Random Travel: Costa Rica & Bend, Oregon

[definitelyO]

I'm headed to Bend Oregon - specifically Sunriver Resort next week for a work conference.   I will have the weekend to myself - any recommendations for restaurants and things to do?  open to any and all food and all activities - outdoor activities mainly but also breweries/wineries (if that's the right area).  I haven't had time to research much and will do some this weekend.

then when I'm home from that I'm headed to Costa Rica with friends - I'm planning an afternoon/sunset sailing/catamaran trip - with snorkling, fishing, SUP.  BUT it's October 8 and rainy season.   the cancellation policies aren't great (7 day notice) - so wondering if anyone has advice on weather in Costa Rica?  maybe it just rains for a little bit and then clears up? 

[sonrisa]

Where in Costa Rica are you going? Costa Rican rains are no joke. It could wash boulders onto the roadways even in June when I lived there. Generally people would go for the Caribbean coast rather than the Pacific during rainy season (Sometimes you'd get lucky with the weather).

[Poppy]

Love Bend! Highlights below:

We did a canoe tour with Wanderlust Tours.

We explored a lava tube without a guide. You're gonna want a reservation. Bring warm clothes and sneakers. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recreation/recarea/?recid=38396

McMenamin's Soaking Pool, also requires reservation: www.mcmenamins.com/old-st-francis-school/soaking-pool There are also restaurants and pubs on-site.

[meowmaps]

I’ve not been to Costa Rica but I went to Nicaragua (many years ago) in early October during the rainy season. We were only there 4 nights/3 days but we lucked out and it didn’t rain. The upside of going during the rainy season is that we got a heavily discounted rate at an amazing boutique hotel/resort too. Something to consider.

[underwaterrhymes]

My in-laws live in Costa Rica, so we have been many times during both the rainy and dry seasons. Honestly, when it’s raining, we just do stuff in the rain. Bring waterproof hiking shoes and a raincoat and you’ll be fine.

[sunshineandpinot]

I'm glad you asked about Costa Rica. We are tentatively planning a trip to Papagayo mid October and I'm also worried about the rainy season. We went over Christmas one year and it absolutely poured two days and it was hard to find something to do. This was almost 20 years ago and I know the country has developed a lot since then.

[followyourarrow]

What part of Costa Rica? I was there during the beginning of the rainy season and we lucked out with only a little rain.

[Susie]

We went to Costa Rica in February (dry season) and it rained every day in La Fortuna, not at all when we were in Guanacaste (Playa Grande).  In La Fortuna we just did it all in rain coats.  We had waterproof shoes, but in many cases they were outmatched by the water and Chacos/Keens were 100% the way to go.

Excellent trip, including the rain.  Highly recommend.  

[sdlaura]

Love Bend and Sunriver. I’ve been to Bend on a girls trip (to run a race out at Brasada Ranch, so we stayed there and that was our main activity), but we did go to a spa that was nice, too. I just looked it up though (Drift spa) and it looks like it’s permanently closed - boo. Downtown bend has cute shops and cafes. We also went to brunch at a restaurant called Drake that was good.

I’ve only stayed at Sunriver as a family. It’s about a half hour outside of Bend. You can rent a bike and ride around the whole resort, which has a neat little nature center and rec center and lodge with restaurant. There’s also an observatory with programming.

Near there, we enjoyed the lava tubes and the adults went tubing down the river in downtown Bend (a tour operator will pick you up at the end). Not sure how much time you’ll have or how far afield you want to go, but we also did some hiking up an obsidian mountain (the Big Obsidian Flow, 35 minutes from Sunriver) was cool (and my toddler did it in flip flops - I don’t recommend the flip flops, but that tells you it’s not that strenuous).

[pinkplasticdoll]

We just visited Costa Rica at the end of July/Beginning of August so during rainy season, it rained quite a bit while we were there and all of the days we were in La Fortuna. We just wore rain coats, shoes that were friendly to get wet and could be washed/dry quick so like Chacos/Keens were worn by my family. We did not want to drive while it was downpouring so we tried to avoid that and just go when it was light showers. We also packed quick dry clothing which made the trip great because if we got wet we could dry quick. Even with the rain we had a great time and enjoyed nature.

[definitelyO]

Thanks! we are going to be in Guanacaste area of Costa Rica on the Pacific side. Just south of Playa Flamingo - specifically Conchal. I'm not worried about excursions in the rain - but I am worried about booking a 4 hour sailing trip with no where to be but on the boat or cancelling in the pouring rain.

we went a few years ago - but in August and it was beautiful and spent time in La Fortuna as well as near Del Coco Beach.

