Halloween is officially over, and the Casago team is already counting down the days until the holidays begin. We’re determined to make this season a much-needed time of celebration and joy with our closest loved ones. If you’re coming to visit us in Sunriver, it’ll be time to pack your bags before you know it! As our attention shifts toward planning a perfect holiday, we want to get you updated on the latest activities and events news in Sunriver.

We’ll break down all the fun and exciting things to do this Thanksgiving holiday season and what changes you and your family can expect.
Before we begin, here are a few things to keep in mind when planning activities for your beloved family.
Social distancing is still a really big deal
It’s hard to forget that COVID-19 is still here and active in our little community. Do your due diligence, and research safety practices before heading out to any public place. As always, we recommend that you have a plan for preventing the spread while your family enjoys our town.
Keep it simple
Sometimes in our ambition to make the holidays fun and festive, we end up packing in too many activities and elicit more irritability from our children than excitement. Make sure you space out events and include days to relax in your vacation planning.
It’s going to be busy
The holidays inevitably mean crowds for resort towns, and that includes Sunriver. Whenever possible, reserve your spot in an event, and call ahead to get seating at restaurants. With limited capacity, this is going to be a bigger issue than usual. However, with a little planning and preparation, you have nothing to worry about!
Now that we’ve got the housekeeping out of the way, let’s dive into the fun!

Thanksgiving Dinnner
Ditch the apron, and take the family out to a (COVID-safe) Thanksgiving dinner.
These are the restaurants doing Thanksgiving dinners in Sunriver:

Carson’s American Kitchen. Reservations open up around the 12th of November, so reserve your spot early if you can

These are the restaurants that are closed on Thanksgiving Day:

Sunriver Brewing
El Caporal
Marcello’s Cucina Italiana
The Village Bar & Grill
Basecamp Grill
South Bend Bistro

Or, you can drive about 20 minutes into Bend for Thanksgiving dinner at one of these fine restaurants:

Pine Tavern is open and will serve a custom menu with varying rates. Time slots are filling up fast, so reserve quickly by calling the restaurant if possible
Greg’s Grill starts taking reservations on the 1st of November and will be offering a custom menu
The Pronghorn Resort is a little further north of Bend, but the views and the food will be well worth it at this upscale restaurant. They are taking reservations as of now, and space is expected to fill up quickly

Black Friday Shopping
This Black Friday, take your family to The Village at Sunriver to #ShopLocal. Get a full directory of stores here, or just show up, grab some cocoa at one of the many coffee shops, and start browsing!

Other Activities
The chances of there being snow in Sunriver is about 50/50, so we added suggestions for activities both with and without snow.
Snowshoe Tours
Pack your gear and strap on a pair of snowshoes for an unforgettable experience that will bring you and your family closer together. If the snow has fallen, check out Wanderlust Tours to get your family out on the best trails that Sunriver has to offer. If you want to take a stab at it without guidance, the Paulina Creek + Falls Loop Trail is a perfect start.

Fall Hiking
If there is no snow on the ground, you and your family might want to hit the trails. The Deschutes River Trail near Sunriver spans about 10 miles, with scenic views of the river along the entire route. Because of the many access points that it offers, you can choose which area to start and end on.
Fishing
Fall is prime time for fishing in Sunriver. If you’re striking out on your own, check out the Fall River Trail. Or, you can’t go wrong when you contact Hookfish for a guided fly fishing tour.
No matter how you choose to spend your family vacation in Sunriver, Oregon, you’re sure to find incredible adventures outside and make lasting memories inside. Also, if you’re looking for a vacation rental, be sure to check the availability of our many properties on our home page!

Grab your floatie, a coozie, and your favorite people, and take advantage of those final summer days to float the Deschutes River in Sunriver!
Nothing screams, “drench me in cold water,” more than being in the High Desert during another record-breaking heatwave. Luckily, it takes minimal effort or cash to spend an afternoon tubing in Sunriver.
Floating the river is one of the most accessible activities that someone can do outside. Put on a bathing suit (or a pair of shorts and a T-shirt that you don’t mind getting wet), lie across the top of a plastic inner tube, point your sandal-clad feet downstream, and let the river’s current take care of the rest. The activity’s sheer simplicity makes it the perfect way for couples, friends from work, families, bridal parties, college roommates, corporate retreat goers, golfing buddies, and just about everyone else to beat the heat.
“We get just about every group that you can imagine,” said Chris Sherman, a supervisor at the Sunriver Resort Marina. Sherman offers people everything that they’d need to spend an afternoon floating the river — including a ride to and from their put-in spot — for about $40 per person.
Floating the river is just one of the many outdoor activities that you should consider when planning your next trip to Sunriver. Another thing to think about is having a great place to stay, so check out Arrived Sunriver’ website, and find the best short-term rental for your trip today.

