About the Central Oregon Region
High desert east of the Cascades centered on Bend, Oregon's fastest-growing city. World-class skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, fly fishing, and more sunny days than anywhere else in the state.
Counties
Deschutes County, Jefferson County, Crook County
Highlights
- Bend — outdoor recreation hub, craft brewery capital, Old Mill District
- Redmond — more affordable Bend neighbor, Redmond Airport regional hub
- Madras — gateway to Smith Rock, total solar eclipse 2017 ground zero
- Prineville — Les Schwab Tires headquarters, Ochoco Mountains access
- Sisters — western-themed charming small town, Three Sisters wilderness gateway
- Mt. Bachelor & Smith Rock — skiing and climbing icons of the high desert
Living in Central Oregon
Bend has grown rapidly and now offers urban amenities — craft breweries, restaurants, a downtown arts scene, St. Charles Health System — in a high-desert outdoor recreation setting. Housing prices have risen significantly due to in-migration. Redmond is more affordable and growing quickly. Madras and Prineville offer smaller-town rural life with lower costs. The region averages over 300 sunny days per year and receives far less rainfall than western Oregon.
Visiting Central Oregon
Mt. Bachelor ski resort is one of the West's largest, with skiing into late spring. The Deschutes River Trail and Phil's Trail network draw mountain bikers from across the country. Smith Rock State Park is a world-class rock climbing and sport-climbing destination with dramatic spire views. The High Desert Museum, Lava Lands Visitor Center, and Newberry Volcanic National Monument fill out an active itinerary.
Top Cities in Central Oregon
All Cities in Central Oregon (8 total)
| City | County | Population (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Bend | Deschutes | 99,178 |
| Redmond | Deschutes | 33,274 |
| Prineville | Crook | 10,736 |
| Madras | Jefferson | 7,456 |
| Sisters | Deschutes | 3,064 |
| La Pine | Deschutes | 2,512 |
| Culver | Jefferson | 1,602 |
| Metolius | Jefferson | 978 |