Things To Do
Smith Rock State Park
This is one of our favorite places in central Oregon to hike! Mostly for Dylan because it reminds him of Star Wars. There are various levels of hikes- Misery Ridge being the toughest (as you could guess from the name). All of them lead to a beautiful view.
Clear Lake
Hey Dylan here again, this place is CRAZY! The name fits this place well. You can see all the way to the bottom of this lake. I would recommend going out on some paddleboards. There's also this really nice log you can eat lunch on right off the parking lot area before you go down in the water. Great views, you just have to watch out for the chipmunks, they really like turkey sandwiches. All jokes aside, you need to come to this spot even if it means being a little late to our wedding. We will understand.
Peterson Ridge Overlook
Dylan again!!! I guess I am lucky enough to talk about all of these places with ya'll. So this place has some of the best views of all the mountains around here easily!!! Also can become a longer hike if you want to go deeper in and go check out the streams. The best activity out here is being able to throw all the pinecones over the stream to try and hit the trees. The second best activity is finding the biggest rocks you can find and throwing them in the stream to watch how big the splash is. I would highly recommend being late to our wedding again for this hike. It should not be missed!!!!
Old Mill District
Okay now this place is SICK! Has something for the whole family. Lots of shopping can be done if you forgot anything, however, the coolest part of Old Mill is the river that runs through it. Paddleboards, swimming, but most importantly floating. You can rent some tubes. It is pretty similar to Grizzly River Run at California Adventure, the beginning is pretty scenic and relaxing, but as you get further along the rapids get pretty crazy and I would recommend lifting up your butt. I have recieved some massive butt bruises from that run. There is also a cool place where you can surf right next to the float as well that gets rippin' as well.
Black Butte Ranch
BLACK BUTTE RANCH! Okay ya'll so this place is probably the most magically out of any of these spots listed. Emma even used to come here when she was a kid. Too bad I didn't because she so would have had a crush on me. Nonetheless, there are two golf courses in this ranch, some fine dining, and wild horses. Also, there are some great hikes with the most beautiful meadows and streams. My favorite activity out here is grabbing some sticks or pinecones and having races with them down the stream to see which one will win. Also you could hike Black Butte itself, pretty steep and challenging but so worth the grind when you get to the top.