Floating the Deschutes in Sunriver.
The Sunriver Resort Community sits halfway down a 17.2-mile stretch of the Upper Deschutes River that flows from the Big River Campground to Benham Falls. There are five pseudo-public places on this section where you can put a canoe, kayak, or inner tube into the water and take it out.
These include:

Big River Boat Launch (RM 199.2, right side of the river) — This put-in spot is on Bonanza Lane in the Deschutes National Forest near the Big River Group Campground.
Harper’s Bridge (RM 191.7, right side of the river) — You’ll find this put-in spot on Spring River Road, just west of where it splits off from South Century Drive.
Besson Day Use Area (RM 189.2, left side of the river) — The Besson Day Use Area is a small picnic spot off Forest Road 200 in the Deschutes National Forest.
Sunriver Canoe Takeout (RM 183.1, right side of the river) — The Sunriver Canoe Takeout, also known as Benham Butte, is located at the end of Forest Road 600.
Benham Falls East Day Use Area (RM 182.0, right side of the river) — Just off Forest Road 9702, this is the last place to exit the river before it hits a waterfall.

Popular trips for tubing in Sunriver include floating downstream from Big River to Harper’s Bridge (7.5 miles), from Harper’s Bridge to the Sunriver Canoe Takeout (8.6 miles), and from the Besson Day Use Area to the Benham Falls East Day Use Area (7.2 miles). Each trip takes three to five hours, depending on the river’s current and how much paddling you want to do.
Sherman said that he likes floating the Upper Deschutes River because the water is flat and steady. People won’t have to worry about navigating through a rocky stretch of the river or shimmying over the river banks so they can walk past fast-flowing rapids.
He also likes this stretch of river because it’s less crowded than a section of the Deschutes River that flows by the Old Mill District in Southwest Bend. That part of the river features a two-hour float from Riverbend Park to Drake Park.
People looking for a shorter trip in Sunriver might want to try using the Sunriver Marina’s private boat dock, which sits a mile downriver from the Besson Day Use Area. Sherman runs a shuttle service that takes people from his business to Harper’s Bridge. They can then spend two to three hours floating the river before they hop out at the marina and grab a post-float margarita and enchiladas at the Hola! Mexican/Peruvian restaurant on Deschutes Road.
Follow the river rules.
Do note that Sherman said that the marina’s boat launch is private property and firmly asks that people get his permission to use it before making it part of their trip.
Four other put-in/take-out spots on the Upper Deschutes River — Big River, Besson Day Use, Sunriver Canoe Takeout, and Benham Falls — are part of the Deschutes National Forest. People who use these access points must pay a $5 recreation fee or display a Northwest Forest Pass on their window. Failure to do so could result in a steep fine. Fortunately, Casago currently offers full reimbursement if you purchase a Northwest Forest Pass during your stay with them (call for details).
Outside of that, Sherman advised people to follow these simple rules of the river if they want to spend an afternoon tubing in Sunriver:

Watch the weather — The Upper Deschutes River is very cold because most of its water comes from melting snow. Sherman said that this puts people at risk of developing hypothermia, and won’t taking trips out if it is less than 80 degrees outside.
Do not tether — Sherman said that it’s tempting to tie your tubes together, especially if one of them is carrying a cooler full of beer. But the extra rope could get caught on a snag and dump you and everything else in your tube into the water.
Bring a life jacket — State law requires every child under 12 to wear a lifejacket when floating the river. Sherman said that adults should at least keep one handy because the river runs deep, fast, and cold.
Come prepared — Finally, Sherman reminds people to bring sunscreen because they’re at a high altitude, and there’s little shade on the water. People should also bring water, food, and a bag to collect their trash and throw it away in a trash can later.

There are other options too, such as Good-to-Go in the Sunriver Village and Sunriver ToyHouse Toys just past the Business Park. These require your own transportation, including drop-off and pick-up, so be sure you’re prepared.
Don’t forget that having an excellent place to stay while you’re visiting Sunriver can be just as important as making sure that your inner tube is fully inflated and that you’ve got sunscreen and a life jacket on your trip. Click here to see the properties that we have available at Arrived Sunriver today. We even have air-conditioned rentals if you’re looking for another way to beat the heat now or next summer!

As we are working toward re-opening the state and the travel business, this is a great time to think about how to improve your property and maximize the value. If you want to have a hotly-demanded property that is always booked up and making money, your property will have to stand out in a crowded field of options!
While some guests look for the perfect location or amenities, many guests book based purely on the pictures your home. They might be looking for a place that is modern, charming, or cozy. Other guests may book based purely on the high reviews of people who have stayed there before. The look and reviews of the interior of your home makes a huge difference to potential renters!
The good news, is that you don’t need to spend a fortune updating your property to see a strong return-on-investment. You might have spent your quarantine binge-watching “Property Brothers” and “Fixer Upper” and have plans to knock down walls and redesign your whole home, but that isn’t necessary either. HGTV has great inspiration, but sometimes just a few simple touches can make a huge impact on the look of your home.
Here’s a few simple things you can do to update the interior of your vacation home, to get your rental some extra attention!
Fresh Paint
Nothing goes further to update the look of your house than a fresh coat of paint. Paint is relatively cheap, makes a quick weekend project, and it can do wonders for your space. While you want to give your house some personality, try to go with neutral colors.  Avoid bold color choices (hot pink, we are looking at you). While you may love bright colors, they may turn off some visitors.  If you do want to add some color, try getting inspiration from the annual Panton Color of the Year selection. The  Pantone 2020 choice is Classic Blue.  You can also check out the Timeless Color collection from Sherwin-Williams for ideas that will appeal to a broad audience.

