What to do in Central Oregon.
Black Butte Ranch and Central Oregon is a special place for both of our families. From bike rides, building forts, hikes and milkshakes at Sno Cap with our families to new adventures and pool days with friends, we have memories that will last a lifetime from the area. We hope you enjoy your time in Central Oregon as much as we have.
Things to do!
A shortlist of some of our favorite activities in the area – a quick Google search if you need any more convincing…
Around BBR (https://www.blackbutteranch.com/to-do/)
Explore by bike or foot – more than 20 miles of paved paths plus additional nature trails meander through the Ranch. Bikes may be provided in some rental homes, if not, they can be rented through the ranch. Don’t miss the Big Meadow or Paulina Springs!
Swim – give all five outdoor swimming pools a try!
Golf – there are two courses on the property and tee times can be reserved through Black Butte Ranch
Spa – at Glaze Meadow Reaction Center in the heart of the Ranch. Reservations can be made online
Other activities include horseback riding, paddleboarding / kayaking, disc golf, and much, much more!
Map: https://www.blackbutteranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/BBR-Resort-Map.pdf
Quick Adventures
Skylight Cave https://www.sisterscountry.com/images/uploads/_documents/recreation/Skylight%20Cave.pdf
Proxy Falls https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/recarea/?recid=4458
Worth the Effort
Smith Rocks https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=36
Sparks Lake (hint – on Cascade Lakes Byway) https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=71876
Can’t Miss Scenic Drives
Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway https://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/Scenic-Byways-Cascade-Lakes
The McKenzie Pass—Santiam Pass Scenic Byway https://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/Scenic-Byways-McKenzie-Pass-Santiam-Pass
Where to eat!
Outside of BBR, there are plenty of options a short drive away in Sisters, OR. Here are some of our go-to restaurants
Coffee – Sisters Coffee Co
Brunch – Cotton Wood Café
Sandwich – Sisters Meat and Smokehouse
Food Carts – The Barn
Mexican Food – Rancho Viejo
Pizza – Cibelli's
Fast Food – Sno Cap Drive-In (Milkshakes are an absolute favorite)
How to get to Sisters!
If you have the time when driving from Portland to Sisters (4 hours, as opposed to the 2-hour direct drive), we highly recommend passing through the Gorge and Waterfall Alley on the way to Central Oregon.
Plug in “Portland Women's Forum State Scenic View Point” into maps, once you get there take in the views
When you exit the Forum, turn left (East) onto the Historic Columbia River Highway and take that road along all the waterfalls as long as you can
Merge back with I-84 East and head into Hood River, Oregon
In Hood River, plug in Black Butte Ranch to your maps and take OR-35 S to US-26 E, once in Redmond take OR-126 W to US-20 W to Black Butte Ranch