6 Unique Spring Adventures in Sisters, Oregon

Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, folks come to Sisters, OR for the natural beauty.  But they return again and again for the area’s artsy vibe and unique outdoor adventures. A vacation in Sisters offers year-round fun in the Oregon Bend area and the opportunity to enjoy the same things locals enjoy – camping, fishing, skiing, the Peterson Ridge Trails, great restaurants, and even the annual Sisters Rodeo.

6 Outdoor Activities in Sisters, Oregon

Peterson Ridge Trails is an outdoor recreation area built in 1989 with a network of mountain bike trails including both single-track and old forest service roads. An expansion in the late 2000s granted a huge increase in the amount of single track to more than 20 miles with signage and trail markers to guide the way. This popular trail system is perfect for walkers, runners, and dogs, although you might also encounter horses where their trails interconnect with this system. Each year in May, Oregon’s largest XC mountain bike race is held at Peterson Ridge—the OBRA-Sanctioned Sisters Stampede.

Many hikers head to the McKenzie River area to see Blue Pool, a unique waterfall ledge in an amazing topaz-like, blue color. Previously a flowing waterfall, the river now goes underground upstream a few miles, and only occasionally will it flow over the falls. The cool part is that for the remainder of the year, water emerges from rocks on the underside of the basin creating this rare gem.

Another popular spot in the high Cascades is Clear Lake—a 142-acre clear, cold, blue lake just off of Highway 126. Guests to this area enjoy canoeing and other non-motorized boats on Clear Lake as well as fishing. A volcanic eruption some 3,000 years ago is credited with the current-day beauty of Clear Lake along with all of its other unusual features.  Clear Lake Loop Trail is a great walking area with groves of old firs and fields of lava.

For those who love fly fishing, the Metolius River is calling! One of the prettiest rivers in the nation, the crystal clear, spring-fed Metolius originates from a spring at the base of Black Butte. There are areas designated “Fly Fishing only” mostly in the upper and middle river, but also some great fishing in the unregulated lower river as well. Come try your hand at tangling with rainbow and brown trout in this gorgeous Oregon area.

Hiking is a prevalent activity at Black Butte, a cluster of lava domes in a parasitic cone (butte) of Mount Shasta. One of the Cascade Range’s southernmost volcanoes, Black Butte offers a fairly easy class 2 trail leading to the Summit—popular and well worth the effort.

If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, maybe golf is! Look no further than Black Butte Ranch for the state’s best golf with two distinct and challenging championship courses highlighting some of the most scenic areas you’ve ever laid eyes on. While honing your skills, you’ll enjoy perfectly-chiseled fairways intertwined with Aspen groves and Ponderosa Pines framing the stunning Cascade Mountains. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and a can’t-miss for golfers.

No matter what adventures you choose, everyone needs a home base when traveling. Check out vacation rentals in Sisters, OR to find one that best suits your needs while exploring all the best in Sisters!

For more information on activities and attractions in Sisters, Oregon, browse our Area Guide.