RV Tour Leg 37 – Bend & Sisters, Oregon - Big Sky, Lava Flows, and Local Voices

June 9 - 16, 2025

Bend and Sisters weren’t even on our original itinerary. We had planned to visit Crater Lake National Park, but lingering snow and a closed Rim Road led to the park canceling all campground reservations. With limited hiking options, we decided to pivot. And as has happened before on this trip, Plan B turned out to be a gift. Crater Lake will still be there. We’ll just have to come back.

We ended up camping in a small town north of Sisters called Camp Sherman, tucked deep in the woods with a cold, clear stream running right through the campground.

Our campsite with a sweet little stream

One morning, David needed to get his bike adjusted, so he headed into Sisters and stumbled upon the most amazing French bakery. He came home with a croissant that reminded me of being in Paris.

The bike shop visit turned out to be serendipitous, because we scored the best biking tip ever. Just west of Sisters lies the McKenzie Pass, which is typically closed in winter due to snow. But this time of year, it was still closed to cars yet open to cyclists. A Lassen repeat—no traffic, just fresh air and mountain views.

The ride up to the Dee Wright Observatory was stunning. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the tower sits atop a 65-square-mile lava flow, a jagged expanse of ancient basalt boulders. As we climbed, we passed massive black rocks—evidence of the region's dramatic volcanic past. At the summit, a one-mile paved trail was available with some of the best geological signage we’ve seen on this trip. We learned about cinder cones, shield volcanoes, and 'a‘ā' lava (which we now know is pronounced just like you'd say it if you stepped on it barefoot).

Dee Wright Observatory, McKenzie Pass

Lava flow with the North Sister Mountain in the background

Amazing volcano information trail on top of McKenzie Pass

The Sisters-Bend area is a dreamy mix of wide valleys and snowcapped peaks. Some mountain regions feel claustrophobic, but not here. The horizon stretches endlessly, framed by giants like the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Mount Washington. There's enough big sky here to make any prairie girl feel at home.

The Three Sisters Mountains viewed from the Whychus Creek Overlook

Saturday, June 14th was our last day in the area, and it began with heartbreaking news: a shooting of Minnesota politicians had occurred in the Minneapolis area. It cast a heavy cloud over the morning. That same day, we were already planning to attend the "No Kings" protest in Bend—a peaceful rally calling for accountability, democracy, and decency. With the morning’s news, the protest took on new meaning.

Before heading into town, we stopped to play a few rounds of pickleball. It had been a while, but our game wasn’t nearly as rusty as it had been during our comedic showing at Picacho Peak. Encouraged, we treated ourselves to lunch from a food truck and a cold microbrew from one of Bend’s many breweries—honestly, one of the best beers I’ve had in a long time.

Pickleball with a view of the mountains in the background

Downtown Bend had serious Uptown Minneapolis vibes: walkable, artsy, full of energy. The protest took place at Drake Park, a grassy haven along the Deschutes River, and we were amazed to see thousands had shown up. Bend is a small town with a politically mixed population, so it was heartening to witness that kind of turnout. After a somber start to the day, it felt hopeful.

My protest sign—crafted from a cardboard box and the lone marker in our camper—might not win design awards, but I tried

At the protest in Drake Park

No Kings Protest, Drake Park, Bend Oregon

I liked this sign - so true!!

Once again, a change in plans delivered exactly what we didn’t know we needed. Between the ancient lava fields, sweeping mountain views, meaningful protest, and world-class pastries, our time in Bend and Sisters left us feeling deeply connected—to nature, to each other, and to a country still worth believing in.