Mark’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Sunriver is the Pacific Northwest’s premier destination resort and residential community, as well as Central Oregon’s year-round base camp for adventure, group retreats, and family fun.
Beautifully appointed vacation homes, luxury condos, and river-view lodge suites are perfect for family vacations, reunions or romantic retreats.
From Spring through Fall, Sunriver’s world-class golf shines. Sunriver Resort is home to 63 holes of world-class golf including the famed Crosswater Club, a Golf Digest Top 100 course. Additional summer activities include cruiser bike rides on the 30 miles of paved trails, a horseback ride with the folks at Sunriver Stables, rafting or canoeing down the Deschutes River. The Sunriver Nature Center gives kids a birds-eye look at live owls, raptors and other wildlife in addition to an easy and interpretive nature walk through old growth trees whose history extends skyward. History is on full display just a few miles north of Sunriver at the Lava Lands Visitors Center. From the top, you can look out over a sea of volcanic lava rocks frozen in time after Lava Butte erupted more than 7,000 years ago.
The Trail of Molten Lands winds through the eruption aftermath, giving you the chance to walk on the same surface astronauts walked upon when training for the moon landing in the 1960s.
In winter, go from the door-to-lift line in thirty minutes from Sunriver, about the same amount of time it takes to get to Mt. Bachelor from Bend’s west side. If a winter wonderland destination akin to a classic European alpine mountain community is what you seek, Sunriver is your spot. It’s small enough to walk to the central village for shopping and dining.
When its cold outside, families can get snuggly with blankets and hot cocoa during a horse-drawn sled ride through the snowy resort community.
A writer for the Chicago Tribune called Sunriver a “mix of an outdoorsy Disney World, national park and summer camp.”
60 locals recommend
Sunriver
Sunriver is the Pacific Northwest’s premier destination resort and residential community, as well as Central Oregon’s year-round base camp for adventure, group retreats, and family fun.
Beautifully appointed vacation homes, luxury condos, and river-view lodge suites are perfect for family vacations, reunions or romantic retreats.
From Spring through Fall, Sunriver’s world-class golf shines. Sunriver Resort is home to 63 holes of world-class golf including the famed Crosswater Club, a Golf Digest Top 100 course. Additional summer activities include cruiser bike rides on the 30 miles of paved trails, a horseback ride with the folks at Sunriver Stables, rafting or canoeing down the Deschutes River. The Sunriver Nature Center gives kids a birds-eye look at live owls, raptors and other wildlife in addition to an easy and interpretive nature walk through old growth trees whose history extends skyward. History is on full display just a few miles north of Sunriver at the Lava Lands Visitors Center. From the top, you can look out over a sea of volcanic lava rocks frozen in time after Lava Butte erupted more than 7,000 years ago.
The Trail of Molten Lands winds through the eruption aftermath, giving you the chance to walk on the same surface astronauts walked upon when training for the moon landing in the 1960s.
In winter, go from the door-to-lift line in thirty minutes from Sunriver, about the same amount of time it takes to get to Mt. Bachelor from Bend’s west side. If a winter wonderland destination akin to a classic European alpine mountain community is what you seek, Sunriver is your spot. It’s small enough to walk to the central village for shopping and dining.
When its cold outside, families can get snuggly with blankets and hot cocoa during a horse-drawn sled ride through the snowy resort community.
A writer for the Chicago Tribune called Sunriver a “mix of an outdoorsy Disney World, national park and summer camp.”
Sunriver Village and Restaurants
The Village at Sunriver offers some of the most unique experiences Central Oregon has to offer.
Browse a wide array of outfitters and attractions all within walking distance. Rent a bike and ride on Sunriver’s 35+ miles of paved bike paths, or take the family for a round of mini-golf, don’t forget to hop onboard the Villages’ Alpine Express Train. In winter, the Village at Sunriver offers ice skating.
The Village at Sunriver offers shopping, restaurants, and family fun.
You won’t be disappointed with our one-of-a-kind dining options. In the Village at Sunriver, you will find everything from international cuisine to award-winning local craft beer and delicious pub fare.
The Village at Sunriver is also where you will find the official Central Oregon Welcome Center. We look forward to seeing you in Central Oregon!
Perhaps the most popular stop in The Village for a bite to eat. Family friendly, good service, great local brews. Always open until 11, one of the few places in the Village for a late snack.
127 locals recommend
Sunriver Brewing Co. - Sunriver Pub
57100 Beaver DrPerhaps the most popular stop in The Village for a bite to eat. Family friendly, good service, great local brews. Always open until 11, one of the few places in the Village for a late snack.
