Is the fear of being stung or bitten so bad that you’re forsaking that fishing or camping trip to stay “safe” at home? Boy, I hope not! Forget snakes and spiders, the most dangerous thing any of us can do today is drive your motor vehicle. The number of humans and pets killed by rattlesnakes […]
Oregon Explored
Clash in the Canyonlands
If you want to ponder the wonder of the universe under a vast umbrella of stars, head to Owyhee country. Native Oregonian and Bend-area resident Karl Findling calls it “one of the darkest and most remote regions” in the lower 48 states—and that renders it perfect for watching the stars. Findling, who grew up in […]
Playing Rough
What sport combines the endurance of soccer, the dexterity of basketball and the toughness of football? A local team of athletes known as the Lady Roughriders knows the answer: Rugby. And with that, these champions are ready to take the field for another winning season. The Bend Lady Roughriders Rugby Club will host the annual […]
Go Here 8/24-8/31
Volcanic Bike and Brew Festival No other town does beer and outdoor sports quite like Bend. Need an example? Check out the Volcanic Bike and Brew Festival at Mt. Bachelor from Aug. 26-28, featuring the best in mountain bike racing and local brews. Kicking off at 11 am each day, riders will compete in the […]
Of Mountain Goats and Unicorns
On July 20 of this year, Camp Sherman resident Peter Eshrick was making his annual pilgrimage hike into the saddle above Canyon Creek Meadows with his daughter Katrina and her two kids Camila and Samuel (ages 12 and 10), when Camila suddenly shouted,”What’s that over there on the mountain side?” “What, over where?” Granddaddy Peter […]
Go Here 8/17-8/24
Women’s Fly Fishing Women angling to get out on the river for some fishing should check out two upcoming events aimed at female fly fishers. Fin & Fire in Redmond will host a “Gear and Beer Ladies Night” where female angler Heather Hodson and reps from Simms Fishing Products and Patagonia will preview the latest […]
Flying Old School
In today’s modern commercial aircraft, flying can be a relatively boring experience. Being cramped in a narrow seat with only a small window to look out of isn’t particularly adventurous. Luckily, Central Oregon thrill-seekers have a chance to fly boldly like the pilots of old. With the Erickson Aircraft Collection at Sunriver Resort, budding aviators […]
Natural World: Crab Spiders
It’s that time of year, dear ones, for garden lovers to be on the lookout for the local crabs that hang out in your flowers. Well, not real “crabs,” but crab spiders, who are masters at camouflage. Look for it in the photo provided; it’s perched right there among the stamens, a forward pair of […]
Bringing Back the Floodplain
It’s being touted as one of the most “significant restoration efforts in the American west,” and it’s taking place right in our backyards. Reconstruction efforts got underway this month on a 1.5-mile stretch of Whychus Creek, a part of the Whychus Canyon Preserve owned by the Deschutes Land Trust. The effort is part of a […]
Best Outdoor Gear Shop
Taking on the great outdoors is a serious game here in Bend. Whether it’s biking around Crater Lake or skiing down Mt. Bachelor, it’s important to have the right equipment. Luckily, Pine Mountain Sports stacks the deck with the best gear in town. Looking for mountain bikes? Pine Mountain carries the latest wheels from some […]

