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.
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.
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.
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.
How do I properly pack and store my belongings inside a camper van rental, and what storage options are available?
When renting a Class B motorhome from an RVshare owner, there are typically several storage options available for your belongings. You can utilize overhead storage compartments, under-bench storage, and even cabinets for heavier items. When packing your belongings, it's best to use soft-sided luggage or collapsible containers to save on space. Keep items secure while driving by using bungee cords or tension rods to prevent shifting during travel.
Can I drive a camper van rental in Sisters, OR without prior experience, and are there any special driving considerations I should know?
Driving a Class B motorhome rental is typically similar to driving a regular car, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to adjust your mirrors before setting off and be aware of the height and length of your vehicle. It's also advisable to take a test drive around the RVshare owner's neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the handling and braking of the vehicle before embarking on your trip.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the camper van rental during my rental period?
The owner of the RV is responsible for maintenance. Renters should keep the RV clean and handle with care to avoid any damages. You may need to empty the water tanks depending on your agreement with the RV owner.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a camper van motorhome rental in Sisters, OR?
It's important to know the height and weight restrictions of your camper van rental in order to avoid accidents or getting stuck in low clearance areas, especially when traveling on highways or bridges. It's also advisable to check local regulations regarding weight limits when driving on certain roads.
Can I park or store a Class B motorhome rental in a regular parking spot or garage in Sisters, OR, or are there specific requirements for parking and storage?
Parking a Class B motorhome rental in a regular spot or garage can be challenging due to the size of the vehicle. It's important to check local regulations and parking restrictions before setting off on your trip. RVshare owners may also provide guidance on where it is safe to park or store the vehicle.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class B motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Most Class B motorhomes are relatively fuel efficient, but it's important to be mindful of your driving habits in order to minimize fuel costs. Avoid idling the engine unnecessarily, accelerate smoothly, and avoid excessive speeding. It's also a good idea to plan your route before departing in order to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours.
Are any particular features or amenities available in a camper van rental that may not be found in other RVs in Sisters, OR?
Features and amenities vary depending on the model of the Class B motorhome rental, but some popular options include a built-in microwave, refrigerator, and TV/DVD player. Some models may also include a shower and toilet, while others may not. Check the listing details on RVshare for all of the available amenities for each rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class B motorhome rental?
Each RVshare owner may have different instructions for using the kitchen and bathroom facilities in their Class B motorhome rental. In the bathroom, there may be a shower and/or toilet that needs to be hooked up to water and sewage sources. RVshare owners will typically provide instruction manuals or walkthroughs of the rental vehicle's features.
Should I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the camper van rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
While some Class B motorhome rentals may include entertainment equipment or appliances, such as a grill or music player, it's always a good idea to double-check with the RVshare owner about what amenities are included in the rental. If you have specific entertainment preferences, you may want to bring your own equipment or devices.
Are any specific campgrounds or RV parks in Sisters, OR particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Sisters, OR that are well-suited for Class B motorhome rentals. Some popular amenities include electrical hookups, dump stations for sewage, and picnic tables. It's important to research and reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability during your trip. RVshare owners may also have recommendations for great campsites or RV parks in the area.
