La Pine: Nature, Trails and Events

If you’re looking for a hotel in La Pine, the activities available locally can help determine which time of year suits your trip. At LaPine State Park, river scenery meets multi-use trails, along with a golf course, mountain biking activities and recurring events. The seasons also offer their own highlights: in winter, the park’s trails are suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, while in summer, paddlers use two lakes in the Newberry Caldera. You can choose when to visit La Pine based on the mix of outdoor activity, nature and event dates you’re looking for.

Forest, River and Trails at LaPine State Park

LaPine State Park is set in a ponderosa pine forest along the Deschutes River. The park has 14 miles of multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. In winter, the trails are suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The season is therefore a practical factor in your planning; trail conditions can vary seasonally. If you have specific trails in mind, check their current conditions before your visit.

The day-use area along the Deschutes River in the park has a picnic area and flush toilets. There is also a swimming beach without a lifeguard. Seasonal operating conditions may apply; check them before your visit if you plan to use the day-use area.

Biking and Excursions to the Newberry Caldera

The Newberry Caldera lies about 16 miles east of La Pine. It has hiking and mountain biking trails, numerous campgrounds and interpretive sites, as well as two lakes used by paddlers in summer. The landscapes offer different highlights: at the state park, ponderosa pine forest, the Deschutes River and multi-use trails come together; in the caldera, the focus is on hiking and mountain biking trails and the two lakes used in summer.

Another biking option is Paulina Plunge, a mountain biking route in La Pine. On fat bikes, you’ll ride downhill for more than 2,000 vertical feet. The route includes visits to as many as six waterfalls and two natural waterslides. Tour arrangements and seasonal operations may change; check availability before making the activity a firm part of your itinerary.

Golf and Event Dates

Quail Run Golf Course in La Pine is a well-maintained 18-hole championship course with panoramic views of the surrounding Central Oregon mountain ranges. It adds a different kind of activity to the hiking and biking trails. Since course conditions can change, it’s worth checking the latest conditions before your visit.

Event dates can also influence when you choose to travel. The La Pine Rodeo takes place over the Fourth of July weekend; exact dates may vary from year to year. La Pine’s annual events also include the Rhubarb Festival and the Holiday Trucker's Light Parade. Their schedules may change each year, too. If a festival or the parade is a deciding factor in your travel plans, check the dates for the year you plan to visit.

A Culinary Route Through Central Oregon

The High Desert Food Trail offers a regional culinary perspective on Central Oregon. This self-guided route highlights farms and ranches, artisan producers and farm-to-table restaurants. It covers Central Oregon, adding a regional food theme to the specific activities in La Pine. As you plan your trip, consider whether you’d rather focus on La Pine’s trails and events or the culinary route through Central Oregon.

Explore more destinations: Deschutes River Woods, Bend, Sisters

See the broader travel overview: Deschutes.