New Year’s Day in Central Oregon arrives with clear winter air, quiet streets, and a sense of calm across Bend, Sunriver, Sisters, and Redmond. Snow rests on rooftops, pine forests glow under soft morning light, and the region welcomes the new year with warm hospitality and easygoing comfort. Brunch restaurants open their doors with hearty winter dishes, and scenic walking paths invite travelers to slow down, breathe deeply, and start the year with a fresh mindset.
This guide from Meredith Lodging will serve as a long-form resource for anyone planning a New Year’s Day visit. It highlights brunch spots, scenic walks, holiday hours, weather expectations, pet-friendly options, family-friendly routes, photography locations, and small local traditions that define January 1 in Central Oregon.
Scenic Walk
Why Brunch and Scenic Walks Are Local Traditions
Brunch and walking pair naturally with New Year’s Day in Central Oregon. The food brings warmth and comfort, while the landscape offers space to reset. Strong coffee, indulgent breakfast plates, crisp winter air, and soft sunlight create a perfect blend of relaxation and renewal.
Locals favor this mix for a few reasons:
Brunch restaurants offer generous winter menus
Trails remain open throughout winter
Snow-dusted scenery feels peaceful and photogenic
January mornings encourage slow, reflective pacing
Families enjoy these activities regardless of age or fitness level
Best Brunch Restaurants for New Year’s Day in Central Oregon
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Jackson’s Corner (Bend – Midtown & Westside)
Jackson’s Corner brings warm, rustic charm to New Year’s morning. The menu focuses on local ingredients, freshly baked bread, breakfast skillets, and rich coffee drinks. Visitors love the hearty portions and warm atmosphere after a late night.
Why it’s great for New Year’s Day:
It’s a perfect New Year’s Day stop thanks to seasonal scrambles with crispy potatoes, house-made pastries for lighter appetites, and large seating areas that make gathering with friends or family feel easy and relaxed.
Chow (Bend – Northwest Crossing)
Chow is one of Bend’s most popular breakfast spots, known for creative plates and organic ingredients. The setting feels like a neighborhood gathering place.
Best items for the holiday:
Top picks for the holiday brunch include the smoked salmon hash, brioche French toast, and fluffy biscuits topped with rich housemade gravy, all served with the cozy, slow-start energy New Year’s morning deserves. Expect a bit of a wait, but the patio heaters keep outdoor seating comfortable.
Lemon Tree (Bend – Downtown)
Lemon Tree’s global-inspired brunch brings bright flavors to a snowy January morning. The menu includes unique pairings, creative sauces, and beautifully plated dishes.
What locals recommend:
Locals swear by the lemon ricotta pancakes and Moroccan chicken hash, and they often linger over herbal tea served in generous steaming pots that feel perfectly made for a slow winter morning. Perfect for travelers seeking something different than traditional breakfast.
The Sparrow Bakery (Bend – Northwest Crossing & Airport Area)
Known for its legendary Ocean Roll pastries and French-inspired flavors, this spot delivers warmth and comfort in every bite.
Why it’s ideal for New Year’s Day:
The relaxed café setting makes New Year’s morning feel unhurried and genuinely calm, with plenty of space to ease into the day. Fresh pastries satisfy guests who prefer a light bite, while excellent espresso gives early risers just the right boost to start the year with energy and warmth.
The Village Bar & Grill (Sunriver Village)
Sunriver’s go-to brunch choice offers hearty plates and classic mountain-lodge vibes. Families and groups enjoy its warm, rustic setting.
Holiday favorites:
Holiday brunch regulars often lean toward chicken and waffles or a warm, well-stuffed breakfast burrito. Omelets filled with fresh-cut veggies round out the menu with a lighter, colorful option that still feels satisfying on a winter morning. Located right in The Village for easy access.
McKay Cottage (Bend – Off Hunnell Road)
McKay Cottage consistently ranks among the top brunch restaurants in all of Central Oregon. The bright interior and comforting dishes create an uplifting start to the year.