Give it Personality
Try using a favorite decoration as a theme for the house or the room. You can use one piece to inspire color choices, wall art, window treatments, lights, etc. Choose something you like, or feel passionate about.
For example, if you love fishing, decorate with some antique fishing rods, paddles, baskets, or framed maps of the local rivers. If you love skiing, maybe put up some vintage skis, pictures of Mt. Bachelor, or trail maps of your favorite ski resorts. Or try keeping it local and decorating with a classic Oregon theme, using photographs of your favorite destinations and pieces from local artisans.
Avoid Fragile Décor
We generally recommend against using your grandmother’s china, glass bowls, or priceless antiques as decor for a vacation rental. Accidents happen. If you have kids, you know they happen often, and always in the worst possible place (usually someone else’s home). While there is always a damage deposit to fall back on, you don’t want to risk anything expensive or of sentimental value.
Less is More
Don’t Overdo your décor. While you don’t want it to feel too sparse, there can be too much of a good thing. Avoid clutter.

Make sure you have art or decorations on the walls, but that you can still see the walls. Decorate your mantle with a piece or two, but don’t cram it full of decorations. Have a vase with flowers on the table, but don’t put out a complex centerpiece.
On the flip side, don’t underwhelm with your decor. Avoid large, blank walls. Put down accent rugs on your hardwood floors, make sure you have window treatments up, and fill your bookshelves.
Furniture Matters
Use quality furniture and be sure to fix anything showing signs of aging. No one likes a squeaky bed frame, a sagging couch, or a threadbare chair! Pick furniture that’s hard to stain or scratch and will stand up to the wear and tear of many guests.
While nice furniture may cost more up front, it will not need to be replaced as frequently, saving money over the life of your vacation rental. Good furniture doesn’t necessarily mean brand new; check antique stores for nice dressers, tables, benches, or chairs you can add to your existing pieces to create an eclectic, homey look.
Make sure you have enough furnishings to provide plenty of drawer and closet storage for your guests. They may not want to live out of suitcases for a week-long stay.
Let there be Light
Unless you are renting to a vampire, no one wants to sit in a dark house. Dark spaces feel small and uncomfortable.  Make sure you have plenty of bright light fixtures to light up each room. Pay particular attention to bedrooms, the living room, and the kitchen, which may not have enough ceiling lights.
Check your window treatments as well, and make sure they are working correctly and contributing to your space. Natural light is the best light!
Make it Cozy
As a vacation rental owner, your goal is to make your home feel like a home away from home to your guests. Make it feel cozy. Add some throw blankets and accent pillows to couches and chairs.  Make sure beds have plenty of pillows and plush comforters for chilly nights.
Remember that cozy does NOT mean clutter! It means soft fabrics, comfortable furnishings, and a homey environment.
Know your Crowd
If your primary goal is to rent to families, make sure you have a kid-friendly bedroom (hello, bunk beds!) with appropriate décor. Consider keeping a collection of games, bean bag chairs, and use outlet protectors.

Is your rental dog-friendly?
Consider setting up a corner for Fido, with a dog dish, hook for a leash, and a dog bed.
Take Down Personal Items
We know this is YOUR home. But when you are renting it to other families, you want to make them feel like it’s THEIR home. Don’t use personal pictures of your family for decoration, or decorations with your family name on them. It makes a renter feel like they are invading your personal space and they may be less likely to leave a positive review.
That goes for storage, too.  Keep the closets clear. If you want to keep personal items for your own use like clothes, toys, personal electronics, or personal sports equipment, store it in a locked closet, garage, or room.

Pack a picnic, and take your family to these hotspots during your spring break in Sunriver, Oregon
Spring can be an interesting time of year for mountain towns: Businesses and tourism slows down, the weather is variable, and a collective quiet settles over our little community. What many people don’t know is that spring is actually the perfect time to visit these places. Who wouldn’t want lower prices, shorter wait times, and empty trails?
However, we all know that spring can pack a winter punch in areas like ours (in fact, it’s about to snow as we’re writing this). If you happen to be one of those people not on the spring skiing bandwagon, you might be wondering what else there is to do in Sunriver. Turns out, there are quite a few interesting warmer desert destinations only a short distance away. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites to add to your agenda for those less cooperative “spring” days:

Fort Rock
Fort Rock is a stunning natural landmark that rises out of the flat desert topography in awe-inspiring fashion. It’s shaped in almost a full circle, giving it the look of a fort. The landmark is only a short 55 minutes from Sunriver and is free to visit. Once you arrive, you can walk out to the rock and begin exploring. You and your family can either follow the unmarked trails or easily climb over the rocks for off-path exploring. You could spend half a day checking out the unique natural scenery.
Things to know:

If you’re bringing the family pet, leashes are required.
Lunch: There is a delicious Mexican restaurant in La Pine called Cinco De Mayo, a perfect stop on the way home for a burrito and a margarita. Their homemade tortillas are the best in Central Oregon!
If you have any family members with a fascination for the Old West, check out the Homestead Village Museum nearby, a collection of old deserted buildings.

