59 things to do,
from the canyon rim.

Right at the RV park — families cool off all summer.

The natural pool at the base of Steelhead Falls is a summer favorite.

Lake Billy Chinook is a flooded canyon at the confluence of three rivers — the Crooked, Deschutes, and Metolius — with sheer basalt walls and three distinct arms to explore. Cove Palisades Marina rents pontoons (and other boats) for the day

Friendly alpacas just down the road.

A mile-long lava tube in Deschutes National Forest.

Scenic and family-friendly — canyon views without the climb.

On-site courts available to guests.

Central Oregon Bungee Adventures runs jumps off the Crooked River High Bridge at Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint — a 250-foot drop and reportedly the tallest commercial bungee in North America. The historic 1926 steel arch bridge s

Rockhounding at Richardson's Rock Ranch.

Smith Rock Trail Rides operates from a private ranch adjacent to Smith Rock State Park — same canyon system that wraps Crooked River Ranch. Small, private guided rides on horses suited to first-timers (the guide is a professional horseman).

River otters, birds of prey, and Western history.

The Lower Crooked River runs through the canyon at the foot of CRR's plateau, with no road access — you hike down. The Otter Bench trail system (7.4 miles of trails on the bench above the gorge) is the only way in, with the Otter Bench trai

Light-pollution-free skies right at your site.

Steep climb, panoramic payoff.

Steelhead Falls is on the Middle Deschutes, ~10 minutes from CRR. The Steelhead Falls trailhead is also one of the three CRR-area BLM trailheads (along with Otter Bench on the Crooked, and Scout Camp on the Middle Deschutes a bit farther do

World-class rock climbing, best viewed from the River Trail.

Guided lessons available at Smith Rock.

Extensive dirt trails nearby.

Rugged trail to a cascading waterfall.

Black Butte Ranch sits 15 minutes northwest of Sisters in classic ponderosa-pine country, with the Three Sisters and Mt Washington close enough to feel them. Their stables run guided trail rides for beginner and intermediate riders — 3.3 to

The Lower Crooked River below Bowman Dam (Prineville) is open to fishing year-round and holds a self-sustaining population of wild redband rainbow trout plus mountain whitefish. Tailwater flows from the dam keep the river fishable through e

Lake Billy Chinook's three arms are kayak and SUP heaven — basalt cliffs on every side, calm water in the morning, occasional eagles overhead. Launch at the Cove Palisades day-use area or rent from the marina. The Crooked River arm is the c

The Lower Deschutes around Maupin is one of the Pacific Northwest's iconic fly-fishing rivers — wild redband trout year-round, returning summer steelhead, and the famous salmonfly hatch in late spring. Wadeable in many spots; drift boats op

Big Sky Balloon Co. has been flying out of the Redmond / Bend area since 1993 with a perfect safety record. Their launches run from a Redmond field at first light. The full experience is about three hours including the launch crew briefing,

Rolling canyon-rim terrain.

Climb to a high plateau with panoramic views.

Crooked River Ranch Golf Course is literally next door.

The Lower Deschutes around Maupin runs Class I-IV rapids through high-walled canyon, and at least eight outfitters operate out of Maupin offering everything from half-day floats to multi-day overnight expeditions. Famous rapids include Boxc

Shade, quiet, and desert air.

The Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond is Central Oregon's main events venue and hosts a nonstop calendar of fairs, motorsports, concerts, livestock shows, and tournaments year-round. Crooked River Ranch RV Park is one of the cl

Prep your vehicle for the next drive.

Loops A, B, C, and D all touch the rim.

Hot, free showers for guests.

The juniper air does the work for you.

Dedicated dog run in the park.

Miles of expansive walking nearby.

Many Smith Rock trails allow dogs on leash.

Vast public lands, pet-friendly.

Shallow spots along the Crooked River in summer.

Deep blue water in a volcanic caldera.

Boutiques, bakeries, quilt shops.

Crux, Deschutes, and many more.

Look straight down into the basalt gorge.

Local boutiques and antiques.

Mountain and alpine lake views.

Otherworldly obsidian flows and lava caves.

Remote Oregon high-desert country.

Local goods and neighbors.

Local goods, wine, and unique gifts.

Quiet canyon rims in January and February.

Cascade sno-parks 45 min away.

World-class Cascade skiing.

Crisp, clear nights above the canyon.

Crane Prairie is the big water on the Cascade Lakes Byway — about 4,940 acres with 24 miles of shoreline at 4,450 feet elevation. Famous for the "cranebows" — rainbow trout that regularly hit the 4-5 pound range with double-digit fish caugh

Easy 1-mile loop to the top of a small volcano right inside Bend — sweeping Cascades view.

Panoramic Cascades view from a historic fire-lookout butte near Sisters.

Lava tube with year-round ice formations — more rugged access than Lava River Cave.

Undeveloped lava tube near Bend — bring your own flashlight, no fee, real adventure feel.

A handful of high-elevation lakes along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway with totally different fishing characters. Hosmer is a classic stillwater, fly-only, with cruising rainbows. Sparks is shallow and weedy with damselfly hatches. Crane Pr

Crystal-clear spring creek that flows out of the ground near Camp Sherman at near-full strength — never warm, never high, never low. Holds wild rainbow, brown, and threatened bull trout. The entire river is catch-and-release, and from Bridg

Winter solitude you won't find in summer.

97-foot waterfall in the Bend foothills with an easy paved path or a longer loop.

Iconic banded hills at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument — about a 1.5-hour drive.

Bend's arcade, mini-golf, bumper boats, and go-karts — a guaranteed kid win on a too-hot or too-cold day.

Gentle Deschutes River swim hole + picnic area ~25 min away. Easy with kids of any age.

Quirky homemade stone castles + sculpture park ~10 min south on Hwy 97. Free, almost no one knows about it.

Pretty Deschutes River viewpoint just minutes from Redmond — picnic tables, easy access, almost always uncrowded.

Long-term guests host meetups when it's quiet.

Oregon craft on tap.

Outdoor patios, local fare.

Gas firepit + neighbors = instant community.

Grill with a river view.

Pack lunch and watch the river.

Fresh beans for canyon mornings.

Evening glow on the gorge.

Reserve a group site, host a feast.