Mt Bachelor

Few places in the Pacific Northwest match the high-country drama of Central Oregon at day’s end. From mirror-still lakes that double the sky to volcanic summits lit in fiery pink, the Mount Bachelor area delivers sunset magic night after night all summer long. Use this guide to find six jaw-dropping, all-natural viewpoints, no restaurants, bars, or patios, plus safety tips and insider tricks. Whether you want an effortless lakeside stroll or a heart-pumping summit climb, you’ll finish the evening with a memory that glows as brightly as the sky. Quick trip-planning tip: Secure your accommodation early, summer dates fill fast. Meredith Lodging has a hand-picked collection of Sunriver and Bend vacation rentals that put you minutes from every spot in this guide. Why Chase Sunsets in the High Cascades? Central Oregon’s Mount Bachelor region sits on the sun-kissed eastern flank of the Cascade Range. In midsummer the sun lingers until almost 9 p.m., bathing volcanic peaks, mirrored lakes and sub-alpine meadows in a long golden hour. Thanks to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, you can combine roadside pull-offs with rewarding summit treks, all within 45 minutes of Bend. This guide zooms in on six purely natural spots (no lodges, bars or patios) that locals swear by for a bucket-list summer sunset. Quick planning tips QuestionFast answerBest monthsLate June – mid-September (roads snow-free, trails dry)Typical sunset~8:45 p.m. late June; ~8:15 p.m. mid-AugustBringLayers, bug repellent, headlamp, NW Forest Pass, camera tripodPermits?Only Broken Top requires a Central Cascades Wilderness day-use permit (June 15 – Oct 15) Sparks Lake – Mirror-Calm Reflections of South Sister Why it’s special A shallow lava-dammed basin turns glass-smooth most evenings, perfectly mirroring South Sister and Broken Top. Photographers call it Central Oregon’s postcard shot. Getting there Drive 26 miles west of Bend on the Cascade Lakes Highway and follow signs to the day-use lot. A Northwest Forest Pass or $5 day fee is required. Best vantage Stroll the Ray Atkeson Loop to a rocky peninsula on the north shore. Arrive an hour before sunset to watch alpenglow creep down South Sister and ignite the water in liquid gold. Local hack June evenings can be buggy, long sleeves and repellent help. Stay for the lavender afterglow, then walk back to the car with a headlamp. Ready for a front-row seat? Reserve a lake-view Sunriver condos with Meredith Lodging and be at Sparks Lake in under 30 minutes. Todd Lake – Wildflower Shorelines and Gentle Ambience What you’ll see At 6,150 feet, Todd Lake sits in a bowl of hemlock forest. In early July the shore erupts in lupine and Indian paintbrush while Broken Top’s crags dominate the western sky. Easy access Turn right just past Mount Bachelor on the Cascade Lakes Highway; the day-use lot is a quarter-mile ahead. It’s a 0.3-mile stroll to the beach or a 1.7-mile loop encircling the lake, perfect for families. Sunset playbook Circle counter-clockwise. From the north shore you’ll frame Mount Bachelor across glassy water; from the east meadow Broken Top basks in peach-pink light. Pro tip: Even August nights can dip into the 40s °F, pack a puffy jacket and hot cocoa. Elk Lake, Sunset View Day-Use Area – Zero-Hike Eye-Candy Snapshot Need stroller-friendly or mobility-friendly access? Park steps from the shoreline and watch the sun melt into a sapphire lake bordered by firs. Logistics Thirty-two miles from Bend on Cascade Lakes Highway. Toilets, picnic tables, and a paved path line the east shore. Bring your Northwest Forest Pass. Sunset strategy Set up near driftwood logs. The lake often turns to hammered bronze as the sun slips behind the western ridge. Glance north to catch the Three Sisters glowing. Imagine ending every day like this. Book a pet-friendly Elk Lake cottage through