Sunriver sits at a fascinating place in the Central Oregon landscape—in more ways than one. Just about 17 miles south of Bend, the cozy community resides along the forested banks of the Deschutes River, sits surrounded by ponderosa pines as far as the eye can see, and is at the foot of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
That unique location has given rise to a number of natural wonders, beloved attractions, and memorable experiences for outdoor lovers and families alike. Some of the top Sunriver, Oregon, attractions include:
- Experience the Thrill of Paulina Creek Falls
- Stargazing at the Oregon Observatory
- Explore Central Oregon by Horseback
- Explore Lava River Cave
- Summit Lava Butte for Stunning Views
- Walk the Trail of the Molten Land
- Explore the Cardinal Landing Bridge and Surrounding Trails
Keep reading for more on some of the top Sunriver, Oregon, activities that may make your next visit an unforgettable adventure.
1. Experience the Thrill of Paulina Creek Falls
At the edge of the Newberry Volcano’s expansive caldera, in the midst of a lush forest, sits Paulina Creek Falls—a thundering cascade in which two plumes fall next to each other over a volcanic rock shelf and into a rocky streambed roughly 80 feet below.
Also known as Paulina Falls, the picturesque waterfall is fed by Paulina Lake and remains an impressive site as long as the road into the heart of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument is accessible (usually between June and October). Enjoy a top-down view from near the parking lot at the Paulina Falls Day-Use Area, or follow a short, 0.4-mile (round-trip) trail to the banks of Paulina Creek and the base of the waterfall.
2. Stargazing at the Oregon Observatory
Watch for stars, planets, distant galaxies, and other celestial wonders at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory. Each night, the observatory helps amateur astronomers peer into the cosmos with help from the largest collection of publicly available telescopes in the United States. Low light pollution from the surrounding community helps ensure darker night skies, which leads to brighter and more vibrant displays high above.
For more about what you’re viewing, on-site astronomers and experts typically offer educational presentations before the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory opens each night—and follow that up with guided constellation tours when the skies get dark enough. Note that reservations are required, and layers are highly recommended to account for chilly temperatures after sunset.
Discover Central Oregon’s Dark Skies
Check out our Dark Sky Guide, your go-to resource for unforgettable stargazing in Central Oregon—from Sunriver to Sisters, Antelope to Prineville Reservoir—where certified dark sky destinations offer some of the clearest night skies in the world.
3. Explore Central Oregon by Horseback
The open meadows, snow-capped peaks, and ponderosa pine forests at the doorstep to Sunriver evoke the Old West—so embrace the surroundings by horseback riding in Sunriver, Oregon.
Between May and October, the on-site Sunriver Stables caters to riders of all ages and skill levels with experiences that include a brief educational overview and a variety of rides through the surrounding landscapes. Corral rides are available if you’re not yet ready to hit the trail for a longer outing, and small children can sign up for short pony rides. Note that there is a strict 220-pound weight limit per rider.
4. Explore Lava River Cave
There’s a lot to love about Lava River Cave, which sits just 4.5 miles from Sunriver. The heart of the site is a mile-long lava tube that runs underground and is today maintained for hikers who are curious about the area’s geology; it was among the first lava tubes to be discovered in Oregon, and it is one of the state’s longest today. These days, hikers can descend a set of 55 stairs, traverse a boardwalk, and walk along the cave’s uneven floor while taking a trip back in time.
Before visiting, note that Lava River Cave Reservations are required whenever the cave is open to the public—from early May to mid-September—and can be acquired up to one week ahead of time. Once at the site, you’ll want to refrain from wearing boots that have been worn in other caves or mines (which protects the Lava River Cave’s bat population), wear layers and warm clothing (since temperatures hover around 42ºF year-round), and bring two light sources for safety (rentals are available for $5).
5. Summit Lava Butte for Stunning Views
As you head north from Sunriver, it’s almost impossible to miss the reddish cinder cone of Lava Butte Interpretive Site rising to the west of Highway 97. If you’ve ever been curious about the view from its summit, wonder no more: The Lava Butte Lookout is open mid-April to mid-October and, from its summit, offers 360-degree views of nearby Newberry Volcano, numerous Cascade peaks, a massive lava flow, dozens of smaller buttes, and seemingly endless forests of ponderosa pine. At the summit, you may walk a short trail through the Mars-like landscape and step inside the first floor of a working fire lookout. (Please refrain from disturbing the employees on the lookout’s second floor.)
If you’d like to visit the site, which is part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, be sure to plan ahead. Personal vehicles are permitted to drive to the summit between mid-April and mid-June, as well as from the Tuesday after Labor Day to mid-October; between mid-June and Labor Day, visitors must take a wheelchair-accessible shuttle from the Lava Lands Visitor Center at the base of the butte. Pedestrians and cyclists can head to the summit along the roadway anytime the butte is accessible between dawn and dusk.
