11 Wonderful Things To Do In Sisters Oregon

In Central Oregon, on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, is the outdoor-friendly town of Sisters. Compared to Bend, which is 30 minutes away and is bigger and nearby to the southeast, it provides a more charming getaway. Sister shares Bend’s appeal with Bend in that it is primarily drawn to this sunny region’s great outdoors.

Sister’s calendar of events spans the entire year, from alpine events to high-desert outings east of town. World-class ski resorts, hikes to the top of active volcanoes, and tumbling waterfalls are just a few examples of adventure travel itineraries. And from the town center, some of the state’s most beautiful bicycle and driving routes branch off.

The charm and ambiance of the city streets, however, are what make Sisters a must-see. The central business district is clearly inspired by the Old West in the 1880s. There are many contemporary amenities and reasons to window-shop in these charming storefronts. Art galleries also beckon for attention alongside abundant restaurants and retail boutiques

Things to Do in Sisters Oregon

Drive the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway

A truly adventurous option from Bend is this 83-mile looped route. It travels deep into the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests west of the city. Along the entire route, it offers untamed side trips to the Cascade Mountains. The breathtaking natural scenery along the route includes volcanic peaks, lava fields, tumbling waterfalls, and lush cedar forests, to name a few.

The scenic highway, which is short enough for a day trip but inviting for a long weekend, is lined with a variety of activities. The byway ascends to Santiam Pass on Highway 20 when traveling counterclockwise from Sisters. Here, the Hoodoo Ski Area offers winter sports, and year-round access to the Metolius River adds to the area’s appeal.

The route heads south after crossing Santiam Pass on OR-126, better known as The McKenzie River Highway. With many pullouts to access the Upper McKenzie River and its many natural wonders, this breathtaking route follows it. In addition to magnificent waterfalls, the McKenzie also has a special spring-fed Blue Pool, also known as Tamolitch Falls, that draws tourists with its pristine waters.

The route is looped back to Sisters via the McKenzie Highway (OR-242). Wintertime closure of this seasonal highway. It passes through McKenzie Pass during the summer and offers a number of trailheads to explore. This stretch of the scenic byway lends the easiest access to designated wilderness areas, including the Three Sisters Wilderness.

Shop and Stroll in Sisters

Spending time in the Western-themed downtown area is one of Sisters’ attractions. This area lining Cascade Avenue at the center of town is very pedestrian-friendly and fun to stroll around. Within the vintage stores lining the streets are a number of shopping boutiques and art galleries that provide a contemporary flavor to the locale.

The shopping here necessitates a full day, especially if lunch at a nearby restaurant is added to the itinerary. There is a wide variety of fashion apparel, regional gifts, and souvenirs, as well as Western clothing. Other retail interests include independently owned bookstores, Old West antiques, and handcrafted pottery.

Sisters’ central business district is renowned for its art gallery. A block south of Cascade Avenue, the Hood Avenue Art District is lined with numerous local institutions, including several eye-catching galleries. Hood Avenue Art, Raven Makes Gallery, and Ken Scott’s Imagination Gallery are a few not to miss.

Put on Your Hiking Boots

In Sisters, the outdoors is the main draw for visitors. West of the city, the Cascade Mountains beckon exploration, and to the east, the horizon is framed by a high desert environment. All year long, fantastic hiking opportunities are provided by these dynamic landscapes. A great starting point for some of Oregon’s best hiking trails, Sisters benefits from this as well.

Wild rivers and glistening glaciers comprise just some of the hiking scenery west of town in the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests. Some good introductory hikes in this mountainous region include the McKenzie River Trail, the Suttle Lake Shoreline Trail, and the short hike to Proxy Falls.

Visit Smith Rock State Park to get a glimpse of the desert scenery east of the city. The Crooked River can be seen in its entirety from a number of trails in addition to the thousands of rock climbing routes available here. The summit view of one suggested route, the 3.7-mile Misery Ridge Trail Loop, raises serious questions about the trail’s trailnamer.

Sisters serve as the starting point for challenging hikes. The town’s namesake trio of volcanic peaks offers bucket-list summit hikes within the Three Sisters Wilderness nearby. South Sister, the tallest in this chain of prominent mountains, is also the least technical to climb and most often submitted. Mount Washington and other elevated routes are nearby. Both Bachelor and Broken Top.