Meredith Lodging and keep sunset within arm’s reach. Tumalo Mountain – Classic Four-Mile Sunset Summit Experience A two-mile switchback climb gains 1,400 feet and rewards hikers with panoramic volcano views, without the marathon effort of a major peak. Sunset how-to? Leave the trailhead two hours before sunset. On top, face west for the orange orb drop, then pivot north to watch alpenglow blush the Sisters. Mount Bachelor looms immediately south, its triangular shadow stretching across the forest. Gear notes Wind can roar, bring a shell. Each hiker needs a headlamp for the forested descent. Mount Bachelor Summit – High-Alpine Grandstand Why Attempt Mount Bachelor Summit? At 9,065 feet you’ll own a 360-degree skyline: volcanoes to infinity, bachelor’s shadow against a pastel sky, and distant city lights twinkling on. Route choices Start pointDistance (round-trip)Elevation gainTime upBase area6 mi2,600 ft2.5–3 hrsScenic lift + hike~3 mi1,200 ft1–1.5 hrs Summit routine Begin hiking at least three hours before sunset if starting from the base. Wander the broad cinder cap, then face west for the fiery finale. Descend as soon as the sun drops, loose scree demands trekking poles and bright lights. Safety essentials: Even July nights can flirt with freezing. Pack a windproof layer, hat, gloves, and spare headlamp batteries. Craving summit solitude? Stay in a slopeside Meredith Lodging townhome and roll out of bed to the trailhead. Broken Top Crater & No Name Lake – Remote Sunset Masterpiece What awaits you? A turquoise glacier lake in a volcanic amphitheater, ringed by crimson pinnacles and the full cascade volcano lineup stacking toward the horizon. Trail facts Sunset Routine Hike 3–4 hours before sunset. Scramble a short social path above the lake for the prime angle. The sun sets behind South Sister, turning rock spires ruby and the lake electric teal. Descend under stars with a strong headlamp. Packing list: Three liters of water, down jacket, emergency blanket, and trekking poles. Temperatures can tumble into the 40s °F the moment the sun is gone. Universal Summer Sunset Safety in the Cascades Want a hassle-free gear base? Meredith Lodging homes come with secure gear storage and laundry, perfect for post-adventure clean-up. Sample One-Day “Sunset Collector” Itinerary TimeActivity8 amCoffee in Bend; drive Cascade Lakes Highway9 amPaddleboard or hike at Sparks Lake12:30 pmPicnic and swim at Elk

We have been in the kitchen cooking up some delectable deals that will make planning a mountain or beach getaway even easier.  We will be serving up some amazing deals soon that can SAVE you up to 30%! Dreaming of hitting the slopes or long walks on a sandy stretch of beach? We have an amazing collection of vacation rentals to suit all sizes and budgets in some of Oregon’s most popular vacation destinations.  Bend offers a bounty of beauty and endless outdoor pursuits. Book a stay at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging where you can enjoy relaxing in front of a cozy fire after an adventure-filled day on the trails or slopes, invigorating walks along the Deschutes River, shopping and dining in nearby Bend, and so much more in this scenic and beloved Central Oregon vacation destination!  Rockaway Beach boasts seven miles of sandy beach, inland lakes and scenic hiking trails. Beach comb, take a ride on the Oregon Scenic Railroad steam train, stroll the charming and quirky local shops, dine on fresh seafood delicacies like briny oysters and Dungeness crab, and more. Come discover why this charming beach town has been attracting visitors for generations.  Keep your eyes on your inbox and social media posts for details on how to save on all Meredith Lodging destinations with our Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales!  Please note: Certain restrictions and Blackout Dates will apply.        

