Oregon’s Sunriver is the place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a plethora of activities that cater to nature lovers and adventurers. With its gorgeous landscapes and diverse terrain, Sunriver is an ideal destination for hiking, biking, and exploring the great outdoors. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging uphill trek, Sunriver has something for everyone.

Outdoor Things to Do in Sunriver, OR

Sunriver provides a multitude of outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, river rafting, and wildlife watching. For those looking to immerse themselves in nature, Sunriver’s lush surroundings create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Visitors can also explore the nearby things to do in Sunriver, such as the Oregon Badlands or the stunning Smith Rock. Thrill-seekers can go white water rafting on the Deschutes River, while those craving a more leisurely experience can enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking on serene waters. After a day of exploring, visitors can unwind by visiting outdoor breweries in the area and enjoy local brews against the scenic backdrop of Central Oregon.

Sunriver Hikes

Benham Falls

Benham Falls is a must-do Sunriver hike that offers a thrilling outdoor adventure for nature enthusiasts. The 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels, making it an ideal destination for families and solo explorers. This scenic trail also invites cyclists to partake in the scenic journey and provides perfect spots for quiet picnics amidst nature’s beauty. As you traverse this captivating trail, be prepared to be mesmerized by the enchanting views of Deschutes River rapids, ancient lava flows, and majestic Ponderosa pines, all of which come together to create an inspiring natural tapestry that will leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or an invigorating outdoor excursion, Benham Falls promises an experience that showcases the breathtaking landscapes that Sunriver and its surroundings have to offer.

Deschutes River Trail

The Deschutes River Trail showcases the best of Bend’s natural beauty throughout the year. This captivating trail, open year-round, offers a leisurely 3-mile loop that allows hikers to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Deschutes River. As you follow the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the calm waters of the river, often witnessing kayakers gracefully navigate through the gentle currents. Keep your eyes peeled, as a variety of wildlife can often be spotted along the trail, adding an element of excitement and wonder to your journey. After you’ve completed your hike, you’ll find yourself just a short distance away from an array of options for relaxation and dining. Whether you choose to unwind with a stroll through the charming shops and boutiques of the Old Mill District or indulge in a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants in Downtown Bend, you’ll have ample opportunities to rejuvenate and savor the vibrant atmosphere that Bend has to offer.

Hikes Near Sunriver

South Sister

Ascend to the pinnacle of Oregon’s third tallest mountain, South Sister, from August to mid-October for an outstanding Sunriver hiking experience with breathtaking views at the summit. If you’re up for the challenge, proceed cautiously on the 11.6-mile out-and-back trail near Sisters, Oregon. This highly challenging route is best attempted by experienced adventurers and is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking. Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be kept on a leash for everyone’s safety.

Oregon Badlands

Experience a year-round exploration of the Oregon Badlands, where ancient volcanic terrains call you to uncover hidden treasures. If you’re looking to find the best trails for an adventurous hike or a family trip, the Oregon Badlands offers 9 great trails for hiking and more. Whether you’re ready for your next hike or bike ride, the Oregon Badlands has something for everyone. Whatever your plans may be, you can discover the perfect trail for your next exploration of the Oregon Badlands Wilderness.

Smith Rock

Dive into the majesty of Smith Rock, one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, and admire the impressive red rock formations that define the landscape. With trails suitable for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding, Smith Rock State Park offers a diverse adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. Located north of Redmond, the park has one of the best hiking networks in the area, offering beautiful views of river canyons and steep cliffs. It is also a popular rock climbing destination, often regarded as the birthplace of American sport climbing. Whether you’re looking for an easy family hike or a more challenging adventure, the park has trails ranging in elevation gain. Hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Crooked River along trails like the Misery Ridge Trail and Summit Trail. Whatever your plans may be, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Smith Rock State Park.

Tumalo Falls

Experience this 6.4-mile out-and-back trail near Bend, Oregon, open from May to October. Tumalo Falls treats hikers to the cascading beauty of an 89-foot waterfall. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 hours and 24 minutes to complete. The area is very popular for hiking, snowshoeing, and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash, providing the perfect opportunity for a pet-friendly outdoor adventure.

