Things to do in LaPine
High Desert Museum
This interactive museum has a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits exploring the culture, history, art and wildlife of the Columbia River Plateau and Great Basin. Outdoor displays include live otter, porcupine, bobcat and birds of prey presentations. Nature trails feature trailside exhibits about forestry and settlement, including a pioneer homestead and a historic, working sawmill, both with living history interpretation. Indoor exhibits include "Spirit of the West," with walk-through dioramas; a display about Plateau Indians contains baskets, beaded bags, rugs, blankets, dolls and jewelry. An interactive exploratory exhibit teaches children about animal homes, habitats and hideaways. Call (541) 382-4754 for more information.
59800 US 97S, Bend, OR 97702
Lava Butte Area
The 500-foot cinder cone is one of more than 400 cones in the Deschutes National Forest formed from volcanic eruptions. A road spirals to an observation lookout at the top. The lookout is closed when extreme fire danger or visible smoke is present. A .25-mile hiking trail surrounds the rim. The Lava Lands Visitor Center offers interpretive dioramas, displays and information. Call (541) 593-2421 for more information.
11 mi. s. of Bend on US 97, Sunriver, OR 97707
Lava River Cave
Formed by lava flows, the cave is about a mile long. Lanterns are available for rental. Since the cave's temperature is 35-40 F, it is a good idea to bring warm clothing and sturdy shoes. Call (541) 593-2421 for more information.
11 mi. s. of Bend on US 97, Sunriver, OR 97707
Newberry Crater
Newberry Crater features a huge caldera in the location of Paulina and East lakes. These lakes are separated by cinder cones and a large obsidian flow of more recent geological occurrence. They are popular areas for camping, hiking and fishing. Visitors can view Paulina Falls from an observation point off FR 21. Call (541) 536-8802 for more information.
22 mi. s. of Bend and about 13 mi. e. of US 97 on CR 21 within Deschutes National Forest, LaPine, OR 97739
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is w. of Circle 3 on River Rd. Situated on 8 acres between Lake Aspen and the Deschutes River, the museum features exhibits describing the natural history of central Oregon, including a meteorite exhibit. A botanical garden contains more than 100 plant species, and a nature trail encounters birds of prey; signs identify native plants and wildlife. The observatory is available for solar viewing and nighttime star gazing. Call (541) 593-4394 for more information.
17620 River Rd., Sunriver, OR 97707
Follow Us