Take a break and satisfy your wanderlust with a sojourn in Central Oregon this spring with family or friends. Create memories exploring diverse mountain landscapes, the sprawling High Desert, the wonders of Smith Rock, or the novelty of local treasures and small city charm. Consider the Crooked River Ranch Cabins as your home-away from home destination during your visit. Here are a few Ideas that we wanted to share with you; activities that we enjoy taking our friends and family to when they are visiting!
Visit an Alpaca Ranch
Interact with alpacas with a self-guided walking tour at The Crescent Moon Ranch located in Terrebonne. Cria, Alpaca babies, are usually born from March to autumn. A snack for the animals and a variety of products made from the luxurious alpaca fiber may be purchased at The Alpaca Boutique, originally an old potato cellar. The Crescent Moon Ranch is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To learn more about this family-friendly activity visit crescentmoonranch.com.
A Romantic Winery Tour
Take an educational tour of the winery of the Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards, an estate vineyard and tasting room located on 312 acres in Terrebonne. Enjoy a wine-tasting experience overlooking sweeping views of rolling farmland and the volcanic peaks of the Three Sisters, the vineyard’s namesake. Along with a variety of wines, the winery offers a small menu of food and live outdoor music on Saturdays from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with an advance live music ticket purchase. The vineyard is open on their winter schedule from Thursday – Sunday 12:00-5:00 p.m. To learn more about the vineyards, tasting room hours, menu, tours, and upcoming events go to faithhopeandcharityevents.com.
Level Up your Fly Fish
Fly-Fisherman Magazine rated Bend as one of the top ten fly-fishing towns in the United States. Surrounded by rivers, lakes, and streams to keep anglers of every skill level hooked, the area is a fishing paradise regardless of the season. To learn or practice some casting skills challenge yourself at the Old Mill District Fly Casting Course. The course if free and open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. To learn more, visit the Fly Fishing Casting Course at the oldmilldistrict.com.
Interested in an instructional class or a fishing adventure? For information regarding fishing requirements, instructional classes/clinics, or fly fish tours visit the Confluence Fly Shop in the Old Mill District.
Take a Sled Dog Ride
Imagine gliding over snow-covered trails snuggled in a sled pulled by energetic Iditarod sled dogs. Take a one-hour standard trip or a half day (26-mile) marathon trip with The Oregon Trail of Dreams. Reservations required. Visit mtbachelor.com to learn more about the Oregon Trail of Dreams dog sled rides.
Explore Smith Rock like you never have, via Horseback!
What could be more exhilarating than a guided horseback experience along the Crooked River Canyon viewing the soaring rust-colored spires of Smith Rock and perhaps, dependent upon timing and weather, spring wildflowers bursting with color beneath a cobalt blue ski. Smith Rock Trail Rides offer a relaxed, 1.5-hour adventure on experienced trail horses. Capture the stunning desert landscape by photo. Perhaps by the end of the ride you’ll be singing Happy Trails to You like Roy and Dale! For more information regarding a “Ride the Rocks” horseback trail ride contact Smithrocktrailrides.com.
Take a Hike
Why not make a day of it while at Smith Rock State Park with a hike? Have lunch amongst the boulders and admire the geologic and desert wonders on display. With a diverse range of marked trails there’s sure to be a perfect fit for all. The Park requires a $5 day use parking permit or an Oregon State Park Pass. To learn more about Smith Rock State Park and for information regarding Park or trail closures visit park website. Also, Oregon State Parks turn 100 this year! There will be celebrations to commemorate this throughout the year. Keep tabs on the when celebations are scheduled to take part in the extra fun.
Activate your Philanthropic Side
For those who enjoy mixing vacation with volunteering the Bachelor Butte Dog Derby “The Odd Dog Race” will be held on March 4-6, 2022, at the Wanoga SnoPark in Bend. To learn more about this event visit the Pacific Sled Dog & Skijor Association at psdsa.org.
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Photo: Smith Rock Group
The annual Smith Rock Group “Spring Thing” Volunteer Day has been scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2022, for preservation projects at Smith Rock State Park. To learn more about this event visit smithrockgroup.org.
See you soon at the Crooked River Ranch Cabins ~ A Great Place to Kick Off Your Boots and Stay Awhile
Meghan
~Please remember to check indoor mask and/or reservation requirements, closure and/or weather information, and winter driving regulations prior to traveling.