7 Ways to Spend Summer in Sunriver
Summer is officially here! This much-anticipated season in Sunriver means family fun, outdoor adventure, and making unforgettable memories. Although Central Oregon is a perfect getaway year-round, June thru August make for incredible warm-weather activities that are unique to the area! We’ve compiled a list (popular with tourists and locals alike!) to help you and your family kickoff summer in Sunriver.
1. Float Trip Down The Deschutes River
This is a must-do summer activity for visitors and locals alike! While it does require some planning in advance, it is a fun and quintessential Sunriver summer tradition. And you are a guest at one of our Bennington rental properties, you’ll receive exclusive access to the best paddleboard, kayak and tube rentals through Big Dog Rec!
2. Mountain Beach Play
The Sunriver area has many pristine lakes with beach access and recreational opportunities for the entire family! Spend the day playing in the sand, swimming and splashing, relaxing on a float tube, or paddling around in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. If you are a guest at one of our Bennington rental properties, you’ll receive exclusive access to the best rental equipment through Big Dog Rec! Our favorite lakes in the Central Oregon region are (click for map location): East Lake, Elk Lake, Cultus Lake, and Twin Lake.
3. Paulina Plunge
Discover the adventure of Paulina Plunge! A fun family excursion that includes a little of everything: mountain biking, some nature hikes, waterfall viewing, and the iconic Paulina Plunge. Guided tours are available as well. Click HERE for all the details.
Photo Credit: PaulinaPlunge.com
4. Bike to Benham Falls
A bit icy in the winter and spring months, this beautiful and scenic trail is the perfect way to kick off summer in Sunriver! There are both paved and unpaved trails that are easiest enough for even the most novice rider. This out-and-back trail along the Upper Deschutes is about 6 miles total with a stunning view of Benham Falls – a stretch of fast-moving whitewater rapids. Read more about this trail (and many others in the Sunriver area) HERE. Need a bike for the day or duration of your stay? If you are a guest at one of our Bennington rental properties, you’ll receive exclusive access to the best bike rentals through Big Dog Rec!
Photo Credit: BendBulletin.com
5. Enjoy a Treat at Goody’s Ice Cream
The Village at Sunriver is an open-air shopping district with incredible dining, boutiques, breweries, coffee shops…and Goody’s! Nothing says summer more than a homemade ice cream cone on a hot Summer day! At Goody’s, you’ll find craft chocolates and handmade ice cream using fresh local ingredients – from their family to yours. Find out more about Goody’s and The Village HERE.
6. “Running of the Horses”
During the summer months, you can watch the wonder and awe of the beautiful Sunriver horses as they gallop and rumble across the pasture during the morning and afternoon roundup. These summertime runs generally occur twice daily in the morning and evening. Want to do more than just observe? Sunriver Stables offers horseback trail riding, lessons, and pony rides. For more information, please call (541) 593-6995.
7. Bike Around the Great Meadow
During the summer months, you can watch the wonder and awe of the beautiful Sunriver horses as they gallop and rumble across the pasture during the morning and afternoon roundup. These summertime runs generally occur twice daily in the morning and evening. Want to do more than just observe? Sunriver Stables offers horseback trail riding, lessons, and pony rides. For more information, please call (541) 593-6995.