Exploring Sunriver | Oregon | A Complete Summer Guide
- Taryn
- Mar 10
- 10 min read
Located in central Oregon near the city of Bend, Sunriver is a luxurious resort and residential community that is the perfect escape for those who love the great outdoors. The community was developed within a stunning and expansive meadow near the Deschutes National Forest and since its founding has been a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Our group meets annually in the summertime and for 2024 we decided to check out Sunriver. Our large crew of fourteen was made up of teens, middle-aged adults and a couple of retirees. With its numerous outdoor activity options for various abilities, Sunriver was an excellent base for exploring central Oregon.
WHERE TO STAY
Sunriver Resort
An obvious option for accommodations is the Sunriver Resort. Staying at the resort puts you in the heart of outdoor exploration and offers first class amenities. You can enjoy such pastimes as golf, bike riding, water activities, horseback riding, a relaxing day at the pool and so much more. The resort has several restaurants and bars and even holds the Sunriver Summer Concert Series. The resort’s guest rooms are ideal for couples and small families. If you choose Sunriver Resort, be sure to download the Sunriver Resort App, which allows you to easily make dining and activity reservations.
Caldera Springs
Since we were a large group, we needed a place that would accommodate us comfortably. We chose an awesome five-bedroom rental home nestled in the woods of the quiet resort community of Caldera Springs. With its charming lake, luxurious pools, abundant wildlife, and scenic bike pathways, we absolutely loved this community. The rental came with over 10 bikes and the paths within the community are super easy to navigate as they are paved, wide and rather flat in most areas.
WHAT TO DO
Get On A Bike
Cruise the Pathways
With over 40 miles of paved pathways twisting through the gorgeous landscape of tall pines and verdant meadows, biking is very family-friendly and a popular way of exploring Sunriver. It’s common for a lot of Sunriver vacation homes, such as our rental, to include bikes, especially cruisers since the paved paths provide a smooth ride. Besides hopping on our bikes just for fun, we rode them to eat out, visit the pool, and to attend the Sunriver Summer Concert Series. Consider downloading the kamoot app to plan your routes.
Bike Rentals
There are a few bike rental stores in Sunriver in case your vacation rental doesn’t include them or if you’d like to upgrade the model. If you are staying at Sunriver Resort you can conveniently stop by the Sunriver Bike Barn located on-site. Otherwise, check out the selection of bikes at Village Bike & Ski.
Mountain Biking
If you’d like more challenging terrain than the paved pathways of Sunriver, there are mountain biking trails located in nearby National Forests. One option is The Sunriver Trails biking and hiking trail system, west of Sunriver over the Cardinal Landing Bridge. There is also a short loop called the Roundabout Trail (3.3 miles), but if you are up for something longer, the Deschutes River Trail (11 miles) follows the Deschutes River north toward Bend.
Paulina Plunge
Located just 20 minutes from Sunriver in La Pine, Paulina Plunge is a downhill bike tour with stops at multiple waterfalls. Our group was disappointed to find out it was fully booked the whole week of our trip. If you can, make a reservation before your arrive, especially if you are in a big group. Hopefully we get to do this next time!
Get On The Water
With the beautiful Deschutes River snaking through the lovely meadow of Sunriver and the endless number of gorgeous lakes nearby, getting on the water is a must-do activity during the summer. Fortunately there are many options for different levels of water sports depending on your abilities and interests. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rafts and tubes are all available for rent at numerous rental stores and the knowledgeable employees can give you all the information you need to have a successful float or paddle down the Deschutes. If you are interested in a bigger thrill, white water rafting is also available.
Rent a Water Toy
If you are staying at Sunriver Resort, you can visit The Marina for your aquatic rental needs. If you opt to float the Deschutes, the resort offers shuttle service to and from your float.
We visited Sunriver Toyhouse and they helped us plan our excursion on the Deschutes. Our group enjoys a pretty chill and lazy float, so we rented two large rafts and a pump. The staff of Sunriver Toyhouse provided us with detailed instructions on where to start and end on the river.