Experience Mt. Bachelor like never before with an exhilarating zip line ride on the Northwest’s fastest, steepest, and highest-elevation zip adventure. This scenic, dual-line, three-stage tour begins above the tree line at the top of Pine Marten lift at an elevation of 7,800 feet and drops nearly 1,4000 feet. Get ready to soar this summer on a Mt. Bachelor zipline tour! Zip Line Tour Stages  Stage one Stage one starts near the unloading area of the Pine Marten lift. You will drop 225 feet in elevation as you descend towards the Skyliner lift. Enjoy stunning views of Tumalo Mountain and Paulina Peak in the distance while flying over ravines and ridges below.  Stage two Stage two will angle you back toward the Pine Marten while dropping an additional 263 feet. Marvel at the stunning views of South Sister and the Cascade Lakes as you soar through the forests.  Stage three Stage three is the grand finale of the tour and features the thrilling “Broken Top Drop.” Enjoy the rush as you fly down the mountain side with an 866-foot vertical plunge spanning 3,443 feet.   How to Book Your Mt. Bachelor Zipline Tour?  To book your ZipTour reservation, visit the Mt. Bachelor website or call Mt. Bachelor directly at 541-382-1709  ZipTour Pricing  Standard rates apply to all reservations made 72 hours or more in advance. Reservations booked within 72 hours of the tour date are subject to Last Minute Pricing. Standard rate: Adults (13+) – $114 / Youth (12 & under) – $89 / Last Minute: Adults $124 / Youth $99.   If weather interrupts operations, tours will be rescheduled or fully refunded.  Who Can Ride the Zipline?  Stay at Mt Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging   Ready to plan a summer vacation filled with memories and adventures you will never forget? A stay at Mount Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging will provide you with the perfect home base for all your Central Oregon adventures. We offer an amazing selection of vacation homes, ranging from cozy cabins to spacious homes that can accommodate large groups, and pets, too! Book online or call our Reservations Team at 888.752.2220 for all your lodging needs in Bend, Oregon. We hope to see you soon! 

Nothing says summer in Central Oregon like floating down the Deschutes River or dipping a paddle in an alpine lake. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Bend, Oregon during the summer months, we’ve compiled a list of the water activities for a wet and wild Bend vacation! Booking a stay at Mt Bachelor Resort by Meredith Lodging will put you within easy access to endless water pursuits. Take a look at some of our favorite ways to get out on the water this summer:  Float the Deschutes River   Floating the Deschutes is a favorite pastime of locals and visitors alike. Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe makes floating the river easy. Rent tubes for the whole family and reserve a shuttle ride back to your car all in one easy stop.   Surf’s Up at Bend’s Whitewater Park  Bend’s Whitewater Park is the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Located near the Old Mill District, this unique water park offers a variety of river recreation opportunities including tubing, surfing, and kayaking.   Try #LakeLife Water Activities with Your Kayak, Canoe, Whitewater rafting, or Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP)  There are acres of refreshing open water with stunning mountain and forest views in the High Cascade Lakes, or on Paulina Lake. Paulina Lake Lodge is right on the water’s edge and rents kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, rowboats, and pedal boats. Sparks Lake is one of the first and most accessible lakes along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. Enjoy panoramic views of Broken Top, the Three Sisters, and Mt Bachelor as your paddle through crystal clear water.   Take a Tour of Favorite Watering Holes with Bend’s Wanderlust Tours  Wanderlust Tours offers a wide variety of expert-led tours to choose from – Cascade canoe and kayak tours, Moonlight & Starlight tours, and Brews & Views. No matter which adventure you choose, we guarantee a memorable time out on the water!  Ready to hit the water this summer? Meredith Lodging has you covered with a wide selection of Bend vacation rentals to choose by Meredith Lodging. You can view our complete collection online, or call our Reservations Team at (888) 752-2220. We hope to see you out on the water soon!  

