Dial A Shot: Central Oregon

As we drive down the road, my co-pilot captains chair reclines and my feet lift up. This is Hwy 62 driving from Medford past Crater Lake.

Getting closer to Bend we have a view of Mount Washington

The RV Park in Bend where we stayed has huge spots. This is not the norm and every once in awhile it nice to splurge for a great park. It's affordable during the shoulder season before summer hits.

As soon as we stepped out of the Moho you could smell the trees and fresh air. Parking in the trees is a double edged sword - you love the shade, but despise the sap dripping on your vehicles.

This is the view of Tumalo Falls looking both directions. There is a viewing platform at the top of the falls and a beautiful trail that winds along the river to numerous other waterfalls.

I posted this picture on FB and one of my friends said " I hope they don't have to rename this to Renee falls "

The Old Mill District is a newer tourist area.

Denise used to work at the Pine Tavern in Downtown. The restaurant was built around that large pine tree along the beautiful Deschutes River.

Sharon and Burt were travelling from WA to CA and stopped in Bend to visit with us for a couple days.

The Cascade region of Central Oregon was riddled with volcanic activity. This is Newberry National Monument. As you drive up the butte you see the cinders at the top and the lava rocks below.

There is a forest fire lookout at the top of the butte. You can see Mount Bachelor, Broken Top and the peaks of the Three Sisters in the distance. In the foreground are fields of lava rock.

As you look down, you see the center of the crater and red cinder.

The mighty Deschutes River

Smith Rock is a climbers paradise.

You descend from the parking area, cross the bridge and up you go. Following the trail around to the back side. And then the real climb begins with more switchbacks and you go up, and up, and up.

The view of Crooked River and the surrounding areas below are worth the effort.

Monkey Face Rock

Going down is much faster but still challenging.

Picnic Lunch Wall where climbers can usually be seen. It was closed to allow falcons to nest.

The day before we left Bend we drove the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway.

It was 30 degrees and snowing near Mount Bachelor. The ski slopes are open until 4th of July

The alpine lakes were stunning.

It warmed up at the lower elevations. We stopped here for a picnic.

These are the head waters of Fall River. The water seeps from the lava rock behind the foliage and a river is born.

I would highly recommend staying in this Forestry rental house at the head waters of Fall River. Pictures of the area just can't do it justice. It is such a serene and beautiful place.

Finishing up the loop we stopped at a Fish Hatchery. Over 750,000 fish are raised and released annually.

So this guy can catch them.

The water is crystal clear.

We took another trip to Newberry National Monument to visit the Lava River Cave.

Unlike the one we had visited near Flagstaff where we climbed over lava boulders, this cave was fitted with some walkways and stairs. Much more user friendly, but still pitch black. Everyone is recommended to have a flashlight and 2 back up lights, just in case your batteries run out.