Beneath our feet, Oregon is riddled with a labyrinth of natural tunnels, lava tubes and underground chambers, all shaped by fire and time and home to several species of bats. Central Oregonโs dramatic landscape was sculpted by ancient lava flows and millennia of geologic upheaval. Situated on the eastern edge of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, […]
Outdoors
Snow Much Fun
For some people, winter in Central Oregon means time to relax by a cozy fire, sip hot cocoa and watch the beautiful snow fallโall from indoors. But for many families, winter is an active season and one of the best times to get outside and take advantage of the snowy playgrounds our region offers. For […]
They’ll Be Hooked
Central Oregon is blessed with numerous beautiful, healthy bodies of water, many of which are world renown fishing spots. Our rivers like the Deschutes, Crooked, Metolius and the McKenzie, not to mention over 150 lakes, streams and ponds, all have their own distinct ecosystem. Introducing children to the great outdoors and these ecosystems opens up […]
From Obsidian to Agate
After moving to Oregon, my family and I quickly became addicted to rockhounding. What is rockhounding, you may ask? People who search for and collect rocks or other minerals are considered rockhounds. Geologically, Oregon is one of the best places in the entire United States to search for and discover beautiful natural treasures like sunstone, […]
A Hunt for the Perfect Tree
Central Oregon has no shortage of forests or trees. As we take those scenic drives, especially near the holiday season, it seems like every other tree is the perfect Christmas tree. If only we could cut one down to take home and decorate. Guess what? We can! There’s something magical about the natural aroma of […]
More Than Just Cookies
Around February, shoppers may start to notice those brightly colored boxes and big smiles at the supermarkets and other businesses around town. Your home might receive a knock on the door from an eager young lady or two wearing a green vest covered in patches and carrying a clipboard. Everyone loves Girl Scout cookie time, […]
Become a Junior Park Ranger
Families who have visited one or more of the U.S. National Parks may be familiar with this motto and the Junior Ranger program. This is a super fun and educational way for kids to learn about the variety of natural landscapes throughout the country. Plus, you get to collect cool badges! I have a healthy […]
Crabby Kids
This Spring Break, if you’re looking for a road trip destination in Oregon, why not jet over the mountains to the coast? Springtime is a great time to catch your own dinner โ namely Oregon’s state crustacean, the meaty, sweet and decadent Dungeness crab. In Oregon’s port towns, it’s fun to watch the commercial fishing […]
It’s a Snow Day!
Many may remember “Snowmaggedon of 2017”, as well as the winter of 2019, which also had a considerable amount of snow. In fact, February 25, 2019 ranks fifth on the all-time list of daily snowfall in Bend! We may not get quite as much snow this season, but more often than not the city transforms […]
Thermal Magic
During the summer, the invigorating cold waters of the Deschutes River and the Cascade Lakes are a welcome respite from the heat. When the winter weather hits, though, itโs the exact opposite. We search for ways to warm our bodiesโwood stoves, layers of clothing and hot chocolate. Not all of us own or have easy […]

