As an Oregon native, I am mildly ashamed that I am not the most outdoorsy person in the world. I refuse to drive in the snow and typically prefer reading a book in a cabin by the fireplace to snowboarding in sub-zero temperatures. But I must admit, whenever the snow falls in the Portland-metro area, it is beautiful.
In Central Oregon, snow is an annual expectation, and many locals thrive from it. In fact, people travel from all over to experience the outdoor adventures there in the winter. And just because I may not be the one most inclined toward that type of open-air escapade doesn’t mean I don’t fully appreciate those who are. Central Oregon is an excellent place for either relaxing or full-on adventures. This time of year in the region, snow is everywhere, and there are endless ways to have fun with it.
Wanderlust Tours is a Bend-based organization that specializes in curated expeditions out in the Oregon wilderness. Regardless of someone’s age or skill set, they offer something for everyone. This is a great choice not only for locals in Central Oregon but also for anyone looking to vacation in the area. It is also a perfect choice for families with both younger and older children, as there are many tours to choose from.
One very helpful feature on their website is a series of videos that show examples of the types of tours they offer. This is especially useful for people like me who want to have an idea of the type of outing they are about to get themselves into. Furthermore, using Wanderlust Tours for your Central Oregon adventure is a great way to maximize your experience while adhering to important safety protocols.
Offering various tours by season, you can choose the weather exploration that best suits you. Broken down to Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, Wanderlust Tours offers expeditions such as Snowshoe & Bonfires, Caving Tours, and Stargazing & Dark Sky activities. For their Winter Tours, they offer a wide selection of activities to choose from, including day and night outings.
Their Moonlight and Starlight Snowshoe Tours offer a majestic, guided snowshoe walk while taking in the pristine views of the wilderness skyline. This tour is $130 per person and is for individuals ages 8 and older, making it a perfect family-friendly option. This guide includes snowshoes, headlamps, transportation, and hot chocolate to help you stay warm. They also offer waterproof pants and boots that can be rented for anyone who needs them. Tours like this are something even people like me would love to do, as experiencing it as a family is unmatched.
In addition to their regular tours, they also offer customizable tours. These unique tours work well for corporate events and family reunions, and they offer expeditions that suit everyone. An extremely cool feature is that they provide multi-day group adventures, and best of all, you either spend the nights camping or in a cozy hotel.
Wanderlust Tours is based out of Bend and located at 61535 S. Hwy 97, Ste. 13, Bend, Oregon 97702. Their hours are Monday through Saturday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, but their tours run on all seven days of the week. The meet-up spot before each tour is at their office, and their experienced guides will take you there. Emailing or calling them directly to ask questions or schedule a tour is straightforward and seamless. Getting your family to take part in any one of these experiences will make lasting memories.
Some common questions about Wanderlust Tours include when to make a reservation, and they recommend making it as soon as everyone is confirmed to join. Once the family is all on board for the dates, that is the perfect time to schedule.
They do require a minimum total of 4 people per tour. However, if you have fewer than 4, they will do their best to place you in another group. Their Volcano Tour and Canoe Tour are the best options for families with young children, especially for parents who want their infants to be in a hiking carrier.
Most of their half-day adventures are about 4 hours long, which is just enough time before the kids get too tired. Wanderlust Tours is a fantastic feature in Central Oregon that allows you the opportunity to explore some of the state’s most beautiful terrain safely.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.
