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Why Central Oregon Is One Of My Favorite Places To Visit

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Oregon chapter.

Whether you like to go hiking, take pictures or simply enjoy the outdoors, Central Oregon is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts and creatives alike. There’s something about Central Oregon that I fall in love with every time I visit. Between the snow-capped Cascade Mountain Ranges, the alpine lakes or the desert tones, I can’t help but feel peaceful and full of gratitude. Central Oregon is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Family and friends can go visit the Black Butte Ranch nestled in the Deschutes National Forest, the peaceful desert town of La Pine, the small western city of Sisters, the perfect vacation homes of Sunriver and of course Bend, Oregon, the mountain town that has it all. 

There are tons of different hiking and biking trails to choose from, some of the most popular include Smith Rock State Park, Tumalo Fall and Mt. Bachelor. With a variety of outdoor activities, from skiing to mountain biking, Central Oregon encompasses enjoyable activities for all four seasons. For a more relaxing weekend, you can walk around downtown Bend and peruse the shops, dine at a delicious restaurant, go on a brewery tour or even treat yourself to a spa day. There’s a lot to explore and discover around this area that will be sure to fit your interests and may never make you want to leave.

My weekends spent in this area usually consist of a mixture between outdoorsy and laid-back activities. In Central Oregon you’ll either find me reading a book outside, listening to the birds, feeling warm sunshine on my skin or taking sunset pictures at Sparks Lake or Smith Rock. 

Central Oregon is one of those places that holds a special place in my heart. Each time I visit I’m left with wonderful memories and a longing for when I can spend more time surrounded by the scenic views of mountains and lakes once again. I’m beyond thankful for this beautiful state I live in and I can’t wait to continue exploring more of it. 

Hi! I'm Savannah Mendoza, a senior studying photojournalism at University of Oregon. Photography has always been one of my passions and I also love hiking, smoothie bowls, cats and going to the beach. I'm excited to continue to grow and learn about photography and writing through the opportunity of Her Campus.
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