Central Oregon is known for its wide array of world-class recreational possibilities, such as climbing the crags of Smith Rock and biking its scenic byways and trails to golf or fishing. Located in the middle of the fun, Redmond is your hub of all that Central Oregon has to offer.

Depending on the season, recreation enthusiasts have easy access to road and mountain biking, hiking, camping, climbing, horseback riding and just about any snow sport you can think of. Considering the number of possibilities, the biggest challenge is deciding what to choose.

Within the last decade, state scenic bikeway designations and nonprofits such as the Central Oregon Trail Alliance have turned Central Oregon into a premier biking destination.

Biking tHE ROAD

The Twin Bridges Scenic Bikeway is a 37-mile, moderate loop, officially beginning and ending in Bend’s Drake Park. The loop wanders throughout Bend, Tumalo and Redmond as it affords its users panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains.

The Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway is 37 miles one way, a moderate ride beginning in downtown Sisters and ending at Smith Rock State Park in Terrebonne. For those seeking more miles, simply turn around and head back to Sisters for a completely different set of views as you switch your direction from east to west.

The McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway is a challenging 36-mile ride out of Sisters on state Highway 242 that heads west over McKenzie Pass while showcasing the contrasting forests of both sides of the Cascade Mountains. If you’re here at the right time in late spring, you can ride the route after it is plowed and before cars are allowed on the road.

For more information on these and many other rides based in and around Redmond, visit www.rideoregonride.com.

Biking THE TRAIL

Central Oregon has long been at the forefront of mountain biking in America. Our trails provide breathtaking fun for riders of all ages and abilities. From in-town, paved trails to loops deep in the forest, Redmond has easy access to your dirty fun.

The Dry Canyon Trail is Redmond’s easy, four-mile, paved path lined with juniper groves and picturesque rock cliffs. Beginning on the southern end at SW Quartz Avenue, the trail also has a dirt path which parallels the paved one.

The newly upgraded, 4,100-acre Maston Area is located just south of Eagle Crest on the Cline Butte Highway. Its 20 miles of mountain bike trails are open in the winter and early spring, while closed in the summer to protect the nesting grounds of golden eagle, raptors and prairie falcons.

On Redmond’s east side, riders will find new trails during practically every visit to the Radlands, it’s growing that fast. Its trailhead is at the end of NE Negus Way.

Smith Rock State Park, located just 15 minutes north of Redmond, has trails that circumnavigate the park and highlight its sheer cliffs and the climbers roped to them. Families and those looking for a leisurely ride head to the Smith Rock State Park Loop, while cyclists in search of a leg-burning workout ride the challenging, 11-mile Burma Road Loop.

For more information on all of Central Oregon’s mountain biking opportunities, visit www.cota.com.

On the links

Gorgeous weather and breathtaking views have long made Central Oregon a golfing mecca. Following suit, Redmond’s golf courses cater to every type of golfer, from weekender to professional, at one of seven professionally designed courses.

Just minutes from downtown, Juniper Golf Course has played host to the Oregon Open Golf Championships, as well as several U.S. Amateur qualifiers. The John Harbottle-designed course has a variety of tees available to make it friendly for golfers of all skill levels. (www.playjuniper.com)

If you’re looking for a challenging 18-hole executive public golf course, The Greens at Redmond is located minutes from Redmond’s city center. The mid-iron course, designed by Robert Muir Graves, is designed with the Central Oregon’s lifestyle and landscape in mind. (www.thegreensatredmond gc.com)

Eagle Crest Resort lies just east of town and offers a variety of courses with four sets of tees on each course. The Ridge Course and The Resort Course are its championship courses. Also available is the tough, 18-hole, par-63 course, The Challenge Course, and a popular 18-hole putting course. The Ridge Course is open all year. (www. eagle-crest.com)

On foot

With no equipment to buy or skills to learn, hiking is an easy way to experience Redmond’s surroundings and get some exercise at the same time. Redmond’s central location affords hikers the opportunity to hike trails leading to forests, waterfalls, mountain peaks or urban areas.

The Dry Canyon Trail consists of four miles of paved hiking paths, shared with cyclists. The flat path meanders through juniper groves, tall grasses and picturesque cliffs. The trail connects many public parks and notable landmarks such as the wide-arched Maple Avenue Bridge.

Thirty minutes to the north, Steelhead Falls Trail runs along the Deschutes River near Crooked River Ranch. The easy hike leads to a popular swimming hole and golden eagle viewing area.

ON WATER

Central Oregon’s waterways provide residents and visitors ample opportunity for fishing, swimming or just enjoying the wildlife.

Fireman’s Pond, located near downtown Redmond, is known for visitors who like sitting back, relaxing and watching the wildlife. There are also fishing opportunities for children 14 and under.

Just over an hour to the north, Lake Billy Chinook features just about every water recreation type imaginable. Swimming, fishing and boating are all available to families looking for summer fun. Camping and deluxe log cabins are available for overnight stay.

There are many reservoirs offering water-based fun less than an hour from Redmond. Haystack Reservoir, Prineville Reservoir and Ochoco Reservoir are popular and offer fishing, boating and swimming. Rainbow trout, largemouth bass and catfish are a few of the fish waiting to be caught. Check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for information and restrictions.

ON HORSEBACK

There are a multitude of horseback-riding opportunities centered in Redmond and throughout Central Oregon. The surrounding BLM and national forest areas allow riders to stretch their legs under the beautiful Central Oregon landscape. Many ranches and stables offer guided tours and lessons.

ON SNOW

In wintertime, there is no shortage of activities for Redmond residents and visitors. Both a little over an hour away, Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo ski areas offer downhill and nordic skiing as well as sledding and other snow sports. Also dotted throughout Central Oregon’s Cascade Mountains are 14 sno-parks for nordic skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding and dog sledding.

WITH THE FAMILY

If you are interested in staying in town and recreating with the entire family, Redmond has a host of activities to please everyone. The Cascade Swim Center on Rimrock Way has swimming and lessons, water polo and water aerobics. Fireman’s Pond offers free fishing for children ages 14 and under.

Centennial Park, in downtown Redmond, has a splash fountain in the summer and ice skating in the winter. In the fall, families enjoy heading out to the D & D Ranch and Smith Rock Ranch, both pumpkin patches in Terrebonne. A little closer to Redmond, Petersen’s Rock Garden & Museum offers funky clues to Central Oregon’s past in the form of rock sculptures and displays (though Petersen’s recently announced it was closing indefinitely because of insurance and repair needs). If your child is into skateboarding or biking, then take them to the Redmond Skate Park in the Dry Canyon or the BMX tracks on SW Canal Boulevard or Negus Way.