Redmond Pop. 30,011 (2017)  Who It’s For: Outdoor enthusiasts, sightseers, antiquers.  Activities: Hike or rock climb at Smith Rock State Park north of Redmond or peep Cline Falls scenic outlook. Stroll Peterson Rock Garden. Pickers will dig the massive Beyond the Ranch Antiques. Ride your bike around the awesome, asphalt pump track at Homestead Park. Where to Eat: Two great food cart pods, including Wild Ride Brewing and General Duffy’s Waterhole. Credit: Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
Prineville Pop. 10,055 (2017) Who It’s For: People who like fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, boating  Activities: Rock hunters will love it for its nickname, the “Rock Hound Capital of the United States,” home to agates and other stones. Boat, camp and fish at Ochoco Reservoir. Visit the Bowman Museum and historic Crook County Courthouse. Oh, and it’s pretty much impossible to miss Facebook’s massive data center, the company’s largest one. Where to Eat: Ochoco Brewing Company Credit: BLM/Flickr
Sisters Pop. 2,701 (2017)  Who It’s For: Old west enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, those looking for a romantic getaway   Activities: Shop downtown with its Old West theme. Go hiking, fishing, mountain biking, birding and horseback riding in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Check out Camp Sherman for camping and cabins near the scenic Metolius River.   Where to Eat: Three Creeks Brewing, Sisters Saloon Ranch & Grill, or get quick bites at the Sno-Cap Drive In. Credit: Courtesy pxhere
Sunriver Pop. 1,393 (2010) Who It’s For: Outdoor enthusiasts, weekenders, families Activities: Check out the Oregon Observatory. Hike the trail to Benham Falls. Visit the Lava River Cave or the nearby Lava Lands Visitor Center. Rent vacation rentals at Sunriver Resort, with amenities including a golf course, spa and dining.  Where to Eat: Carson’s American Kitchen at Sunriver Resort. Credit: Courtesy Kirt Edblom Flickr
Madras Pop. 6,839 (2017) Who It’s For: Fisherfolk, boating enthusiasts, climbers Activities: Just southwest of Madras is the Cove Palisades State Park and Lake Billy Chinook for boating and house boating, as well as the beautiful Tam-A-Lau Trail for hiking. Nearby is the Deschutes River, with world-class fishing. You can also start one gorgeous Oregon Scenic Bikeways route from Madras, with stunning views of Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters. Open Sept.-Dec. is the world-class Trout Creek Climbing Area— Where to Eat: Stop into the Great Earth Cafe & Market for sandwiches and coffee, or try Madras’ new brewery, Madras Brewing Co. Credit: Nicole Vulcan
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