With so much to offer, Central Oregon never disappoints when it comes to weekend activities. A few weeks ago, my family visited me, and we spent the weekend hiking, camping, enjoying good food and even trying our hand at shotgun target shooting.
Saturday began with a calm morning at a Hipcamp site my dad had booked, called Sagebrush Steppe Campsite. The unique location featured a teepee as its main attraction and a few friendly goats nearby. The owner also provided a campfire area with seating made from an old Skyliner chairlift from Mt. Bachelor.
After cooking bacon and eggs on the camp stove, we headed to our first stop of the day: the Scout Camp Trail. Located about an hour outside of Bend, the 2.2-mile loop trail offered stunning views of the Cascades and the canyon. We stopped along the trail at least 10 times to take pictures or soak in the scenery.
On the way down, we passed a few trail riders on horseback enjoying the day. The descent into the canyon was steep and slippery in spots due to loose gravel, but the bottom rewarded us with a flat path along the Deschutes River. We found a small path leading to the riverbank, where we took a break to enjoy some meat and cheese.
Afterward, we continued walking along the river for about 20 minutes, passing hundreds of bright yellow arrowleaf balsamroot and other lush green plants. Eventually, we began the climb out of the canyon, gaining about 700 to 800 feet in elevation. The views made the ascent worthwhile, and we reached the top in about 15 minutes.
The entire hike took us about an hour-and-a-half, and we were back at the car in no time.
Next up was shotgun target shooting. My dad brought his shotgun so we could practice shooting clay pigeons in the backwoods of Redmond. The abandoned quarry where we went was about a 20-minute drive from the trailhead. To my surprise, my dad let my 15-year-old brother — who had just received his driving permit — take the wheel.
When we arrived at the quarry, we could see distant all-terrain vehicle riders kicking up dust. My dad went first, demonstrating how to handle and shoot the shotgun. I had never fired a gun before, so I was a little nervous.
When it was my turn, I aimed at the clay pigeon and pulled the trigger. For those who have never shot a shotgun, be prepared for some mild shoulder pain from the recoil.
It was about 5 p.m. when we left the quarry. On our way back to the Sagebrush Steppe Hipcamp, we decided to pull off and check out the Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint. Located just off the highway, the small park sits along the Deschutes River and offers a quiet, scenic spot to take a break.
We didn’t stay long, as there wasn’t much to see and we were starting to get hungry. After arriving back at the campsite, my brother and I drove to the Wickiup dorms where I live to take showers after the hike. The Hipcamp was only about 20 minutes from campus, so it made for a convenient detour.
Once we returned, it was time to find dinner. One of our all-time favorite spots is The Bite in Tumalo, which features several food cart options and an indoor bar area where we grabbed drinks. For dinner, I ordered a Hawaiian plate with Kāluapork, rice and mac salad — the perfect post-hike meal.
When we left The Bite, it was around 9 p.m., and stars were beginning to appear in the sky. Back at the campsite, I changed into comfortable clothes and sat outside to stargaze — the night sky was especially clear and bright.
I decided to call it a night around 11:30 p.m. and got cozy in the teepee, which we had warmed up with a gas heater for about an hour. Once the heat wore off, though, it was freezing. Sleeping in a teepee was a unique experience, but next time, I’d prefer to try it in the summer.
After a cold night in the teepee, we got an early start to make the most of the day. I had to work at 4 p.m., and my dad and brother needed to head home, so we had a limited window to fit in a few final stops
.
Since moving to Bend, I had always wanted to try McKay Cottage for breakfast, so that’s where we decided to go. Once we packed up camp, we drove into town. There was about a 30-minute wait for a table, so I ordered a chai latte and my dad ordered a Bloody Mary while we waited.
Once seated, we looked over the extensive menu. My brother and I both chose the breakfast burrito, while my dad went with the biscuits and gravy. After finishing our delicious meals, we headed to Pilot Butte.
Each time my dad and brother had visited previously, Pilot Butte was closed, so this was their first chance to take in the views from the top.
After Pilot Butte, it was around 2 p.m., and time was running short. Our final stop was to walk through downtown Bend and check out a few shops. We visited classic spots like Patagonia, Dudley’s Bookstore and The Bend Store.
Once we finished shopping, it was around 3 p.m., so I headed back to the dorms to get ready for work. My dad and brother dropped me off, and we said our goodbyes.
Overall, this short weekend getaway gave me a glimpse into how much Central Oregon has to offer. It was the perfect escape for a few days, packed with activities and unique experiences.
