Page 5 - Copyright 2013 - Pamplin Media Group

Years ago, there used to be a small sign
along US Highway 97, several miles
north of Madras - "Entering Central
Oregon Recreation Area."
Its relatively diminutive stature served to
emphasize its understated message. It could
just as easily have shouted, "There's a lot to
do here!"
In fact, with
so much to do
in Central
Oregon, where
does the visitor
begin? Is
shopping your
favorite
pastime?
There are lots
of businesses
offering
everything
from
antiques to
zucchini.
Art? The
tri-county
area is
home to
numerous
works in
bronze,
wood, and
oils,
among
many
mediums. If it can
be worked, someone has made art out of it,
and it's on display (and for sale). Outdoor
activities - where do you start? Hiking,
kayaking, biking, photography, rock climbing
- Central Oregon has it all.
What if you just want to take a drive or
two, and see some of the local sights? You
can simply point your car in any direction
and you won't be disappointed.What
follows, though, are some of the better-
known, popular points of interest to help
you make the most of your time here.
Sisters and the Metolius
If you partake of the McKenzie Pass tour,
you pass through Sisters, a quaint, western-
themed town nestled against the Deschutes
National Forest. Originally a logging town
established in the 1880s, Sisters has
transformed itself into a bustling tourist
destination. A stop in town offers numerous
art galleries, restaurants, and specialty shops.
Sisters is just the beginning. Close by are
such natural attractions as Black Butte, Three
Creeks Lake, and Suttle Lake. A must-see,
though, is the Metolius River.
Travel northeast along State Route 126,
and after about 10 miles, turn right toward
Camp Sherman. This little burg is the
epitome of a summer (or winter) retreat.
Straddling the incredibly clear Metolius
River, it's a
great
place to
picnic, fish,
camp, and
otherwise
just relax.
Cabins are
available as
well.
Two
miles south,
and with a
short walk
from the
parking area,
treat yourself
to the Head
of the
Metolius - the
surface origin
of this great
river. Clear,
pure,
underground
springs bubble
up here in a
rush of liquid
splendor. It's almost like an instant river. It,
along with Mt. Jefferson in the background,
just begs a photo.
Prineville and points east
Prineville is the gateway to a host of
natural attractions, not the least of which is
the Lower Crooked River and its associated
Back Country Byway.
Travel south on SR 27, and after about 10
miles, you'll enter the Lower Crooked Wild
and Scenic River corridor.Wedged within a
deep, basalt canyon, the highway parallels
the river and continues through another 10
miles of High Desert beauty. Juniper and
bunchgrass slopes are punctuated with
occasional pine. Steep, dark, basalt
escarpments put everything in perspective.
Big Summit Prairie, a donut hole in the
middle of the Ochoco National Forest, is a
So much to do in
Central Oregon
THINGS TO DO 2013 • 5