It never fails, we HAVE to stop at Blondie's at least once every trip. This is another dependable late-night spot (open until 11pm) where you can call ahead, dine in or grab something to go. New owner has kept the Sunriver vibe and loyalty to customers intact.
47 locals recommend
Blondie's Pizza
57195 Beaver DrIt never fails, we HAVE to stop at Blondie's at least once every trip. This is another dependable late-night spot (open until 11pm) where you can call ahead, dine in or grab something to go. New owner has kept the Sunriver vibe and loyalty to customers intact.
Every parent knows Goody's is *THE* stop to make in Sunriver Village. Rarely is there never a line, and for good reason. the best candies, ice cream, and treats for your vacation, hands down. End of story. Enjoy.
30 locals recommend
Goody’s Chocolate & Ice Cream
57100 Beaver DrEvery parent knows Goody's is *THE* stop to make in Sunriver Village. Rarely is there never a line, and for good reason. the best candies, ice cream, and treats for your vacation, hands down. End of story. Enjoy.
Here's another place you MUST visit on your Sunriver trip, if only to admire the wood architecture. But there is so much more. You can dine in Carson's Kitchen (American food) or grab a late night snack in the Twisted River Tavern, which often has live music on weekends. The lodge goes out of its way to host events, local and otherwise, and it is *always* first class. Sometimes it is enough to sit out back on a summer's day and enjoy the view of Mt. Bachelor (pictured)
60 locals recommend
Sunriver Resort
17600 Center DrHere's another place you MUST visit on your Sunriver trip, if only to admire the wood architecture. But there is so much more. You can dine in Carson's Kitchen (American food) or grab a late night snack in the Twisted River Tavern, which often has live music on weekends. The lodge goes out of its way to host events, local and otherwise, and it is *always* first class. Sometimes it is enough to sit out back on a summer's day and enjoy the view of Mt. Bachelor (pictured)
Forget the Headline -- AirBNB calls it BIKE but it's a BAR/Grill. Locals call it the "V-BAG." Completely different after the remodel, some locals say it's better - and it very may well be! Big screen TV's in the bar to catch Ducks, Beavers, and Blazers games, plenty of dining space indoors and outdoors. For the occasional summer concerts the V-Bag is the place to be to enjoy it. Menu upgrades over the years make this well worth your (and your family's) time.
46 locals recommend
Village Bike and Ski
57100 Beaver DrForget the Headline -- AirBNB calls it BIKE but it's a BAR/Grill. Locals call it the "V-BAG." Completely different after the remodel, some locals say it's better - and it very may well be! Big screen TV's in the bar to catch Ducks, Beavers, and Blazers games, plenty of dining space indoors and outdoors. For the occasional summer concerts the V-Bag is the place to be to enjoy it. Menu upgrades over the years make this well worth your (and your family's) time.
This is a place that locals know, and you should, too. Just outside of Sunriver on the road to Bachelor. It's a must-stop for very good food at a very good price. Breakfasts are our favorite. Omelets rich with ingredients, and a home-made biscuit with devine gravy for around 5-bucks. That's a meal in itself. Afterwards, if it's a Fri-Sun, wander over to the Second Tern and shop for bargains.
31 locals recommend
The Wallow Bar & Grill
17363 Spring River RdThis is a place that locals know, and you should, too. Just outside of Sunriver on the road to Bachelor. It's a must-stop for very good food at a very good price. Breakfasts are our favorite. Omelets rich with ingredients, and a home-made biscuit with devine gravy for around 5-bucks. That's a meal in itself. Afterwards, if it's a Fri-Sun, wander over to the Second Tern and shop for bargains.
Authentic (and good) Mexican food, plain and simple. With a great beer list to choose as accompaniment. If it's summer, sit outside and people watch. Dogs are welcome on the patio, they even supply the pooch some water.
20 locals recommend
El Caporal Sunriver
57100 Beaver DrAuthentic (and good) Mexican food, plain and simple. With a great beer list to choose as accompaniment. If it's summer, sit outside and people watch. Dogs are welcome on the patio, they even supply the pooch some water.