Smith Rock
Smith Rock, probably the most famous desert destination in Central Oregon, is also less than an hour’s drive from Sunriver. It’s well known for its world-class rock climbing and scenery that you just have to see for yourself. Unlike Fort Rock, Smith Rock charges a small parking fee of $5. (Pro tip: Their machines only take cards, not cash.)
At Smith Rock, it is recommended that your family stay on the trails, unless of course, they’re top-roping some rocks. For hiking, you can find a trail to suit any level of difficulty, from the seven-mile Summit Loop to the half-mile North Point Trail
Things to know:

Leashes are required.
The closest nearby restaurant is Terrebonne Depot, or you can check out a number of breweries in Redmond, Oregon, another nearby town.
Prepare to be winded: The climb out of the state park is no easy feat. Make sure you move slow and stop for breaks if needed.

The Badlands
Perhaps a lesser-known desert destination is the Central Oregon Badlands Wilderness, a short 35-minute drive from Sunriver. This large Bureau of Land Management property consists of nearly 30,000 acres and countless activities. One of the most popular trails is the six-mile Flatiron Rock Trail, but don’t let that intimidate you — the total elevation gain is only 60 feet!
There are several attractions to making the six-mile trek: The Cascade Mountain scenery is breathtaking, the caves are fascinating to explore, and perhaps the most interesting, the Native Americans left hints of their camps behind with old drawings and fire pits under the overhanging rocks.
Things to know:

This area looks mountain-bike friendly but the trails are not.
There’s no fee to enter the area.
Leashes are not required.
Pack a picnic; you’re likely to be gone longer if you decide to hit the Flat Iron Rock Trail, and there isn’t much civilization nearby.

The Painted Hills
The Painted Hills is a bit more of a trek than the others, but it’s more than worth the journey. According to Travel Oregon, the scenery is one-of-a-kind:

“The hills get their name from the delicately colored stratifications in the soil and the yellows, golds, blacks and reds of the Painted Hills are best seen in the late afternoon. Tones and hue may appear to change from one visit to another, as the claystones differ with ever-changing light and moisture levels.”

There are several trails for you and your family to explore. Many opt to either do one long trail or a series of shorter ones that allow them to see more of the park. Spring is a great time to visit this area, as visitors are likely to spot growing wildflowers.
Don’t forget to stop and check out the fossilized leaves!
Things to know:

You’ll want to fill up on gas before making the trip, as you won’t have a lot of opportunities to fill up on the way.
Pack a picnic; this one is an all-day journey.
There’s no fee to enter this area.
Pets must be on leashes at all times.

There you have it, our top desert destinations for your 2021 spring break vacation in Sunriver, Oregon. Don’t forget to visit our website when you’re ready to book your short-term rental!

Here in Central Oregon, we love taking our families skiing in the winter. Mt. Bachelor is an amazing mountain, with tons of acreage and ample terrain for every skill level. However, taking a family ski trip for the first time can be tough.

If your kids are too young to be in ski school or you just want to teach them how to ski yourself, you can bet that having young kids with you on the mountain will be a great deal of work. (Picture: tantrums, tears, whining, hauling extra gear a million miles, and moving at a snail’s pace for everything.) But you can also bet, it will be 100% worth the effort, with smiles, laughing, family bonding, and the thrill of watching your children learn new skills.

Family ski trips with young kids don’t have to be daunting. In fact, they can create some of the best memories of your lives! We’ve put together some do’s and don’ts to help your family get off on the right ski and keep everyone smiling by the end of the day!
DO: Buy your lift tickets ahead of time.

Booking your lift ticket online not only makes your wait in the ticket line much shorter, but kids 12 and under can ski for free if you buy your tickets online before your trip. Adult lift tickets are also cheaper the earlier you buy them, so be sure to book your lift tickets ahead of time.
DO: Practice putting ski gear on at home.

One of the biggest obstacles to teaching kids to ski is honestly just getting them in and out of their ski clothes. Trying new things that are outside of the normal routine are especially hard for toddlers and young kids.

Practice makes perfect! After you decide to book your ski trip, start getting your kids excited to go. Practice putting on all the layers, walking around in those clunky ski boots (if you have them at home), putting on a helmet and goggles, and wearing gloves. You don’t have to actually go skiing: Just get all the gear on and play outside, go sledding, or do something fun. This will make it way less dramatic when they have to put on all that gear for the actual ski day!
DO: Get your gear ready the night before.

Pack a bag the night before with your child’s gloves, ski helmet, outerwear, socks, goggles, sunscreen, hand-warmers, snacks, and change of clothes. Set the bag right by the door of your rental, so it’s ready to put in the car. Note: Don’t store the gear in the car overnight, as the big, plastic ski boots will be too cold and stiff to get on little feet easily.

Getting kids up, fed, and dressed in the morning is enough work as it is. Don’t make it more stressful on yourself by running around, trying to find your child’s goggles at the last second. Pre-packing for a ski day will also ensure you don’t forget any essentials!
DON’T: Be afraid to park at Sunrise.

