Guide to Epic Accessible Adventures in Bend & Central Oregon

Central Oregon has a way of pulling people outside. Framed by the Cascades to the west and high desert to the east, this region blends rugged landscapes with small-town charm. Bend is the hub — full of breweries, trails, and culture — but nearby towns like Sisters, Redmond, and Prineville add their own flavors.

For travelers with disabilities, this is one of the most adventure-ready regions in Oregon. Kayak on mountain lakes, roll accessible trails under towering cliffs, or stargaze in skies so dark you’ll forget city lights exist. Hotels, restaurants, and attractions here are increasingly verified for accessibility, so you can focus on the experience.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best accessible adventures, where to stay, places to eat, and practical tips to make the most of your trip.

Getting Around Central Oregon

Central Oregon is spread out — towns are anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes apart, and many adventures take you into remote areas. Having a car is essential.

If you’re already driving here, perfect. But if you’re flying in, the closest major airport hub is Portland International Airport (PDX). From there, it’s about a 3-hour drive to Bend. For wheelchair-accessible rentals, United Access near the airport offers adapted vans with everything you need. We used them in our Oregon Coast trip and had a smooth experience, so it’s a reliable option to kick off your Central Oregon adventure.

There’s also a regional bus system, Cascade East Transit, which connects Bend with nearby towns like Redmond, Sisters, and Prineville. It’s wheelchair accessible, but schedules can be limited. If you want the freedom to adventure to lakes, trails, and scenic drives at your own pace, having your own vehicle is by far the best choice.

Epic Accessible Adventures in Central Oregon

Kayak on Hosmer Lake

Just south of Bend, Hosmer Lake feels like a postcard. Clear water winds through marshes surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and it’s one of the most scenic spots in the Cascades. With Wanderlust Tours and their AdvenChair program, kayaking here becomes fully accessible. You can paddle independently, or guides can assist to make sure everyone gets on the water safely.

For kayaking in Central Oregon, you’ve got options. Join a guided paddle with Wanderlust Tours for a classic lake-and-river experience, or connect with Oregon Adaptive Sports if you need adaptive kayaks, transfer support, or one-on-one guidance. Either way, you’ll be out on the water surrounded by mountain views — a true Central Oregon highlight.

Hike at Smith Rock

Smith Rock State Park is the kind of place that makes you stop and stare. Sheer cliffs rise above the Crooked River, golden grasses sway in the breeze, and trails wind through a landscape that feels both wild and timeless. For many, hiking here would feel out of reach, but with AdvenChair, it’s possible.

Through AdvenTours, a partnership between Wanderlust Tours and AdvenChair, naturalist guides lead accessible hikes at Smith Rock and other iconic Central Oregon spots. The AdvenChair is an all-terrain, human-powered wheelchair designed for rugged trails. With a trained team assisting, you can go well beyond the pavement — down canyon paths, across volcanic ridges, even up into the Cascade Mountains.

Public tours run at Smith Rock and Benham Falls, but custom tours are where things really open up. You can dream big: hike up Tumalo Mountain for sweeping views of Mt. Bachelor, wander the cracked volcanic ridges of the Oregon Badlands Wilderness, or follow Paulina Creek through waterfalls and wetlands in the Newberry Caldera.

It’s an unforgettable way to experience the kind of terrain that usually feels off-limits. See Custom Accessible Tours.

Soak at Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort

Reopened in Warm Springs, Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs is one of those places that feels worth the trip on its own. The thermal pools stay warm year-round, and you can take your pick between the big outdoor pools or smaller, private soaking tubs tucked along the river. If you’ve ever wanted to sit back in quiet water with mountain views and nothing but the sound of the river nearby, this is it.

You can make it an overnight thing, too. The Kah-Nee-Ta resort has accessible rooms, so you can stay overnight instead of making it a quick stop. You can spend the whole day here, moving between the pools, relaxing in the shade, and finishing with dinner on-site.

Stargaze at Prineville Reservoir State Park

When the sun sets, head east to Prineville Reservoir, where some of Oregon’s darkest skies open up overhead. On summer nights, you’ll spot Jupiter, Mars, and the Milky Way stretching across the horizon. The accessible day-use area near the observatory makes it possible to roll right up to the viewing area. Just make sure you bring a jacket, because desert nights get chilly fast.

Learn and Connect at the High Desert Museum

The High Desert Museum isn’t your typical museum visit — it’s an experience that mixes education, culture, and the natural world. One moment you’re face to face with native wildlife, the next you’re walking through a recreated pioneer town or watching live demonstrations that bring history to life. Exhibits highlight Native traditions, frontier history, and the fragile ecosystems of the high desert, giving you a fuller sense of the region.