Top dishes:
Seasonal pumpkin pancakes set a cozy tone and pair well with the hearty Irish oatmeal topped with fruit. Potatoes O’Brien served with bright housemade salsa add a savory finish that keeps the morning feeling warm and satisfying. Great for families thanks to roomy seating.
Sister’s Coffee Company (Sisters – Downtown)
This iconic roastery sits inside a timber building with a warm fireplace, mountain-lodge ambience, and cozy breakfast options.
Perfect for New Year’s travelers:
New Year’s travelers appreciate the easy comfort of breakfast burritos, flaky quiche, and artisan pastries that don’t require a long wait. High-quality coffee roasted onsite adds a rich, energizing start before the day’s drive, stroll, or slow return home. Ideal for pairing with a walk through the quiet, charming shops of Sisters.
One Street Down Café (Redmond)
Redmond’s favorite brunch spot offers homestyle breakfast plates with great flavor and portion sizes.
Why it’s a standout:
It stands out for omelets that arrive perfectly cooked alongside crispy potatoes that feel made for cold-season mornings. The friendly small-town atmosphere adds a welcoming touch that makes settling in feel effortless.
Travelers often mention how welcoming the staff feels on holidays.
The Original Pancake House (Bend – NE 3rd Street)
A classic breakfast institution known for large portions and family-friendly service. Perfect for visitors craving staples. Top picks range from the classic Dutch Baby with its soft, golden rise to crisp potato pancakes that deliver just the right winter comfort. Thick-cut bacon adds a savory finish that makes the whole plate feel indulgent in the best holiday way. Arrive early to avoid lines.
Scenic Walks for New Year’s Day in Central Oregon
Central Oregon’s landscapes shine when covered in frost or dusted with fresh snow. These walking routes stay open throughout winter and offer calm, scenic views without requiring long-distance hiking.
The Deschutes River Trail (Bend)
The Deschutes River Trail delivers one of the region’s most iconic winter walking experiences, leading visitors alongside flowing river water framed by juniper, basalt cliffs, and the occasional dusting of snow. The landscape feels crisp and calming, especially in the quiet stretch of midwinter.
It’s loved for its flat, easy sections that suit relaxed family outings, river reflections that glow during winter sunsets, and dog-friendly stretches where pets can join the adventure. The combination of gentle terrain and dramatic scenery creates a trail that feels effortless yet memorable all season. Great for travelers staying near Old Mill or downtown Bend.
Shevlin Park (Bend)
Shevlin Park offers a quiet forest escape lined with ponderosa pine, snowy paths, and calm creekside views, making it a local favorite for a New Year’s Day reset. Several loop trails allow visitors to choose the pace that suits them best, from a short stretch through tree tunnels to a longer walk across bridges and open meadows. The atmosphere stays hushed and deeply peaceful, creating a true break from city noise and holiday rush. Perfect for visitors seeking a calming, restorative walk.
Lava Lands & Lava Butte (Sunriver / Bend Border)
Lava Lands delivers a dramatic winter scene, with black lava flow fields softened by a light layer of snow and wide high-desert views that feel especially crisp in January light. The Visitor Center typically closes on New Year’s Day, yet the paved paths remain open, giving travelers a chance for quick, easy walks surrounded by striking geology. Educational signs along the route add context to the volcanic formations, turning a short outing into a memorable, scenic learning moment. A great choice for travelers staying in Sunriver.
Smith Rock State Park (Terrebonne)
Smith Rock in winter feels almost surreal, with golden rock spires catching low January light and reflecting across the canyon in crisp, cold air. It’s one of the most photogenic New Year’s Day landscapes, especially when the river runs quiet and the trail edges hold a hint of frost.
Rim routes provide sweeping views without demanding a steep climb, making the scenery accessible for relaxed walkers. Wildlife often gathers near the water on cold mornings, and sunrise regularly draws photographers who want that dramatic first light across the cliffs. Wear proper shoes – parts of the trail may have ice.
Riley Ranch Nature Reserve (Bend)
Riley Ranch brings a calm, undeveloped landscape of sagebrush, canyon walls, and river bends, creating a true pause from holiday pace. Wide paths support slow, easy strolling, and scenic overlooks with benches invite visitors to sit, breathe, and take in the stillness. The peaceful atmosphere feels ideal for New Year’s reflection, especially when winter light settles softly across the rim. It’s the kind of place where the quiet becomes part of the experience, not just the backdrop. Great for travelers who enjoy quieter, less-visited areas.