Sunrise Base Area has all the kid-friendly, essential amenities with about HALF the walking. The lodge has food and restrooms, and if you enroll your child in ski school, most of the children’s lessons begin here. The Sunrise Base Area has access to all levels of terrain, but is especially convenient for small children with lots of green runs, parks, 2 magic carpets, and the Easy Rider lift/bunny-hill.

DON’T: Try to be a hero when carrying all the ski gear.

Kids are generally not strong enough to carry their skis very far and often drop poles and gloves on the way across the parking lot. Don’t try to juggle all your gear AND all of theirs at once. Give yourself an extra hand by bringing a sled or wagon to pull all the family gear from the parking lot to the base area. If there’s no room in the car for a sled, pick up a ski carrier from your local sporting goods store, that will secure your poles to your skis and will make it easier to carry multiple pairs.
DO: Take lots of snacks and breaks.

Nothing motivates a child like a good snack! Avoid the “hangry” meltdown by keeping a steady supply on-hand of goldfish, gummy bears, granola bars, or whatever your child’s favorite “special” treat is. Take off the gloves, and take a break at the bottom of the runs to refuel frequently.

If your kids are getting cold, head inside to warm up. Keep a game, book, or toy in your pocket or backpack for impromptu breaks in the Sunrise lodge. If your kids are comfortable on green runs, the mid-mountain Pine Marten Lodge can be a perfect stop for a mid-day hot cocoa, or a kid-friendly slice of pizza.
DO: Keep it fun.

The point of bringing your toddlers to the mountain is to foster a love of skiing. If they are not having fun, they probably won’t want to come back.

For younger children, take breaks to make snow angels, throw snowballs, read a book in the lodge, play tag, or even try snow tubing. If they are too small for tubing, pack your own sled and do some laps just outside the parking lot.
For kids who have some basic skiing skills, try spicing up the day by playing some games on skis. Try skiing through the trees to add a fun adventure, going over small jumps to add some challenge, or play follow-the-leader to work on turning skills and speed control.
DON’T: Forget to have some adult-only fun too.

Let’s keep it real… Spending a full day on the slopes with little kids can be exhausting. If you are doing a multi-day trip, consider booking at least one day in ski school or using Mt. Bachelor’s excellent childcare program. Mt. Bachelor’s Gravity School is one of the best kids’ ski programs around, teaching kids age 3.5 years and older.
Booking a day of lessons or childcare means you get some adult-speed runs in, while your kids have a total blast playing in the snow with their peers, and learning new skills. Don’t feel guilty – it’s totally worth it. Parents need vacation time too!

Plan your childcare and ski school days well ahead of time, because the programs do fill up.

DO: Go home while everyone is still smiling.

Most young children don’t have a lot of stamina on the slopes. Skiing is hard work when your muscles aren’t fully developed yet. Toddlers may only last an hour, where 5 year-olds may last a half-day or longer. Regardless of age, plan to quit while you are ahead!
If your kids start falling a lot, that’s usually a sign they are getting too tired. Pack it up and head back to the lodge before they start losing their “fun factor” and potentially avoid a meltdown in the process. .
It can be frustrating to feel like you aren’t getting your “money’s worth” out of a ski ticket, but play the long game and remember that the goal is to get them to develop a passion for skiing!

If you have ever vacationed in beautiful Sunriver, Oregon, and the surrounding area, you have likely been blown away by the region’s stunning landscape, as well as the fantastic vacation and resort-style amenities the towns of Sunriver and nearby Bend can provide for visitors. Sunriver is such an ideal getaway spot, it may be difficult to imagine the town was anything but an escape from the hectic qualities of everyday life and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors via hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, and all other manner of recreational activity. But, surprisingly enough, Sunriver and its surrounding area was not always the vacation paradise it is today. Read on to learn more about the history of Sunriver and gain a greater appreciation for this beautiful gem of central Oregon.
How Did Sunriver Get to Be So Pretty, Anyway?