Top Tips to Plan the Perfect Summer Day at Mt. Bachelor Nestled amongst majestic pine trees, just above the scenic Deschutes River Trail, and only a quick stroll or bike ride from Bend’s Old Mill District, a stay in Mt. Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging (MBVR) puts you within easy reach of everything Bend has to offer. Guests staying at a Mt. Bachelor Village vacation rental by Meredith Lodging will enjoy exclusive on-property amenities including complimentary BackPorch coffee freshly brewed in the lobby for you each morning, free (seasonal) use of Dutch-style cruiser bikes, and access to our Fireside Lounge & on-property Game Room for kiddos and grownups (think foosball, shuffleboard, board games, and Xbox games!), as well as our outdoor fire pit. Guests can also enjoy access to the seasonal pool, an on-property playground, and front desk concierge service. Ready to book your summer stay with at an MBVR vacation rental? We have put together some of our top tips to help you plan the perfect summer day: Breath in crisp, clean Central Oregon air on the Deschutes River Trail. Begin your morning with a walk on the scenic Deschutes River Trail. This beloved trail winds its way through Mt. Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging, providing easy access points from your vacation rental. Start your perfect summer day with local favorite coffee and donuts. After your rejuvenating walk, head to The Dough Nut for a strong cup of coffee and a freshly baked treat! No stay in Bend is complete without a stop … or two … at The Dough Nut (now with 2 Bend locations!) Serving classics like maple bars, apple fritters, and cake donuts to decadent seasonal and signature flavors like salted caramel, cookies n’ cream, and s’mores. Feel like something salty and sweet? Try one of their delicious breakfast sandwiches served on doughnut buns. They also offer gluten-free options! Everybody into the pool! Now that you are fueled up, head back to MBVR for some pool time! Guests can enjoy the scenic surroundings while swimming and lounging in the sun on the spacious deck. Access to the pool is seasonal, so we encourage you to confirm availability before booking. Get your workout game on. Meredith Lodging guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the 125,000 sq ft Athletic Club of Bend, a full-service athletic club with indoor and outdoor facilities, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor running track, 7 indoor tennis courts, cardio areas, a weight room, and courts for basketball, racquetball, and squash. Time for a late lunch? Grab one of the complimentary Dutch-stye cruiser bikes (locks and helmets included, too!) that guests can enjoy, and cruise down to the Old Mill. We love Anthony’s at the Old Mill District. Serving seasonal produce, fresh seafood, craft beers and local wines, this is the perfect spot to relax, soak in the view, and toast to a perfect summer day. The restaurant doesn’t open till 3, so if you get hungry earlier, there are many other great food options to choose from in the Old Mill District. Discover Drake Park. After a leisurely lunch, take a stroll through Drake Park. This beloved park features a half mile of riverfront, acres of green space, and breathtaking views reflected over Mirror Pond – a perfect spot for a family pic! Get the wiggles out at the on-property playground. If the kiddos have the wiggles, you won’t have to venture far to get to the on-property playground with swings, slides, and a play structure. You can also enjoy access to the Kid’s Club Game Room where they can play shuffleboard, foosball, video games, and board games. Dinner at home. After a long day of exploring and playing, we love ordering in from Mod Pizza for dinner. Choose from over 40 delicious toppings, and the price stays the same no matter what combination you create! Do not forget to order some cheesy garlic bread and a Caesar salad for the ultimate pizza night! S’mores for dessert! End your perfect day, the perfect way with some s’mores by the outdoor fire pit near the lobby. Kids of all ages will love to make s’mores (kits are available for purchase), and grown-ups will enjoy relaxing after an action-packed day with a great glass of local wine by the fire! Cheers! Ready to plan your summer getaway? Find your perfect family escape at Mt. Bachelor Village by Meredith Lodging. You can view our complete collection of Mt. Bachelor vacation rentals online, or call our Reservations Team at 877.778.9055 to book your stay. We hope to see you soon! In the meantime, follow us on Social and post those vacay pics with #STAYWITHMEREDITH.