Deschutes River Float Directions
*These directions are for a 2-hour float using your own transportation:
At least two vehicles are needed
The starting point is at Harper Bridge
The ending point is at Besson Day Use Area--this is where you drop off at least one vehicle
Blow up any rafts or tubes at Harper Bridge and enter the water here
Enjoy your lazy float down the river and when you see the horse stables on your right, you’ll be getting near the exit spot
Exit on your left at the Besson Day Use Area
Shuttle your passengers back to Harper Bridge to your other vehicle
Whitewater Rafting
Sun Country Tours is the premier adventure company for guided whitewater rafting tours around Sunriver. They offer several whitewater rafting experiences on the Deschutes and the Mckenzie rivers, the latter located in the Cascade Mountains. Sun Country has locations in both Sunriver and Bend--check their website for availability.
Visit An Aquatics Center
Caldera Springs
Available to owners and guests of Caldera Springs, The Quarry includes a luxurious infinity pool and fitness center. The pool and sundeck overlook the scenic Obsidian Lake. We spent several hours relaxing under umbrellas on super comfy lounge chairs and were served delicious food and cocktails poolside.
In the summer of 2024, Caldera Springs opened an additional aquatic and fitness center called Forest House, which has an outdoor pool, lazy river, large water slide and daybed and cabana rentals. This center is only available to Caldera Springs owners or guests who booked specifically with Sunriver Resort Vacation Properties.
The Cove Aquatics Center
Exclusively for Sunriver Resort guests The Cove has both indoor and outdoor pools, a fun water slide, cabana rentals and a poolside bar and cafe called the Spotted Frog.
SHARC (Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreational Center)
The indoor and outdoor water park at SHARC is a family-friendly facility for those families looking for water amusements in Sunriver. SHARC also has additional recreational activities available. All are welcome to visit the park either with an owners association id card or with paid admission. Some vacation rentals offer discount SHARC passes.
Visit Mount Bachelor
Mount Bachelor
This resort isn't just for winter sports. It offers such summer activities as mountain biking, hiking and zip lining. We took a scenic chairlift ride up to Pine Marten Lodge where we were welcomed with stunning views of the Cascade mountains and lakes. We were fortunate enough to catch a ranger talk up at the lodge, which was extremely informative about the formation of the landscapes of central Oregon. Take note that in the summer, Pine Marten Lodge offers sunset dining in the evenings Thursday-Sunday. Reservations are required.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Known as Oregon's Highway in the Sky, this byway is only 20 minutes away from Sunriver--just head toward Mt. Bachelor and you’ll join the OR-372. Here you can enjoy a scenic drive, hike, bike, or visit one of its many dazzling lakes.
Sparks Lake
We drove a portion of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway on our way to the enchanting Sparks Lake--its blue waters reflecting the peaks of South Sister and Broken Top. We brought picnic lunches and had a relaxing afternoon on its shores. If you are interested in easy hikes, Sparks Lake has a 2.4 mile loop hiking trail. Be mindful that the 1.5 mile road that leads to the lake from the byway is intensely bumpy, so take your time. Day use fee or the Recreational Pass is required to park.
Visit The Newberry National Volcanic Monument
With its numerous geological wonders, there is no better place to learn about how the lands of central Oregon were created than at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Lava Lands Visitor Center
A stop at the Lava Lands Visitor Center is useful to learn more about the geology and cultural history of the area. The center is also the starting point for several trails. Day use vehicle parking is $5 and the Recreational Pass is accepted.
Lava Butte Lookout Interpretive Site
Consisting of a cinder cone with a trail along the rim, Lava Butte Lookout rises 500 feet above the visitors center with amazing panoramic views of the area. During the summer season a shuttle is available from the visitors center, which is $3 and you can use the Umo app for advanced passes.
