That Oregon Life · Stories & discoveries
Central Oregon
Discover Central Oregon with our travel guide category. Your ultimate resource for attractions, activities, and events. Let us be your go-to travel center for an unforgettable adventure in this spectacular region.
More Central Oregon stories
Keep exploring
Central Oregon
This Remote Oregon Hot Springs Lets You Soak Beneath Desert Skies Where Wild Horses Roam
Some places in Oregon make you work for them. Hart Mountain Hot Springs is one of those places. Tucked deep in south central Oregon, far from traffic lights, coffee stands, cell service, and pretty much anything…
There’s a Secret Hidden Bar Inside This Historic Oregon School And It Feels Like a Treasure Hunt
There are places in Oregon that feel like destinations. And then there are places that feel like adventures. The kind where you arrive with a rough plan, only to completely abandon it an hour later because…
Oregon’s Lavender Season Is About To Explode And These Summer Festivals Smell Like Pure Magic
There are certain moments in Oregon that feel almost unreal. The first warm evening on the coast. The smell of pine after rain in the Cascades. Sunlight breaking through vineyards in wine country. And then there’s…
Odell Lake, Oregon: Fishing, Camping & Boating Guide
Odell Lake is a deep, high-elevation Cascade lake near Willamette Pass, best known for kokanee, trophy-size lake trout, forest campgrounds and big mountain views. It is a strong choice for anglers and boaters who do not…
$3.4 Million to Redesign Tamolich Blue Pool Has Oregonians Asking One Question: Why?
For years, the hike to Tamolitch Blue Pool has been one of those rare Oregon experiences that still feels raw, natural, and earned. Planning a visit? Read our complete Blue Pool Oregon hiking guide for the…
This Massive Gem & Mineral Event in Prineville Is a Rockhound’s Dream Come True
If you’ve ever pulled over on the side of an Oregon highway because a shiny rock caught your eye, there’s a good chance you already understand the magic of Central Oregon rockhounding. Out in the high…
The 42 Best Oregon Mom & Pop Restaurants to Eat At in 2026
We're going a bit out on a limb here at That Oregon Life. This story began as a sort of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" compilation, but after a giant list of my own and a slew…