The state of Oregon is divided by a towering stretch of mountains called the Cascade Mountain Range, which runs north to south, thus creating two very distinctive climate and topographical zones.
Central Oregon is a high desert plateau with mountains lining the outer edges. Its diverse terrain includes more than 500 miles of rivers, 150 mountain lakes and almost 300 days of sunshine a year. The result is an arid and wild, western landscape dramatically different from the state’s rain-washed coastal rim. Huge stretches of sun-bleached earth, vast expanses of thick, green forest, gushing rivers and majestic snow-capped mountains with spectacular vistas, and a high desert climate boast some of the most amazing sights and historic monuments found in the Pacific Northwest.

There is a bounty of natural beauty and phenomena here. It’s amazing that so many national forests, national parks, national monuments and national wilderness areas can exist within just one state. It is also no surprise that this diverse region is host to hordes of enthusiasts who enjoy the challenging and visually stimulating outdoor activities that Central Oregon has to offer.

Smith Rock State Park, by Mike Houska