How to Make the Most of Your Autumn in the High Desert
There’s nothing quite like fall in the high desert, and Redmond is where to go to get the full picture of it. Here, the season unfolds with crisp mornings, cool afternoons, and evenings that glow against the backdrop of the Cascades. It’s a place where you can start the day with a steaming cup from a local café, take a refreshing morning hike, visit a pumpkin patch in the afternoon, and end the night under one of the clearest star-filled skies in the state.
Unlike some more crowded nearby destinations, Redmond gives you the space to experience fall at your own pace. Whether you’re here chasing adventure, making family memories, or looking to slow down and savor the season, Redmond is built for your enjoyment.
For the Adventurous
Given the weather patterns in Central Oregon, the fall is actually the prime season for nearly all the outdoor recreation the region has to offer. Here are some suggestions for getting the most out of your autumn adventures.
Smith Rock State Park
With cooler temps and fewer visitors, autumn is known among the climbing community as the peak time to climb the scenic routes of this national icon. But even if you’re not trying to scale any walls, it’s ideal hiking, biking, camping, and horseback riding conditions!
Dry Canyon Trail
Running right through the heart of Redmond, the trail follows the canyon floor for nearly four miles, at many points leaving you feeling as if you’re in the middle of the desert wilds, instead of just minutes from downtown. It’s ideal for a crisp morning ride or walk with several amenities, such as playgrounds, a frisbee golf course, a dog park, and even an overhung climbing wall.
Scenic Bikeways
There’s no better weather for cycling in Central Oregon than the fall. And there’s no better way to take in the grandeur of the region on a bike than on one of the Oregon Scenic Bikeways. There are four in the region to choose from, including the Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway that takes you through sweeping desert landscapes and big mountain views before landing you right at Redmond’s back door.
Fall Fly-Fishing
With cooler air and fewer anglers, it’s one of the best times to fish the Deschutes River for trout or steelhead. Whether you’re wading in on your own or joining a guided trip, you’ll find plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the rhythm of the river.
For Families
Fall is when the Redmond community really shows out, and the city’s family-friendly side shines the brightest. With pumpkin patches, public events, and loads of kid-friendly outdoor escapes, there’s plenty to keep all ages entertained.
Smith Rock Harvest Festival & Ranch Pumpkin Patch
This is the crown jewel of Redmond’s fall traditions. More than just a pumpkin patch, families can enjoy a corn maze, pony rides, a petting zoo, wagon rides, zoo rides, a Snoopy train, barnyard golf, pumpkin canons, live music, and more, all set against the backdrop of an Oregon icon. It’s a one-of-a-kind event that feels both classic and uniquely Central Oregon.
Cline Falls
Cline Falls offers gentle trails, stunning sights, riverside picnic spots, and open space for kids to run. It’s a gorgeous spot in the fall, and an easy outing for families that offers a true escape just minutes from downtown Redmond.
Downtown Strolls
Between cozy cafés, charming shops and bookstores, and ample kid-friendly restaurants, downtown Redmond offers plenty of spots to browse, discover, and enjoy. No Redmond trip is complete without a morning, afternoon, or evening in Redmond.
Fall at the Fairgrounds
The Deschutes County Fairgrounds keeps a busy calendar all season long — from expos to concerts and rodeos. It’s a hub of activity that brings locals and visitors together in the heart of Redmond.
Trick-or-Treat on 6th Street
Every Halloween, Redmond shuts down its main drag, opening it up to a parade of witches, skeletons, superheroes, and more. Stores hand out candy, and the community comes together to put on a Halloween celebration to be remembered. It’s small-town community spirit at its best, and a safe, fun way for families to celebrate together.
For Serenity Seekers
Sometimes the best part of fall is taking things slow. And Redmond offers plenty of ways to unwind, from quiet morning walks and scenic drives to evenings spent fireside under a vast, star-filled sky.
Late-Season Golf
Fall is a great time to play one of Redmond’s many golf courses. The temperatures are cool, the pace is relaxed, and the views stretch clear across the high desert. This is golf at its finest: relaxed and rewarding.
Seasonal Dining
Menus around town shift with the season, with local chefs showcasing Central Oregon’s fall harvest. At Terra Kitchen, that means dishes thoughtful, fresh, and built around regional produce.
Scenic Drives
Set out through the Cascades, the Ochocos, or the Deschutes National Forest. Each route offers something different — mountain passes, open desert, or pine-dotted plateaus — but all share the same quiet, colorful, sun-dappled calm that comes with autumn in Central Oregon.
Art Walks, Markets & Music
As the evenings cool, Redmond’s cultural side comes to life. Browse local galleries, stroll seasonal markets, or catch a live show downtown. It’s a relaxed way to connect with the creative pulse of the community.
Cozy Stays
Many of Redmond’s hotels, inns, and vacation rentals feature fireplaces and fire pits, serene surroundings, and stunning high desert views. It’s the kind of setting made for slow mornings with a good cup of coffee or crisp nights spent under the stars with a good glass of local wine.
Conclusion
Whether you’re climbing at Smith Rock, making memories at the pumpkin patch, or simply savoring a quiet morning stroll, Redmond delivers peak fall. Start planning your fall adventure today.