Sunriver Meadow Trails (Sunriver)
These paths wind through open meadows, frozen wetlands, and quiet stands of pine, creating a winter scene that feels both expansive and serene. The landscape shifts gently as you walk, moving from wide, bright fields to shaded forest edges dusted with seasonal snow.
It’s perfect for New Year’s Day thanks to broad trails that suit families and pets, fields that occasionally turn into postcard-style winter scenes, and quick access from Sunriver Village that keeps the outing simple and relaxed.
Black Butte Ranch Walking Paths (Near Sisters)
Guests can enjoy plowed, well-maintained winter walking paths that loop around the ranch’s golf courses and wide-open landscapes, keeping the experience smooth even after fresh snowfall. The setting stays calm and scenic, framed by clear views of Three Sisters, Black Butte, and Mt. Washington. Deer often wander along the edges of the fairways, adding a quiet wildlife moment to the stroll. The overall atmosphere feels peaceful enough to slow down, breathe, and step into the new year with a clear, grounded start.
Drake Park & Mirror Pond Path (Bend)
This small, charming walking area suits travelers who want a slow, gentle start to the year without committing to a long outing. Flat paved paths make strolling simple, and nearby cafés and shops create an easy transition from brunch to a short, refreshing walk. It’s the kind of route that feels effortless yet rewarding, perfect for easing into the day. A bit of window shopping or a warm drink afterward makes the experience feel complete without any rush.
Pet-Friendly Walking Routes
Many travelers look for dog-friendly routes on New Year’s Day, and a few local favorites stand out for easy terrain and open space. The Good Dog Trail in Bend remains a top choice thanks to wide paths and plenty of room for off-leash energy, while Big Sky Park offers a relaxed loop ideal for pups who like to explore without crowds. The Meadow Day Use Area in Sunriver brings quiet river scenery and soft trails suited for slower morning walks, and Redmond’s Dry Canyon Trail adds long, open stretches perfect for dogs that love distance and fresh winter air. These locations offer room for pets without heavy crowds.
January Weather in Central Oregon
Travelers often search for temperature expectations and trail conditions. January typically includes:
Temperatures ranging from the high twenties to the mid forties
Light snowfall or frost in the mornings
Clear blue skies appearing between cold fronts
Dry air that makes winter walks comfortable
Manageable traffic across most roads
Low-Commitment New Year’s Day Activities
Ideal for travelers seeking gentle movement after a late night:
Central Oregon locals often begin the year with small, comforting traditions: a kouign-amann or morning pastry from Sparrow Bakery, a quiet walk through Shevlin Park or along Mirror Pond, and a bit of crisp winter sun at Smith Rock before crowds arrive. The day tends to unfold slowly, grounded in fresh air and soft January light.
Later, brunch with friends eases into the afternoon, followed by a cozy stop at Sisters Coffee Company or Lone Pine for one last warm cup before the holiday weekend winds down.
What to Wear for a New Year’s Day Outing
For comfort and safety in cold, dry winter conditions:
Insulating mid-layers
Waterproof outerwear
Wool socks and sturdy boots
Gloves and a warm hat
Sunglasses for bright winter light
Hot drink in a thermos
Where to Stay: Start the Year in Comfort with Meredith Lodging
New Year’s weekend offers a peaceful and scenic time to enjoy Central Oregon. Meredith Lodging provides vacation homes with features designed for winter comfort: mountain views, fireplaces, hot tubs, spacious kitchens, and cozy interiors.
Ideal areas to book a stay include:
Bend for easy brunch access and scenic river walks
Sunriver for meadows, forest paths, and family-friendly recreation
Sisters for western charm and mountain scenery
Redmond for quick access to Smith Rock and Dry Canyon Trail
Each home gives guests space, warmth, and privacy for a refreshing start to the year. Explore Meredith Lodging’s Central Oregon rentals and plan your New Year’s stay today.