Our Tips for Hiking in Sunriver OR

Stay hydrated during your hike by packing an ample supply of water. Bring along nutritious snacks to keep your energy levels high and sustain you throughout your journey. This will ensure that you have the necessary fuel to fully enjoy your hiking experience. Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays by applying sunscreen with a high SPF rating before heading out on your hike. Sunriver’s beautiful trails often take you through shaded areas, but it’s essential to cover any exposed skin to prevent sunburns. Make sure to apply bug repellent to ward off any pesky insects and minimize the chances of bites or stings. Invest in a good pair of sturdy hiking shoes or boots that provide ample support and traction. Sunriver’s trails can be rugged and uneven, and wearing proper footwear will help prevent slips, trips, or other foot-related injuries. Your footwear choice can greatly enhance your hiking experience by ensuring stability and comfort throughout your journey.

Sunriver’s weather can be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Dress in layers to accommodate the changing temperatures. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep you dry and comfortable. Add additional layers such as a lightweight jacket or fleece for warmth, and don’t forget a waterproof outer layer to shield against unexpected rain showers or wind. Before setting off on your hike, inform a family member or friend about your plans. Share details such as the trail you’ll be exploring, your expected duration, and when you anticipate returning. This precautionary measure ensures that someone is aware of your whereabouts and can notify authorities if necessary.

Plan Your Next Visit!

Are you ready to hit the trails in Sunriver, Oregon? Browse our extensive selection of properties today and find the perfect match for your stay!

Sunriver Rentals at Casago Vacations

Begin your unforgettable Sunriver adventure by booking one of our handpicked Sunriver Central Oregon rentals. Our Sunriver rentals are tailored to provide you with the ultimate comfort and convenience during your outdoor escapades in Sunriver, OR. Whether you’re planning a solo hiking expedition or a family-friendly getaway, Sunriver welcomes you with open arms and promises an unforgettable experience amidst the splendor of Central Oregon’s natural surroundings. Choose from our selection of Sunriver vacation home rentals, including Sunriver pet-friendly rentals, to ensure that every member of your party is accommodated. Start your Sunriver adventure today and let nature’s wonders guide you on a journey of discovery.

It’s summer and the warm weather is finally here in central Oregon. If you’re planning on staying in one of our rentals and need to beat the heat, then spending a day at SHARC (Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic and Recreation Center) will cool you down in no time. SHARC is open to the general public and members of the Sunriver Owners Association receive a discounted price. Some rentals may come with this membership, so be sure to ask your renter about it!

1. Outdoor aquatic center

If you’re looking for a Sunriver water park, then look no further than SHARC’s heated outdoor aquatic center.  It features a handful of activities for you and your family. These features include:

• Water heated between 83-85 degrees
• Water slides
• Lazy river
• Tot pool & sand area
• Lap lanes
• Water jungle gym

While no outside foods or drinks (except for bottled water) are allowed, you can bring your own picnic and eat at Paulina Park. There is also an onsite cafe, The SHARC BITE Cafe, open from 10 am-5 pm, that offers a breakfast menu, lunch and dinner options, smoothies, wine, and beer.

2. Paulina Park

Also located at SHARC, Paulina Park offers a scenic pavilion, bocce ball, a rock climbing structure for kids, and access to a propane barbecue. It’s the perfect place to have a picnic after working up an appetite in the aquatic center or on the disc golf field.

3. Disc golf

SHARC has Sunriver’s only disc golf course. Intended for all ages and abilities, you’ll be able to enjoy a 9-hole Par 29 with discs and disc putters available for rent. SROA Members can rent for free, while the general public is charged only $5 to rent the discs. This includes a course map with a scorecard. If you have your own equipment, you’re welcome to use the course after you check-in at SHARC.

4. Event space

Looking to host a family reunion, wedding, or birthday party? Think about renting a location at SHARC. With many outdoors spaces, an amphitheatre, and various conference halls, you can celebrate special events with great views and good people. SHARC is no stranger to weddings, family reunions, parties, and conferences, so they are fully stocked with all the amenities you may need.

5. Events

Throughout the summer, SHARC hosts a variety of events including Uncorked, a two-day wine festival, live music, and movies. Check out their summer calendar to see all the happenings.

