When you’ve firmly set your sights on a Sunriver, Oregon adventure, you know you’re in for a treat. This scenic and inviting destination pairs outdoor adventure opportunities with resort-inspired style. It’s a combination that attracts visitors from near and far each year! While there are plenty of iconic stops in the area to be checked off the list, finding those lesser-known activities can be just as fun. When you’re committed to creating a well-rounded to-do list, be sure to check out the following five best things to do in Sunriver, Oregon that are very much worth your time to experience for yourself while you’re in town!
Hike the Fall River Trail
Many travelers that head to Sunriver, Oregon to enjoy the best of a getaway experience do so with rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation in mind. Sunriver is very much a resort-inspired stay, and there’s no shortage of places or opportunities to revitalize with a side of luxury included. That said, the scenery that makes up the Sunriver area lends itself wonderfully to outdoor adventure as well. When you’re hoping to encounter some of nature’s finest work during your travels this way, don’t miss a chance to lace up your boots and hit the Fall River Trail. This is just one of three trailheads that flank County Road 42 and sit within proximity of the impressive Deschutes National Forest Area too. Hikers can enjoy the experience of an out-and-back trail that can be completed within a day. The underground springs that line this trail feed the river, giving the Ponderosa Pines plenty to work with when it comes to incredible growth. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and it’s never a bad idea to have a camera handy for the sights that show up along the way!
Explore Lava Tubes
Just behind the parameters of Sunriver, the landscape that encompasses this area of Oregon has a rich history in volcanic activity. While many have simmered away, what still remains are the extinguished lava tubes, rich for exploring. If you have a healthy sense of adventure, these tunnels are the perfect Sunriver, Oregon things to do to add to your itinerary. The Lava River Cave invites visitors to drop by and enjoy self-guided exploration which begins at the Lava Lands Visitor Center. On average, touring the lava tubes takes around 90 minutes as you follow the boardwalk and stairs that wind their way underground. Be sure to bring your flashlight and glowsticks and a jacket for this one-of-a-kind excursion.
Raft the Deschutes River
Sunriver offers up a plethora of land-based activities that travelers come to enjoy, but if you’re willing to look a little further, the waterways here offer up some treasures too. Rafting the Deschutes River is bound to be a highlight of your stay if you’re up for some adrenaline-pumping fun. The Deschutes River hosts a variety of rapids that can be conquered alongside a knowledgeable guide when you partner up with the outdoor recreation professionals at Sun Country Tours. This company specializes in trip that highlight the Big Eddy Thriller—a 3-mile adventure showcasing class III rapids in abundance.
Explore Second Tern
For those travelers that can’t wait to hit the stores as soon as they arrive in town, Sunriver has a lot to offer in the way of big-name brands and shopping options. That said, sometimes it’s the local shops that carry the best inventory, especially if you’re looking for something truly unique to remember your trip by. That’s what customers can expect who take time to explore Second Tern. Considered a beloved mom-and-pop thrift shop in the area, Second Tern is a great place to browse a variety of jewelry items, home goods, apparel, sportswear, appliances, and more! Yes, there’s a little bit of everything here and the staff are more than willing to point the way to new arrivals. Even better, shoppers can feel great about their purchase knowing proceeds will be going to support the Sunriver Nature Center as well as the iconic Oregon Observatory.
Visit the Sunriver Country Store
If you really want to get off the beaten tourist path and live like a local while you’re in Sunriver, a stop at the Sunriver Country Store is a must. Here, you can stock up on fresh local ingredients, chit-chat with residents or settle in at the on-site café and sip a morning away in true Sunriver Style. It’s a quaint and charming stop that shouldn’t be missed.
Book Your Exciting Sunriver Getaway Today
Sunriver is calling you in the name of a great adventure…so what are you waiting for? When you’re ready to travel this way, be sure to partner up with the property professionals at Arrived and count on enjoying a vacation rental in the area that’s once of a kind. Reach out today to learn more about our many options and to start planning.