Mt. Bachelor Winter Fun | Snowboarding & Skiing in Oregon This winter, you and yours can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life by journeying to Central Oregon. Our welcoming community is home to a variety of wonderful seasonal activities, from hiking to shopping. The surrounding area is absolutely stunning and draws crowds of locals and tourists alike year after year. During the colder months, folks flock to the area’s ski resorts and trails for some good old fun in the snow! One of the best places in Oregon for winter fun is Mt. Bachelor, a renowned ski and snowboard resort. When you visit, stay with Meredith Lodging, the premier vacation home company in Central Oregon and along the Oregon Coast. We offer a vast array of private vacation accommodations throughout Oregon’s most beloved communities and resorts. Our knowledgeable staff is standing by to help you find the most fitting vacation rental and plan a great trip! Keep reading to learn more about snowboarding and skiing in Oregon. Chill Out and Enjoy Oregon’s Winter Fun Each year, the Mt. Bachelor Ski Area winter opening day relies on the projected temperatures and snowfall of the winter months. You can follow their mountain report for more updated information before planning your visit. They are one of the country’s top winter fun-derlands; however, they offer year-round activities as well. For now, let’s focus on their winter season. Come prepared for a good time! Make sure you and yours are bundled up in snowsuits, hats, gloves, and other winter gear. Folks are encouraged to bring their own snowboarding and skiing equipment, but Mt. Bachelor also has rentals available at the Gravity Sports Pro Shop. You can find all that you need for purchase before hitting the slopes! As you get ready to take the lift, keep track of the lift and trail status, which is updated regularly. Your safety is of the utmost importance! That being said, if you are a newbie to snowboarding or skiing, please consider paying for lessons from talented instructors at the resort. Winter fun on the mountain is elevated when you follow good slope practices. Now, you are set for a fantastic day filled with epic jumps, turns, and declines! Plan the Perfect Oregon Winter Getaway Use our Bend Area Guide to get more ideas about things to do in Bend, all year around. After a day of winter fun at the Mt. Bachelor Ski Area, you can recharge at your Meredith Lodging vacation dwellings. From comfortable cabins to Fido-approved pet-friendly homes, there is something for everyone in our vacation inventory. Contact us by calling 877-778-9055 and book your winter stay today!

Rediscover Mt. Bachelor Village Resort Vacation Rentals this Spring! Spring is stunning in Central Oregon! The days are getting longer, the sun is shining, and the wildflowers are blooming. Now is the time to plan your getaway to a Mt. Bachelor Village Resort vacation rental while you can book at Spring rates! A stay at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort puts you near all the activities, food, and fun in Bend, while also providing a peaceful escape overlooking the Deschutes River. Add to that all the MBV (Mt Bachelor Village) resort-style amenities just outside your door, and it is easy to see why this resort remains a guest favorite. Ready to plan your MBV vacation? Here are the amenities our guests tell us they love the most: Complimentary use of our Cruiser Bikes! Want to take the short ride down the hill to the Old Mill District? Or ride a little further into Downtown Bend? We have you covered! As a guest of Meredith Lodging, you can swing by the lobby and check out our cruiser bikes anytime! We have both adult and kiddo bikes available and helmets, too, if you need them! The Deschutes River Nature Trail. This picturesque trail winds right through MBV…meaning you have family-friendly (and beautiful!) hiking options right outside your door! No car required, just step outside and you will be hiking along the river in minutes. Meredith Lodging Kids’ Club and Fireside Lounge. Meredith Lodging Guests have access to a Kid’s Club and game room, featuring foosball, shuffleboard, Xbox games, lawn games, and board games. The nearby fireside lounge has comfortable places for Moms and Dads hang out while their kiddos play. The lobby shop has wine and snacks available for purchase. S’mores anyone? MBV has an outdoor fire pit for Meredith Lodging Guest use. It is the perfect place to make s’mores during your stay! Free BackPorch Coffee! Fuel-up for your vacation festivities with complimentary in-lobby and in-room BackPorch Coffee! BackPorch is a local favorite brew…stop by the lobby for a complimentary cup or enjoy it in-room in your own coffee maker. Looking for the best Bend vacation rental for your family? Consider a stay at Mt. Bachelor Village. There is truly something for everyone at this treasured Bend resort. And we have the perfect vacation home for you, too! From our luxurious River Wild homes, to our River View Homes that sit just above the Deschutes, to our cozy Ski Houses that give all the good cabin vibes, we will have the right accommodation for you, your friends, and your family. Book your Mt. Bachelor Village Resort vacation rental at MeredithLodging.com.

