Technically, this part of Central Oregon is classified as "semi-arid desert." Once you get here, wet a line or raft one of the area's trout-rich rivers, you may find yourself wondering where all the "arid" went.

Central to the area, of course, is Mt. Bachelor, a member of the fabled "Rim of Fire" and a perfect vantage point from which to view its sister volcanic mountains. Getting here is easy, staying busy even easier. A vacation to Central Oregon means a chance to golf, fish, hike, mountain bike, river raft. Summer evenings are mild and often include cultural events and concerts. There are more than 500 miles of rivers cutting through the forest lands and more than 150 blue water mountain lakes. Every major summer activity can be found here ...all within a short drive of Bend, Sunriver, Sisters, La Pine, Redmond, Madras, and Prineville. The Mt . Bachelor/Bend area is different in so many ways. Come, and prepare to be amazed.

Mt. Bachelor is all mountain. There are no accommodations at its base. Vacationers stay in Bend, 22 miles east, or either of the resort communities of Sunriver, 18 miles southeast, and Inn of the Seventh Mountain, 16 miles east of Mt. Bachelor on the Bend road.

This area was first explored by some very lucky beaver hunters who ventured into the valleys in the mid-1830s. It was originally known as Farewell Bend, a wagon stop before parties made their way over the Cascade Mountains. It was shortened to Bend by an all-business U.S. Postmaster. Basically built on the timber and lodging industry, the area expanded its appeal after the opening of Mt. Bachelor as a ski and recreation area in 1957.

You will need a car to get around the area. The surrounding Deschutes National Forest offers an almost endless variety of summer recreation, and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a "can't miss" route, either by car or bicycle.

The U.S. Forest Service gives interpretive talks on the mountain several times a day. After a day of sightseeing, head to Mt. Bachelor's Pine Marten Lodge, open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday and weekends, where you'll find some of the Northwest's highest restaurants. Enjoy the views.

Portland is approximately three hours away via U.S. Highway 26; Eugene, approximately three hours via U.S. Highway 20 and State Highway 126. The drive from Northern California will take you about 4.5 hours; Seattle, 6.5 hours, and Boise 6 hours. The Portland Airport is the nearest regional hub, serviced by most major airlines. Redmond Airport, 16 miles from Bend, is serviced by Horizon, United Express, SkyWest and Allegiant Air.