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.

$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. The turquoise water glowing beneath ancient lava rock. The towering forest. The uneven trail winding through moss and volcanic terrain. The feeling that you’re...

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 desert around Prineville, the obsession runs deep. Every year, collectors, families, amateur...

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 of recommendations from friends all over the state, we realized that wasn't going to work. "Mom & Pop" encompasses so...

This Massive Hidden Canyon in Oregon Feels Like You Have the Whole State All to Yourself

If you’ve ever driven through north-central Oregon and thought, there’s gotta be something out there, you’re right… there is. And it might just be one of the most underrated places in the entire state. Cottonwood Canyon State Park doesn’t try to grab your attention the way the Oregon Coast or the...

This Old School Springfield Joint Serves A 5-Pound Burger That Is A Cardiologist’s Worst Nightmare

Some restaurants serve burgers. Others dare you to prove something. At Giant Burger, larger than life burgers have been part of their identity for generations. This old school burger joint in Springfield, Oregon has been turning out thick, juicy patties since 1947, and while a lot has changed in...
Are You Ready For The “Big One?” Most Oregon Highways Will Be Knocked Out

Are You Ready For The “Big One?” Most Oregon Highways Will Be Knocked Out

Grocery stores will be empty, gas stations will be out of gas, and roads in and out of western Oregon will be so damaged that travel by road will likely be impossible for months, or potentially even years afterwards. Are you prepared for the "big one?" We hear about...

X