Is 2024 the year you’re finally going to tackle those top bucket list to-dos? If your idea of a good time involves the great outdoors, you’ll find plenty of ways to lighten that list in the landscapes of Sisters, Oregon. Nestled in the heart of Central Oregon, Sisters is your gateway to a tapestry of natural wonders, vibrant local events, and endless outdoor pursuits. Grab your calendar, your list, and maybe your hiking boots as we guide you through the ultimate 2024 Bucket List for your Sisters vacation.
1. Smith Rock State Park: Rock Your World
Climbers, rejoice! As one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon, Smith Rock State Park is a mecca for vertical adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a newbie eager to scale new heights, these towering rocks offer routes for every level. The park posts close to 2000 routes ranging from fourth class to 5.14, including the infamous Monkey Face Area and The Dihedrals, an accordion of sheer rock faces that immortalized Smith Rock as the home of modern Sport Climbing. Not into climbing? The park’s variety of hiking trails, slackline runs, and stunning river canyons are equally breathtaking. It's a geological wonder that will rock your world, literally!
2. The Deschutes National Forest: A Forest of Fun
Step into the Deschutes National Forest, and you’ll understand why trees are the original skyscrapers. Spanning over 1.5 million acres and five distinct wilderness areas, this emerald expanse is a playground for nature enthusiasts–and it’s right in our backyard. Trek through lush trails, paddle serene lakes, climb ancient cinder cones or take a lazy float down the Deschutes River. It’s not just a forest; it’s a forest-full of adventure!
3. Newberry Volcanic National Monument: A Volcanic Adventure
Ever dreamed of conquering a volcano? Add Newberry Volcanic National Monument to your list! This geological gem is a testament to Mother Nature's fiery power. Hike up the slopes of a real-life volcano, explore ancient lava tubes, and be awed by the sprawling (and very active) caldera. Whether you're trekking through the lava cast forest or marveling at the sparkling lakes within the caldera, Newberry offers a 'molten' mix of adventure and awe. It’s a volcanic experience that’s truly erupting with excitement!
4. Dee Wright Observatory: A Stellar Stargazing Experience
As night falls, make your way to the Dee Wright Observatory for a celestial spectacle. Perched atop the McKenzie Pass, this unique observatory offers panoramic views of the star-studded sky unobstructed by city lights. Gaze through the observatory's windows at constellations and shooting stars, feeling a connection to the universe like never before. With its surreal, moon-like landscape and the Milky Way above, stargazing here is simply out of this world.
5. Fly Fishing in the Metolius River: Reel in the Peace
Ready for a reel adventure? The Metolius River is a fly-fishing paradise. Whether you're a novice or an expert angler, the river's crystal-clear waters and abundant trout make for an idyllic fishing experience. And our cabins at Camp Sherman will keep you a stone’s throw from the day’s catch at all times (without leaving you water-logged.) It's not just about catching fish; it's about catching moments of peace in nature's embrace.
6. Sisters Events: One-of-a-Kind Experiences
The point of a bucket list is experiencing new things you don’t find everyday. In Sisters, that includes our array of annual events and festivals that offer a unique chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. From a ‘sew-nique’ experience at the 2024 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show in July to a hoppy escape at September’s annual Fresh Hop Festival, our lineup of local events should definitely top your Central Oregon Bucket List.
As you go about your bucket list adventures, let Sisters Vacation Rentals ensure your home away from home is also one for the record books. Enjoy glamping gone wild in a luxury yurt at Jumping Juniper Ranch, where 40 acres of wild natural beauty (and a babbling waterfall pond) lie right outside your cozy retreat. Or pick an authentic pine log cabin on the edge of Deschutes National Forest for a backyard full of bucket list-worthy pursuits.
The early bird gets the bucket list, so don’t wait–browse our
available rentalsand book your stay in Sisters today!