Sisters, Oregon

Nestled in the mountains at an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, Clear Lake is known for its exceptionally clear water, which allows visitors to see the unique petrified forest that lies beneath the lake's surface. A picturesque hiking trail runs around the lake's perimeter, and kayakers and canoers can paddle across the water for a birds' eye view of the underground trees. Visitors will have to purchase a Recreation Pass in order to enjoy some of the day-use areas around the lake, and there's also a small fee for anyone who wants to launch their own boat onto the water.

There are plenty of things to see and do in and around Sisters, but even if you're only here for a short while, it's worth taking some time to relax and enjoy the town's charming downtown core. The community is named for the striking Three Sisters mountains that loom in the background, but it's best known for its historic architecture and its Old West atmosphere, which are particularly noticeable on Main Street downtown. There are plenty of art galleries and shops selling antiques and Western apparel to explore, and once you get hungry, you can pop into one of the many restaurants or bars in Downtown Sisters.

Stretching for 82 miles through two of the most beautiful Cascade Mountain passes in Central Oregon, the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Loop is one of the best road trips in the state. The loop begins and ends in Sisters, and it passes through some jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery, including lush river valleys, grasslands, and black lava fields dotted with snowy peaks. There are plenty of viewpoints, but if you have a bit of extra time, you can also take a short detour to Scott Lake, hike out to Proxy Falls, or spend some time marveling at the impossibly blue water of Tamolitch Pool.

Boasting a drop of 226 feet off a glacier-cut cliff, Proxy Falls is one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in the state, and it's also one of the most easily accessible. The start of the 1.6-mile trail to the falls can be found right off Highway 242, and depending on which direction you take it, you'll end up at either the Upper or Lower Falls before continuing on to the other. The trail is open year-round, but the best time to go is between March and November when there's less of a chance of snow.

OR-242, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413, Phone: 541-822-3381

Located near the summit of Santiam Pass in the central Cascade Mountains, the Hoodoo Ski Area is one of the oldest ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest, and it boasts more than 800 acres of terrain served by 5 lifts. The 34 runs vary in difficulty from green to black diamond, and the mountain also offers a freestyle terrain park, a handful of cross-country trails, and an exciting tubing park. Night skiing is offered on certain runs Thursday through Saturday when conditions permit, and lessons are available for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities.

27400 Big Lake Road, Sisters, OR 97759

Only 20 miles outside Sisters, the Alder Springs Trail is a moderately challenging 6-mile hike that descends down into the colorful Whychus Creek Canyon and ends at the bank of the Deschutes River. Part of the trail goes right through Whychus Creek, and as the water levels can be quite high during the spring and early summer, hikers are advised to bring water shoes and trekking poles to make the crossing easier. The trail is open to hikers and bikers between the beginning of April and the end of November, and leashed dogs are welcome.

Sitting at the base of the Tam McArthur Rim, Three Creeks Lake is a 28-acre alpine gem surrounded by spectacular old growth forest. Its crystal-clear waters are kept well stocked with brook trout and rainbow trout, and visitors can fish either from the shore or from a boat, although only non-motorized boats are permitted. Brave swimmers can also take a dip in the refreshingly chilly water, and there are several hiking trails in the forest around the lake. If you want to spend the night, there's a first come first served campground on the edge of the water.

Three Creeks Lake Road Sisters, OR 97759, Phone: 541-480-6645

Established to represent the artwork created by North American Indigenous Peoples, the Raven Makes Gallery displays an incredible selection of traditional and contemporary art created by artists from all over North America. The diverse collection of artwork includes everything from Coast Salish paddles to Navajo rugs to contemporary paintings and prints, and there's also a large collection of beautiful jewelry made from silver, gold, beads, and colorful stones. All of the pieces on display are for sale, and the gallery is dedicated to ensuring that the prices are fair to both the artists and the buyers.

182 E Hood Ave, Sisters, OR 97759, Phone: 541-719-1182

Part of Whychus Creek, the Upper Chush Falls is a spectacular 200-foot waterfall that can be reached via a 6-mile out and back hiking trail. The trail winds through new growth pine forest and a section of forest that was ravaged by a fire in 2018 before ending up at a beautiful overlook. Most of the trail is a fairly easy climb, although there are two short steeper sections, and hikers sometimes have to climb over fallen trees. The falls are part of the Three Sisters Wilderness, and all visitors are required to have a permit, which can be obtained from the trailhead.