Oregon • May–June 2025
Volcanic landscapes. Snow-covered mountains. Waterfalls. A few surprises along the way.
Oregon gave us an entirely different landscape around almost every corner.
Our week took us from the remarkable blue waters of Crater Lake to the volcanic terrain around Bend, where we explored lava fields, ventured underground into a lava tube, and discovered that snow could still be part of the experience as summer approached.
We spent time exploring the small towns and restaurants of Central Oregon, finding a few places we'd gladly return to and others that didn't quite live up to expectations. Some of our favorite experiences weren't elaborate excursions at all. They were scenic drives, short walks, unexpected conversations, and stopping simply because something caught our attention.
Toward the end of the trip, we made our way toward Portland, stopping at waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge and visiting the International Rose Test Garden before flying home.
Not everything needs to be reconstructed into a day-by-day itinerary. What matters is where we went, what we experienced, what surprised us, and what we'd recommend based on actually being there.
This isn't our checklist for seeing Oregon. It's what we discovered while exploring its volcanic landscapes, mountain towns, waterfalls, and the places in between.
A Week in Central Oregon: Why We Chose Powell Butte Instead of Bend
Our home base, the rental property, the Cascade Mountain views, and what it was like exploring Oregon from somewhere quieter. This establishes the personality of the trip.
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Beneath the Lava and Above the Clouds: Exploring Oregon's Volcanic Landscape
Lava River Cave, Lava Lands Visitor Center, Lava Butte Lookout, and the remarkable landscape around them. Your $9 cave visit, flashlight rental, cool temperatures, and easy walk give this article some terrific firsthand detail.
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Eating Our Way Around Bend and Redmond: The Hits, Misses, and Surprises
High Camp Taphouse gets the spotlight, particularly the dumplings and conversation with the owner. We'll also cover Wild Rose Northern Thai Eats, The Original Pancake House, La Frontera Bakery, That Guy's Bistro, and the other restaurants you reviewed. We'll distinguish your experience from current business status, especially Christie's Kitchen, which has closed.
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Crater Lake in Late Spring: Snow, Blue Water, and an Unforgettable View
Your extraordinary photographs, lingering snow, scenic overlooks, and what the visit was actually like. We'll discuss seasonal access and why travelers shouldn't assume every road and trail is open.
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Beyond Bend: Waterfalls, River Walks, and the Stops Worth Making
Benham Falls, Lava Island Trailhead, scenic drives, and other outdoor discoveries. We can reconstruct the experiences without pretending to remember the exact order or day.
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One Last Oregon Adventure: Waterfalls, Roses, and the Road to Portland
Your stops at Multnomah Falls, Horsetail Falls, Portland's International Rose Test Garden, and the Burmese lunch before flying home. This is also where your practical parking advice for Multnomah Falls belongs, with current rules verified before publication.
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