- Located just 43 miles north of Bend via Hwy 97.
- A great central location for hiking, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and rock hunting.
- A small town with several lodging and dining options.
- Three scenic state parks just off Hwy 97 between Bend and Madras.
Overview
Just north of Bend is the scenic town of Madras, the largest in Jefferson County. Located in the heart of Central Oregon, Madras is surrounded by spectacular scenery including several state parks, a deep river gorge, a designated grasslands area, and two Wild and Scenic rivers. Within the town itself are beautiful green spaces and a trail system for hiking and biking. Recreational opportunities abound for everyone who visits Madras, making it an excellent central location for outdoor enthusiasts.
Location
Madras, OR is 43 miles north of Bend via Hwy 97.
Services/Amenities
Madras, Oregon is a small town with a variety of lodging options including a handful of hotels and motels, an RV park, and a B&B. There are also several dining options including a family diner, pizza, Mexican cuisine, and fast food.
Activities
There are plenty of things to do when you visit Madras, including fishing, boating, or rafting in nearby rivers and lakes, hiking or biking on a variety of scenic trails, viewing wildlife, or rock hunting for agate and thunder eggs.
Attractions
Richardson’s Rock Ranch in Madras is a 4,000 acre working cattle ranch. It is famous for its agate beds, where avid rock hounds can dig for agate and thunder eggs year round.
The Crooked River National Grassland is just a few minutes northeast of Madras. This protected area is a great place to view a variety of splendid wildlife including deer, antelope, elk, bald eagles, and Peregrine falcons. Two Wild and Scenic Rivers flow through the grassland, and several campgrounds are available.
Getting Here
Getting to Bend from Madras is very easy; just take Highway 97 south for about 43 miles. There are three state parks along the way. Cove Palisades State Park, located on the banks of Lake Billy Chinook, is a great place to hike, fish, camp, or boat. The Peter Skene Ogden State Park offers spectacular views of the towering basalt cliffs that line the 500-foot-deep Crooked River Gorge. Smith Rock State Park, just east of Hwy 97, is one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in Oregon.
