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In and around Roseburg, the Umpqua River and Crater Lake National Park offer their own brand of outdoor adventure. Scenic bike paths follow along from the South Umpqua River through the city, while the northern portion of the river is internationally known for fishing. The North Umpqua River also offers the perfect scenery and rapids conditions for whitewater rafting (canoeing, kayaking and waterfall hikes occupy those looking for something a little less extreme). And if camping and rambling trails are more your style, Crater Lake National Park - with scenic settings and an up-close-and-personal view of America's deepest lake - is a must-do. Roseburg is also home to 345 acres of parks, all within the city limits. For a different adventure, try spelunking (cave exploring) in the lava tubes at Skeleton Cave, Arnold Ice Caves, or Lava River Caves. The Deschutes River with its spectacular fly-fishing and huge populations of rainbow and brown trout is a fisherman's heaven. Kayakers and rafters share in the fun as they shoot through the river's exciting triple waterfalls. A camera might come in handy when you are standing atop the 4,139-foot Pilot Butte. Its breathtaking view of the Cascades, High Desert, and Bend is one you'll want to savor later. Take advantage of one of the longest ski seasons in the United States. As one of the nation's leading ski areas, the 9,065-foot slope of Mt. Bachelor features 60-plus trails served by the world's fastest express lifts. (Bragging rights are included with your lift ticket - after all, you're skiing the same courses that the U.S. Ski Team uses for practice.) Mt. Bachelor was also one of the first ski areas to offer snowboarding and attracts big-name professional riders to one of the best snowboard camps in the world. As the retail center of Central Oregon, you'll also want to spend some quality time in downtown Bend. You'll encounter a variety of boutiques and gift shops, so you won't leave downtown empty-handed. And with no sales tax, shopping is guilt-free! The jewel of downtown Bend is Drake Park's Mirror Pond. It is a small lake with ducks, Canadian geese, and a pair of swans from Queen Elizabeth's royal swannery in England. Located right next to the Deschutes River, this river pond is a perfect setting for a picnic lunch. Learn about the culture, history and wildlife in the area at the stimulating High Desert Museum. You'll also want to browse Deschutes Historical Museum. Built in 1914 of pink volcanic tuff, this museum offers three floors of Central Oregon's pioneer past. Wish on a star at the Pine Mountain Observatory, where small flashlights are the only artificial sources of light allowed.
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