Oregon Observatory, Southern Oregon Travel Guide

Getting There

• Car

  If you are driving from Medford, take I-5 North towards Portland. Exit onto OR-62 East towards Klamath Falls. Continue on OR-62 and merge onto US-97 North. Follow US-97 for about 30 miles, then take the exit for Sunriver. Follow signs for Sunriver and then take River Rd to reach the observatory at 57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR 97707. Total driving time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• Public Transportation

  From Ashland, take a Greyhound bus to Bend. Once in Bend, you can transfer to the Cascade East Transit bus (Route 7) that goes to Sunriver. Disembark at the Sunriver Village stop, and from there, you will need to walk about 1.5 miles to the observatory at 57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR 97707. Note that the total travel time may exceed 3 hours, and bus fares vary, so check the Greyhound and Cascade East Transit websites for current schedules and prices.

• Carpool or Rideshare

  If you prefer not to drive alone, consider using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft from Bend to the Oregon Observatory. The ride will take around 30 minutes and typically costs between $25 to $40, depending on demand and time of day. Make sure to confirm the pickup location in Bend.

• Bicycle

  For the adventurous, you can bike from Bend to the Oregon Observatory. The distance is approximately 25 miles via the deschutes river trail to Sunriver, followed by River Rd. Make sure to plan for safety, wear a helmet, and bring plenty of water and snacks. This trip can take around 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace.