Secluded in the Deschutes National Forest, the planned community of Sunriver gives you a taste of everything that makes Central Oregon’s high desert a top outdoor destination: trails wind through evergreen forests, volcanic relics mark the surrounding landscapes, and the crisp Deschutes River flows right at the resort’s doorstep. Opened in the 1960s, this residential and luxury vacation development has grown in popularity over the decades for its recreational facilities, golf courses, swimming pools, and more than 40 miles of paved biking and hiking paths. It’s an ideal basecamp for exploring the region’s most scenic sights, which you’ll find on a short drive in almost any direction.

Sunriver and neighboring development Caldera Springs are about 16 miles south of Bend and 32 miles south of Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), where several major airlines offer direct flights to cities throughout the Western states. (The privately owned Sunriver Airport is primarily used by private jets.) It’s a two to three hour drive to Portland, a classic road trip that takes you from the green Willamette Valley across the Cascade Range and into the arid high desert. Several coach companies offer bus service to and from Oregon’s major towns and cities.

While Cascades East Transit operates buses that connect Sunriver to nearby communities, you’ll need a car to enjoy the iconic natural sites and outdoor recreation that draw more than four million visitors to the region each year. Hail a rideshare to shuttle you to the many breweries and restaurants in downtown Bend.

Sunriver stays busy in every season. Summer is the busiest time, when families fill up the community’s rentals as well as nearby homes and cabins. In the dry, sunny months of July and August, highs regularly reach the 80s Fahrenheit, making the pristine waterways and Sunriver’s resident aquatic park the go-to hangouts. Winter stays almost as busy thanks to the reliable snowfall — on average, 15.5 inches fall in January. Temperatures are pleasantly mild in late spring and early fall, which attract fewer crowds.

In Sunriver, you’ll want to pack outdoor gear and layers in every season, as weather throughout Central Oregon can vary quite a bit with elevation. Winter temperatures demand warm jackets and waterproof boots, and don’t forget your swim gear in the summer.

Deschutes River Trail

If you tire of the 40 miles of paved trails in Sunriver itself, then check out the Deschutes River Trail, which has several access points around Sunriver. This system of multi-use paths for hikers, bikers, and equestrians traces the banks of the river.

Golfing

Sunriver Resort has earned an international reputation among golfers for its four courses: Crosswater, Meadows, The Woodlands, and Caldera Links. The award-winning courses, which appeal to a range of skill levels, were all designed by celebrated architects. The nine-hole Caldera Links is the most approachable for beginners and families.

Sunriver Marina

The Deschutes River rolls past the waterfront Sunriver Resort, meaning paddling trips are a favorite pastime. The Sunriver Marina, opened seasonally through the summer months, can help you plan floating adventures as well as equip you with kayak, canoe, raft, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.

SHARC

Float the lazy river, soak in the hot tubs, take a dip in the indoor and outdoor pools, and zip down the waterslides at the Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic and Recreation Center (SHARC), which operates indoor and outdoor facilities year-round. In the snowy winter months, hop on an inner tube and slide down the tubing hill at SHARC.