Paulina Peak is one of the prominent landmarks in the La Pine, Sunriver area.  Now known as Newberry National Monument this peak or small mountain range provides great fun both summer or winter.  Today we will talk about snowmobiling.  Many of the area locals find Paulina to be the perfect place to snowmobile.  Groomed trails, miles upon miles of wilderness and a lodge at both East Lake and Paulina are just a few of the things that attract snowmobilers to the area.

Even if you do not snowmobile there are options for those that love the wilderness – take the cat ride up to the lodge for dinner – stay in a cabin and see what winter really is all about.  Life in Central Oregon is a life style and this mountain will show you a lot of what we find so magical about Central Oregon.

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One of my favorite spots in Central Oregon is Salt Creek Falls.  Salt Creek Falls is the second highest waterfall in Oregon.  Measuring 268 feet high and averaging 50,000 gallons of water a minute the site is spectacular.  Years ago to view the falls you had to park on the side of Highway 58 and hike to the observation point. Today, Salt Creek Falls is a rest stop and snow park with great paved parking, flushing potties and picnic areas.

This park was designed for all ages and abilities.  There are paved handicap paths with ramps to take to you to the top of the falls or more rugged paths with old stone and stairs.  As you come to the end of the improved area the trail to the bottom of the waterfall is still in place.

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The High Desert Museum  has something for everyone.  You can always expect to see wild life from the Central Oregon region and see and hear how the pioneers lived and settled the area.  A couple times a year additional exhibits are added, so there is always something new to see and do.

The High Desert Museum is a great day trip and truly offers something for everyone.  There is nothing better than seeing a child or adult learn something new by experiencing it first hand.

The location of the museum is right on Hwy 97 between Sunriver and Bend Oregon.  The museum is on the east side of the highway and there is a left hand turn lane for those coming from the north.

Some of our family favorites are the owls, and other wild life.

covered wagon photo courtesy of www.commons.wikimedia.org

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Geese in Drake Park

Today is day 5 of our newest project of 365 things to do in Central Oregon. Today we visit a park that is located on the edge of Downtown Bend, Drake Park. Bend Oregon is called such because it is located on a Bend in the River – this park is one of the first in the area. The trees certainly show that – they are huge old growth Ponderosa Pine Trees that reach high up into the beautiful blue sky.

Drake Park runs for several blocks along The Big Deschutes River. Drake Park is the perfect place for a picnic lunch, and an extra loaf of bread to feed the ducks.  We often take the grand kids here to burn off some extra steam, and to just have time to sit and as one of our favorite movies say “cop a squat.”

This is a park that we will most likely revisit for some of the summer events that take place in Drake Park.  Drake Park is often the center of many festivities in the Bend area including Munch N Music.

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Day 4 of 365 things to do in Central Oregon brings us to a great place to take the kids in any season.  This indoor bounce house paradise is the perfect place to let the kids blow off some steam and possibly give adults the time to go back to their childhood and play too. Bouncing Off The Wall is a great place for the young and young at heart. We love to take the grandkids here when their energy is more than we can keep up with.  An hour or two here and they will take a nap.  Even the adults can join in.  With huge blow up bounce house, Velcro Wall, obstacle course, huge inflatable slide,   hoola hoops, even an infant area and more there truly is something for everyone.  Bouncing Off The Wall does have several party packages also. If you have a birthday party they have a huge throne for the birthday king or queen to sit in.  Our kids and grand kids love this place and we hope you will too.

Located at 1134 SE CENTENNIAL COURT, BEND OR 97702

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No matter what Central Oregon brings to you in the way of weather, Sun Mountain Fun Center in Bend, Oregon is always a hit for the entire family.  Today is day 3 of 365 Things to do in Central Oregon.  Today, I took 2 of my grandsons to Sun Mountain Fun Center.  Although they tend to like the ticket games, I found that there was something for everyone.

The facility is clean, family friendly and offers a lot of great activities, bowling, arcade, snack bar and more.  The arcade reminded me of the entrance to a casino and that made me wonder if kids get as excited to play as some adults do.  We found the staff to be fun, friendly and helpful.

I would certainly encourage you to visit Sun Mountain Fun Center, we will be back in the spring when the Go Carts run – as another great thing to do in Central Oregon.

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What is an OHV?  Off Hwy Vehicle – this includes, motorcycles, ATV’s and other toys that so many of us in Central Oregon enjoy.  Central Oregon has a complex and fun trail system for these vehicles, but they also have specific areas set aside for the public to enjoy riding without disturbing others or being disturbed.

The rules of the area are posted at the entrance and in each of the parking areas.  The rules are pretty simple, and include but are not limited to wearing a helmet if the law requires, and mufflers.  There are a couple of spectator areas where you can safely watch while others ride.  There are several picnic tables, so bring your lunch and make a day out of playing in the dirt at the Rosland OHV Play Area.  See below for a link to a map of how to get there.

Rosland OHV Play Area

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Pizza is a sure hit with everyone when traveling, visiting, hanging out around the house or just about any occasion. La Pine, Oregon has a great new little pizza and place called The Pit Stop. The Pit Stop is located on HWY 97, so it is easy for those traveling to stop in.

Our family loves their pizza, but they offer more than pizza. The menu also includes, burgers, sandwiches, soup, salad, chili, wings, fries and more. We love to watch a game on the big screen while visiting and having a great pizza with super service. Tell Teri the owner you heard about them on this site.

Pit Stop Pizza is open Monday through Thursday 11 to 8, Friday & Saturday 11 to 9 and Sunday 11 to 7. Give them a call for fast to go orders 541-536-8899

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Today is day one on a new venture, as a long time local I am often asked what are some of the must do and see things in Central Oregon. To start we will take on 365 things – that will be one new thing every day for a year. I know there will be a few days we miss – so to plan ahead I will occasionally give you more than one thing to do on a day. At the end of a year, we will have 365 things to do in Central Oregon. I welcome your comments, suggestions and feedback on any of these posts.

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