Shopping
If you cook at home, and a lot of visitors do, you'll familiarize yourself with the Country Store. Great local selections, great service, everything you need for your kitchen away from home. Open late summers (Note: The North Store counterpart closes one hour earlier than the South "Country" Store)(North Store also offers gasoline)
41 locals recommend
Sunriver Country Store
57100 Beaver DrIf you cook at home, and a lot of visitors do, you'll familiarize yourself with the Country Store. Great local selections, great service, everything you need for your kitchen away from home. Open late summers (Note: The North Store counterpart closes one hour earlier than the South "Country" Store)(North Store also offers gasoline)
Every trip we make sure we stop by Sunriver Books -- even if we don't buy anything. Great place to get the BEST personal service on what books are new, hot, or not. Sometimes it's fun to browse. Or just sit in the big comfy chairs and read a little. It's what bookstores are meant to be.
Sunriver Books & Music
57100 Beaver DrEvery trip we make sure we stop by Sunriver Books -- even if we don't buy anything. Great place to get the BEST personal service on what books are new, hot, or not. Sometimes it's fun to browse. Or just sit in the big comfy chairs and read a little. It's what bookstores are meant to be.
Sightseeing
Cultus Lake is probably the most visited Cascade Lake within reach of Sunriver. You can choose from Devil's Lake, Elk Lake, Sparks Lake, and some reservoirs, but Cultus has the amenities you want. Small boat rentals, jet-ski rentals, a restaurant with outdoor patio, and lodge with boat ramp. It's the only lake we can think of with a legit beach for guests to enjoy. About a 25-minute drive from Sunriver.
Cultus Lake, Oregon 97413, USA
Cultus Lake is probably the most visited Cascade Lake within reach of Sunriver. You can choose from Devil's Lake, Elk Lake, Sparks Lake, and some reservoirs, but Cultus has the amenities you want. Small boat rentals, jet-ski rentals, a restaurant with outdoor patio, and lodge with boat ramp. It's the only lake we can think of with a legit beach for guests to enjoy. About a 25-minute drive from Sunriver.
You don't need any advice from us about Mt. Bachelor. New owners are always upgrading. Skiing in winter, sightseeing in Summer. Always worth a drive up to the "mountain."
Mt Bachelor, Oregon 97703, USA
You don't need any advice from us about Mt. Bachelor. New owners are always upgrading. Skiing in winter, sightseeing in Summer. Always worth a drive up to the "mountain."
Highly recommended. You'd think it's not worth your time. Think again. Especially on a hot day. Kids will love it.
90 locals recommend
Lava River Cave
Cottonwood RoadHighly recommended. You'd think it's not worth your time. Think again. Especially on a hot day. Kids will love it.
Don't be undecided about a trip up to Paulina Lake and Paulina Peak. It is the most noticeable peak to the east of Sunriver - people see it all the time, but few go there. Granted, the road up is not the most comfortable ride (it's a white knuckler) but the payoff is worth it. The view is unparalleled with endless vistas east and west. The Lodge at Paulina Lake is a great stop for treats, and to talk to the locals about the natural hot springs on the other side of the lake. Stop by the "falls" on the way in or out.
Paulina Lake, Oregon 97739, USA
Don't be undecided about a trip up to Paulina Lake and Paulina Peak. It is the most noticeable peak to the east of Sunriver - people see it all the time, but few go there. Granted, the road up is not the most comfortable ride (it's a white knuckler) but the payoff is worth it. The view is unparalleled with endless vistas east and west. The Lodge at Paulina Lake is a great stop for treats, and to talk to the locals about the natural hot springs on the other side of the lake. Stop by the "falls" on the way in or out.
This is closer to Sunriver than you know. About a 90-minute drive down Hiway 97 to the Volcanic Hiway (138) and enter the park from the NORTH entrance. You'll hit the first (and maybe best) vista point at Crater Lake (Merriam Point). If you've never seen Crater Lake, this is a MUST when you go during summer. Check to see the roads to the rim are open - big winters sometimes prevent opening until mid-summer!
385 locals recommend
Crater Lake National Park
This is closer to Sunriver than you know. About a 90-minute drive down Hiway 97 to the Volcanic Hiway (138) and enter the park from the NORTH entrance. You'll hit the first (and maybe best) vista point at Crater Lake (Merriam Point). If you've never seen Crater Lake, this is a MUST when you go during summer. Check to see the roads to the rim are open - big winters sometimes prevent opening until mid-summer!
A main attraction in Sunriver. You can float it during summer from the Harper Bridge to the Marina or the "take-out" down river. Organize through Marina services. Or take a guided tour lower down the river through class-4 rapids. Heart stopping but the most fun you might have on your entire trip!
Deschutes River, Oregon, USA
A main attraction in Sunriver. You can float it during summer from the Harper Bridge to the Marina or the "take-out" down river. Organize through Marina services. Or take a guided tour lower down the river through class-4 rapids. Heart stopping but the most fun you might have on your entire trip!