[dutchgirl678]

For Bend and surroundings, check out the latest fire activity. I know there have been some traffic delays on the Santiam pass and in Sunriver this week they were almost ready to evacuate everybody.

Sunriver Brewing is great, we love the beer and food there. If the air quality is okay there is a lot to do in terms of hiking or renting a bike. I like Benham Falls, Lava Butte, and the Newberry Volcano area with Newberry Peak and Paulina Lake. The High Desert Museum is also a fun stop. In Bend, check out the Old Mill District. Bend has a ton of great breweries: Deschutes Brewery, 10 Barrel Brewing, Boneyard Brewing, Worthy Brewing Company. And there is the McMenamins Old St Francis School in downtown Bend.

[redheadk]

We've only been to Costa Rica during rainy season but it's been fine. We just plan to get wet. As far as excursions, I would consider waiting to book until you get there or at least until closer to when you travel so you'll have a better idea of the weather. We were in Guanacaste, though closer to Tamarindo, in June/July, and just booked our estuary tour while there. There was no shortage of options available so we were able to choose the day/time with the best weather forecast which worked out perfectly for us. I would be hesitant to do that during busy season but it was fine during low season.

[mrsslocombe]

I was in Costa Rica during the rainy season. It was fine in La Fortuna (about 1-2 hours of rain every evening) and Monteverde (rain throughout the day, but mostly a mist or light rain. But in Montezuma it was miserable. Absolutely torrential rain, all day, even getting from our room to the dining room was awful. So, definitely a big gamble. I wouldn't book any activities until the day before.

[So_Fetch]

I will second the lava caves/forest if you're into hiking. The High Desert Museum is really cool too. There is a place to rent bikes in Sunriver and lots of bike paths. The observatory is really neat too.
The Old Mill District is a cool outdoor mall type area that has great shopping and lots of restaurants.

[wildrice]

Sept 19, 2024 10:32:10 GMT -5 definitelyO said:

Thanks! we are going to be in Guanacaste area of Costa Rica on the Pacific side. Just south of Playa Flamingo - specifically Conchal. I'm not worried about excursions in the rain - but I am worried about booking a 4 hour sailing trip with no where to be but on the boat or cancelling in the pouring rain.

we went a few years ago - but in August and it was beautiful and spent time in La Fortuna as well as near Del Coco Beach.

Are you worried about going out on the boat in the rain? I'm confused. They will probably cancel if the weather isn't appropriate for taking the trip, so I wouldn't worry about that. Unless you're worried about not having something else to do during those 4 hours?

[sometimesrunner]

We went to Costa Rica in October for my H's 40th and it pretty much drizzled all day every day. We stayed at a place with beautiful views and could only see said views for maybe 3 hours total the entire week we were there. :/

[186momx]

I think the evacuation orders have been reduced for Sunriver this week. A lot of the outdoor stuff is cancelled. I'm pretty sure Bachelor area is still closed.
Ditto to dutchgirl678,
You can rent paddle gear at Tumalo creek kayak & canoe and they have a store in Sunriver. We always liked to paddle the little Deschutes river. The state park in LaPine is nice spot to just sit and watch the river.

[definitelyO]

Sept 19, 2024 11:59:53 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Sept 19, 2024 10:32:10 GMT -5 definitelyO said:

Thanks! we are going to be in Guanacaste area of Costa Rica on the Pacific side. Just south of Playa Flamingo - specifically Conchal. I'm not worried about excursions in the rain - but I am worried about booking a 4 hour sailing trip with no where to be but on the boat or cancelling in the pouring rain.

we went a few years ago - but in August and it was beautiful and spent time in La Fortuna as well as near Del Coco Beach.

Are you worried about going out on the boat in the rain? I'm confused. They will probably cancel if the weather isn't appropriate for taking the trip, so I wouldn't worry about that. Unless you're worried about not having something else to do during those 4 hours?

I am worried about paying for a trip that has a 7 day cancellation policy and being out on a sailboat/catamaran on the deck the entire 4 hours w/o cover and not being able to cancel day prior.
I'm not worried at all about how to stay entertained at the resort while it's rainy.

