Derek CarlsonLooking for the best restaurants in Bend? Well, then we have you covered! As a local and self-proclaimed foodie (even if we don’t get out as much as we used to now that our kids make dining a less than enjoyable experience. HA!) we have tried almost every notable restaurant in Bend and have the … Read more
Derek CarlsonCoffin Mountain trail is a steep and gorgeous trail in the Central Oregon Cascades that explodes with color when the wildflowers are in bloom. This short but steep trail will take you through pockets of wildflowers, across meadows that are filled with beargrass, offer up views of almost every major peak in Oregon, and finishes … Read more
Derek CarlsonDid you know that Central Oregon has the highest density of caves of any region in Oregon? There are more than 350 known caves in Deschutes National Forest alone! While not all of these cave locations are publicized or open to the public there are still plenty of caves that are open to explore and … Read more
Derek CarlsonBend has a reputation for being a burger and brewery type of food town. Those that say that aren’t necessarily wrong but they’ll also be overlooking a lot of hidden food gems. Bend has grown up a lot as a food city over the last decade with incredible options for Italian, fine dining, pastries, and … Read more
Derek CarlsonPizza is one of those dishes where you can ask 50 people what their favorite is and get 50 different answers. In the past Bend was not necessarily known as a pizza aficionados paradise but in recent years some amazing options have opened up to go along with the old standbys. For me personally I … Read more
Derek CarlsonLocated on the Eastern side of Mt. Hood, Tamanawas Falls doesn’t get nearly the attention that its cousins in the gorge command. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the visit though! These falls cascade into a gorgeous natural amphitheater and, with a short scramble, you can even walk behind the falls and feel the power … Read more
Derek CarlsonBack in April, we were lucky enough to score a last-minute WEEKEND reservation to one of the most popular fire lookouts in the Pacific Northwest: Fivemile Butte Fire Lookout. The timing meant we would be hiking up in the snow but it was worth it for the chance to finally stay at one of these … Read more
Derek CarlsonSahalie and Koosah Falls is a stunning pair of waterfalls that are located along the Mckenzie River. We love visiting these falls with our kids as they are right off the road but also have a number of trail options. Depending on how much time we have available they can be viewed directly from the … Read more
Derek CarlsonThe Mckenzie River Valley, located in the Central Oregon cascades, is a mecca for waterfall lovers. This stretch of river is home to half a dozen major waterfalls and dozens of other smaller waterfalls just waiting to be explored. Proxy Falls is located a bit off the beaten path up the Mckenzie Pass Highway (HWY … Read more
Derek CarlsonGrowing up in rural Alaska meant I spent a lot of my youth visiting off-the-grid cabins that were usually only accessible by foot, boat, or plane. These out-of-the-way retreats were a great place to unwind, do some fishing, or, as a teenager, get away from the prying eyes of our parents. Oregon is well known … Read more