Three Sisters Mountains in Central Oregon
Oregon is one of the most geographically diverse states in our country. Most have heard about our amazing coastline and gorgeous mountains, Crater Lake, and the Columbia River Gorge, but many
don't know a thing about the high dessert region of Central Oregon.
I've just returned from my annual high dessert vacation in Bend and can't say enough wonderful things about it. My timing was perfect and the weather was ideal for my taste, 65 degrees during the day at 15 degrees at night. It's the land of sagebrush, juniper, rugged mountains, outdoor living, skiing, fishing and camping.
The Deschutes River at Tumalo State Park
The Deschutes is a main tributary of the Columbia River and is famous for white water rafting and fly fishing in the spring and summer months. It has a rich history and was an important part of the Oregon Trail that brought settlers to the West Coast in the late 1800's.
The state parks in Oregon are the best you will ever find. Most, in addition to tent and trailer camping areas, have first rate cabins and yurts that are available at a very low cost.
I stayed at Eagle Crest Resort and the wildlife there is very friendly.
My grandchildren came to visit for several days and were so excited when this little guy didn't hesitate to come so close. They're obviously very comfortable with people, even little ones.
The weather was perfect and so was the outdoor pool.
Biking is a perfect way to get around.
I had a wonderful, restful time but am happy to be back home. I am sorry that I missed St. Patrick's Day festivities and can see that I have lots of catching up to do so I'm off to visit all the participants in Cuisine Kathleen's St. Paddy's Day blog crawl. The thought of corned beef and cabbage is making me hungry.
If a trip to Oregon is in your future I hope you will remember that Central Oregon has so much to offer with its fantastic weather and recreational opportunities for people of all ages. Come to visit...I know you'll love it here.
Thanks for sharing your journey with us:D
ReplyDeleteOregon is such a beautiful state. We spent some time in the Willamette Valley a few years ago. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful country and great shots. I used to travel to central Wash on business and remember being shocked that it had such an arid area. We once drove from the 40* high desert, through deep snow in the Cascades and into a balmy 75* Seattle all in a few hours.
ReplyDeleteOregon!! I was born in Portland, and have taken several trips around and across the state and have seen some of the geographical wonders. Did not get to live there long, but we made trips back to see Grandparents during the summers. My last trip to Oregon was about 4 years ago to celebrate my parents 50th anniversary at Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood. (Dad climbed mountains when he was young.)
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right- I learned alot from you today. What a gorgeous place!
ReplyDeletexoxo Pattie
Ah. . .Oregon is one state I definately want to visit. Your pics are lovely thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
We've never been to Oregon. What a gorgeous place.
ReplyDeleteSam
I know I'm crazy, but it's always been a secret dream of mine to have a yurt... for a summer guest house.. what ever... your vacation looks amazing. I wold love to go out west again!
ReplyDeleteHappy, beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing. Glad you were able to get away and spend some time with your precious grankiddies~! I could smell that fresh air all the way over here in Kansas!
ReplyDeleteWarmly,
Nancy
What a wonderful trip...it is such beautiful country!
ReplyDeleteI am having a "Blue Monday" giveaway~stop by to see~
Thanks...Have a terrific week!
Carrie
It sounds like you had a marvelous time. It's wonderful when the weather cooperates with spring vacation. Your photos are just wonderful, Cathy.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous place! Beautiful red twig dogwood along the river banks. I would love to visit your lovely state and swimming at this time of year - amazing!
ReplyDeleteYour grandkids are adorable, Cathy!
Great picture, Cathy! Adorable kiddos.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to Central Oregon for 2 years - this post makes me want to go....now! I am so glad you had a nice trip. It's good to have you back.
ReplyDeleteOh you know I'm jealous! I have a dear dear friend that lives in Bend, hopefully I'll get to see her this summer, love that area, but I still have to get to the coast to see that ocean!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a glorious time!!!
ReplyDeleteOregon is one of the most beautiful states...
ReplyDeleteyour pics are great.
Beautiful shots, Cathy. That is an amazing difference in temps!
ReplyDeleteThe kids are adorable, so glad you had a good time! Welcome back..
I've never been to Oregon, Cathy. I loved traveling with you!
ReplyDeleteThat little cabin..? So cute!!
ReplyDeleteEven cuter the GKs:) I bet you had a ball..
It's always nice to come home..But you made memories too:) My husband has often said he thinks Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth!
Oregon has been a favorite state in our family for 20 years! The camp grounds are superb! Thank you for the tour. I am so anxious to visit Oregon in June. Waiting is hard!!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness Cathy, what a beautiful place to call home! I spent a week in and around Roseburg a couple springs ago. Our host showed us all around, and I was in love. Ready to move!!! GREAT quilt shops too! We went to Lake Lamola sp? and another huge lake, and visited the river and parks, and the wild life was abundant and so beautiful. I am an avid birder too, and I saw my very first wood duck on this trip! Just love that place!!!!
ReplyDeleteAfter my last trip to the Oregon Coast last summer, I DON'T want to go again! Why? We had such a WONDERFUL time that my 13 year old daughter (Tati -- the food blogger)wants to go there AGAIN for vacation this year and would LOVE to move there!!!(and leave us) We stayed in Lincoln and loved it when the fog rolled in. Sounds like you had a nice time and your grandchildren are cute! Joni
ReplyDeleteWe stayed at Eagle Crest last May. We loved that outdoor pool! My husband and I lived in Bend in the early 90's. We really miss it! I have a good friend that lives in Redmond. Sorry to ramble! Great photos! Glad you had fun! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy,
ReplyDeleteI want to live in Oregon. I would fit in well; quirky, friendly, into food. Now if I could convince my husband...
Sounds like you had a great vacation. Everything looks beautiful there.
Laura
These are gorgeous photos Kathy! My brother lives in Oregon with his wife and for a couple of years they were in the high desert area near Burns. Now they have moved to another ranch close to the the Nevad border. Such beautiful country!Thanks for sharing these pics.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfectly lovely vacation. I love the Bend and Sisters area. The yurts would indeed be a great way to go.
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