Special Issues & Guides

When the weather gets hotter, the river traffic gets heavier. Float from Riverbend Park down to Drake on a hot day and you might feel like you’re shoulder to shoulder with most of the town. Don’t get us wrong, that can be a blast. But if you’re looking to avoid river rush hour, it might be time to find a new spot.
Check out stretches up in Sunriver or down near Tumalo State Park. In Sunriver, you can float from Harpers Bridge to near the Sunriver Marina. Or at Tumalo, put in at the state park and float a stretch with some class I rapids down to near Highway 20.

If you live in one of those newer homes with a backyard just big enough to bury a casket (i.e., where your summer get together dreams go to die)… fret not. Bend’s popular camping and music shindig is just around the corner and boasts enough space to entertain you and your friends with two days of fantastic folk and bluegrass.

It’s time to settle the score. Oregon’s IPAs are better than California’s, we’re pretty sure. But to prove it, you’re going to need to get scientific. You’re going to need a bunch of friends, a bunch of beers and our handy judging guide below to help you seal the deal in Oregon’s favor.

Those of us who have been around know that summer doesn’t officially start until July 4. But if you’re waiting until the fireworks pop to roll out your Tevas and T-shirts, you’re missing out on at least one early summer ritual that’s worth honoring—the summer solstice.
Also known as the longest day of the year, summer solstice falls on Wednesday, June 20—as in next week. And while it may be hump day, it’s worth marking solstice on your calendar as a day to worship the sun by packing your bike, your golf clubs or even your kayak when heading to work so you can take advantage of the extra light as soon as you bust out the door.

Live in Bend long enough and someone’s bound to ask you to go disc golfing. But there’s more to it than just getting out and throwing a Frisbee. We recommend going with someone who knows what they’re doing.
Avid disc golfers go out with as many discs in their bag as a regular golfer has clubs. Seven to 20 discs would seem to be the standard for the serious disc golfer. There are discs that curve, discs for distance and discs to putt with—just like regular golf.

1. This Head I Hold (2012)
Artist: Electric Guest
2.

Summer evenings call for casual gatherings, and a low-fuss chili cook-off is just the thing for a mid-July Saturday night of friendly competition and good eats.
You supply the drinks and chili toppings. Friends and family show off mad culinary skills with their top-secret recipes. Everyone participates in the sampling, judging and smack talking.
Chili dishes vary wildly, from fiery Tex-Mex to savory Cincinnati-style, with beans that can be white, black or red. Encourage your guests to get creative. For instance, most chilis are tomato-based, but green chili dishes often feature tomatillos as the star ingredient. Be sure a few chili offerings are meatless, ‘cause there’s a lot of herbivores around here.

There is something just inherently awesome about the Fourth of July holiday.
Maybe it’s the fact that it’s not tied to any particular religious tradition or greeting card campaign. Maybe it’s the fact that it falls right in the heart of summer break for students. Whatever it is, the Fourth of July always stands out as one of the great days of the year.
The best way to enjoy it isn’t riding in a car on the way to a national park or standing in line at airport security.