Best National Parks Near Sisters, OR
Crater Lake National Park is Oregon's only national park. It's about a two-hour drive from Sisters. The lake was formed after Mount Mazama underwent a cataclysmal eruption and then collapsed. It is the ninth-deepest lake in the world. Seasonally, you can hike down to the water, but it is a steep, taxing climb back up. The drive around the rim is spectacular.
Lofty Mount Rainier in neighboring Washington rises to 14,417 feet. At Mount Rainier National Park, you'll find dozens of trails, including a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. You can traverse old-growth forests and subalpine meadows. The glacier-covered volcano is not extinct and smoke still drifts out of the top. Mountain goats, deer, and black bears are just a few of the wildlife species you may encounter at this park, which is about 300 miles to the north of Sisters near Tacoma.
Walking in the shadow of the redwood forest, the trees have a presence all their own at Redwood National Park, which is around 400 miles south of Sisters in Crescent City, CA. It is operated jointly with the California state park system. Whether you are looking for a leisurely scenic drive or you plan to spend a few weeks, you can find hiking trails among these giant trees to suit your needs. Other activities include exploring tidepools, kayaking, biking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding.
Popular State Parks Near Sisters, OR
Tumalo State Park occupies a tract along the Deschutes River less than 30 miles southeast of Sisters. It's one of the few spots along the Deschutes River where it is safe to swim. You can also enjoy this popular spot for floating, hiking, and fishing. The park offers a playground, flush toilets, showers, and a dump station.
For year-round camping and outdoor recreation, visit The Cove Palisades State Park. It covers both the Deschutes and Crooked River canyons. Hiking, swimming, paddling, and fishing are all popular activities. The park offers boat rentals at the marina, playgrounds, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station.
Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all common activities at LaPine State Park, which is about an hour northeast of Sisters. The park offers a playground, flush toilets, hot showers, an off-leash dog area, and a dump station.
Rock climbing is the main attraction at Smith Rock State Park, which is approximately 35 miles northeast of Sisters. It boasts several thousand climbs of all types and levels. Seasonally, it's home to a variety of nesting raptors. Hiking is another popular activity.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Sisters, OR
Hoodoo Ski Area is located about a half-hour drive from Sisters. It offers day and night skiing and snowboarding. It also features Nordic trails and the Autobahn Tubing Park. There are lessons for all ages and levels in skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country. You can also learn to ride a ski bike or ski trike. One- or two-day visits are common.
The Metolius River, approximately 60 miles north of Sisters, is one of the most pristine rivers in the U.S. and features trophy-sized trout. You will find hiking trails and can visit the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. Interagency work is ongoing to restore the Chinook and sockeye salmon. Birders can glimpse birds of prey as well as shore and wading birds.
Elephants, giant sloths, and saber-toothed cats used to roam this area, and at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, located 115 miles east of Sisters, you can learn all about them. This park is also home to the Painted Hills, where layered deposits offer an otherworldly landscape.
Start your exploration of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which is 33 miles south of Sisters, at the Lava Lands Visitor Center. The park covers over 54,000 acres of lakes, lava flows, and other fascinating geological structures. You can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife viewing, or you can take part in one of its interpretive and educational programs.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort, found four miles south of Sisters, is a pet-friendly facility that offers full hookups at its back-in and pull-through sites. Rates start at $40 a night and include free Wi-Fi. Crooked River Ranch RV Park, located 40 miles to the northeast of Sisters, offers 30- and 50-amp, full hookup sites. Discounted rates for Good Sam members, veterans, and active-duty military start at $36.87 a night and include free Wi-Fi. A playground and walking path can help you keep moving during your stay. River Rim and Big Horn RV Parks, 25 miles to the northeast in Terrebonne, focus on long-term occupancies and start at $550 a month. Pets are allowed, and Wi-Fi is free.
RV Dump Stations Near Sisters, OR
Get ready for your next adventure! We've put together an excellent list of Bend RV campgrounds and dump stations throughout the state, making it easy to find one close by. You'll find all the latest details, from addresses and hours to fees and features. Whether you're looking for a free spot or something more premium, our list has you covered, helping you compare and choose the perfect option. And don't miss our blog, packed with planning tips, travel advice, destination guides, and even tips on where to store your RV when you're done. Ready to hit the road? Start by finding the perfect RV rental for your Bend, Oregon trip now!
