Posts with tag 'Places to See in Central Oregon'

Hiking the Winter Cascades January 2026

It is typically challenging to hike in the Cascades in winter. When snow piles up, those who venture into the mountains normally utilize snowshoes or skis to access the higher trails. However, January 2026 has been unusual for warm days with little snow. As a result, some of those trails that most people hike in summer can be hiked in winter, providing for experiences that few have.

On January 24, 2026, the trailhead to Iron Mountain was snow free. Located on Highway 20 at Tombstone Pass, the hike to Iron Mountain is favored by many residents in Central Oregon and  the Willamette Valley as a wonderful place to see wildflowers in the spring/summer. Over 300 species of wildflowers have been identified on Iron Mountain and the summertime traffic to see these can create crowded trails. However, in winter few hike the trail when snow makes it challenging. But in January 2026, with warm weather and limited snow, the trail had very few people and just a few icy snow patches, most near the top of the mountain. Microspikes and trekking poles made it easier to summit the mountain with much of the trail remaining free of snow. The entire hike up and back from the Browder Ridge parking area was just under 4 miles with just over 1400 feet of elevation gain. The long term weather forecast does not anticipate a lot of snow the rest of January, but perhaps in February there may be more precipitation.

What Should I Do in Central Oregon This Weekend?

Bend, Redmond, La Pine & Sisters

If you're asking yourself, "What should I do in Central Oregon this weekend?" — you're not alone. Whether you live here full-time or you're visiting for a few days, Central Oregon offers plenty of ways to enjoy winter, connect with the community, and get out of the house. From Bend's lively social scene to snowy adventures near Sisters, here's what's happening around Bend, Redmond, La Pine, and Sisters this weekend.

 Get Outside: Winter Fun Near Sisters

Hoodoo Ski Area is a top weekend destination for locals across Central Oregon.

• Skiing & Snowboarding: Open daily with great conditions for all skill levels
• Tubing & Family Fun: A fun option if you're not hitting the slopes
• Friday Night Skiing:

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Wondering what to expect from the housing market in 2026? You're not alone. For the past few years, affordability has been the biggest obstacle between buyers, sellers, and their next move. High mortgage rates, limited inventory, and rapid price growth forced many households across Central Oregon to sit on the sidelines.

The good news is this: conditions are finally shifting. In 2025, affordability improved to its best level in three years, and most economists agree that progress should continue into 2026. That outlook is based on three fundamentals that matter everywhere—including Bend, Redmond,

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What's in the December 2025 Bend Premier Newsletter?

• Buyer Activity Picks Up as New Listings Fall
• Layered Peppermint Hot Chocolate Jar
• Holiday Electrical Safety: Preventing Overloaded Outlets and Fire hazards
• Chush Falls in Winter is Beautiful
• Your Roadmap to Homeownership

Thinking about making a move to Bend? You're not alone. Every year, thousands of people from Portland, Seattle, and the Bay Area explore what life might look like in Central Oregon's high desert—drawn by sunshine, mountains, and a lifestyle that feels equal parts active and intentional.

This guide is your honest, year-round look at what living in Bend is really like—season by season, neighborhood by neighborhood, and day to day—so you can decide if Bend fits the way you want to live.

The Big Picture: Why People Choose Bend

Bend's appeal goes far beyond pretty scenery. What truly hooks people is the quality of life—a blend of outdoor recreation, friendly neighborhoods, a slower pace, and the ability to actually enjoy the life you work so hard for.

You'll hear newcomers say things li...

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