Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Sisters, Oregon
Our Tourist Attractions Expert Says:
Known as the gateway to the Cascades, there's ample opportunity for hiking, biking, mountain climbing, skiing, fishing and boating in the area around Sisters, Oregon. Often, people make a beeline for the Cascades without realizing that the little western 1880s town of Sisters offers fun and relaxation too. Sisters is packed full with great shops, restaurants and parks. If you're the outdoorsy type, Sisters is a year-round vacation destination. In the warmer months, there are plenty of water activities to enjoy. If you prefer drier activities, there is great hiking and spectacular views in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Everyone will enjoy Sisters' great summer art and music festivals, including the annual PRCA Rodeo. In the winter, you can enjoy miles of Sisters' ski trails. If you want to drop the kids off while you go explore the great outdoors, Sisters has spectacular programs for kids. SOAR (Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation), offers a year-round Kid's Clubhouse Enrichment Program for kids in pre-kindergarten-grade 5 and up. Daily activities range from swimming and hiking to science field trips, to Smith Rock State Park.
On your way to Sisters, take a drive through the McKenzie Pass, just outside of Sisters. A small observatory has a wonderful view of volcanoes and lava flows that make this part of the country so beautiful.
Fly fishermen will enjoy fishing on the Metolius River, where they can catch rainbow trout, Dolly Varden (bull trout), and kokanee salmon. The headwaters of the river are very interesting to see. Along the Metolius River, a few miles north of Camp Sherman, the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery is a popular place for kids. Bring quarters to feed the nearly 3 million fish in the large holding tanks. The hatchery hosts a free Kid's Fishing Day the second Saturday of June.
Camp out at the Three Sisters Overnight Park, a municipal park with 60 sites and a large grass area. The park is situated along Whychus Creek and within walking distance of downtown. Three Creek Lake at the base of the Three Sisters Mountains and Broken Top Mountain is another popular area, for fishing, boating, hiking and camping. Rainbow trout and lake grown brook trout can be caught from the bank of the lake, but fishing by boat is the preferred method. Rentals are available nearby. Hiking trails are used for trail riding and on-foot hiking. If you're interested in truly spectacular views and fun for your kids, try the hike up Tam McArthur Rim. Kids will enjoy trying to find the Tam McArthur Rim geocache. Three Creek Lake is a high mountain area, so come prepared for sudden weather changes. For a more challenging hike, try the Three Sisters Wilderness, near Sisters, where you can hike up any of the Three Sisters Mountains, hike in the scenic wilderness and camp out.
Downtown Sisters is home to many specialty and craft shops, art galleries, clothing shops and restaurants. Eateries in Sisters range from cafes and lounges, to restaurants. Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill, on Cascade Avenue is worth a visit and a place you should bring your camera to. The grill is located in the historic 1912 Hotel Sisters, one of Oregon's most photographed buildings. Enjoy family or casual dining with food ranging from meat to fish and Mexican food. Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill was voted by Oregon's Restaurant Association for having "Oregon's Best Burger". Other eateries offer barbecue and Wild West food to gourmet food. After a nice meal, head over to Village Green Park, right in the middle of town. Relax while the kids play in the playground area, or enjoy a hike or bike ride on one of the parks' many trails.
Quilt and fabric lovers alike, come to Sisters for the famous Outdoor Quilt Show, the second Saturday in July. All types of quilts hang outside buildings all over town from 9:30 am to 5 pm in a celebration of this craft. Other festivals in Sisters are Village Green Craft Shows, Sisters Bead Stampede, Art Strolls, PRCA Rodeo, Sisters Antique Show, a Western and Native American Arts Festival, Sisters Folk Festival, Sisters Jazz Festival, Harvest Faire, Christmas festivities and more.
Accommodation at Sisters ranges from lodges and inns, to B&B's and hotels/motels. Many are within walking distance to downtown. Getting to Sisters can be quick if you fly into Sisters Eagle Air Station. Once you are on the ground you can be in Sisters in less than 10 minutes.