Central Oregon, an oasis on the east side of the Cascade Mountain Range, offers a climate and environment atypical of the more populated western side of the state. People have discovered the areas and lore as a natural playground; flocking to the area to experience the work, life and play balance often elusive in the cityscape suburbs.
One such town, Sisters, has lifted itself as a destination circled on the map for fishers, golfers, hikers, bikers and more. Historically, Sisters was built on the logging industry’s booming business generations ago. Some time ago, the logging industry moved to greener pastures, and the town was left with a choice, adapt or become a dystopia of industry come and gone.
Sisters turned up the dials on tourism, hospitality and recreation… Sisters is now thriving. A main connection is U.S. Hwy. 20, a pipeline over the Santiam Pass from the central Willamette Valley’s population centers and captures the eye of many as weekenders flock in troves. It’s a steady flow of traffic and proximity that gave Sisters an edge for developing into the destination it is today.
The topography of Sisters lends a rare opportunity for everyone. Mountain lakes, bike trails, wilderness hiking, ski resorts, fly fishing, golfing and more. Hoodoo, a small ski resort offers a laid-back and family-friendly experience one might remember from yesteryear before corporate takeovers of Oregon’s beloved resorts. Fly fishers rush to the Metolius River and stop for lunch at the Historical Camper Sherman store for a handmade sandwich and cold drink. Golfers tee off at Black Butte Ranch, a golfer’s paradise among the ponderosa pines and snow-capped peaks.
Bikers flock to Sisters as a one-stop shop for a variety of rides. Casey Meudt, owner of the local bike shop Blazin Saddles, makes the proclamation that “within a one-hour drive of Sisters, there are more world-class cycling opportunities than anywhere else.” This includes backcountry old-growth fir trails in the McKenzie region, gravel riding in the Metolius River basin and road riding up the McKenzie Pass. McKenzie Pass, a historic twisting mountain pass of old, offers bikers a dreamscape. Enjoy scenes of mountain peaks, lava fields from Oregon’s fiery past, and descend into the temperate old growth on the West side for a day of two-wheeled thrills. Mountain bikers are rewarded with meandering lines up the Peterson Ridge area in close proximity to town. Start and end in town, where a cold beverage and tasty lunch await in the various food purveyors in the heart of town.
Sisters is a small community, and within, they’ve found their niche in offerings for entertainment. A world-renowned quilt show lines the streets in July. Bulls buck and cowboys battle in June. A folk festival hosts thousands turning every available outdoor area into a music stage later in autumn. There’s farmers markets, craft fairs and brew festivals all summer long. Thriving food carts, local music venues and coffee shops abound.
Overall, Sisters community is about activities in the outdoors. The local adventures have a gentle energy, they like a slow morning with coffee before the day’s adventures, they like to socialize with the visitors at the local tap hub. Yoga classes, spin class and local gyms are bustling with activity. It’s a vibrant community about balance of wellness, adventure and living the good life.
Sisters has something for everyone.
