Central Oregon has a way of surprising people who think they know the Pacific Northwest. Wide open forests, sparkling lakes, volcanic landscapes, and mountain views come together to create one of the most memorable vacation spots in Oregon. The region offers adventure and relaxation at the same time, with fresh air, scenic drives, and plenty of space for families to reconnect. Whether you are planning a summer road trip or searching for the ideal family vacation, Central Oregon offers natural beauty and small town charm that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Just beyond the shoreline and forest roads, there are countless things to do in Oregon that are easy to reach from this part of the state. Families can explore Crater Lake National Park, one of the most iconic sights in the Pacific Northwest, or spend the day hiking through the Deschutes National Forest. Sparkling lakes invite afternoons of fishing and paddleboarding, while nearby trails offer miles of biking. Local towns also feature casual restaurants, craft breweries, and seasonal events that make it easy to fill a full itinerary with fun things to do in Oregon with family.

When it comes to places to stay, our Central Oregon Rentals at Historic Gilchrist Waterfront Resort offer a welcome alternative to standard lodging. As one of the most inviting family resorts in Oregon, our property blends rustic charm with waterfront scenery and thoughtful amenities designed for an ideal family vacation. Guests enjoy lakefront views, outdoor recreation right on the property, a lap pool, and relaxing hot tubs. Our setting encourages connection and time together, and it quickly becomes clear why so many families recommend our resort is one of the most recommended vacation spots in Oregon for families. Book your stay today!

Family-Friendly Cabins in One of the Top Vacation Spots in Oregon

Planning ahead often makes the difference between a good trip and a truly memorable one, especially when it comes to the most popular vacation spots in Oregon. Families planning family vacation often begin researching the best vacation spots in Oregon months in advance. Our lakefront cabins have quietly become one of the top-rated family resorts in the area, especially for summer trips filled with outdoor activities and time together.

Part of what makes our resort one of the best vacation spots in Oregon is the atmosphere. Mornings often begin with coffee by the water, afternoons include swimming, fishing, and exploring nearby forests, and evenings bring campfires and stories under the stars. The surrounding region is filled with so many things to see and do, yet many guests say their favorite moments of their entire Oregon family vacation happen right here at the resort. For parents searching for fun things to do with family, our cabins make planning simple because so many activities are right outside the cabin door.

Because it offers both adventure and relaxation, our rentals have become one of the family resorts Oregon visitors frequently recommend to friends and relatives. Booking early is always wise, especially for summer travel when families begin searching for the best vacation spots in Oregon. Many guests reserve their stay months in advance to secure their favorite cabins with lakefront views.

Families staying at Central Oregon Rentals can expect a wide range of activities and amenities that make it easy to enjoy one of the most unique vacation spots in Oregon without leaving the property. Our location on the calm waters of the  Gilchrist Log Pond is perfect for paddling, fishing, or simply enjoying the view. Early mornings on the waterfront are especially peaceful, and guests often say sunrise by the water becomes one of their favorite moments of their Oregon family vacation. The resort also offers private access for fly fishing.

Our Central Oregon rentals provide pontoon boats, paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks so families can enjoy the lake throughout their stay. Guests also enjoy yard games, axe throwing, and a selection of bikes for exploring the surrounding area. Volleyball, basketball, tennis courts, and badminton create plenty of fun things to do in Oregon with family right at the resort.

After a busy day exploring nearby vacation spots in Oregon, kids love jumping into the lake or cooling off in the pool. Our lap pool and hot tub provide the perfect place to relax in the evening. Many guests enjoy soaking under the open sky while the cool Central Oregon air settles in for the night.

Our resort offers comfortable cabins designed for families. For larger gatherings, the Otter Shore Retreat vacation home accommodates up to twenty guests. With a full gourmet kitchen, spacious living areas, and outdoor gathering spaces, it works well for family reunions, retreats, or multi-family vacations.

Nights at the resort often end around the warmth of a campfire after a family dinner. It is a simple experience, yet one that many families remember long after the trip ends. These moments of connection are part of what makes us one of the vacation spots in Oregon that families return to year after year.

For families planning an Oregon family vacation, our cabins remain one of the most loved vacation spots in Oregon. Find out why so many guests return to our Central Oregon rentals every summer.

The Best Vacation Spots in Oregon Offer the Best of Both Worlds

One of the best things about our Central Oregon rentals is the location. Our resort sits within easy reach of some of the most famous things to see in Oregon, including Crater Lake National Park and scenic drives through Deschutes National Forest. Many guests plan a day trip or two, then return to the quiet comfort of the resort.

No family vacation in Oregon is complete without spending time in Bend. Located within easy driving distance of our resort, Bend offers great food and a welcoming small city atmosphere that families love, making it one of the most visited vacation spots in Oregon. The city is packed with things to do in Oregon with kids, from river activities to scenic parks and interactive attractions. Many families staying at our cabins plan at least one day to explore Bend, giving everyone a chance to experience one of the liveliest destinations in Central Oregon.

Bend is a great complement to the quieter lakefront setting of our resort. After mornings enjoying the water or relaxing at the resort, a short drive brings you to a vibrant community filled with parks, walking paths, family-friendly restaurants, and outdoor recreation. Whether you are searching for fun things to do in Oregon with family or simply want to explore one of the most popular vacation spots in Oregon, Bend offers a wide range of experiences that fit easily into a Central Oregon itinerary.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Bend:

If you have time for only one stop, visit the High Desert Museum. It is one of the most interesting things to see in Oregon, especially for families traveling with children. Interactive exhibits focus on wildlife, local history, and the region’s culture. Live animal presentations and outdoor exhibits make it engaging for kids who might not usually enjoy museums.

On warm summer days, one of the most popular things to do in Oregon with family is floating the Deschutes River through Bend. Local outfitters rent tubes and provide shuttle services, allowing families to enjoy a relaxing ride along the water while taking in views of the surrounding landscape.

The Old Mill District combines shopping, dining, and river views in one walkable area. Families can browse local shops, grab ice cream, and enjoy casual meals along the riverfront.

Bend is known for its casual dining scene, which makes it perfect for families. Families will find everything from burgers and tacos to wood-fired pizza, along with family-friendly Bend breweries where parents can try the area’s famous microbrews.

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Bend, exploring these attractions, then return to the quiet comfort of our lakefront cabins, creating a memorable family vacation in Oregon. Reserve your cabin now!