Aerial Activities
Some say the best way to get away from it all is to get above it all. If you share that point of view, then taking an airplane tour, helicopter tour, or hot air balloon ride over beautiful Central Oregon may be just what the doctor ordered. Get a bird's eye view of the winding rivers, majestic mountains, volcanic monuments, and pine forests that dot the region while you gain a renewed perspective.
Rides—Hot Air Balloon
Big Sky Balloon Company
15580 SW FS 5480 Rd., Culver
541-316-0398
Offers one-hour balloon flights from Terrebonne, Oregon (approx. 45 minutes north of Sunriver). See the high desert terrain of Central Oregon including juniper and sage, volcanic rim rock, river canyons, rural farmland, and views of up to nine peaks of the Cascade Mountains. You can also help with the inflation and deflation of the balloon (if desired). Flights typically begin near sunrise.
"Big Sky Balloon Co. brings over 27 years of experience to the highly specialized field of commercial balloon operations and it is with great pride that we can offer flights in such a high quality environment as Central Oregon." —Big Sky Balloon Company
Rides—Hot Air Balloon
I'll Fly Away Balloon Adventures
Prineville
503-510-7835
Offers scenic flights for one to four passengers with most flights between 40 and 60 minutes in length (depending on conditions, landing locations, and other factors). After pack up, you are returned to the launch field for a small brunch and a review of ballooning history. Serves Central and Western Oregon including Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, and the Willamette Valley.
"Flying in a balloon is a great experience so come expecting to be a part of the whole operation. Military and first responders always receive a discount." —I'll Fly Away Balloon Adventures
Tours—Airplane
Bend Aircraft
63330 Powell Butte Hwy., Bend
541-241-7371
Offers photography flights of up to three persons departing from the Bend or Sunriver airport using a Cessna R182. Destinations include Paulina Peak (flying over lava flows, the Deschutes River, East Lake, and the Newberry Volcano caldera) and Mount Bachelor (flying around the summit and lodge, between the South Sister and Broken Top, and over the Old Mill District). Don't forget your camera!
"Come fly with us and experience a breathtaking journey of Central Oregon from 10,000 ft." —Bend Aircraft
Tours—Helicopter
Leading Edge Helicopter Tours
63048 Powell Butte Hwy., Bend
541-383-8825
Offers a thirty minute helicopter tour of Paulina Peak, Newberry Volcano, and Lava Lands before following the Deschutes River to Bend as well as a forty-five minute tour over the summits of Tumalo Mountain, the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor. Flights use experienced commercial pilots and mechanics.
"Let us show you our Central Oregon. Experience Bend and Central Oregon like you've never seen it before." —Leading Edge Helicopter Tours
