Why Central Oregon?

With the Cascade Range on to the west, Central Oregon is a beautiful place to live. Several cities line the Central Oregon Mountains including Warm Springs, Madras, Redmond, Prineville, Bend, Sunriver, Sisters, and La Pine. Various Central Oregon snow capped volcanic peaks can be seen in the distance including Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, The Three Sisters, Broken Top, Mt. Washington, and Mt. Bachelor. With the Cascade Range only minutes away from Central Oregon’s cities, many outdoor activities await including camping, skiing, hiking, fishing, and more.

The Cascade Range blocks the effects of many unfavorable weather events from the West, resulting in around 300 days of sunshine in Central Oregon each year. The benefits of the weather systems are noticed in the lush vegetation found in the Central Oregon Mountains, as well as the numerous fish-filled lakes and rivers. Central Oregon skiers love Mt. Bachelor’s close proximity to Bend as well as Hoodoo Ski Resort.

Looking east from Central Oregon, the high desert plain provides scenic wonders including Smith Rock (pictured at right). These majestic rocks spire over Crooked River Canyon and its numerous climbing routes are well known to international rock climbers. Mountain bikers and hikers also enjoy the wildlife and Central Oregon surroundings on miles of trails.

The Newberry National Volcanic Monument and Pilot Butte are eye catching Central Oregon sites near Bend. Pilot Butte is an extinct volcano with the Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint serving as a popular hiking destination. This local Central Oregon climb of 500 feet allows views of Bend and neighboring Cascade peaks. The Newberry National Volcanic Monument reminds visitors of Central Oregon’s geographic history. The Lava Land Visitor Center provides a great place to visit and learn about the volcanic Central Oregon landscape with interpretive displays and self-guided tours. Two lakes (East Lake and Paulina Lake) reside nearby in the center of Newberry Carter, an 18 mile wide caldera. If you have an interest in learning more about Central Oregon’s unique landscape and history, the High Desert Museum, Deschutes Historical Museum, and Bowman Museum (pictured at right) offer great information for visitors.

Central Oregon hosts many community events including the Bend SummerFest, Bend WinterFest, Munch and Music, Music on the Green, Sunriver Music Festival and more. Bend, Oregon’s Old Mill District offers many attractions including various Central Oregon community festivals. Many shops are located on the 270 acre area that once was a large saw mill operation on the Deschutes River. This part of the Deschutes River provides views of the Cascade Range Mountains as well as serving as a popular Central Oregon recreation spot for river rafters in the summertime. Nearby Drake Park is Bend’s most popular outdoor public gathering place.

Central Oregon is a popular location for visitors as it hosts numerous golf courses, restaurants and breweries. Some visitors and Central Oregon community residents enjoy walking or biking along the Deschutes River Trail. This is a series of trails following the course of the Deschutes River. Others like to make their way to Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert Resort and Casino in Warm Springs hoping to find their gaming fortunes.

There are many reasons why Central Oregon is an often visited location. Likewise, Central Oregon is a growing location with new homes and residential neighborhoods. A popular location is Ironhorse in Prineville. Ironhorse is a mix of community and custom built homes located on the site of a former working ranch tucked against Barnes Butte in Central Oregon. This wonderful community provides easy access to all of the amenities that Central Oregon has to offer.

If you have interest in learning more about Ironhorse and what Central Oregon has to offer, let the IronHorse residential specialists assist you.