Summer in Sunriver, Oregon, truly can’t be beat. We may be a little biased, but it’s worth skipping that Euro trip or another Mexico beach vacation. Extreme adventure awaits in Central Oregon, and we’re not talking paddle boarding on the Deschutes River, though there will be plenty of that this summer. This month, we’re focused on adrenaline seekers, the extreme adventurers. Summer in Central Oregon is in a rush — check out our picks for the most extreme Sunriver summer vacation!

10 Adrenaline-Spiking Adventures in Central Oregon

 1 — Rent Wave Runners and a Pontoon Boat

It’s not a secret that most adrenaline junkies have a need for speed. What’s better than speed, but speed on water! Rent a set of Wave Runners and a pontoon boat to use as home base on one of Central Oregon’s magical Cascade lakes. Satisfy your need for speed, and work on your tan, but don’t forget the sunscreen! Sunset Lodging offers water toy rentals in Sunriver, which can easily be added to your lodging reservation or rented by the public.

2 — Zipline Through the Majestic Cascade Mountains

Mt. Bachelor is a huge draw for Central Oregon in the winter, but over the last decade our favorite butte has become a summer destination as well. In addition to riding mountain bikes at Mt. Bachelor’s downhill  bike park, you can zipline through the most beautiful, majestic views of the Cascade mountains. What a rush!

3 — Bike to Natural Waterslides with Paulina Plunge

Paulina Plunge is one of our favorite adventure companies in Central Oregon. Take a mountain bike tour to Chief Paulina’s natural water slides. Sliding down the smooth rock slides is unlike anything you’ve done before and will no doubt be a memorable experience for the whole family.

4 — White Water Rafting with Sun Country Tours

Sun Country Tours has been providing white water rafting tours in Central Oregon for many years. In fact, you may have taken their “Big Eddy Thriller” tour in the past. For a longer, slightly more advanced white water rafting tour, we recommend trying the All Day Adventure or the McKenzie Magic. These day-long white water rafting excursions will definitely get your adrenaline pumping.

5 — Explore Central Oregon by Air

Leading Edge offers 30-minute, 45-minute and custom helicopter tours and charters in Central Oregon. Get an expansive view of the Cascade Mountains including Mt. Bachelor, Tumalo Mountain and all Three Sisters. Taking a Central Oregon helicopter tour offers a birds-eye view of this stunning landscape we love.

6 — Bungee Jumping Against Stunning Views

This one is for those who slam adrenaline as the rest of us stare into our coffees like zombies. Located at the high bridge in beautiful PS Ogden State Park, the bungee site offers incredible views of the Crooked River Gorge and Cascade Mountains. Central Oregon Bungee Adventures typically operates May – October, weather permitting. Are you ready to take a big leap?!

7 — Skydive and Scuba Dive in the Same Day

Drive through a historic highway with our guided commentary. Skydive through the air in the morning, scuba dive after the included lunch and then end your evening huddled around a campfire. If you’re the daredevil that this sounds tailor-made for, reach out to The Den Dive Shop in Sunriver for more information!

8 — Off-Roading on a Sunriver ATV Adventure

Experience the ultimate off-road adventure tour with Outriders Northwest! Meet your guides at the trailhead, only 5-minutes from The Village at Sunriver, and drive a brand new, 2023 Polaris XP 1000 RZR, which is a 4-seater side-by-side. Drive off-road through volcanic landscapes, see regional wildlife and create exciting memories.

9 — Rock Climbing at Smith Rock State Park

It’s no secret that Smith Rock State Park is one of the most popular geological formations in the region. Climbers come from all over the world to scale Monkey Face. Smith Rock Climbing School offers rock climbing guides for hire, giving you private instruction for the day. Choose from  Family Rock Climbing, Multi Pitch Rock Climbing, Intro to Rock Climbing, and other guided adventures.

10 — Starlight Cave Tour with Wanderlust Tours

Wanderlust Tours offers a variety of amazing tours and activities in Central Oregon year-round. Cave tours definitely aren’t for everyone, which is why we included them on our adventure round up. Explore Bend’s wild lava caves with a naturalist guide in the Starlight Cave Tour. These caves don’t have a staircase to enter, which makes this better for more adventurous travelers. After emerging from the caves, enjoy delectable treats from Sparrow Bakery, hot cocoa and listen as a naturalist guide points out stars and constellations. This will be a tour you’ll never forget!

Book Your Home Base for Sunriver Vacation Adventures

Our more adventurous guests definitely spend less time in their vacation homes than others, but it just makes finding one with comfortable beds and a hot tub to soak your sore muscles more essential. Whether you plan on spending your summer vacation mountain biking, hiking, or riding off-road, Sunset Lodging in Sunriver has an amazing selection of vacation homes in Sunriver. Browse our selection of adventure-ready vacation homes in Sunriver and book your next boost of adrenaline today.