La Pine Travel Guide

Plan your trip to La Pine, Oregon with this comprehensive travel guide featuring essential information on where to go, what to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to La Pine

La Pine is a city located in Deschutes County, Central Oregon, in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States of America. With its close proximity to the Cascade Mountains and multiple outdoor recreational opportunities, La Pine is a popular destination for tourists who love outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and skiing.

This comprehensive travel guide will provide you with everything you need to know before planning your trip to La Pine.

List of Places to Visit in La Pine

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • La Pine Frontier Heritage Museum: This museum showcases the history and heritage of La Pine, and gives visitors a glimpse into the life of the early settlers in the area.
  • Lava River Cave: The Lava River Cave is a natural wonder and an important part of Central Oregon’s geological history, with opportunities for guided cave tours.
  • Newberry National Volcanic Monument: A part of Deschutes National Forest, this monument offers visitors an opportunity to see unique geological features such as lava flows, caves, and volcanic craters.

Natural Attractions of La Pine: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Deschutes National Forest: The forest offers multiple recreational opportunities from hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and hunting to birdwatching, wildlife sightseeing. and horseback riding.
  • Paulina Peak: At an elevation of 7,985 feet, Paulina Peak offers breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains as well as the surrounding forests, rock formations, and lakes.
  • Fall River: Known for its crystal-clear water and abundant wildlife, Fall River is perfect for fly-fishing, kayaking, or floating.

Hiking/Biking Routes of La Pine

  • Oregon Cascade Trail: This trail spans over 65 miles through scenic vistas and natural splendors of Central Oregon and is perfect for mountain biking.
  • Crater Ditch Trail: A 6-mile roundtrip trail with an elevation gain of 200 feet, the Crater Ditch Trail is an ideal hiking route for those who want to see beautiful wildflowers and stunning views of the mountain range.

Best Things to Do in La Pine: Activities and Tours

  • Skiing at Mt. Bachelor: Located close to La Pine, Mt. Bachelor is the prime ski resort in the area and offers some of the most beautiful and challenging ski slopes in Oregon.
  • Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory: This center provides an opportunity to explore and learn about the wildlife and natural history of Central Oregon through educational programs like nature walks, animal encounters, and celestial stargazing.
  • Snowmobile Tours: Explore the winter wonderland of Central Oregon through snowmobile tours and see some of the most beautiful and scenic places in the area.

Week-Long Itinerary for La Pine

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Day 2 Try your hand at fishing or kayaking in Fall River
Day 3 Take a skiing trip to Mt. Bachelor
Day 4 Visit Lava River Cave
Day 5 Go on a snowmobiling tour
Day 6 Hike the OregonCascade Trail
Day 7 Relax and unwind at Paulina Peak

Food and Drink Scene of La Pine

Must-Try Dishes

  • Elk Burger: This dish is a representation of the local flavor and one of the unique culinary experiences in La Pine.
  • Marionberry Pie: As an iconic dessert of Oregon, this pie uses the famous Northwest marionberry, a hybrid of two blackberry varietals, which gives it an unforgettable flavor.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: Central Oregon has a dense concentration of microbreweries, including Sunriver Brewing Company, Crux Fermentation Project, and Deschutes Brewing, serving local favorites like IPAs, stouts, and ales.
  • Oregon Pinot Noir: As one of the most acclaimed wine regions in the United States, Oregon produces high-quality Pinot Noir with a unique flavor profile.

Where to Stay in La Pine: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Best Western Newberry Station: A centrally-located hotel offering a comfortable and convenient stay near all the main attractions of La Pine.
  • Mountain Star Resort: A romantic, natural retreat with a modern edge, perfect for those looking for a luxurious stay.
  • Outback Station RV Park and Cabin Rentals: A family-friendly, pet-friendly, and budget-friendly option with modern amenities to make your stay enjoyable.

What to Buy in La Pine: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Cascade Lavender: A farm and gift shop selling aromatic organic lavender products, including bath and body products and aromatherapy oils.
  • QuiltWorks Studio: A quilting and fiber arts shop offering high-quality fabrics, tools, and notions.

Local Culture and Customs of La Pine

La Pine is a rural community with a strong connection to the outdoors. Many people in the community are passionate about environmental conservation and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and hunting. Visitors are encouraged to respect the local way of life and the natural environment.

Best Time to Visit La Pine

The best time to visit La Pine is from May through October when the weather is sunny and warm. Spring and fall offer beautiful scenery and comfortable temperatures, while summer offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Winter is also a great time to visit if you enjoy skiing and snow sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of La Pine

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and follow Leave No Trace principles.
  • Take extra care while driving in winter conditions, as the area can have severe snowstorms.
  • Bring comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing and gear.

Don’t:

  • Trespass on private property.
  • Litter or leave trash behind.

Safety and Health

Safety in La Pine

La Pine is a relatively safe community, and there are no major safety or security concerns for visitors. However, visitors should be aware of natural risks like wildfires, flash floods, and severe winter weather and take precautions accordingly.

Health in La Pine

There are limited medical facilities in La Pine, and visitors should bring any personal medications and first aid supplies they may need. Newberry Rural Health Clinic is the only medical facility in town, and St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, about 25 miles away, offers more advanced medical services and facilities.

Getting to La Pine: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near La Pine

  • Roberts Field (RDM) Airport in Redmond, Oregon, is the closest airport to La Pine, about 30 miles away.
  • Portland International Airport (PDX) is located about 3.5 hours away by car.

Bus Stations Near La Pine

  • Amtrak provides daily train service to the nearby city of Chemult, which is about 30 miles north of La Pine.

Other Options

  • Visitors can rent a car and drive to La Pine, as it is easily accessible from major highways like Highway 97 and Highway 31.

How to Get Around in La Pine

The best way to get around La Pine is by car or bike. There is no public transportation in the area, and taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not available.

Where to Go Next from La Pine: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bend, Oregon: Located about 25 miles north of La Pine, Bend is a vibrant and culturally-rich city known for its breweries, art galleries, and outdoor opportunities like skiing and rafting.
  • Crater Lake National Park: Located about two hours south of La Pine, Crater Lake is a stunning natural wonder and the deepest lake in the United States.
  • Smith Rock State Park: About an hour’s drive from La Pine, this park offers world-class rock climbing, hiking trails, and gorgeous views of the surrounding canyons.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a relaxing getaway, La Pine has something for everyone. We hope this travel guide has provided you with all the essential information you need to plan your perfect trip to La Pine, Oregon.