Well, welcome everyone, to this rich narrative tour of Oregon’s High Desert, where habitually misty skies submit to blue vistas, and rugged landscapes of juniper and sagebrush form seas of green beneath craggy tertian peaks. We’re heading out from the thriving city of Bend, running along the cusp of the Cascade Range to the heart of the mighty Oregon desert. Strap in now, it’s going to be a captivating ride!
Bend – The Gateway to the Great High Desert
Nestled against the eastern foothills of the Cascades, Bend serves as our gateway to the vast high desert. A city steeped in outdoor traditions and known for its laid back vibe, Bend is Oregon’s recreational Mecca. Whether you’re spending a day at Smith Rock State Park or unwinding at one of the renowned brewpubs like Deschutes Brewery, there’s no shortage of curiosity piquing local spots to explore.
Take a stroll downtown through Bend’s Drake Park, where locals often catch brilliant sunsets reflected over the mirror-like waters of the Deschutes River. And if you’re in town on a summer’s night, remember to check out the Munch & Music free concerts, an Oregon tradition.
Head Eastward, and the Desert Beckons
Head east from Bend and you’ll feel the gradual shift in landscape. The lush, alpine terrain surrenders itself to the golden rugged breadth of the high desert. It’s a different side of Oregon that some refer to as the “Flip Side.” A place where a fresh, bracing opportunity for the offbeat adventurer awaits.
Arthur’s Rim and Oregon’s Hidden Outback
Experience a palpable sense of solitude as you scale Arthur’s Rim, a trail known only to the locals in the high desert. With uninterrupted panoramas of rocks and buttes, it truly feels like standing on the edge of the world. But unlike the popular tourist-laden hikes around Mount Bachelor, Arthur Rim bestows upon its visitors a sense of serenity hard to come by, like you’ve discovered your own corner of the world.
Beyond Bend – the Desert Towns
A couple hours’ drive from Bend, you’ll stumble upon Burns, a ranching town that’s managed to cling onto its Old West charm despite the advance of contemporary clocks. Northward lies the Shaniko Ghost Town, offering a taste of history trapped amidst desert isolation.
Just off Highway 97 lies the tiny town of Terrebonne, where shoppers convene on Saturdays for the local antique market. Do stop by the annual Crooked River Roundup held at Prineville, an emblem of Oregon’s wonderful eccentricity with its cowboy rodeos and cheerful parades making for an unforgettable spectacle.
John Day Fossil Beds – A Portal to the Prehistoric Past
The John Day Fossil Beds give you a peek into Oregon’s prehistoric past. Hypnotizing layers of reds, ochres, and salmons color the canyons, hinting at the many epoch-spanning tales hidden in the rock strata.
Come Winter: Festive Bend and the Desert
Just when the winters paint Oregon’s landscapes white, Bend and its surrounding desert adapt with composure and grandeur. Let’s just say, the locals sure know how to embrace their winters! Our hometown heroes, Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, and Hoodoo Ski Area cater to snow worshipers’ needs with pristine slopes that beg to be tumbled down.
As daylight slims and holiday lights flicker on across Bend, the festive spirit catches a hold of everyone. Decked out streets, spiced ciders, and uplifting Christmas parades trigger a delightful ambiance. Yuletide cheer, anyone?
Wrapping Up The Journey
So there you have it, folks, a whistle-stop tour of Oregon’s grand High Desert, Bend, and beyond. A beautiful part of the world that we, the Oregonians, are immensely proud of and love to share with curious folks like you. A place where the unexpected is ordinary, and the ordinary is anything but. Missed the turn for turning back, didn’t you?
Until next time, remember, in Oregon, life is a journey where the destination is sometimes just the backdrop. It leaves you with one option – to embrace the unexpected, lose, and find yourself in the vast enormity of the high desert. That’s if Mother Nature allows you, of course, because we have a saying here in Oregon: it’s never the weather that’s wrong, it’s the clothes!
Join us now, on the flip side. Allow your lungs to fill with fresh, invigorating desert air and your eyes to marvel at Oregon’s other-worldly beauty while your heart plunges deep into the untouched side of Oregon, that awaits your discovery. Because, dear readers, there’s Oregon…and then there’s the high desert.