PLACES
Spokesman file photo
A view of the Cascades
from Smith Rock State
Park.
If you’re looking for a challenging 18-hole, executive
public golf course, The Greens at Redmond is located on
the city’s south side. The mid-iron course was designed by
Robert Muir Graves. (www.thegreensatredmondgc.com)
Eagle Crest Resort lies just east of town and offers a
variety of courses with four sets of tees on each course. The
Ridge Course and The Resort Course are its championship
courses. Also available is a tough, 18-hole, par-63 course,
The Challenge Course, and a popular 18-hole putting
course. The Ridge Course is open all year. (www.eagle-
crest.com)
On foot
Redmond’s central location is near trails leading to
forests, waterfalls, mountain peaks or urban areas.
The Dry Canyon Trail consists of four miles of paved
hiking paths, shared with cyclists. The trail connects many
public parks and notable landmarks such as the wide-
arched Maple Avenue Bridge and Hope Playground.
Steelhead Falls Trail is an easy hike along the Deschutes
River near Crooked River Ranch and leads to a popular
swimming hole and golden eagle viewing area.
On water
Central Oregon’s waterways provide residents and
visitors ample opportunity for fishing, swimming or just
enjoying the wildlife.
Just over an hour to the north, Lake Billy Chinook
features just about every water recreation type imaginable.
Swimming, fishing and boating are all available to families
looking for summer fun. Camping and deluxe log cabins
are available for overnight stay.
Haystack Reservoir, Prineville Reservoir and Ochoco
Reservoir are all within an hour of Redmond and offer
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fishing, boating and swimming. Check with the Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife for information and
restrictions.
On horseback
There are a multitude of horseback-riding opportunities
centered in Redmond and throughout Central Oregon,
including BLM and national forest areas. Many ranches
and stables offer guided tours and lessons.
On snow
Both a little over an hour away, Mt. Bachelor and
Hoodoo ski areas offer downhill and nordic skiing as well
as sledding and other snow sports. Also dotted throughout
Central Oregon’s Cascade Mountains are 14 sno-parks for
nordic skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding and
dog sledding.
With the family
Redmond has a host of activities to please the entire
family. The Cascade Swim Center on Rimrock Way has
swimming and lessons, water polo and water aerobics.
Fireman’s Pond, near downtown, is known for sitting back,
relaxing and watching the wildlife and offers free fishing
for children ages 14 and under.
Centennial Park, in downtown Redmond, has a splash
fountain in the summer and ice skating in the winter. In the
fall, pumpkin patches D & D Ranch and Smith Rock Ranch
offer activities. A little closer to Redmond, Petersen’s Rock
Garden & Museum offers funky clues to Central Oregon’s
past in the form of rock sculptures and displays. If your
child is into skateboarding or biking, then take them to the
Redmond Skate Park in the Dry Canyon or the BMX tracks
on SW Canal Boulevard or Negus Way.