert, you’ll find the alpine splendor of the quaint town of Sisters. Known for its Western storefront facades, Sisters offers a taste of frontiers past mixed with the eclectic charm of art galleries, boutique shops, and annual events like the Sisters Rodeo and The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.
The Wild and Wonderful Weather in Prineville
Let’s not forget Prineville, often overlooked but a quintessential high desert township. Prineville enjoys more sunny days than the rest of Oregon combined – a local joke! But, make no mistake, our weather is as animated as our folk. Prineville’s “banana belt” climate can swing from frosty mornings to warm afternoons, a testament to Oregon’s dynamic character.
Don’t miss the opportunity to keep an eye to the sky at the Oregon Observatory in Sunriver. High Desert nights twinkle in a clear, bright canvas, putting on a show that city folks can only dream about. It truly is stargazing at its best.
Exploring the Expanse: Paisley and the Alvord Desert
Further afield is the tiny cowboy town of Paisley, home to The Paisley Caves, the site of the oldest human DNA discovered in North America. And if you manage to find yourself out in the striking Alvord Desert, you’ll be amazed at the surreal serenity of the place. The Alvord’s wide-open playa – essentially nature’s grandest sidewalk – turns into a shimmering mirror in rainfall, breathtaking in its vast openness.
Oregon’s high desert also offers a host of natural wonders, like the wave-carved walls of Crack in the Ground and the fossil-filled John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Step into these preserved slices of time to understand the cycles of this ancient land.
Oregon High Desert: A Place That Implores You to Be Present
Whether it’s the magic hour over the Cascades, the soul-stirring silence of the Alvord, or the scent of sagebrush after a summer storm, Oregon’s high desert is a geography of emotion. It’s a place where time slows, where the air breathes easy, and where the vast expanse implores you to be wholly and unabashedly present.
So head out to explore these desert wonders and discover the lure of the high desert. It might just tug on your heartstrings and have you singing along with the locals to the tune of “Oh, Oregon, my Oregon. Nowhere else I’d rather be.” As for the quirks of the Oregon life, we wouldn’t have it any other way.