SHARC is a great way to spend an entire day enjoying the beautiful summer weather. If you want to skip a day of trail hiking, then hang out over at the water park, sip on some wine to cool down, grill your dinner at Paulina Park, and finish off your night with live music or a movie in the amphitheater. For more information about activities and admissions, visit their website here.

All photos provided by SHARC. 

An investment property is a smart way to add annual income or pay off an additional mortgage for faster ownership, but the benefits continue beyond there. You also enjoy many appealing write-offs along the way and a higher selling profit when your home appreciates.

Essential to solid returns is the location. A vacation home in a high-demand area is an ideal place for an investment property. In the case of Sunriver, Oregon, the high demand combined with year-round beauty and ample outdoor activities enables you to rent your home more often throughout the year for more significant income potential while enjoying strong appreciation over time.

To ensure that you get off on the right foot, here are a few basics to consider when buying a vacation home as an investment property.

Know the Difference Between a Second Home and an Investment Property

Knowing the difference between the two will affect your taxes and mortgage amounts. Here are the two classifications of properties:

A second home is a one-unit property where you plan to live or stay for part of the year. It is considered a personal residence. Regarding renting, the IRS considers the residence a second home if you use it for personal purposes during the tax year for more than 14 days or 10% of the days that you rent it out, whichever is greater.

An investment property is owned for investment income, even if you use it for personal use now and again. There are no restrictions on the number of days that you can rent it out. This type of property allows for more tax deductions than a second home.

From a lender’s perspective, a mortgage for a second home is not all that different from that of your primary residence, which helps keep the rates low. For an investment property, you will face an issue of higher interest rates and a higher down payment of around 25% or more. Still, you can budget your purchase accordingly and choose from different mortgage types to help you meet your needs:

Conforming loan: This is the easiest to obtain and has the lowest down payment, typically around 20%.

Multifamily loan: This works for owners of multiple homes or units in a building. A portfolio loan is a typical loan under this category.

Short-term loan: This loan supplies you with the cash that you need to purchase a property before you can gain long-term financing.

Is It Best to Have a Timeshare or Own a Vacation Property?

A timeshare, as the name suggests, is an agreement where you own a specific amount of time of a residence instead of owning the home outright. You will need to pay up front for the ownership (non-traditional mortgages are available), and you are required to pay annual dues. There is also a minimum period to own your timeshare, often 25 years.

Whether you can rent it out depends on the type of ownership (deeded vs. right-to-use) and other factors outlined by the timeshare company. Still, in most cases, you can rent it.

A vacation property is a home that you own entirely and doesn’t come with limitations on timing or the other mentioned factors. This makes a vacation rental the preferred choice as an investment property.

What Is a Good Return on an Investment Vacation Rental Property?

Typically, a good annual return is 10% on your investment on short rentals and between 5% and 10% for long-term rentals.

A few factors to consider in the math are:

Mortgage costs.

Utilities (even when the home is vacant).

Property insurance.

Property management costs.

How Much Should You Spend on a Vacation Rental Property?

The typical spending amount is 10% to 15% of your net worth on a vacation property purchase price, excluding your down payment.

Does It Make Sense to Invest in Rental Properties Out of State?

Investing out of state can be a smart move in any area of the U.S. if:

The geographic area is a more affordable location to buy, both in terms of home costs and tax benefits. The lower price enables you to tap into additional rental and appreciation income more easily. You can also buy a larger home and reap the financial benefits when selling later.

The operating expenses are low in that particular region.

The market has a solid foundation for appreciation, such as strong overall demand and/or other outlining factors, such as population and job growth.

You are looking to diversify your risk. Different areas carry different risks — and rewards!

You use a local company to manage your property. Renting and managing a property can be a heavy load on your busy life. A property management company can take on the burden for you. At Casago, we specialize in home rentals in Sunriver to make the management of your property easier.

How Do I Get Started in Rental Property Investments?

Now that you have a clearer idea of the factors worth considering before buying your home, here are a few steps to simplify buying and managing.

Start by reviewing your potential ROI before you shop. Play with the numbers by reviewing factors like property values in the area, tax requirements (second home vs. investment property), annual rental pricing, and potential costs for insurance, repairs, management, and utilities (both with and without renters). Look at all the pricing annually, not just when the area is in peak season.