Sunriver is a truly unique vacation spot – its hiking is unparalleled, and it is home to one of the world’s most hidden gems when it comes to ski resorts. How did such a marvelous place even come to be? About 7000 years ago, the volatile mountain now known as the Newberry National Volcanic Monument erupted, spewing thousands of tons of lava into the central Oregon area. This lava hardened and formed the famous Lava Lands, one of central Oregon’s most prominent tourist attractions. The lava also served a greater purpose: it effectively backed up the Deschutes River around the Benham Falls area, and this backup created a massive lake. Eventually, the river was able to overpower the lava and push through the backup. This increased river flow drained the giant lake, but the moisture the lake left behind led to the incredible lush plant life you can still admire in the Sunriver area today.
Who First Settled the Sunriver Area?
Native indigenous populations were drawn to Sunriver for the same reasons tourists visit the region today: it is simply stunning in its beauty and bounty. A number of archaeological discoveries and artifacts in the Sunriver area prove that native peoples lived in what is now Central Oregon for thousands of years before Europeans ever arrived. The first Europeans to visit the Sunriver area (the original tourists, if you will) were John C. Fremont and Kit Carson, the famous explorer and his guide. European immigrants first began to live in the area near the late 1800s, when the beautiful green expanses proved irresistible to cattle ranchers seeking to feed their herds. The region remained primarily ranch land for many years.
Was the Sunriver Area Ever Used for Anything Besides Ranching and Recreation?
As a matter of fact, the Sunriver area was once used for something much bigger than ranching and recreation, and it may surprise the gentle vacationers who frequent the region today for its pure beauty and simple lifestyle to learn about this one particular aspect of the Sunriver area’s past. In the earlier years of the second World War, after the United States of America had entered the fray, the United States Army was anticipating encountering the Axis Powers on foreign soil, in terrain that would be unfamiliar to most of their soldiers. The Army wished to better prepare their fighters, so they began scouting the entire United States for a place that topographically resembled the terrain of Northern Europe, where they would most likely be battling Hitler’s forces. It was determined that the region surrounding what is now Sunriver, Oregon – home at that time to a bunch of cattle ranchers – most closely resembled the climate and geographical layout of the region where German and American armed forces would be facing off. The United States Army commenced building what became known as Camp Abbot, a training ground for combatants that would train would-be soldiers in shooting, field maneuvers, and other basic combat skills on ground that supposedly looked and felt just like the forests of Northern Europe. Building began in 1942 and ended in 1943. Camp Abbot was fully operational for about a year and a half, and over ninety thousand soldiers in the United States Army trained there during the time it was open. The camp was closed in 1944 and ultimately completely deserted.

What Ended Up Happening to All Those Buildings?
Several of the remains of Camp Abbot are actually still viewable and usable by the public today. The most notable is the old Officer’s Club, now known today as the Great Hall that is owned and operated by the Sunriver Resort. The building still retains much of the original look and feel of the old Officer’s Club, and it is a fun historical site to explore. As for the rest of the buildings, most were demolished and a good portion of the land Camp Abbot was built on was returned to the United States Forest Service, though another large chunk was sold to private owners. Over the course of the next 70 years, the land in the Sunriver area has changed hands multiple times and bounced in between private and public ownership. These days, the bulk of the land is owned by developers and private homeowners, both those who live primarily in the area and those who enjoy the Sunriver region from their second home.
It is probably surprising to those who enjoy vacationing in Sunriver that the land could ever have been considered too remote for anyone besides hardy cattle ranchers, or that the United States Army officers looked at the lush, beautiful forests, and determined that this area would be the perfect place for their soldiers to learn how to survive in the wilderness. But both of these facts made it possible for Sunriver to become the vacation paradise it is today, appreciated and celebrated by all visitors. Sunriver’s rich history continues to this day, and it is guaranteed to be a beautiful getaway spot for people from all walks of life for years to come.

One Foot in the Snow …
Spring break in central Oregon can feel like two vacations for the price of one. As one parent on TripAdvisor notes, April temperatures can range from the ‘60s to below freezing on the slopes and can touch 80 down in the valleys. It’s a place where you can get “skiing and hiking, bike riding and swimming all in same week, and sometimes all in same day.” Even if you don’t plan to pack your days with that many activities, you’ll want to pack your trunk with many removable layers and footwear options. It’s a good spring break if you spend time in ski boots, hikers, and bare feet. Just a half-hour drive from Sunriver, Mt. Bachelor, and nearby scenic routes offer places to explore all these options.
Before setting out for the mountain, check the snow conditions, which can be unpredictable this time of year. The “Kids Ski Free” tickets are unfortunately all claimed this year, but there’s still a deal for April-May passes if you live in the area or are planning multiple trips. Buying online saves you $10 on all tickets, so don’t sleep on it! There are numerous options; make sure you understand them all in order to pick the best deal for your family and schedule. You can also book lessons for adults and kids, so you know in advance that everyone will have something to do at their level. The more advanced folks can do their runs while the beginners are with the instructor.
… And One in the Water!
Those days when you’re skiing in a t-shirt off-mountain may well be warm enough to swim (though lakes will surely be bracing!). From the north side of Mt. Bachelor, get on the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway for a roundabout way home that’s packed with volcanic lakes to swim in. Todd Lake is an easy hike — not highly prized for its swimming, but great for kids eager to catch frogs. Wading’s likely to be chilly past the shallows, but if your kids aren’t the fastidious type, a sunny day should give them a chance to get warm mud between their toes. Devil’s Lake is also rather shallow and muddy, Elk Lake has a more built-up resort, and Lava Lake has a campground and apparently, very tame deer. There are many more lakes further south and west, but after Lava, you’ll probably want to turn east on the NF 40 and head back to Sunriver.
There’s More to Mt. Bachelor Than Snow
But you don’t have to leave the mountain to find springtime alternatives to skiing. If snow conditions are iffy or you just want a change of pace, there are various summer activities that may be open, depending on your spring break dates. There’s mountain biking for the whole family, with many trails and ticket options, including the Sunshine Family Bike Park for newer riders. They have summer bike camps for kids, as well as a diverse fleet of rental bikes for those just exploring the sport.
Not into hurtling down trails on two wheels (or biting your nails while your kids careen past)? Then take the lift to Pine Marten Lodge for a guided hike on the short interpretive nature trail — a freebie with your lift ticket. Stick around the Lodge for a round of disc golf for a laid-back afternoon. Hardier groups can continue on up for a summit hike, but the website warns that trails above the lodge are “not patrolled; you will be hiking at your own risk.”
Grown-Up Time and Family Dining
If the adults in your crew want to get away for a tougher trail or civilized dinner with a view, childcare is available at the West Village Lodge. It serves kids six weeks to 10 years old, from Thanksgiving to April 21. There are a range of family-friendly, casual dining options on-mountain, as well as a few bars for adults-only time. Nearby Bend and Sunriver have many more options, many of which are both interesting and family-friendly, like on-trend street-food fusion spot Spork. Though the area isn’t rife with fancy grown-up dining, there are a few white-cloth places for a classy evening, like Bend’s Franco-Italian Ariana. You’ll definitely want to make a reservation, especially during spring break, as this place is reputed to create lines. After a long day on the mountain and dinner, with or without the kids, you can bet on a good night’s sleep back at Arrived Sunriver!

