The Heart Of Sunny Oregon Boasts This Scenic River State Park To Camp, Hike, And Swim

When many people think of Oregon, lush evergreen forests, green hills, and rainy weather comes to mind. While the western portion of the state does receive its fair share of drizzle and cloudy skies, once you head to the other side of the Cascade Range, it's a different story. Central and eastern Oregon enjoy a high desert climate with plenty of sunny days, playing against the stereotype that all of the Pacific Northwest is a misty, moss-covered land of umbrellas and Gore-Tex.

Situated on Oregon's magnificent Deschutes River 4 miles from the cool, outdoorsy town of Bend, Tumalo State Park offers visitors the opportunity to soak up the area's unmatched natural charms along with the plentiful year-round sunshine. It is easily accessed as part of this Western U.S. road trip route or as a weekend getaway from Portland, just 3 hours away. The park boasts scores of good campsites, along with picnic areas, a riverside walking path, and access to the Deschutes itself: a clearwater, natural flowing playground perfect for swimming, floating, kayaking, or casting a line for trophy rainbow trout.

The natural allure of the Deschutes is not just limited to its stretch through Tumalo State Park. There are other hiking and cycling paths within quick striking range, and when once you've worked up an appetite taking a bite out of the area's outdoor splendor, you can pop over to Bend for a top-notch meal washed down with some Oregon wine or an expertly crafted ale.

The Deschutes River is certainly one of Oregon's most glimmering outdoor gems, and is a major tributary of the Columbia, where it empties into just a few miles down the road from the sun-drenched town of the Dalles in the Columbia Gorge. The river starts in the Cascades and winds for 252 miles, the last 100 of which are designated as a National Wild and Scenic River as well as an Oregon Scenic Waterway for its unique ecosystem, wildlife, arresting scenery, and endless opportunities for recreation.

Named for the native Klamath word for "wild plum," Tumalo State Park draws visitors who wish to camp along a languid stretch of the Deschutes in serenity and comfort, and perhaps take a dip in the cooling waters. The park offers 23 full hook-up sites, 54 basic tents sites with water (except for during the winter, when the spigots are shut off), group and hiking/biking sites, as well as seven fully-equipped yurts for rent. It also has showers and flush toilets, along with firewood and ice for sale in the busy season.

The Deschutes River Trail is a nearly 12-mile route that follows the river's flow, and 2.4 miles of it takes hikers through the Tumalo State Park section, which features steep canyon cliffs on either side, with perfect water for kayaking or fly-fishing. Hikers can also head into the nearby Riley Nature Ranch Reserve, a 184-acre property with several loop trails showing off the area's remarkable natural allure, including stands of juniper and pine, open meadows, basalt rock formations, and the Deschutes Canyon itself.

Tumalo State Park is just one of many great attractions in the area, and the cool and charming nearby town of Bend makes a perfect basecamp for supplies, accommodations, and terrific food and drink. While particularly good as a destination for fun fall outdoor adventures, Bend attracts visitors year-round, acting as a jumping off point for hikers, mountain bikers, kayakers, rock climbers, and especially fly-fishers who come in droves to pursue the trout, salmon, and steelhead lurking in the Deschutes and other local waters. It's also within a quick shot of this under-the-radar and crystal clear lake, and serves as a winter sports hotspot, with nearby Mt. Bachelor offering plenty of opportunities for deep powder skiing and snowboarding.

Bend is perhaps best as a place to recharge between outdoor missions, punching far above its weight when it comes to food and drink. Dive into some Cajun-influenced American fare at Zydeco Kitchen, or down a locally-sourced, premium steak at Rancher Butcher Chef. Boasting over 30 breweries, Bend also lives up to Oregon's reputation as an essential beer state. Stop by for a pint at the long-standing Silver Moon Brewing, or sample an array of Oregon's original craft suds at the Deschutes Brewery, which — opened back in 1988 — is considered a true pioneer in the American microbrewery movement.