Horseback Riding
Whether you're a real cowboy, or just want to be one, cowboys and horses pair up like mountains and views in Sisters. The area surrounding Sisters has miles and miles of horseback riding trails for all skill levels. Bring a horse, rent a horse, or take a guided tour - any or all of these experiences are worth trying.
Horse camps in the Deschutes/Ochoco National Forest provide facilities and a base camp location for groups. Camp facilities include tables, fire pits, vault toilets, stalls, potable and stock only water, corrals, and loading chutes. Each camp has a unique set up, so it's worth checking out the details for the specific camp you're planning to visit. Most of the camps are fee based. Reservations are recommended for more popular camps, such as Sheep Springs.
Guided trail rides for all experience levels are offered at Long Hollow Ranch and Black Butte Ranch. Black Butte Ranch rides range from easy two mile first timer rides, to challenging wilderness rides. There are also two and four day horse camps, which include driving cattle and learning roping skills. Long Hollow Ranch offers all types of riding and cowboying vacations. Fishing, cattle driving and dude ranch trips are also available.
Rafting
White water rafting on the Deschutes River or the McKenzie River are fun choices for a day trip from Sisters. On the lower Deschutes River, you'll shoot through wild stretches of rapids, while the upper Deschutes is more suitable for those who prefer a calmer ride. The class I and II rapids of the upper McKenzie River makes it a popular family rafting destination.
Outfitters offer several types of trips, ranging from half day to multi day duration. Booking with an guide or an outfitter is recommended, for visitors' safety. Trip details, including recommended wear, whether or not a lunch is provided for the shorter trips, and a brief description of the scenery along the way can be found at outfitter's web sites (see list at left).
Dressing appropriately will help you enjoy your trip. In summer, the recommended wear is swimsuits and nylon shorts, along with tennis shoes without socks. Bringing a synthetic windbreaker, sunscreen, and sunglasses along, and having a dry set of clothes available for the end of your trip is also helpful.
