Recognized in 2008 and 2009 by National Geographic Adventure as “The Best River & Sea Outfitter on Earth,” O.A.R.S. sets the standard in first-class rafting, sea kayaking and multi-sport adventures throughout North America, South America and Fiji.

O.A.R.S. caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with experienced, professional guides and top notch equipment and today offers more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes.

The Rogue River stretches 215 miles from Crater Lake Naitonal Park to the Rogue River National Forest, with its moderate Class III whitewater.  It is just perfect to satiate an adult sense of adventure, and yet will tantalize teens and thrill youngsters.  No more than four to six in a raft there is ample opportunity to glean historical and environmental facts from the guides as you do down the river. 

The Owyhee River rafting is southeastern Oregon is another paddling delight by dory, raft or inflatable kayak.  All the options on the 6 day Owyhee River Rafting trip area available to you.  This route has abundant wildlife and its dramatic canyon settings to make this Class III whitewater rafting trip one you will truly enjoy.

If you are a hiker and looking for something outstanding to do you will want to take the scenic beauty of the historic Rogue River Trail which goes over 39 miles in six days or riverside hiking.

Merlin, OR 97532
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am – 7 pm; Sat 9 am – 4 pm; Sun 1 pm – 4 pm
(800) 346-6277
rogueriverrafting@oars.com

Here is a museum, zoo and discovery center all in one location for you to visit just three miles south of Bend on Highway 97.  It used to be the Western Natural History Institute when it was first opened in 1974 but changed to the present name and exhibits in 1982. 

The Museum has two permanent exhibits that capture everyone’s interest.  “Spirit of the West” and By Hand Through Memory” are the two.  The exhibits provide a perspective on the high desert which encompasses an area from eastern Washington through central and eastern Oregon and into Nevada and California. 

The: Spirit of the West” tells the story of the settlement in the region with a European perspective.  The “By Hand through Memory” balances the presentation by explaining the impact of White settlements on Native Americans.  The exhibit gives you the sights and sounds of those who lived and worked in this part of the West.  You will experience a Northern Paiute rock shelter overlooking marshland, to a Hard Rock mine operation and an 1885 settlement town with businesses and services that were necessary for life in the High Desert community.  There are daily tours at 2:45 in the Hall of Exploration and Settlement.  The tours last approximately 30 minutes.

There are also attractions for the kids to enjoy in the Whose Home space.  Here they can climb up to an eagle’s perch slide down the rock slide, stash treasures into a packrat nest , uncover the hidden tarantula, scorpion, rattlesnake and lizards, raid the ranchers shed, and do animal puppet theater.  They will have a blast here.

In the Museum you will be able to see the coach that may have carried famous passengers like Mark twain and Horace Greeley, and was used by the DeMoss Lyric Bards, who performed throughout the West.  When you look at the coach you will find that the pioneers and early travelers to the area were certainly willing to endure a very rough trip across the country. 

Outside you can visit the Lazinka Sawmill which is truly an interesting look at the history of building construction.  The engine of the mill powered a 48 inch blade and today sawyers will tell you what it was like to run a mill like this over 100 years ago.  Worth the trip outside to see it and visit with the staff.

At the High Desert Homestead Ranch you will be able to visit with staff in the dress of the past and learn about how things were done to keep the house and family running without the modern conveniences of today.  You will also be able to help with the daily chores at the Blair family cabin if you want.  You can lend a hand at churning butter and splitting wood, dipping candles, watering the vegetables or even mining.  You will also want to visit the Barn, Willow Corral Root Cellar, and other structures that make up the ranch stead.  This area is open from 11 AM to 4 PM daily during the summer months.

There are so many more exhibits to see and learn from that you will be busy from the moment you get there until you leave a wiser and very happy traveler.

It is suggested that you allow 3 to 4 hours for your visit to this Museum.

Pets are not allowed on Museum grounds, for their and our animals’ safety. As it gets hot in our parking lot, please, for your pets’ sake, don’t leave them in a closed vehicle. The Museum offers portable airline-style dog kennels in the shade outside where your pet can relax and cool off – ask for a key at Admissions. Service animals are allowed: please see the admissions staff for the service animal waiver form.

