When traveling to your final getaway, we often focus more on the destination than the journey, but a trip from Portland to Sunriver, Oregon, can be so much more than just a few hours behind the wheel. This scenic adventure through the heart of the Pacific Northwest can be turned into a memory-filled prelude to your Sunriver escape.
The roughly 180-mile drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours if you go straight through, but where’s the fun in that? Between the misty forests, high desert vistas, and quirky roadside stops, this route is packed with opportunities to make memories. Here’s our favorite stops on the Mt. Hood route to transform your Sunriver road trip into an unforgettable Oregon adventure.
Click the button below to download a flier of these road trip stops with their location and information.
Stop 1: The North American Bigfoot Center (Boring, OR)
Just 30 minutes outside Portland, in the town of Boring, lies the North American Bigfoot Center. This stop is a must-see for cryptid enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. This museum is dedicated to the legend of Bigfoot, blending folklore, science, and local history. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, it’s a fun and distinctly Oregon stop that sets the tone for an offbeat adventure.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the gift shop! It’s full of quirky Bigfoot souvenirs and locally made art that make perfect keepsakes.
Stop 2: Crossing the 45th Parallel: Halfway to the Equator and the North Pole
As you continue east along Highway 26, you’ll come across a sign marking the 45th Parallel: the line exactly halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. It’s one of those roadside landmarks that makes you pause and appreciate your place on the earth. Pull over safely, snap a quick photo, and take in your place on our wonderful planet.
Pro Tip: The marker is along Hwy 26, just South of S-510 Road. Keep an eye out; it can sneak up on you!
Stop 3: The Museum at Warm Springs
As you continue your drive, the road leads you into Central Oregon’s high desert and the lands of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The Museum at Warm Springs offers a deeply moving and beautifully curated look into the history, art, and traditions of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute peoples.
You’ll find exquisite beadwork, historical artifacts, and contemporary Native art, all of which tell stories that have shaped this region for centuries. It’s a meaningful stop that will add cultural depth to your trip.
Pro Tip: The museum shop sells authentic Native-made crafts and jewelry. These make for wonderful gifts and a way to support local artisans.
Stop 4: Smith Rock State Park – Oregon’s Crown Jewel of Cliffs
Before heading south toward Sunriver, carve out a few hours (or even a day) for Smith Rock State Park near Terrebonne. Towering red and gold cliffs rise above the Crooked River, creating one of Oregon’s most dramatic landscapes.
It’s a world-famous rock climbing destination, but even if you’re not scaling the walls, there are plenty of hiking trails. Try the Misery Ridge Trail for breathtaking views that make the effort worthwhile. Or just stroll along the river and watch climbers tackle vertical routes like “Monkey Face.”
Pro Tip: If you visit near sunset, the cliffs glow with fiery light, and the views are pure magic.
Final Stop Before Sunriver: The Last Blockbuster (Bend, OR)
As you roll through Bend, take a nostalgic detour to visit The Last Blockbuster on Earth. Yes, it’s a real, functioning Blockbuster video store, and the very last one you can still visit. Inside, you’ll find a mix of old-school movie rentals, fun merchandise, and a heavy dose of ‘90s nostalgia.
There’s something oddly comforting about stepping into a place that time forgot, surrounded by movie cases and that familiar popcorn-scented air. It’s a reminder of simpler days, and a great place you can pick up some entertainment if your vacation rental has a DVD player.
Fun Fact: The store has become an international pop culture icon and even inspired a documentary film.
Arrive in Sunriver, Your Vacation Destination
Finally, you’ll wind your way into Sunriver, your relaxation destination surrounded by pine forests, lava fields, and endless outdoor opportunities. After a day of exploring, you can unwind under a blanket of stars and relive your Oregon adventures. Whether you came for mountain biking, kayaking, or just some well-deserved rest, you’ll appreciate how much richer your journey was for the stops along the way.
If there’s one thing to remember when driving from Portland to Sunriver: in Oregon, the journey is the destination. So take the detours, linger at the viewpoints, chat with locals, and embrace the weird and wonderful along the way from Bigfoot to Blockbuster. That’s how you turn a simple road trip into a story worth telling!
Don’t Miss Out When Offline
There are areas throughout this route that have spotty to no reception. Don’t lose your road trip list because of it! Download the flier detailing this route and these stops so you have it readily available regardless of reception.
Comfy Vacation Rentals for Every Adventure
No matter where you stop along the way to Sunriver, ensure your final destination is a perfect fit for everyone in your group. With spacious rentals for large groups to intimate rentals for couples and additional amenities like private hot tubs, pet-friendliness, and more, book your Village Properties at Sunriver vacation rental knowing it’ll be another highlight of your Sunriver adventure.
Blog images courtesy of their respective locations.
