Beyond Bend: Waterfalls, River Walks, and the Stops Worth Making
From the dramatic cliffs of Smith Rock and the rushing waters of Benham Falls to snowy mountain lakes, friendly alpacas, and two very different wineries, some of our favorite Oregon memories came from simply getting in the car and exploring.
The Freedom to Explore Beyond Bend
One of the reasons we chose to spend a week in Powell Butte rather than staying in Bend was the freedom it gave us to explore Central Oregon without feeling tied to a schedule.
We had a comfortable Airbnb, a rental car, and seven nights to enjoy the surrounding region. Some mornings we had a particular destination in mind. Other days, we simply picked a direction and headed out to see what we could find.
We weren't interested in filling every hour with reservations, scheduled tours, or a checklist of attractions. We wanted to enjoy the scenery, take walks, discover interesting places, and return to our rental whenever we felt like calling it a day.
That approach led us to dramatic river canyons, rushing whitewater, snow-covered forests, mountain lakes, alpaca ranches, and two wineries with completely different personalities.
Not everything went according to plan. One mountain attraction was unexpectedly closed, a highly rated bakery disappointed us, and some of our most enjoyable stops weren't planned at all.
But that was part of what made the week memorable.
Our decision to stay outside Bend played a big role in how we experienced the region. In A Week in Central Oregon: Why We Chose Powell Butte Instead of Bend, we explain why we chose Powell Butte as our home base and how that decision shaped our week of exploring.
Smith Rock State Park: More Than a Scenic Overlook
Smith Rock State Park is one of those places where photographs give you an idea of what to expect, but standing there in person is another matter entirely.
Enormous rock formations rise dramatically above the Crooked River, creating a landscape that looks almost sculpted. It's easy to understand why the park attracts photographers, hikers, and rock climbers.
We weren't there to tackle the most challenging trails or do any climbing ourselves. We wanted to explore, enjoy the scenery, and walk as much as we comfortably could.
And walk we did.
We followed the trails down toward the Crooked River, spent considerable time exploring, and eventually made our way back uphill. The descent wasn't particularly intimidating, but anyone heading toward the river should remember that the return involves climbing back out.
Along the way, we noticed rock-climbing anchors and other equipment attached to the towering formations. Looking up at those cliffs gave us a real appreciation for the people who climb them. We were perfectly content keeping our feet on the trails.
We also happened upon a trail-running event. Runners were making their way through the park, and we stopped to cheer them along.
Having participated in numerous 5Ks, several Gate River Runs, and even a half-marathon ourselves, we understood something about the effort involved. The race didn't interfere with our visit. If anything, it added a little unexpected energy to the experience.
Smith Rock offers trails for different abilities, and you don't need to be a serious hiker to appreciate the landscape. There are beautiful views from relatively accessible areas, although some trails involve significant elevation changes and exposed terrain.
For us, it was a place worth exploring rather than simply photographing and leaving.
🟢 Go for it! Smith Rock was one of the scenic highlights of our week. Allow enough time to walk beyond the overlooks, but choose a route appropriate for your abilities and remember that the climb back can be more demanding than the descent.
Benham Falls: The Deschutes River Shows Its Power
Benham Falls offered a very different kind of outdoor experience.
Where Smith Rock invited us to spend considerable time exploring the trails, Benham Falls rewarded us with an impressive natural attraction after a relatively short walk.
We parked nearby and followed the trail to a viewpoint overlooking the Deschutes River.
The water rushed through a rugged channel of volcanic rock, churning into powerful whitewater as it passed between rocky banks and the surrounding forest.
It wasn't the traditional image of a tall waterfall dropping over a cliff. Instead, we watched an enormous volume of water forcing its way through a narrow, turbulent stretch of river.
Standing there, we found ourselves thinking about the forces of nature and the incredible amount of time involved in shaping landscapes like this.
We also talked about how fortunate we are that places like Benham Falls have been preserved without turning every scenic location into a commercial attraction.
There was no elaborate visitor experience necessary. No entertainment, no restaurant overlooking the water, and no need to purchase anything to appreciate what was in front of us.
Just the river, the rocks, the trees, and the sound of rushing water.
Sometimes that's all an attraction needs to be.
🟢 Go for it! Benham Falls is a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the Deschutes River area. The walk to the viewpoint was manageable for us, and the reward was well worth the effort. Trail conditions and accessibility can vary, so check before visiting.
Mount Bachelor: Sometimes the Mountain Has Other Plans
We headed toward Mount Bachelor with a particular activity in mind.
We had checked the published operating hours and hoped to ride the chairlift up the mountain to enjoy the views.
Instead, we arrived to find the parking area blocked off and the ski area looking almost deserted.
There were a handful of people walking uphill carrying skis and snowboards, but the lifts weren't operating.
We spoke with a couple of employees and learned that an employee appreciation event had taken place the previous day. The mountain was now transitioning into maintenance and seasonal shutdown.
Our planned chairlift ride wasn't going to happen.