Most people who visit Sunriver, Oregon, are aware of how popular our little town is to visit in the summer. The streets are packed with tourists from around the country and even the world. However, as the leaves fall and the snow slowly floats in, the tourists seem to make their way out. It’s a curious phenomenon because winter is actually a prime time to visit Sunriver. In this post, we’ll make the case for a winter vacation in Sunriver, as well as list a few of the many things to do once you and your family arrive.
Why Visit Sunriver in the Winter?
Sunriver gets above-average snowfall. The average U.S. city gets about 29 inches of snowfall per year. Sunriver gets 49 inches. For your best chances of hitting snow, book a trip anytime between December and February, when snowfall is the highest (according to U.S. Climate Data).

Sunriver is a short 20 minutes to Mt Bachelor. Many people aren’t aware that if you drive to Mt. Bachelor from Sunriver, you get to take advantage of a quicker, more direct route to the mountain than you would from Bend. (Sidenote: If you’re not familiar with the area, Bend is a tourist destination about 20 minutes from Sunriver, with a more urban environment.)
Sunriver offers a quaint and quiet getaway. After experiencing all the strain and stress of COVID-19 and the resulting societal tension, many people are looking for a quieter getaway this winter. Sunriver can offer a scenic and relaxed family experience.
So, what exactly is there to do in the winter in Sunriver?
We’re glad you asked! The possibilities are truly endless, but here are a few ideas to get your metal wheels spinning.
Plan a family ski day
As mentioned, staying in Sunriver gives you a shorter, more direct route to Central Oregon’s famous Mt. Bachelor ski area. Once there, you can rent gear, book ski lessons, or strike out on your own and see where the hill takes you. If you’re bringing small children, be sure and check out our “Tips for Successful Skiing With Young Kids.”
Not interested in skiing? Mt. Bachelor also has an impressive sledding hill that the whole family will enjoy!
Lastly, strike out on the trails with a team of sled dogs. This lesser-known mountain adventure is sure to be a unique experience that your family will be talking about for years to come. (Note: They are not yet taking reservations for the 2020/21 ski season. You can call 541-382-1709 for more information.)

Visit the Village at Sunriver
Similar to Mount Bachelor, the Village at Sunriver offers endless opportunities for wintertime family fun. For starters, the ice skating rink has always been a favorite among tourists and locals alike. If you don’t currently own skates, you can rent them directly at the location.

If you have little ones, we highly recommend riding the Alpine Express Train around the Village for a fun, interactive tour (weather permitting).

Many visitors prefer a more relaxing experience, and the Village has you covered in that regard too. The shopping and dining could easily keep you busy for days — just show up and take a stroll! Along the way, there will be many places to stop and warm up with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
Go Snowshoeing
This one is for families that prefer to take advantage of the quiet solitude of the mountains. Pack a picnic lunch and other provisions, and set out on one of the many trails surrounding Sunriver. It takes a bit of work, but once you get to the top, you won’t be disappointed! Say hello to snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes and streams, and cold, crisp fresh air.
If you’ve got kiddos or first-timers, start them out with an easy trail, such as a one-mile loop in the Wanoga Snow Play Area Sno-Park. This dog-friendly trail will serve as a great introduction to snowshoeing without wearing out the little ones too much.
Make the Most of It
Even though we’ve covered only a few of the many things there are to do in Sunriver’s vast outdoor playground, you’re probably starting to realize that no matter what you decide to do, you can’t go wrong. Sunriver truly is one of Oregon’s most beautiful winter wonderlands!

If you’re thinking about purchasing an investment property in Sunriver or you already have, you’re probably wondering how you can recoup your investment and make your new home-away-from-home stand out to potential guests.
There are many things that you can do to make sure your space is vacation-worthy to strangers and maximize your investment. We’ve whittled it down to the six most important tips for those starting out on this journey.
1. Make sure everything is in working order
This is the first and most important step to take before opening your property up to potential guests. If anything is broken, malfunctioning, or just plain ugly, your first guests won’t hesitate to write a scathing review and leave future travelers wary. It can be an uphill battle to remedy the situation and then solicit enough reviews to push the negative ones down the list. Even if you’re able to, your average will still suffer in the long term.

