Considering a move, but not sure where the ideal location might be? Check out Central and Eastern Oregon!
When people picture Oregon, they often think of the coastline, beaches, sea life, and warm, wet climate. However, Central and Eastern Oregon have a more varied geography and climate. These areas feature multiple mountain ranges, valleys and plateaus, deep, rocky-walled canyons, glacially cut gorges, sagebrush steppe, juniper woodlands, mountain lakes, forests, and meadows. They see all four seasons and tend to have dry summers. With this diverse climate comes a more diverse culture, for both urban and rural lifestyles.
The weather in Central and Eastern Oregon is not necessarily the ‘rainy rainforest’ found closer to the coastline. East of the Cascade Mountain Range, the topography changes from sandy and rocky beaches to high deserts. With over 300 days of sunshine, there are unlimited outdoor recreational opportunities and endless beauty.
With seasonal changes and varied geography, Central Oregon, often referred to as ‘the outdoor playground,’ offers a multitude of opportunities to recreate. Winter sports enthusiasts enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. Most of Oregon’s ski resorts are located in Central Oregon, receiving around 300-400 inches of snowfall annually. Generally, ski season starts in early to mid-November and can go as late as May. Timberline Lodge Resort, located on Mt. Hood, offers one of the longest ski seasons in North America.
In the summer, Oregon residents gravitate toward the rivers and lakes—there are over 100,000 miles of rivers and streams, and over 1,400 named lakes. Fishing, boating, water skiing, and paddle boarding are all popular pastimes. There are also numerous pristine, forested trails and parks. Smith Rock State Park, located in the high desert near the communities of Redmond and Terrebonne, offers hiking, rock climbing, trail running, mountain biking, slacklining, or horseback adventures.
