Sunriver has fast become one of our favorite places to visit. Last year was the first time but we went in April, weather was cooler and still some snow on the ground! This year was a family vacation with an opportunity to do even more things that we couldn’t get to last year. So this year our Sunriver adventure was in July which is a great month to go. The weather was perfect and where you stay can have additional options for fun.
SHARC – Walking Paths
We have stayed both years in about the same area of Sunriver. This year for our Sunriver adventure we chose to try a home surrounded by trees, close to the walking path that included passes to the pool, water park and even bikes so we could take advantage of the paths in the area. We spent a lot of time walking the area via the paths and even got lost on them two days in a row. However, being lost wasn’t all bad because we had a chance to see even more of the area. Depending on the time you walk you can see deer, squirrels, and a wide variety of birds. If you need even more activity, we were less than 10 minutes walking from the pickleball courts as well as a variety of parks to enjoy!
Sunriver Brewing
Definitely a must stop for the wide selection of craft beer as well as great food. We’ve tried a lot of the food and have never had a bad meal. The craft beer is also award winning and you never know what they will have to offer when you arrive. The staff really make you feel at home, very knowledgeable and aren’t afraid to share their favorites when asked. In the past, we have tried the burgers, wedge salad, fish and chips and really enjoyed them all. They are the Brewery of the Year and have many great beers to choose from.
Lava Caves
If you are ready for an adventure, this is it. Last year it wasn’t open so for us, this was a top item on our list for our Sunriver adventure. Come prepared with good walking shoes, warm clothes and a large, high powered flashlight. It is about 1.5 miles into the long dark cave on rough terrain with lots of stairs to tackle in the beginning. We recommend using hiking shoes if you have them and renting a flashlight when you check in at the entrance. It is a nominal fee and definitely worth the investment. The volunteer ranger gave us a lot of information prior to entering the cave and be aware, there are bats in the cave. We didn’t see any but it was during the day and that’s when they were sleeping!
Benham Falls
I love waterfalls and so we decided to check out Benham Falls just a bit further past Lava Caves. It was another hiking kind of day and this one you can do with just a good pair of tennis shoes if you stay on the main hiking trail. As photographers, we like to get off the main trails and get closer to the water and that can be challenging and treacherous at times. My husband Dave has his hands full making sure I don’t get into trouble. Luckily, he was close by on this one because as I was climbing back up the hill, I lost footing, and he grabbed me before anything bad could happen. It was a great hike, beautiful waterfall and something we would recommend if you have the time. For us, our Sunriver Adventure isn’t complete without a hike and waterfalls make it all the better!
GoodLife Brewing
No awesome Sunriver Adventure is complete without a stop at at GoodLife Brewing in Bend. Last year I had one of the BEST Reuben sandwiches that I’ve had – trust me, I’ve tried a few! This one was so good that I couldn’t wait to get back and have another one. Pair it with their mac and cheese and you’ve got a meal you won’t soon forget. Unfortunately, this year we found out it was seasonal so trying something new was now on the agenda. We both selected the BLT on their spent grain beer bread. Come hungry because the food is abundant and so very, very good! As for the beer, so many to pick from and a lot of amazing flavors.
Next Year Planned
It was so hard to leave again this year but the short trip really showed us that we need to go back. So many things left to do. So what do you do when you don’t want to leave? Book your next year’s adventure before you go. We are headed back again and this time in May for our next Sunriver Adventure. There is something for everyone. Great family time exploring the walking paths, riding a bike or heading over the pool and water park. You wouldn’t even have to leave the to find something to do but you definitely need to get out and check out the area and all it has to offer. Take a day trip into Bend, visit Mr. Bachelor or head on over to La Pine. We couldn’t go this year because of the fire but we’ve been there in the past and they have an amazing Cider shop! If you want to learn more about each of these highlighted adventures, just click on the name and it will take you to their website. Until next time . . .