2. Professionally decorate
Unless you’re a professional decorator yourself, you’re going to want to hire one. Vacationers often book rentals based on the aesthetic alone, and by bypassing this important step, you’re automatically positioning yourself with the lower performing half of rental properties.

We recommend browsing Houzz or Pinterest for ideas to get a sense of your own taste before reaching out to a local decorating company. That said, Sohie and Saba, the famous professional decorating sibling duo, recommend considering your guests’ needs and desires over your own personal preferences.

Additionally, if the house has a unique feature, or you have eclectic decorating, you might have the potential to make your property stand out or even garner media attention.
3. Don’t skimp on professional photos
If this checklist is starting to sound expensive, that’s because it is. Investing in a new property is no small feat. If it’s not done properly, you risk it taking longer to see a return on your investment. So, we cannot emphasize this enough: immediately hire a professional photographer if you don’t want to catapult your property to the bottom half of search results. We recommend booking one well in advance to avoid delays in getting your rental property online.
4. Stock the kitchen
Besides broken amenities, nothing will irritate your guests quicker than realizing that they don’t have the tools they need to cook a proper meal. Because their brains are in vacation mode, they will likely hit the store for their ingredients before double-checking that your kitchen is well-appointed enough to cook their entrées. Don’t let them down with sparse utensils or supplies!

5. Upgrade your entertainment
While this could be categorized as optional, planning for your guests’ entertainment will quickly win them over. Here are a few suggestions: Add surround sound stereo, get a large TVwith HDMI cables and hook them up to the latest apps, and stock the cupboards with games.
6. Hire the right team
As a property management company, we cannot stress enough the importance of hiring the right team. When it comes to your guests, they expect a flawlessly clean property with well-functioning amenities, as well as prompt service if any issues do arise. The right property management company will help guide you through the above steps, advertise your property on all the right platforms, and make sure your guests are well taken care of, often with 24/7 service.
Don’t leave your investment to chance! Hire a good property manager right away.

Our Best Tips to Have a Great Thanksgiving Away From Home
While many people like to stay close to home during the holiday season, Thanksgiving can be a great time to travel in Oregon. The kids are on vacation from school, and there aren’t as many work deadlines. It’s also the start of the winter outdoor season, with downhill skiing at Mt. Bachelor and snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and fat biking up in the Central Oregon Cascades.

Renting a vacation home during the holidays is the way to go, as you’ll have access to a full kitchen and extra room to spread out with lots of people. Being in your own vacation rental also makes it feel more like a “home away from home.”

Here are our top tips to make your Thanksgiving away-from-home the best one ever:
Invite Friends or Family Along for the Trip: The great thing about vacation homes is that you can have more room! Thanksgiving is about celebrating with friends or family, so consider inviting them along for the trip. #Friendsgiving, anyone? If you are just traveling with your immediate family, bring a device to Skype or FaceTime with your loved ones back home to feel more connected.

Plan Ahead: Check your rental’s inventory list for cooking tools you might need. We suggest buying recyclable aluminum roasting pans and extra aluminum foil for your turkey. While supplies vary from rental to rental, they will probably have most major kitchen items, like whisks, measuring cups, mixing bowls, cooking pans, and casserole dishes. Not sure what your rental is equipped with? Just call and ask! Most importantly, don’t forget to bring extra Tupperware containers for all those delicious leftovers.

Make a Shopping List: There’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot an ingredient when you are cooking a holiday meal, so be sure to plan your recipes and make a shopping list before you arrive. There’s a great local grocery store in Sunriver that should have everything you need, but plan to shop early. Don’t forget to pack reusable shopping bags!

Bring Your Traditions With You: If you have a traditional gravy boat, be sure to bring it! If you usually decorate for Christmas on Thanksgiving, bring stockings to put up. If you usually watch the Macy’s Day parade or your favorite football team, turn on the TV! Traditions are what make the holidays feel like the best time of year and can help everyone feel more at home.

Get Outside: Earn your turkey by running or walking the Annual Sunriver Turkey Trot 5K, go for a hike or snowshoe, or try ice skating. Mt. Bachelor may be open for skiing, so be sure to check the snow report. The SHARC has a tubing hill that will be open, including a fun night of Glow-in-the-Dark Tubing over Thanksgiving weekend. You’ll feel better before a big Thanksgiving meal, and everyone will appreciate the fresh air.
Check the Weather: Because the weather can change so rapidly this time of year, from warm to cold and from snow to rain, be sure to check the weather before you travel. That way, you can make sure to pack proper clothing and plan appropriate activities.

Pack Holiday Fun for the Kids: Keeping the kids busy can be the key to a successful holiday. Pack colored construction paper and crayons to make turkeys, pick up a few pumpkins from the grocery store to carve, or pack a football for a game of touch in the backyard. Head to the SHARC for swimming, or bring a deck of cards, puzzles, or your favorite board games in case the weather is bad.

Go Black Friday Shopping: It’s a holiday tradition — some people just love to shop on Black Friday. All the major national retailers are available in Bend just a short 20-minute drive away, so you can plan your shopping spree in advance and not  miss out on a single deal.