It was disappointing, particularly since we'd made the drive expecting to ride. But rather than immediately turning around, we decided to explore the surrounding area.
There was still plenty of snow in the forest, and we found places to walk among the trees. Some paths led toward clearings with picnic areas or small streams, while others were difficult to navigate because snow remained on the trails.
Even some roadside pullouts hadn't been plowed.
It was a reminder that late spring in Central Oregon doesn't necessarily mean spring conditions everywhere. At lower elevations, we could enjoy comfortable weather and relatively dry trails. Higher in the Cascades, winter was still very much part of the landscape.
Although the lift ride never happened, the drive and surrounding scenery were still enjoyable.
🟡 Maybe. Mount Bachelor can be a beautiful scenic destination, but if you're going specifically to ride a lift, verify that the particular lift is operating on your intended date. Seasonal schedules, maintenance, weather, and special events can all affect availability.
Mountain Lakes, Snowy Forests, and the Stops Without Names
One of the pleasures of driving through the Cascades was discovering places we hadn't necessarily researched beforehand.
We'd see an interesting lake, a stretch of forest, or a promising roadside turnout and decide to stop.
Sometimes there were designated parking areas and short walking paths. Other times, the stop was simply an opportunity to stretch our legs and enjoy the view.
We encountered remarkably clear water, beautiful shades of blue and turquoise, driftwood along the shore, and lingering snow beneath the evergreens.
The contrast was striking.
We were visiting in late spring, yet some of these places still looked as though winter had only recently loosened its grip.
Not every stop had a name we remembered. We weren't particularly concerned about that.
We didn't need to identify every lake or complete every trail to appreciate the surroundings. If a location looked interesting and we could stop safely, that was reason enough to explore.
And when snow or road conditions made a trail less accessible than expected, we simply found somewhere else.
That flexibility was one of the best parts of the trip.
Our First Alpaca Encounter Wasn't on the Itinerary
On another outing, we were driving toward Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards near Terrebonne when we spotted alpacas along the road.
Naturally, we stopped.
The property was Alpaca Country Estates, and we spent about ten minutes watching the animals.
There was a store on the property, but we didn't go inside. We were on our way to a wine tasting and hadn't intended to make an extended visit.
Still, it was an enjoyable little interruption.
That's one of the advantages of exploring without a rigid schedule. A ten-minute stop doesn't need to become a major attraction to be memorable.
Later in the week, we decided we'd enjoy a closer encounter with alpacas.
A little research led us to Crescent Moon Ranch, also near Terrebonne, where we could spend time interacting with the animals.
This visit was intentional, and it turned out to be a lot of fun.
We purchased a $5 bag of alpaca feed and visited the different pens, feeding, petting, and watching the animals interact.
They were friendly and curious, and each seemed to have a distinct personality. Some approached eagerly, while others were content to watch the activity around them.
There was also a shop selling alpaca wool products and other merchandise.
With the surrounding Central Oregon scenery, it was an entertaining change of pace from hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
🟢 Go for it! Crescent Moon Ranch was a fun, relatively inexpensive experience during our visit. It's especially appealing if you enjoy animals and want something different from the region's usual outdoor attractions. Check current admission, feeding options, and visitor hours before going.
Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards: Wine with a View
Our first winery experience was at Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards, near Terrebonne.
This was exactly the sort of place where you could settle in and spend a leisurely afternoon.
We sat outside, enjoyed the spectacular scenery, and sampled wines while taking in the surrounding landscape.
The views were wonderful, and the person serving us was friendly and personable, making the experience even more enjoyable.
There was no reason to hurry.
We weren't trying to squeeze in several wineries that afternoon or rush to another scheduled activity. We could simply sit, enjoy the tasting, and appreciate where we were.
We liked the experience enough to purchase a couple of bottles to enjoy during the remainder of our week in Central Oregon.
For us, the setting was every bit as important as the wine.
A tasting room can offer excellent wines, but when you combine that with beautiful outdoor surroundings and welcoming service, the experience becomes something more.
Faith Hope & Charity was the kind of winery where we could easily imagine returning and spending considerably more time.
🟢 Go for it! If you enjoy wine tasting in a scenic, relaxed environment, Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards is well worth considering. You can learn more about the property and its current offerings at Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards.
A Scenic Drive Toward Salem, Just Because We Could
Another day, we decided to take a longer road trip.
We wanted to visit a winery, and there were several possibilities. But we weren't particularly committed to any one destination.
The real objective was to get out, enjoy the scenery, and explore a different part of Oregon.
We left Powell Butte early and stopped at Sisters Bakery for a quick takeout breakfast.
Unfortunately, that stop was disappointing. The oversized donuts looked wonderful, but the taste and texture didn't live up to their appearance. Even the coffee was nothing special.
Fortunately, breakfast wasn't the purpose of the day.
We continued west on US-20, then followed OR-22 toward Salem, driving through beautiful forested countryside.
It was a wonderful change of scenery from the high-desert landscapes surrounding Powell Butte.
We enjoyed the drive itself, without worrying about reaching a particular attraction at a particular time.
