Things to Do.... With over 2.5 million acres of public land and open space in Central Oregon, outdoor recreation enthusiasts from professional to beginner find things to do.Hiking (Most anywhere!) Biking (mountain and road) Alpine/cross country skiing and snowboarding (Mt. Bachelor) Water skiing (Lake Billy Chinook & Prineville Reservoir) Motor cross riding Golfing (25 courses) Kayaking (Deschutes River) White water rafting (Deschutes River) Rock climbing (Smith Rock State Park) Mountaineering (Eight Cascade Mountains) Fishing (500 miles of streams and 150 lakes) Hunting ( Camping (Five state parks and numerous Forest Service Campgrounds) Horseback riding…
- Places of Interest -
Redmond is located on the west side of Oregon's High Desert. It is approximately 4 miles from the Deschutes River. It is only a few minutes from lakes and the Cascade mountains. Redmond, Oregon is a flat plateau at an elevation of 3,077 feet above sea level. The climate is semi-arid, with a average annual rainfall of only 8.64 inches. Redmond, Oregon has four seasons. Many sunny days. Redmond is in the heart of a golfers paradise. Redmond, Oregon has over 24 public and private courses. Redmond has several city parks which are clean and beautiful for activities. Redmond parks are owned by the city and cannot be reserved for private parties. The parks have restrooms in the summer. Baker Park has playground equipment and a picnic area. Kalama Park has a playground and picnic area, Umatilla Sports Complex has all types of ball fields, soccer field and picnic area. Redmond offers the Peterson Rock Garden, Operation Santa Claus (a working reindeer ranch), and Eagle Crest Resort. In the summer starting from July 30 to Aug. 2, Redmond offers the Deschutes County Fair, the biggest and best fair this side of the Cascades. During the rest of the year the fairgrounds host all kinds of shows, exhibitions and festivals - at least one big event each weekend. Redmond has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. Smith Rock State Park is the area attraction visitors are most curious about. The world famous rock-climbing area draws climbers from all corners of the world. It provides not only the best climbing surface for sports enthusiast, but awe-inspiring vistas, for rock-climbing is becoming a huge spectator sport. For the neophyte climber shoe rentals and hiking guides are available in Redmond and Bend. The hike that goes straight to the top of Smith Rock is the most challenging of the hiking Trails. Misery Ridge is located 1/2 mile from the footbridge. It ascends 660 vertical feet, featuring a summit view of the Cascades and the often-photographed monkey face. Day use fee $3 per vehicle. The park is nearing completion of an ADA-approved trail, its gravel path is hikeable, but not hard-topped yet. The half-mile handicapped-accessible trail features a bench for resting and beautiful viewpoints along the scenic canyon rim. The state park is largely unmarred by its fame. There is no interpretive center nor fancy kiosks. The restrooms, trails, and viewpoints are the only signs of man-made changes to the park area. Primitive tent camping is available, in the grassy fields for $5 night, plus $4 per person per night - first come first served.
- Visitor Contact Information -