Looking for a fall golf getaway? take a look at Tetherow Golf Course, Central Oregon.
A special travel feature from our friends in Central Oregon…
In fall, world-class beer, food, golf, and outdoor adventures are abundant in central Oregon – but crowds are not…
(SUNRIVER, Ore.) — The conventional wisdom has it that the sunny summer months or snow-filled winters are the best times to visit Central Oregon. But those who know Central Oregon best know that after Labour Day and well into fall is prime time in Oregon’s High Desert.
Make no mistake. Central Oregon makes for a fantastic getaway any time of year, one worthy of earning Sunset Magazine’s “Desirable Destination” designation in the 2021 Sunset Travel Awards. But fall in Central Oregon can offer some of the most pleasant surprises, especially for those more accustomed to visiting during the peak seasons.
On average, September is a warmer month than June, and winter’s chill generally stays far away until November. What is left is a typically long run of mild, sunny days that keep open the window of opportunity for outdoor adventure, while offering just a bit quieter pace than in summer.
“Ask any Central Oregon native, and they will almost inevitably pick fall as their favourite season,” said Julia Theisen, CEO of Visit Central Oregon. “Most everything that makes Central Oregon such a draw in the summer, the world-class beer, farm-to-table cuisine, arts, culture, and outdoor adventure are just as accessible during the fall months. But the pace of life slows just enough to offer a true escape from frenetic daily lives.”
For beer lovers, fall means fresh hop season, and Central Oregon’s breweries — more than 30 in all — never miss an opportunity to put their best brews forward. Foodies can explore the region’s culinary hotspots around the region, where they’ll find creative farm-to-table culinary experiences made only fresher by harvest.
Fall is also a great time for events. The Sisters Fresh Hop Festival (Sept. 24), and the Bend Fall Festival (Sept. 30-Oct. 2), which includes an Oktoberfest celebration on Oct. 1, are among the region’s top draws.
Golfers can hit the Central Oregon Golf Trail, where they will find courses in ideal condition well into October. Yet, those conditions come without the peak-season crowds and rates. The slightly cooler weather and occasional fall rain returns the mountain bike trails to perfect condition, and hikers and bikers enjoy more solitude on the trails. While more exposed natural areas — notably Smith Rock State Park — cool down from the heat of summer.
Central Oregon is also home to several popular pumpkin patches. Smith Rock Ranch — which opens for the season on Oct. 1 and offers pumpkin picking, a corn maze, zoo train, petting zoo, archery shoot, miniature golf, farmers market, pumpkin cannon, and live entertainment — in has become a family tradition in Central Oregon.
“There is so much to do in fall, and like summer, a few days won’t be enough to experience it all,” Theisen said. “The biggest difference is that fall reservations at the most popular restaurants are just a little easier to get, the best hotels have a bit more vacancy, and the trails are a touch less travelled. That all makes Central Oregon an ideal fall getaway.”
For camping suggestions, please visit: https://visitcentraloregon.com/articles/camping-in-and-near-bend-oregon/
For more information on Central Oregon activities, lodging, and experiences visit www.VisitCentralOregon.com.
About Central Oregon
Located on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range, where vast forests give way to the arid high desert, Central Oregon is characterized by year-round adventure, authenticity, inspiration, and environment. From the towering peaks of the Cascades to the pristine waters of the Wild & Scenic Deschutes River, and from the more urban experiences of Bend, Sunriver, and Redmond, to the rural charms of Sisters, La Pine, Prineville, Madras, Warm Springs, and Maupin, Central Oregon offers a perfect mix of recreation and sophistication. Barely three hours from Portland, getting to Central Oregon is a breeze. For more information visit www.visitcentraloregon.com or call 800-800-8334.