There was no elaborate itinerary, no collection of reservations, and no pressure to see everything along the route.
We simply wanted to explore.
Eventually, our travels brought us to Sass Winery.
Sass Winery: A Completely Different Kind of Tasting
If Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards was a place to relax outdoors and spend an afternoon, Sass Winery was an entirely different experience.
When we arrived, there was just one man there, the owner.
The setting was simple and functional, more like a working winery or warehouse than an elaborate tasting destination.
There were bottles arranged on the counter, barrels in the background, and none of the polished presentation we'd experienced at Faith Hope & Charity.
We stood at the counter, sampled a few wines, and purchased a bottle.
And we enjoyed it.
Part of the appeal was seeing a different side of winemaking. Not every tasting needs sweeping vineyard views, outdoor seating, or an extensive hospitality operation.
Sometimes a straightforward encounter with a small producer is an experience in itself.
The contrast between the two wineries was particularly interesting because we'd enjoyed both.
One was a place where we could happily spend an afternoon. The other offered a more personal glimpse into a working winery.
Neither experience needed to imitate the other.
🟢 Go for it! Sass Winery was an enjoyable stop for us, particularly because of its informal, working-winery atmosphere. Travelers expecting an elaborate vineyard experience should understand that it's a different style of visit. Check tasting availability before making the drive. More information is available from Sass Winery.
The Best Meal of the Week Wasn't Part of the Plan
After visiting Sass Winery, we headed south on Interstate 5 before turning east onto US-20 for the return drive toward Sisters and Powell Butte.
By the time we reached Sisters, we were ready for a late lunch or early dinner.
We stopped at High Camp Taphouse.
What followed turned out to be our favorite meal of the entire Oregon vacation.
The food was outstanding, and we spent time talking with the owner. It was one of those dining experiences that stays with you long after the trip ends.
We'll share the details of the food, the conversation, and what makes High Camp special in Eating Our Way Around Bend and Redmond: The Hits, Misses, and Surprises.
For this particular outing, it was the perfect conclusion to a day that had begun with little more than a desire to drive somewhere interesting and sample some Oregon wine.
We eventually returned to our Powell Butte Airbnb and enjoyed a relaxing evening in the hot tub.
A beautiful drive, an informal wine tasting, an exceptional meal, and a hot tub waiting at the end.
Not a bad day at all.
What We'd Recommend Beyond Bend
After spending a week exploring Central Oregon, we came away with a collection of experiences we'd happily recommend, along with a couple that deserved some qualifications.
🟢 Go for it! Smith Rock State Park. Dramatic scenery, numerous trails, and plenty to appreciate even if you're not a serious hiker. Be prepared for elevation changes if you descend toward the Crooked River.
🟢 Go for it! Benham Falls. An impressive display of the Deschutes River's power, reached by a relatively short walk from nearby parking.
🟢 Go for it! Scenic drives through the Cascades. The mountain lakes, snowy forests, and spontaneous roadside stops were among the most enjoyable parts of our week. Stop only where parking and access are permitted and safe.
🟢 Go for it! Crescent Moon Ranch. Friendly alpacas, an enjoyable feeding experience, and a fun alternative to another day of hiking or sightseeing.
🟢 Go for it! Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards. A beautiful setting, welcoming service, and the kind of relaxed wine tasting that makes you want to linger.
🟢 Go for it! Sass Winery. A completely different experience, with an informal tasting in a working-winery atmosphere.
🟡 Maybe. Mount Bachelor for a scenic lift ride. The mountain scenery was beautiful, but our planned activity wasn't operating. Verify current lift availability before going specifically for that experience.
🔴 Pass on it. Sisters Bakery. Based on our visit, the donuts looked considerably better than they tasted. We found much better food elsewhere during the week.
Looking for more details about the places we visited? Our Oregon Travel Reviews page brings together our firsthand experiences with attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and other stops from the trip, including what we'd recommend and what we'd skip.
Sometimes the Best Stops Are the Ones You Didn't Plan
Looking back on our week in Central Oregon, we remember the big attractions.
Smith Rock was spectacular. Benham Falls demonstrated the remarkable power of the Deschutes River. Mount Bachelor reminded us that late spring and mountain weather don't always follow the same calendar.
But we also remember the smaller moments.
Watching alpacas beside a country road. Feeding them during a later visit. Sitting outside at a vineyard with beautiful views. Standing at a counter talking with a winemaker. Stopping beside a mountain lake because the water was too beautiful to pass without taking a closer look.
And discovering our favorite meal of the week at the end of a day that hadn't been particularly planned.
Those experiences reinforced something we've come to appreciate about travel.
You don't always need a packed itinerary to have a memorable vacation.
Sometimes the most valuable thing you can give yourself is time. Time to take a different road, stop somewhere unexpected, enjoy a view a little longer, or change plans when something doesn't work out.
Our week in Powell Butte gave us exactly that freedom.
And some of the stops we remember most fondly are the ones we never knew we'd be making.