Ski Hoodoo & Bachelor

A quick 30-minute drive west on Highway 20 will bring you to Hoodoo Ski Area, one of Oregon’s top ski areas. With 800 acres of varied terrain, the ski area is located atop Santiam Pass. Powdery conditions also blanket the ski area from December through March thanks to the 450 inches of snow that fall there on average each year.

In Hoodoo, there are other winter sports like Nordic skiing and tubing that can help you stay warm. The area’s Autobahn Tubing Park, with several lanes spanning approximately 800 feet, is particularly popular with young families. 23 illuminated runs for night skiing are also available at Hoodoo.

Although there are other ski areas, Hoodoo is the one that is closest to Sisters. And you can’t talk about Central Oregon skiing without mentioning Mt. Bachelor. With a route that passes through Bend, Sisters is just one hour away from this renowned skiing and snowboarding destination.

One of the largest resorts on a single mountain in the country, Mt. Bachelor is also the largest resort in Oregon. It has more than 4,300 acres with lift access and more than 100 named routes. Skiers spend entire seasons exploring the new runs that flow down this extinct volcano’s many sides.

Hike Or Rock Climb at Smith Rock State Park

It takes less than 30 miles to get from Sisters to one of the best rock climbing locations in the nation. Smith Rock State Park is a popular destination for traditional and sports climbing throughout the year, drawing visitors from all over the world.

It is obvious why the state park is a rock-climbing mecca after visiting it. Tall tufts of basalt cliffs jut high above the scenic Crooked River, making for a real postcard effect. These enormous spires are lined with thousands of named rock climbing routes, from some of the most difficult climbs in the nation to those that are relatively accessible to beginners.

Correct equipment and knowledge are necessary for safe rock climbing. For those who are new to the sport, several nearby guides offer introductions and instruction. But not only those who can tie butterfly knots find Smith Rock to be appealing. In addition, it has a vast network of trails that are well-liked by horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. Thousands of photos will also be brought home by photography enthusiasts.

For a fun, vehicle-free way to get to Smith Rock, consider the Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Byway. This 37-mile off-road route is frequently used by cyclists. For a slower pace, it travels along local roads. The best way to bike the byway is with a shuttle ride unless you’re anticipating a long day.

Dining in Sisters

Visit any of the neighborhood eateries in Sisters’ downtown area to experience the city’s true flavor. The best restaurants in Sister are all within walking distance as a result of the abundance of restaurants in this part of town.

Two of the city’s specialties are coffee and breakfast. Places like Sisters Coffee Company and Sisters Bakery add to this early-morning reputation. The Cottonwood Cafe and Angeline’s Bakery are two additional locations where you can get the best meal of the day.

For lunch or mid-afternoon fare, consider checking out Sisters Meat and Smokehouse. This restaurant offers fresh-cut sandwiches, a trendy place to sit down, and a wide variety of deli items.

And for a night out on the town, restaurants like Rancho Viejo and Chops Bistro offer fun places to visit with a date. In Sisters, reservations are rarely necessary, and one suggested path is to follow your senses downtown. But for dessert, do plan on dropping by the Sno Cap Drive-In.

Feel the Community Buzz at a Sisters Event Or Festival

The atmosphere in Sisters is joyful. The weekends for the rest of the year begin to fill up with events and festivals as soon as winter thaws into spring. Even more of a reason to take a road trip is provided by these well-liked annual events. As if the city’s breathtaking natural surroundings weren’t enough.

The Sisters Rodeo & Parade is one fun event not to miss, always on the second weekend of June. This “Biggest Little Show in the World” first took place in 1940 and is now a time-honored Sisters tradition.

July in Sisters celebrates quilting along with classic car shows. Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, one of the world’s largest of its kind, takes place on the second weekend Over 1,300 handcrafted quilts are on display at this festive event in July, which also features ideal summertime weather.

Celebrations of square dancing, the Wild West, and Hawaiian food are among the additional events. Seasonal events include various art fairs and craft sales. And like the Sisters Folk Festival in September, in-town music festivals celebrate getting together with a lively soundtrack.

Visit Iconic Oregon Waterfalls

Within a short, picturesque drive of Sisters are some of Oregon’s best waterfalls. Many of these displays of gravity are spotted while traveling the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway, and like Sahalie & Koosah Falls. Some of these waterfalls are located on the McKenzie River in the Willamette National Forest.