Determine your final budget and financing options.

Search for the highest-demand properties for your budget. Prioritize using a real estate agent with expertise in the area.

Re-crunch the numbers again based on homes in the immediate area of the one that you want.

Make an offer.

Once the home is yours, start managing your property. Finding tenants, collecting rent, and maintaining the property is often a great deal of work, especially if you don’t live nearby. This is why working with a local property management company is a smart choice.

Arrived Sunriver

If you are looking to invest in a vacation rental property, Sunriver, Oregon, is an excellent place to do it, and Arrived Sunriver is your reliable choice. We have over 35 years of experience offering vacation rentals in Sunriver. We understand the area inside and out and know what guests look for in their vacation rental properties. This includes services like guest/concierge services and special deals for activities throughout the Sunriver area.

Your guests will have a clean and comfortable place to stay, and you will have a well-maintained home ready and waiting for you when it’s your turn to relax.

Click here to learn more about our services and experience how we present your property.

For golfers, Central Oregon is a dream destination. With its high-desert landscape, mountain views, and more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s the perfect place to hit the links. Whether you’re an experienced player or just looking for a fun outdoor activity, there’s a Sunriver golf course in Oregon that fits your style.

The Sunriver area features world-class greens, challenging layouts, and incredible scenery. If you’re planning a golf getaway, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Sunriver beyond the fairways—from hiking and fishing to shopping and dining. Here are some of the best golf courses worth checking out during your visit.

Quail Run Golf Course

Just a short drive from Sunriver, Quail Run Golf Course offers a peaceful and well-maintained 18-hole championship layout. Known for its affordability and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a local favorite among golfers who appreciate great value without sacrificing quality.

The course features wide fairways, smooth greens, and enough challenge to keep players engaged, regardless of skill level. Water hazards and bunkers are strategically placed, rewarding accuracy over distance. The back nine opens up to sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains, providing a true Central Oregon golf experience.

Quail Run also has a full driving range and practice area, making it an excellent spot to warm up before your round. For guests staying in Sunriver rentals, this course is an easy and rewarding addition to your golf itinerary.

Lost Tracks Golf Club

Located about 25 minutes north in Bend, Lost Tracks Golf Club is one of the most scenic golf courses near Sunriver, Oregon. Designed by renowned architect Brian Whitcomb, it’s known for its creative holes, tree-lined fairways, and dramatic water features.

One of the course’s most famous highlights is its par-3 16th hole, which features an island green accessed by a floating bridge—a favorite for photos and bragging rights. Each hole offers a mix of beauty and challenge, blending the natural terrain with thoughtful design.

The clubhouse has a welcoming atmosphere, serving lunch and drinks with stunning views of the surrounding forest. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, Lost Tracks is a can’t-miss stop for any golf trip in the area.

Widgi Creek Golf Course

Another Bend favorite, Widgi Creek Golf Course, combines challenging play with breathtaking scenery. The layout winds through ponderosa pines and lava rock outcroppings, creating a peaceful and visually impressive setting.

Widgi Creek is known for its excellent greens and fairways, as well as its variety of hole designs that test every club in your bag. The signature par-5 13th hole demands accuracy and strategy, offering one of the most memorable shots in Central Oregon.

Beyond golf, Widgi Creek also features a restaurant and spa, making it ideal for a relaxing day trip. Many golfers staying in Sunriver vacation rentals make the short drive here for a full day of play and leisure. With a friendly staff and consistently well-kept course conditions, it’s easy to see why Widgi Creek ranks among Oregon’s best public courses.

Book Your Sunriver Rentals with Arrived Sunriver Vacation Rentals

Planning a golf getaway is even better when you have a comfortable place to stay. Casago offers a wide selection of Sunriver vacation rentals, from cozy condos to spacious homes perfect for groups of golfers. After a day on the course, unwind in your private hot tub or gather with friends for dinner and drinks.

Our Sunriver rentals are located close to top golf courses, hiking trails, and local attractions, allowing you to make the most of your Central Oregon visit.

Sources

• Quail Run Golf Course
  
• Lost Tracks Golf Club
  
• Widgi Creek Golf Club
  
• Visit Bend – Golf