Because flying is beyond gnarly these days — long lines, delays, exorbitant costs — road trips have become the go-to for L.A. families. And for a getaway that delivers incredible nature, delicious food and endless kid-friendly outdoor adventures, Central Oregon is hard to beat, especially during the summer and fall months when the weather is idyllic, offering a welcome respite from L.A. heat waves.
My family of five made the 13-hour drive from L.A. to Central Oregon last summer, and we’re in the middle of planning our next trip. You can make the drive a straight shot or break it up with stops in Sacramento or Mount Shasta like we did — or go even slower and head up the Pacific Coast Highway. Either way, once you hit the high desert, Bend is the perfect base for exploring.
Outdoor adventures: From river rapids to lava tubes
Bend is often referred to as the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon for good reason. In warmer months, you’ll see locals and visitors tubing or kayaking down the Deschutes River. For those seeking bigger thrills, whitewater rafting is also huge here. We went with a local outfitter, Sun Country Tours, and everyone from our 6-year-old to 13-year-old had a blast.
We also explored the famous lava tubes with another local tour guide, Wanderlust Tours, which (fair warning ahead) isn’t for little ones who don’t like the dark or crawling around in small spaces. It’s a fascinating experience if everyone is on board.
Hiking trails abound. From the flat Canyon Trail at Smith Rock State Park to Pilot Butte, where the summit delivers amazing panoramic views, to the dozens of trails you can find in nearby Hood River, the possibilities are endless.
Another can’t-miss with kids: the High Desert Museum. Mostly set outdoors, there are animal presentations, interactive exhibits and the most adorable otters you’ll likely ever see.
Scenic drives
When in Central Oregon, driving the scenic Hood River Fruit Loop is a must. The 35-mile journey takes you through the heart of Hood River Valley and is filled with lavender farms, wine and cider-tasting rooms and farm markets along the way. It’s easy to make a whole day of this with the kids, stopping for snacks and meals.
Some of our favorite stops included Draper Farms for seasonal fruit, The Gorge White House for cider tasting, lunch and lavender ice cream and the Apple Valley Country Store for its famous huckleberry milkshakes.
For a longer driving option, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a 66-mile drive through the Cascade Mountains that takes you past Mount Bachelor, a dozen picturesque alpine lakes and endless spots to hike, fish or just soak in the views. It’s the kind of drive where you’ll want to build in extra time to stop and explore — three to five hours minimum if you’re actually getting out of the car.
Local food stops
Bend Brewing Company: Super kid-friendly with a wide grassy lawn to run around in while you eat at picnic tables overlooking the Deschutes. There is also indoor dining.
Pastini: At this Italian restaurant located in the Old Mill District in Bend, opt to eat outdoors on the patio for gorgeous river views (and wiggly toddlers). The menu features pizza, pastas and cocktails to delight all.
Food carts: Bend is known for its cluster of food carts found all around town, an especially convenient discovery for families so that everyone can get something they want and scarf it all down outdoors where no one cares if kids are loud and having fun. Large food cart “pods” include On Tap and Podski.
Mike’s Ice Cream: A local favorite in Hood River, this charming ice cream shop has been scooping happiness since the 1970s, and the long lines out the door back this up.
Charming towns
Beyond the outdoor adventures and scenic drives, Central Oregon’s small towns are worth exploring. Each one has its own vibe, and they’re perfect for breaking up the day, whether you need a lunch stop, some indoor time when the desert heat does get intense or just a chance to wander and browse.
Downtown Bend is where you’ll find the energy. Independent boutiques line the streets, and Roundabout Books is the kind of place where you can easily lose an hour. Grab lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the river or pick up snacks for a picnic by the river.
The Old Mill District in Bend offers a nice change of pace — a mix of history and modern shopping that keeps tweens and teens engaged between outdoor activities. We found ourselves popping in and out of shops, grabbing coffee and just enjoying the riverside setting.
Hood River has a distinctive charm. It boasts a small-town-meets-hipster feel with an outdoor adventure culture woven throughout. The compact downtown is easy to navigate with kids, and there’s no shortage of water sports to partake in on the Columbia River, even if it’s just splashing around.
Sisters, Ore., is a quick 30-minute drive and worth the detour. This 1880s-themed Western town is perfect for a low-key afternoon of window shopping and picking up handmade candy.
Where to stay
It’s often tricky to find places to stay as a family of five, but there was a wide range of options in Central Oregon.
Sunriver Resort (Bend) $$$: Designed for families, this sprawling resort is about a 20- to 30-minute drive from Downtown Bend, but many families find it hard to even want to leave. With cabin-type accommodations that easily fit larger families, an indoor and outdoor water slide, miles of biking trails, horseback riding, a golf course and more all set in the heart of nature, it’s hard to beat.
Campfire Hotel (Bend) $$: With a central location within walking distance of Downtown Bend and the Deschutes River, the rooms here are spacious, have bunk beds, a pool and fire pits.
Hood River Hotel (Hood River) $$$: This historic hotel has various room types, including a pretty epic bunkhouse if you’re traveling with more than one family. It features five bunkbeds and your own sauna. The brunch downstairs at Broder Øst is not to be missed (and worth coming for even if you’re not staying there).
Esther Carlstone is a parenting and travel writer/editor who’s always looking for the best places to see, eat and stay with kids.