Meredith Lodging’s Central Oregon Headquarters Office is located in Bend, Oregon and our local employees love living in Bend because of all the adventure just outside their door. Many of Bend’s most-loved sites get pretty crowded in the Spring and Summer months, but there are a few places that are remain on our “best-kept-secrets list and we want to share those with our Meredith Lodging family. These are some of our favorite places and we hope they will be yours, too!  No Name Lake  No Name Lake is a local favorite and as soon as you see the blue-green jade-colored water and its picturesque surroundings you will understand why. The trail to the lake is an easy one and the elevation gain is gradual. It is long, though, and has a short scramble at the end up the creek bed, which accounts for its more difficult category, but other than those two factors, the trek is easy to moderate. Most parts of this hike do not have tree cover, so you will want to pack your hats and sunscreen – and mosquito repellant if going in the summer months. The wildflowers are beautiful in July!  Tenas Lakes  This 4.9-mile out and back is moderately busy most of the time. The lake is loved by locals and the trail to get there is appropriate for all skill levels. Bird watchers, this hike is for you as its also considered a good birding location. Dogs are allowed on leash. This trip is best taken from June to November.  Hidden Forest and Arnold Ice Cave  Nothing cooler than an ice cave! See what we did there…This hike is close to Bend and is a 0.8 mile out and back that is a good bet for all skill levels. You will be rewarded with views of beautiful wild flowers and lots of good bird sightings as well as the chance to explore some cool Oregon caves. Please note the road to access the trail is bumpy.  East Lake Hot Springs  This adventure is within the Newberry Crater recreational area, and is a local favorite because it is less crowded than nearby Paulina Lake Hot Springs. The trail to East Lake Hot Springs is a 3.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near La Pine, Oregon. Once you reach your destination you will be rewarded with beautiful lake views and incredibly hot springs (100-120 degrees!) and their classic sulfur smell. Locals love to dig their own pools and combine spring water and lake water to get to the perfect temperature. The trail is best used for hiking, walking, nature trips, from May until October. Dogs are allowed.  After a day full of adventures, return to your perfect home-base – your Meredith Lodging Bend or Sunriver vacation rental. Our beautiful homes feature well-equipped kitchens, places for backyard BBQs, comfortable beds, and many feature hot tubs, too – everything you need to relax and rest-up for another day full of exploring Central Oregon. View our complete collection at: MeredithLodging.com . 

Ski And Stay in Bend at Mt. Bachelor Village by Meredith Lodging Winter is a wonderful time of year in Central Oregon! The mountain tops are blanketed with snow and the winter sport community awakes each morning with growing excitement– ski season is here at last! When seeking a destination for exhilarating winter recreation, Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort is the place to be.  Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort is an excellent destination for snowboarding or alpine-style (downhill) skiing. It rates consistently as the top PNW ski resort. There are two primary points that make this ski resort extra special. One is that Mt. Bachelor is categorized as a volcano (and an active one at that!). The last eruption was about 9,500 years ago, so this should not be a cause for concern. Secondly, when the weather allows, you can ride the Summit chairlift to the top of the mountain and take your pick of 360 degrees of ski route options! For a challenging route, hit the terrain on the back of the mountain (when conditions allow). Chutes and a cat track provide lots of diversity as you make your way down to the Cloudchaser lift to the East or the Northwest lift to the West. Always exercise caution, especially on a challenging route. The backside of the mountain is considered backcountry terrain and should only be navigated by expert-level snowboarders or skiers. This ski resort has 16 different chairlifts and 12 of the lifts have chairs that hold four passengers and run at high speeds. There are also three different lodges available. Two of the lodges are located at the base of Mt. Bachelor and one is situated midway up the mountain (a luxurious addition!). Most of the mountain will fit intermediate and beginner skill levels (in addition to the more challenging options). There is a multitude of meandering groomed trails, outstanding ski runs through the trees, and plenty of great powder. There is something for everyone at every skill level – the whole family is sure to have a blast! And what if alpine skiing is not your preference? There are plenty of fantastic cross-country trails for all skill ranges. Want to enjoy the mountain like a local? Wake up as early as possible to beat the rush! A single-lane road creates quite the traffic jam for those who did not rise before opening time at the mountain. Take your breakfast and coffee to go and enjoy watching the ski operations open for the day. Then, you just might have a few fresh runs all to yourself!