by Jennifer Aderhold

Created on: May 30, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

A SPECIAL PLACE IN THE SUN

At an elevation of 4,100 feet, Sunriver, Oregon is a year round recreational Mecca that boasts approximately 236 days of sunshine per year. Sound nice? Let's go! - But remember the sunscreen. We don't want to get premature wrinkles!

So, what's the best way to get there from here?

If you own a plane, know someone who has a plane that you can scam a ride with, or are just among the rich and famous, you're in luck! Sunriver has its own private airport.

The Sunriver Airport has a lighted, 5,500 ft paved runway. It services single engine, twin engine, Jet and Turbine aircrafts. There is Hertz car rental on site.

For the rest of you commoners, who fly commercial, there are several other choices.

30 miles north of Sunriver is the Redmond/Bend Airport. It is serviced by several major airlines. There are shuttle services on site to shuttle your butt to Sunriver.

For those who enjoy the fly and drive thing there are three airports to choose from. Note: driving times are based on speeding ticket avoidance.

Portland International Airport is 175 miles from Sunriver. Drive time - 3.5 hours.

The Eugene Airport is 143 miles from Sunriver. Drive time - 2.5 hours.

The Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is 197 miles from Sunriver. Drive time - 4 hours.

All of the airports have a full array of national car rental companies.

Now, for those who have Aerophobia or just prefer to stay on terra firma, you can still get to Sunriver. Here's a hint. Choo! Choo! And, no, I'm not talking about shoes.

Amtrak's got you coming and going with a station right in Sunriver. Amenities such as a dining car and checked baggage service may vary.

We made it. Yeah! Let's play.

There are good paved roads surrounding Sunriver to take advantage of the area's attractions. But wait! Toto, we're not in L.A, New York, or wherever the heck you're from anymore.

Driving in remote areas is a different kind of bear. Do yourself a favor and have a stash in the car with water, roadmaps, a first aid kit, etc.

Also, during the winter season, road conditions can be variable. A few tips to think about as you head into this winter wonderland:

Keep the gas tank at least half full.
Don't use cruise control in wet or snowy weather
Don't pass plows or sanders
Check up on the chains laws in the area
TAKE YOUR TIME Slow down. Smell the snowflakes.

For information on road conditions visit www.tripcheck.com or call 1-800-977-6368.

Okay, now that we're "Into the Wild" prepared, let's go.

The Mt. Bachelor ski

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