6. Walk the Trail of the Molten Land
When you look down from the summit of Lava Butte, you quickly notice the expansive lava flow around its base. Get a closer look from along the Trail of the Molten Land, which departs from the Lava Lands Visitor Center. The loop trail measures about one mile, heads into the heart of the 7,000-year-old lava flow, and is one of the top things to do near Sunriver, Oregon; along the way, nearly a dozen interpretive panels discuss the eruption of Lava Butte, what made that eruption possible, and how various plants and animals survive in the harsh landscape today.
The entire Trail of Molten Land is paved, and a portion is wheelchair-accessible. Note that parking for the trail is only generally accessible when Lava Lands Visitor Center is open between early May and mid-October.
7. Explore the Cardinal Landing Bridge and Surrounding Trails
Sometimes in life, the most gratifying pleasures are the simplest. Such is the case at Cardinal Landing Bridge, a picturesque wooden footbridge that crosses the Deschutes River at the western edge of Sunriver. Visit the bridge at sunset to admire the Deschutes River in all of its glassy glory—or cross it throughout the day to connect to numerous mountain biking and hiking trails that head through the heart of Sunriver and along the riverfront.
Learn more about other fun attractions when you visit Sunriver.
Plan Your Unique Trip to Sunriver
Ready to plan your horseback ride, night under the stars, or otherworldly experiences in the midst of rugged lava flows and other natural beauty? Keep a few things in mind ahead of your next trip.
Sunriver attractions: Some outings, like the Lava River Cave and Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, required timed-entry permits or advance reservations. Once you confirm your dates and are researching the trip, see which activities might require advance bookings—and make those as soon as possible, especially for summer visits.
Restaurants: A palate-pleasing mix of restaurants and eateries dot the Sunriver area. Check out our guide to dining in Sunriver, Oregon, for the latest on where to go and what you’ll find across the community—no matter the occasion.
Overnight stays: By far, the biggest and best-known overnight option around town is Sunriver Resort. The massive resort offers guest rooms and lodge suites for cozier getaways, as well as vacation rentals for groups of all sizes, throughout a handful of communities. That means you’ll find the right accommodation for your needs. For summer weekends and winter holiday getaways, try booking four to six months out—or longer, if you know your dates—for the best possible selection of overnight stays.
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
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Lava Butte Lookout
Head into the heart of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument at the Lava Butte Interpretive Site, home to a short walking trail, expansive views, and a working fire lookout. It all sits atop its namesake cinder cone, which rises 500 feet above the surrounding landscape—which includes a lava flow that measures nine square miles. (That lava flow is more than a quarter the size of the city of Bend.) Hikers and bicyclists can walk the road to the summit of Lava Butte all year long, while those in personal vehicles or an on-site shuttle can visit the summit between spring and early fall. From the summit, views include Cascade Range peaks (such as Mount Bachelor), the rim of Newberry Caldera, surrounding forests of ponderosa pine, ancient lava flows, and smaller buttes that dot the landscape. If you'd like to stretch your legs and savor even more views, take a short walk on the quarter-mile trail that follows the rim of the cone.
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Newberry National Volcanic Monument
The Newberry National Volcanic Monument protects, preserves, and showcases its namesake volcano—which runs 75 miles north to south, spans 27 miles at its widest point, and covers nearly 1,200 square miles of Central Oregon terrain.
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Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
Bask in the wonders of the cosmos at Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory—which helps amateur astronomers understand the depths of outer space with the largest collection of publicly accessible telescopes in the United States. All year long, staff members and volunteers bring together telescopes of varying sizes to showcase stars, planets, satellites, moons, constellations, galaxies, meteor showers, and other cosmic curiosities. Depending on the night, visitors can enjoy a 1.5-hour, in-depth session that begins with an educational overview—or an hour-long affair that dives right into the nighttime viewing. Each session ends with a guided constellation experience.
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Horseback Riding in Sunriver, Oregon
For many, exploring new trails and breathing in the fresh mountain air is best done on horseback. And what better place to get in the saddle than in beautiful Sunriver, Oregon. Here, trail rides meander along the Deschutes River, offering mountain views and showcasing the natural beauty of the region. Enjoy corral rides, pony rides, lessons and guided trail rides on horses selected specifically for the comfort and ability of the rider.
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Sunriver
Imagine the perfect vacation -- a place where snow-capped mountains gleam in the distance, a meandering river cuts through picturesque fields of sagebrush and wild grass, days start with a bike ride to fresh coffee and pastries from a local shop and end with a cocktail or locally brewed beer, and every outdoor adventure is within reach. That perfect vacation exists -- it’s all available in Sunriver, Oregon.