October in Central Oregon: Things to Do, See & Experience

October brings a quieter kind of beauty to Central Oregon. Crisp mornings return, the aspens and cottonwoods begin to glow, and the first dusting of snow may appear high in the Cascades. Summer crowds have thinned, but there is still plenty happening—from local theater and live dance to pumpkin patches, historic mysteries and Halloween traditions.

It is also a month when flexibility pays off. A sunny afternoon may be perfect for a walk along the Deschutes River, while the next day may call for an indoor performance or museum visit. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy Bend and the surrounding area in October 2026.

Enjoy Fall Color Close to Town

You do not have to drive far to find fall color in Bend. Drake Park, the paths around Mirror Pond and the Deschutes River Trail are especially inviting when the cottonwoods turn yellow. Shevlin Park is another good choice, with a mix of creeksid...

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Six Exceptional Opportunities to Experience the Best of Redmond and Eagle Crest

Central Oregon continues to draw homebuyers looking for sunshine, outdoor adventure, vibrant communities, and exceptional real estate opportunities. Within the region, Redmond and Eagle Crest stand out as destinations that offer a unique combination of recreation, convenience, and lifestyle. Whether you're searching for a golf course retreat, low-maintenance townhome, horse property, or an affordable first home, these six featured properties showcase the variety of opportunities available in one of Oregon's most desirable areas.

Why So Many Buyers Are Choosing Redmond, Oregon

Redmond has emerged as one of Central Oregon's fastest-growing communities, offering residents an ideal balance between sma...

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We have hiked from Three Creek Lake past Tam McArthur Rim toward Broken Top and No Name Lake several times, but the same trail is never quite the same hike. Weather, snow, smoke and trail conditions can completely change the experience. On September 22, 2026, remarkably clear skies gave us some of the longest views we have ever had from this route—and, for the first time, we watched a climber reach the summit of Broken Top.

Our route also differed from previous trips. We followed the maintained trail to Tam McArthur Rim, continued on the well-defined but unmaintained trail toward Broken Hand, and then took a much fainter path around the formation to meet the primary route to No Name Lake. After visiting the lake, the high overlook and our favorite lunch spot, we returned around the opposite side of Broken Hand.

By the time we reached the car, we had traveled 11.71 miles and climbed approximately 2,200 feet.

Climbing Above Three Creek Lake

The hike...

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Bend Premier Real Estate is proud to announce that Managing Principal Broker Natalka Palmer has been named the 2026 REALTOR® of the Year by the Cascades East Association of REALTORS®.

Presented to one member each year, the REALTOR® of the Year recognition honors outstanding service to the REALTOR® organization, the real estate profession and the community. Natalka's selection reflects the integrity, leadership and commitment she brings to real estate throughout Central Oregon.

Leadership That Strengthens Our Profession

Natalka's influence extends beyond individual transactions. She is committed to upholding high professional standards, strengthening the real estate community and helping brokers navigate their responsibilities with knowledge and sound judgment.

As Managing Principal Broker of Bend Premier Real Estate, Natalka provides the company's brokers with exper...

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Beyond Camp Lake: Hiking to the Dry Chambers Lakes Basin

On Saturday, September 19, we returned to the Pole Creek Trailhead for one of our longest hikes of the year: just under 17 miles with more than 2,600 feet of elevation gain. We have hiked to Camp Lake several times and have also followed the climbers' trail toward Hayden Glacier, but this time we continued beyond Camp Lake to explore new territory—the moraine between the two Chambers Lakes basins.

By the time we returned to the trailhead, the hike had given us beautiful mountain views, complete solitude at Camp Lake, a steep and occasionally sketchy climb above it, and one creek crossing that was very different in the afternoon than it had been that morning.

From Pole Creek Trailhead to Camp Lake

The hike begins at the Pole Creek Trailhead outside Sisters and travels for several miles through the burn scar lef...

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