The diversity of the Oregon sports landscape is epitomized in Central Oregon, where a staggering array of recreational opportunities are accessible in just one region. Serving as the region’s recreational epicenter, Bend is quickly emerging as one of the nation’s foremost destinations for sports and recreation enthusiasts.  Bend recently earned the honor of being the only city in the country to be named host of two USA Cycling championship events in one year: the USA Cycling Road National Championships and the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships, both of which will return in 2010.

Recognizing the tremendous potential to bring additional sports events to the region, the Oregon Sports Authority launched a Central Oregon Chapter in 2007.  In addition to the two USA Cycling championship events, the chapter has helped secure the USA Triathlon Winter Triathlon National Championship, ABA BMX Great Northwest Nationals and the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship.

The rugged Central Oregon terrain has served as host to the RAID Adventure Race World Championships and is ideal for rock climbing, hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and many other adventure sports. The region has even sparked the creation of a few especially unique events that feature multiple sports, such as the U.S. Bank Pole Pedal Paddle, which consists of skiing, snowboarding, biking, running, kayaking and sprinting.

Mt. Bachelor rises magnificently above the Bend area, providing one of the longest winter ski seasons in North America, as well as incredibly soft powder and the nation’s best lift system as voted by readers of Ski Magazine. Groomed cross-country trails, sled-dog rides, a half-pipe and a snowboard park full of rails are all features of the famous ski resort, which has hosted the USA Triathlon Winter Triathlon National Championship, U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix and World Sled Dog Championships.

With 300 days of sunshine a year, Central Oregon is quite simply a golfer’s paradise. The spectacular high-desert landscape is home to multiple four-star resorts and more than 25 exceptional courses, earning the region a top world ranking from Golf Digest. The PGA’s Champions Tour is the latest golf authority to recognize the area as one of the nation’s best. The tour’s JELD-WEN Tradition, the final major championship of the year, now tees off each August at Sunriver’s Crosswater Golf Club.

View all of the region’s attractions and other helpful links to the right, and then check out Eastern Oregon and the world-famous Pendleton Round-Up.

View the Oregon Sports Authority’s Central Oregon membership levels and benefits

Central Oregon Members

Central Oregon Visitors Association
Deschutes County Fairgrounds
Lay It Out, Inc.
Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation
Pacific Power
Phoenix Inn Suites – Bend
Smith Rock Race Group
US Bank
West Coast Bank
Visit Bend