Lava River Cave
As the longest lava tube in Oregon the Lava River Cave is worth checking out and you can explore about a mile of it--the trail is 2.2 miles round trip. Our crew had a blast trekking through the cave with our light rentals. A timed reservation ticket for a small fee is required from the cave’s opening in May until its closing in September and day use parking is $5 and the Recreation Pass is welcomed. Visit timed reservation ticket info
Go Fishing
Paulina Lake
A few of the adults and kids in our group enjoy fishing. So, they got up super early one morning and met Badd Fish Guide Service at Paulina Lake, which is about 30 minutes from Sunriver. They fished for a few hours and with seventeen fish caught, I'd say they were successful. Badd Fish even cleaned them and our group made fresh fish tacos later for dinner that day.
After the crew was done fishing, the rest of us met up with them at Paulina Lake. We planned to walk the trail around the lake, but forgot the bug spray and were instantly attacked by mosquitoes. We all came running out of the marshy grasses trying to swat off the million pesky mosquitoes covering us--Complete Amateurs! Don't forget the bug spray!
Paulina Lake Lodge
Many water activities besides fishing are available at Paulina Lake. In addition to providing rustic accommodations, Paulina Lake Lodge offers boat, kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals and has a restaurant and cocktail lounge on-site. The lodge grounds have delightful views of Paulina Lake.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN SUNRIVER
Play Golf at one of the award-winning courses
Go Horseback Riding at Sunriver Resort
Swing by the High Desert Museum
Visit the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
Play Pickleball
Hike the Trails
Visit Bend
WHERE TO EAT
If you aren't cooking at your rental or would like a break, there are great choices for dining both indoors and outdoors around Sunriver. Here is a list of some dining options in the area with brief descriptions:
The Lake House is nestled along the shores of Obsidian Lake within the Caldera Springs community, and serves culinary delights from seasonal ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the lake and bridge. Reservations recommended. I enjoyed the Oregon Berry Salad with seasonal berries and hazelnuts sourced from the region.
Cafe Sintra is a family-friendly establishment in the Village of Sunriver, that serves breakfast and lunch and presents a large menu of items with a Portuguese influence.
Sunriver Pub is part of the locally-owned business, Sunriver Brewing Co. The restaurant is casual and located in the Village of Sunriver, serving outstanding craft beer and delicious pub fare. The pork tacos were very flavorful and made from high quality ingredients.
South Bend Bistro is an especially high-rated fine-dining bistro in Sunriver. With its use of imported meats and cheeses in combination with regional ingredients from the Pacific Northwest, South Bend Bistro is for the foodie at heart. It has a notable wine list and cocktails. Reservations recommended.
Blondies Pizza located in the Village of Sunriver, serves delicious pizza with fresh ingredients. With few pizza options in the area, this place is very busy in the summer. We ordered take-out and there was quite a wait, but it turned out to be worth it since it was so good.
Century Commons Taps & Trucks is a great destination for families and groups wanting casual meals with many choices. With seven food carts, a tap house, and both indoor and outdoor seating, our large group visited Century Commons a couple of times. The gyros and baklava ice cream from Zorba The Greek were a group favorite.
Josie K’s Deli & Kitchen is well-rated for a reason. We ordered to-go sandwiches and packed them for our picnic at Sparks Lake. We were very delighted with the quality of meats, cheeses and bread.
Brewed Awakenings Coffee Roasters & Bakery is great if you need that morning or afternoon coffee fix. Since it was quite hot during our stay in Sunriver, we really loved the iced beverages. The craft beans are roasted on-site and the pastries baked fresh daily.
Final Thoughts On Sunriver
With so many things to do in Sunriver, don't forget to relax and take in all the beauty at your vacation rental or resort. Enjoy the splendid outdoors for your morning coffee or your evening meal. The wildlife might actually spy on you when you are quietly reading a book on the patio. And be sure to make many fun family memories by gathering around the fire pit making yummy gooey s'mores.
Been to Sunriver--let us know what your favorite things were to do in the comments below!
RESOURCES
Aquatics
The Cove at Sunriver Resort
Forest House at Caldera Springs
The Quarry at Caldera Springs
Bend
Biking
Caldera Springs
Cascade Lakes
Dining
Fishing
Golf
Sunriver Resort Golf Courses
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding at Sunriver Resort
Mount Bachelor
Museums
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Pickleball
Sunriver Resort
Watersports
The Marina at Sunriver Resort
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