From almost everywhere within Sunriver's 3,500 acres
you can see the snow-capped volcanic cone of Mt. Bachelor and other peaks of Oregon's Cascade Range. Located 15 miles south of Bend, this low-key, very outdoors-oriented resort/residential community comprises a vast array of recreation for the whole family, from golf and tennis to horseback riding, canoeing, whitewater rafting, hiking, and fly fishing. Some 35 miles of bike trails lace the property, stitching together the various recreational venues—among them more than 30 tennis courts—with a lodge, condos, houses, spa, and even its own airstrip.
Pro Shop: 541-593-5707
For the summer of 2011, Sunriver has decided to integrate its tennis operations. Their official notice reads, "Head tennis pro Eric Nokes [who has been running the operations at Sage Springs] and the staff of Sunriver Resort will coordinate SROA's tennis programs this summer. It means private tennis lessons will, primarily, take place at Sunriver Resort's outdoor tennis courts on Center Drive, across the street from the South Pool, while specialty and junior clinics will take place at SROA's Tennis Hill at Fort Rock Park." I'm still sorting out what all of this means and will update this page as I have more information.
Golf Courses.The resort has three 18-hole golf courses and a golf learning center.
Crosswater: This heathland-style course borders the Deschutes and Little Deschutes rivers and is notable for the its views of Mt. Bachelor and for the elk, deer, eagles, osprey, owls, otters, and raccoons the live in the area. At 7,693 yards from the Gold Tees, it appears long but at this elevation, 4,500 feet, balls carry in the thinner air. Par 72, 5,389-7,683 yards.
The Meadows: A long, scenic course that begins at the Sunriver Lodge out across a great meadow and through stands of ponderosa pines. Its elevated, mounded greens demand accuracy. Par 71, 5,284-6,946 yards.
The Woodlands: Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., this award-winning course stands out for its deep bunkers, lakes and rock outcroppings, all of which place a premium on club selection and accuracy. Par 72, 5,446-6,880 yards.
Spa & Fitness Center. The 30,000-square-foot Sage Springs Club and Spa, which is under the umbrella of Sunriver Resort, encompasses the three indoor tennis courts, a complete fitness center, indoor lap pool, and massage treatment rooms. If, on the other hand, you rent through Sunriver Vacations you'll have access to Mavericks Health Club, which has a fitness center, indoor swimming pool, climbing wall, massage rooms, and a permanent wave pool.
And ...Some 37 miles of paved trails for both walking
and bike riding lace the resort (though note that the use of rollerblades is prohibited in Sunriver). There are also canoes for rent on the rivers and streams; an equestrian center; two outdoor swimming pools; fishing on any of several rivers; a large grassy field for soccer, baseball, football and the like; a children's playground; a nature center; a miniature golf course, and more.
Family Circle Magazine rated the resort the best family destination in the Northwest. There are in fact two children's programs: one operated by Sunriver Resort and a second by the Sunriver Resort Owners Association (SROA). The resort offers a Fort Funnigan, which takes children ages 3 to 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Saturday and some evenings. for more information, phone 541-593-4609. The SROA also stages a Kids Klub for children ages 3 to 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. They can also recommend local sitters. The owners association has a more extensive program during the summer that includes swimming lessons, recreational camps (for kids ages 3-5, 5-11 and 12-16). For details phone toll-free 888-284-6639.
Choices are diverse, ranging from rooms and suites in the Sunriver Lodge to private homes and condominiums. The issue is not only what type of accommodations you want but which of several entities you rent from: Sunriver Resort handles one set of units within the property, the Sunriver Vacations (which itself consists of several property management companies) another set. Which entity you rent from can affect which amenities you have access to (like the indoor courts) or whether you get preferential treatment, at venues such as the three on-site golf courses or the Maverick Health Club. Broadly speaking, the options range from lodge rooms with wood-burning fireplaces and private decks privately owned and decorated homes and condos that range in size from two to five bedrooms.
There are some two dozen food outlets within the property, ranging from the sumptuous cuisine and Northwest ingredients at The Meadows to pizza at Blondie's
If you like the sound of Sunriver, also check out:
Sunriver Resort
Rooms at the Lodge have fireplaces, private decks, and in some cases mountain views. Lodges are deluxe rooms along the Sun River. Suites have a queensize sleeper and kitchette downstairs, and two queen beds upstairs. Condos have fireplaces, two or more bedrooms, private decks. Houses as large a six bedrooms are also available. See the website for rates during the time you want to visit.
Sage Springs Club & Spa
Rates on request.
Sunriver Vacations
A total of some 500 vacation homes and condos at Sunriver are available through several rental agencies. See the website for details
Seasons. Tennis season at Sunriver runs from May through September, with the most vigorous activity occurring between mid June and Labor Day.
Travel Instructions. The nearest major airport is Portland, 161 miles to the northwest; however, the town of Redmond, which is only 31 miles from Sunriver, has a regional airport served by Horizon Airline and West Air (United Express).
General Tourist Information. For information about attractions in central Oregon visit the Central Oregon Visitors Association website or contact them at 63085 N. Hwy. 97, Suite 104, Bend, OR 97701; phone 541-389-8799 or toll-free 800-800-8334.