Hours of Operation
Summer: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, May 1 through October 31.

Winter: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, November 1 through April 30. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Admission Rates
     Summer: May 1 – October 31
   
     Adult  $15 
     Senior (65 plus)  $12 
     Youth (ages 5-12)  $  9 
     Child (4 and under)  Free  
     Winter: November 1 – April 30
   
     Adult  $10 
     Senior (65 plus)  $  9 
     Youth (ages 5-12)  $  6 
     Child (4 and under)  Free 
     
     Stroller Rental  $  3 
     Wheelchair  Free  

Phone: (541) 382-4754

Location:
59800 S Highway 97
Bend, OR 97702

The Museum accepts all major credit cards, with the exception of the Discover Card.

 There are a variety of indoors and outdoors exhibits to explore at the High Desert Museum, including displays featuring wildlife, living history displays, nature trails and much more.

 The wildlife exhibited at the High Desert Museum are animals that could not survive in the wild. They were either injured or became involved in a relationship with humans where they depended on humans for survival. You can see owls, hawks and eagles at the Museum’s Birds of Prey Center, as well as a bobcat and a lynx.

 There is an entertaining river otter at the Museum named Oscar, and also a porcupine, fox and several other interesting mammals. At the Desertarium, visitors can see snakes, scorpions, frogs, lizards and other reptiles. Special wildlife presentations and talks are held daily at the High Desert Museum.

 In addition to the wildlife displays and exhibits, you can enjoy touring living history exhibits at the High Desert Museum. The Spirit of The West exhibit takes you on a tour of a Northern Paiute rock shelter, a mining operation and settlement town typical of 1885. You’ll walk through 100 years of history throughout this exhibit, visiting and chatting with town residents and workers along the way. Special programs are held daily that let you try tasks, trades and chores featured at the living history exhibits.

 By Hand Through Memory is an exhibit at the High Desert Museum that details the experience of Indian cultures of the Columbia River Plateau, from reservation confinement through modernity. The experiences of the Yakama, Spokane, Nez Perce, Umatilla and other groups are recounted in this fascinating and enlightening exhibit.

 The Healing Power of Plants is another intriguing exhibit at the High Desert Museum. This exhibit explores the medicinal properties of various plants and their ancient and traditional uses. Herbs, drugs that are derived from medicinal plants, healing methods and traditions as well as conservation efforts are the focus of this exhibit.

 These are just some of the many exhibits you can enjoy both indoors and outdoors at the High Desert Museum. Interpretive trails, artwork displays and much more are also permanently available on site at the Museum.  Special events and programs are regularly scheduled, as well.

 While in Bend, you’ll find several hotel options available to you.  HotelsCombined.com can help you find those hotels at very affordable rates.

Do a quick search for train trips on the web and you’ll get plenty of specials shoved in your face. Train companies are offering the public, vacation deals. You can spend around 1000 dollars and receive an eight day trip to all sorts of fun locations. These getaway deals typically include the train ride, your lodging, and some of your meals. Not too shabby, but maybe not as classy as you expect either. The first time I decided to take a train ride was about five years ago. I traveled on Amtrak from Oregon to Iowa. This was a train trip quite different from what I assumed. To be completely frank, it was nothing special. I had always wanted to make this trip by train, as opposed to the routine commercial flights I was used to. Well, all I have to say now is NEVER again. Naturally the train ride was longer than I would have spent on an airplane. Furthermore, it was too crowded to enjoy. I thought it was pathetic to see how filthy the train windows were as well. There’s no doubt that some great scenery is a plus to train trips, but who can see through nasty, clouded windows? If you can’t tell, I won’t be taking anymore Amtrak train trips.

You may have to save for a while if you want the dream. I imagine the ideal train trip is one where you have your own personal room/car to lounge in with your loved one. This would make a world of difference in my opinion. Sadly it’s not so easy to come by these days. So the next time you’re considering a train trip, be sure to investigate the process fully before forking out the dough.