Central Oregon’s vast network of hiking and biking trails offers endless opportunities for adventure, but sometimes, a detour from the usual paths can be just what you need to invigorate your outdoor experience. For those seeking a break from the popular biking trails of Phil’s Trail Area or the well-trodden paths of Green Lakes, we invite you to discover the thrill of these lesser-known high desert activities.

Summer on Mt. Bachelor

While Mt. Bachelor is renowned for its winter activities like Alpine skiing and snowboarding, and Nordic skiing or snowshoeing, it has recently undergone a remarkable transformation. In the past five years, Mt. Bachelor has reinvented itself as a year-round mountain, offering a host of exciting summer activities. With an elevation of 9,068 feet, you can also escape the summer heat and enjoy cooler temperatures.

Prove to your significant other that you are, in fact, a romantic by proposing a Scenic Lift Ride to the stunning Pine Mountain Lodge. Score bonus points for making it a sunset dinner at 7,800 feet. Kids will enjoy the view as well!

For those seeking adventure, Mt. Bachelor offers a range of thrilling activities. You can hike down the runs normally reserved for ski season, providing a unique perspective of the mountain. Alternatively, you can explore the Mt. Bachelor Bike Park, a mountain bike park with downhill trails for all ability levels. The park is accessible via two chairlifts and offers over 13 miles of trails, including the popular Redline. If you’re craving an adrenaline rush without the workout, consider the zip line tour, which features an almost 1,400 vertical foot drop on the dual-line, three-stage tour. MtBachelor.com

Fly Fishing on the Metolius River

The picturesque Metolius River slices through the unincorporated town of Camp Sherman, beginning at its spring-fed headwaters and rushing towards the Warm Springs Reservation. Though this area is beautiful enough to simply wander the forest and enjoy a picnic, the river is home to world-class fly fishing, an Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife fish hatchery raising Atlantic and kokanee salmon, and brook and rainbow trout.

Start your day at the Camp Sherman Store & Fly Shop for some much-needed information on which flies work best and quality river stretches you should battle the fish. End your day there, too, with a homemade burger and craft brew, or walk a short distance to Hola! for authentic Mexican-Peruvian cuisine and their selection of craft margaritas. Early summer is the best time to visit as the flowers are in bloom. Extend your stay and spend the night at a campsite, RV park, cabin or rental house on the river. MetoliusRiver.com

River Raft the Deschutes or MacKenzie Rivers

Are you looking to spend some time on a river that doesn’t include fishing? Sun Country Tours and Ouzel Outfitters operate several rafting trips for all ages. The Big Eddy Thriller on the Upper Deschutes River is a popular half-day trip with mellow currents, swimming holes and class III rapids. Upgrade your trip on Wednesdays to the Raft ’N Brew special and enjoy live music, beer tasting, and light hors d’oeuvres on the Sun Country Tours’ patio in Bend. Or extend your time and head to Maupin for a 13-mile, four-and-a-half-hour trip down the lower section of the Deschutes River.

If you’ve had fun on the Deschutes but still want time on a river, Ouzel Outfitters has a half-day trip that is ninety minutes from Bend on the MacKenzie River. This 12-mile trip is fast and fun, with almost continuous class I and II rapids.

SunCountryTours.com

OregonRafting.com

Disc Golf in the Woods

For the last two decades, disc golf has steadily risen in popularity to take the world by storm, and Central Oregon is no different. With courses ranging from manicured parks to secluded forest spots, it’s no wonder why disc golf is added to any Bend itinerary.

On the east side of Bend, the Pine Nursery Course shares a 159-acre community park with sports fields, pickleball courts and a dog park. Toss your discs between the juniper trees, sagebrush and desert grasses on your way toward professional Mach 5 targets. Try the 41 Road course in the Deschutes National Forest for a more solitary round. What the course lacks in professionalism (think 5-gallon buckets for targets), it more than makes up for in beauty and solitude.

If you want to toss the disc but you’re not up for walking 18 holes, head to Bevel Craft Brewing’s Putting Course. The treed 18-hole putting course sits adjacent to the taproom and food cart lot. Bevel also hosts music all summer. udisc.com/Places/Bend-Or