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 correctly set up and take down a popup camper rental, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need?
Setting up and taking down a popup camper rental typically requires a few basic tools, including a rubber mallet, wheel chocks, and a few different sized wrenches. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves locating and extending the stabilizer jacks, popping up the roof, extending the sidewalls, and connecting any necessary hoses and cables. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the owner and ask for assistance if you are unsure about any aspect of the setup.
Can I rent a popup camper in Sisters, OR without a vehicle capable of towing it, and if so, what are my options for renting a towing vehicle?
Standard passenger sedans typically able to tow popup campers that weigh less than 1,500 pounds. Heavier duty vehicles, such as 4x4 SUVs, can usually tow a heavier popup. If you are unable to tow, another option is to have the popup campered delivered to your campsite. The RVshare owner will bring it to the campground and set up for you, then tow it away after your trip is over.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when towing a popup camper rental in Sisters, OR?
When towing a popup camper rental, it's important to practice safe driving techniques and be aware of your surroundings. You may need to adjust your driving speed and distance from other vehicles to account for the additional weight and length. It's also important to make sure the camper rental is properly secured and level before hitting the road.
What kind of amenities can I expect in a popup camper rental, and how do they compare to other RV rentals in Sisters, OR?
Popup camper rentals typically offer a range of amenities and features, including comfortable sleeping quarters, kitchen appliances and supplies, and on-board storage options. While they may be more compact than other RV rentals, they often offer a more affordable and flexible option for travelers who want to explore the outdoors.
Can I bring my bedding and linens to use in the popup camper rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
Many RVshare owners will provide bedding and linens for the popup camper rental, but you can certainly bring your own if you prefer. There are typically storage compartments and cubbies located throughout the interior of the camper rental for storing personal items.
How do I properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your particular campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilizing will be necessary. To properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental, you will need a few basic tools, including leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and a bubble level. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves leveling the camper rental side-to-side using the leveling blocks and adjusting the front-to-back level using the tongue jack.
What weather conditions should I know when renting a popup camper in Sisters, OR, and how can I prepare for them?
Depending on where you are renting the popup camper, you may need to prepare for a range of different weather conditions. It's important to check the forecast before heading out and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for any potential weather events. You should also take steps to protect the camper rental from high winds, rain, and other elements by properly securing it and using any available window covers or awnings.
Can I bring my outdoor equipment or appliances to use with the popup camper rental, such as a portable grill or camping chairs?
Yes, you can certainly bring your own outdoor equipment and appliances to use with the popup camper rental. However, be sure to check with the RVshare owner beforehand to make sure there is enough space to store your items and that they are safe to use with the camper rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the exterior and interior of a popup camper rental during my rental period?
The maintenance and upkeep required for a popup camper is handled by the RV owner. Handle the camper with care and return it in the condition you received it.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in popup camper rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Sisters, OR?
Popup camper rentals are light and easier to tow than most other towable trailers, making them easier to bring along on your trips, and typically meaning your own vehicle should be able to tow them.