About 35 miles south of Sisters on Highway 20 is the trailhead for Sahalie & Koosah Falls. A 2.6-mile section of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail connects viewing areas for both waterfalls.

On the McKenzie Highway (OR-242), a slightly shorter drive will bring you to Proxy Falls, another waterfall on the scenic byway. All winter long, this route is impassable. But in the summer, it leads to a stunning cascading waterfall within the Three Sisters National Park.

And Tumalo Falls, in The Deschutes National Forest is just outside of Sister’s neighboring city of Bend. It takes about an hour to drive from Sisters to the beginning of the Tumalo Falls trail. When visiting this famous waterfall on the weekends, be prepared for some crowds; try to go early in the day to avoid the worst congestion.

Take the Short Trip to Suttle Lake

Less than 15 miles northwest of Sisters, in Deschutes National Forest, All throughout the summer, Suttle Lake serves as a recreation mecca. The gorgeous conifer forest envelops this natural lake, which is 250 acres in size and is deep and clear. Everyday activities include boating, fishing, hiking, and checking out the resort amenities at The Suttle Lodge.

A rustic yet stylish lodging option is The Suttle Lodge. Guests enjoy boat rentals, lawn activities, and on-site dining with decadent menus at The Boathouse. Lodge rooms, basic cabins, and deluxe cabins are available for overnight accommodations.

In addition to The Suttle Lodge, the Forest Service runs two other campgrounds. Both of these campgrounds, Blue Bay and South Shore, have open boat ramps. Although Blue Bay also welcomes larger rigs, South Shore is more RV-friendly.

The Suttle Lake Loop Trail connects both campgrounds. This 3.6-mile trail offers a very family-friendly route to follow as it circles the water in a stunning and beautiful manner. Additionally, the trail is lined with great swimming holes on hot summer days. If you intend to hike, pack a swimsuit.

Fly Fish the Metolius River

A 20-minute drive from Sisters will take you to the impressive Metolius River. The distinctive feature of this river, which is located close to Black Butte’s base, is that it appears to have grown fully from underground. A great view of the emerging river and details on its hydrology are available from an observation site at this volcanic work of nature.

On the banks of the river, there are numerous cabins and lodges. Camp Sherman is one such popular place to visit, outfitted with vintage cabins and easy water access. Along the river’s upstream side are numerous campgrounds, including the Camp Sherman Campground. And the entire Metolius Basin, which is located near the water and offers hiking, birdwatching, and picture-perfect scenery, is a recreational haven.

The activity most closely associated with the cold, clear waters of the Metolius is fly fishing. Rainbow, brown, and enormous bull trout are among the many trout that teem in the water all year long. On Metolius, there are no for-profit guiding services available. Still, in-town fly shops, like The Fly Fisher’s Place, are happy to share some local knowledge. Camp Sherman also operates an on-location fly shop at the Camp Sherman Store.

Hit the Greens at a Local Golf Course

Sisters offers quick access to a number of public golf courses with a view, among other recreational gems. Three 18-hole courses spread across two locations are close by. Moreover, the majority of the putting greens on all three golf courses have breathtaking mountain backdrops.

Aspen Lakes Golf Course is the closest, located less than 10 minutes outside of town. This public golf course offers everything a golfer could want, including on-site dining, a pro shop, and a large practice area. During prime hours, the highest rate for 18 holes in the summer is $79 per person. Golf carts are extra. Tee times are recommended,

Black Butte Ranch has two courses northwest of town, reachable within a 15-minute drive. Glaze Meadow Golf Course and Big Meadow Golf Course are both longstanding favorites for thousands of players annually, in Central Oregon. Both of the Black Butte courses advise booking tee times in advance. There are spring rates, twilight rates, and additional discounts available.

Conclusion: An Incredibly & Magical Place

In conclusion, Sisters is an incredibly special place that provides countless opportunities to experience the mystique of Oregon’s Central Cascade Mountains. A truly stunning location with breathtaking scenery, unspoiled natural wonders, and talented artisans and craftspeople.

Sisters is a magical place to unwind and explore, especially for those looking for adventure and looking forward to finding a new, quaint little town. It offers a distinctive shopping and dining experience.