[wildrice]

Sept 19, 2024 15:15:33 GMT -5 definitelyO said:

Sept 19, 2024 11:59:53 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Are you worried about going out on the boat in the rain? I'm confused. They will probably cancel if the weather isn't appropriate for taking the trip, so I wouldn't worry about that. Unless you're worried about not having something else to do during those 4 hours?

I am worried about paying for a trip that has a 7 day cancellation policy and being out on a sailboat/catamaran on the deck the entire 4 hours w/o cover and not being able to cancel day prior.
I'm not worried at all about how to stay entertained at the resort while it's rainy.

Ok, I really doubt they will sail if it is actively raining so I wouldn't worry about it! It's a safety issue and usually boats aren't going to take that kind of risk with bad weather. I don't think you need to be concerned.

[sonrisa]

Sept 19, 2024 15:15:33 GMT -5 definitelyO said:

Sept 19, 2024 11:59:53 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Are you worried about going out on the boat in the rain? I'm confused. They will probably cancel if the weather isn't appropriate for taking the trip, so I wouldn't worry about that. Unless you're worried about not having something else to do during those 4 hours?

I am worried about paying for a trip that has a 7 day cancellation policy and being out on a sailboat/catamaran on the deck the entire 4 hours w/o cover and not being able to cancel day prior.
I'm not worried at all about how to stay entertained at the resort while it's rainy.

I'm guessing they won't cancel for rain unless it's truly dangerous. The rain could mean choppier water with less visibility (and less sunlight underwater to see fish colors). I get sea sick easily and would pass. Someone less prone to motion sickness who loves being out on the water might enjoy it (even if there is a William Turner feel). Rains are generally heavier in the afternoon, so I'd be more likely to take the chance in the morning.

The cynic in me thinks the 7 day cancellation policy is so people have to decide before knowing the weather forecast. lol. 

[fiddles]

Bend is beautiful. The downtown area is nice with a river going through it.

Bledsode Family Winery has some great wines. It's run by a former NFL star and their winemaker is amazing.

Stoller is another place with good wine.

[atlas]

I live in Bend!!

Sunriver is about 15-20 minutes south of Bend. If you want to stay in Sunriver you have Sunriver Brewing, Cafe Sintra, and that is about it.

Bend: what types of beers do you like? Crux, Deschutes, Bend Brewing Company, Immersion, Sunriver West side (there are 3 locations - one in Sunriver and 2 in Bend), Boss Rambler, Boneyard.

Our fires are calming down thankfully. Riding the chair lift at Bachelor is usually a good time. As for hikes, Lava Cast Forest is a great option super easy, the Lava Cave is good, Lava Butte. If you want to drive a bit more the headwaters of the Metolius is super cool. Tumalo Falls, Benham Falls. Walking in the Old Mill is good too. There is a bike trail all around Sunriver that is good for running/walking/biking.

[atlas]

Sept 19, 2024 15:11:25 GMT -5 186momx said:

I think the evacuation orders have been reduced for Sunriver this week. A lot of the outdoor stuff is cancelled. I'm pretty sure Bachelor area is still closed.
Ditto to dutchgirl678 ,
You can rent paddle gear at Tumalo creek kayak & canoe and they have a store in Sunriver. We always liked to paddle the little Deschutes river. The state park in LaPine is nice spot to just sit and watch the river.

Bachelor reopened on the 14th.

[imojoebunny]

Sept 21, 2024 16:05:26 GMT -5 atlas said:

I live in Bend!!

Sunriver is about 15-20 minutes south of Bend. If you want to stay in Sunriver you have Sunriver Brewing, Cafe Sintra, and that is about it.

Bend: what types of beers do you like? Crux, Deschutes, Bend Brewing Company, Immersion, Sunriver West side (there are 3 locations - one in Sunriver and 2 in Bend), Boss Rambler, Boneyard.

Our fires are calming down thankfully. Riding the chair lift at Bachelor is usually a good time. As for hikes, Lava Cast Forest is a great option super easy, the Lava Cave is good, Lava Butte. If you want to drive a bit more the headwaters of the Metolius is super cool. Tumalo Falls, Benham Falls. Walking in the Old Mill is good too. There is a bike trail all around Sunriver that is good for running/walking/biking.

My spouse wants to move there so badly.  We have three more years of a school kid, but after that we might end up there.  Such a great town.  We almost bought a triplex there 4 years ago , and I wish we had.  Our dogs were the hold back, since getting them there is hard.  A really unique, fun town, with so many cool natural places to visit nearby.