The museum is accessible with a step-free entrance, spacious pathways, closed captioning/subtitles on screen, tactile exhibits, accessible restrooms, and more. View more detailed information for the High Desert Museum here.

♿ Good to Know: If you’re looking for guided adventures with adaptive gear, Oregon Adaptive Sports is the go-to local resource. They outfit travelers with adaptive bikes, ski gear, and specialized equipment, and their team is on hand to help with everything from transfers to on-trail support. With them, activities like kayaking, hiking, and cycling become possible in ways that feel both safe and fun.

Where to Stay in Central Oregon: Accessible Hotels

Central Oregon covers a lot of ground, and where you stay can shape your whole trip. Bend is the hub, but smaller towns like Sisters, Redmond, and Sunriver all bring something different to the table. Here’s what to expect in each, plus a few standout accessible hotels.

Bend

Bend is the region’s heartbeat. Breweries line the streets, the Deschutes River winds right through town, and trails spread out in every direction. If you want to be in the middle of the action, staying here makes sense.

• Element Bend blends sustainability with modern comfort, offering accessible rooms with roll-in showers, wide doorways, and plenty of turning space. Its location downtown makes it easy to walk or roll to shops and restaurants.
• Hotel Peppertree Bend, BW Premier Collection is a stylish stay that balances comfort with accessibility — a good pick if you want something a little more upscale without leaving downtown.

Sisters

Sisters feels like a step back in time, with its Western-themed downtown and quiet pace. If your idea of a trip is less nightlife and more browsing local shops after a hike, this is your place.

• GrandStay Hotel & Suites offers spacious, accessible rooms and a pool with a lift, right in the middle of town.

Redmond

Redmond is practical — close to Smith Rock and the airport, and more affordable than Bend. If you want a quieter base that’s still central, this is it.

• SCP Hotel Redmond combines boutique charm with verified accessibility. Don’t miss the rooftop restaurant for sunset views.

Sunriver & Resorts

For a resort-style escape, Sunriver is ideal. Paved trails connect golf courses, shops, and the Deschutes River, so you can do a lot without getting back in the car.

• Sunriver Resort and Brasada Ranch are top picks, both offering full resort amenities and verified accessible rooms.

Where to Eat in Central Oregon

Central Oregon’s food scene is shaped by its landscape — fresh produce from nearby farms, craft beer brewed in Bend, and chefs who mix rustic flavors with modern flair. Each town brings something a little different.

Bend has a growing food culture that pairs perfectly with its outdoorsy vibe. Wild Rye at Juniper Preserve is a standout — serving seasonal dishes with sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains. It’s the kind of place where the setting elevates the meal, making it as much about the view as the flavors.

In Sisters, things move at a slower pace, and dining reflects that. The Ski Inn Taphouse is a cozy spot that doubles as both a small inn and a local hangout. Inside, the vibe is relaxed and friendly, with a menu of comfort food favorites and a long list of local beers and ciders. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in after a day of hiking nearby trails, surrounded by locals and visitors alike.

Redmond is building its own food identity, and it’s worth a detour just to eat here. The Rooftop at SCP Redmond is one of the most stylish dining experiences in the region, with small plates that change with the seasons and views that stretch across the city to the Cascades. Just downstairs, Terra Kitchen leans into modern, plant-forward dishes — bright flavors, creative plating, and a menu that feels as fresh as the local produce it uses.

If your trip takes you east to Prineville, the vibe shifts to something more laid-back and community-driven. Wild Ride Brewing is a local favorite. A big open space where beer flows, food trucks rotate, and people gather after work or after a day outdoors. It’s casual, fun, and a great way to feel plugged into small-town Oregon life.

Quick Tips for Visiting Central Oregon

• Pack for the high desert. Days can be hot and nights drop fast — even in summer.
• Bring sun protection. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential — the sun is stronger at elevation.
• Stay hydrated. The dry air can sneak up on you, so always bring water with you.
• Wheelchair users: Surfaces vary a lot — paved in town, gravel/dirt at some trailheads — so plan ahead for what’s doable or bring adaptive support like AdvenChair.

Plan Your Central Oregon Adventure With Confidence

Central Oregon delivers when it comes to outdoor adventure — kayaking mountain lakes, rolling trails under volcanic cliffs, or tasting craft beer after a day outside. The best part? More and more of these experiences are verified for accessibility, so you can focus on the fun.

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