01Arriving by Air
Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) sits in the southeast quadrant of town, just south of the US 97 and SR‑126 junction. The terminal building is on the west side of the runways and is accessed via SE Airport Way. Several airlines operate here, including American Eagle from Phoenix, Breeze from Burbank, Las Vegas and Provo, Alaska Airlines/Horizon from major West Coast hubs, Delta Connection from Seattle and Salt Lake City, and United Express from Los Angeles and Denver. Choose the carrier that matches your origin city and preferred connection. After landing, decide whether a rental car, rideshare, or airport shuttle best fits your itinerary. Before you travel, confirm the arrival gate and any terminal changes on the airline’s website, verify parking availability if you’re driving yourself, and locate the designated rideshare pick‑up zones at SE Airport Way.
02Arriving by Car
Redmond is directly reachable via two main highways: US Route 97 runs north‑south, while State Route 126 runs east‑west. The key intersection of US 97 and SR‑126 lies just southeast of the town center and serves as the primary gateway for drivers. If you are coming from the north (e.g., Yakima) or the south (e.g., Klamath Falls), follow US 97; travelers from the east or west (e.g., Eugene) will use SR‑126. Decide whether to rent a vehicle at the airport, pick up a personal car, or use a car‑share service. Check current road conditions and any construction alerts on US 97 and SR‑126 before departure, and verify the presence of rental agencies at the airport or in downtown Redmond. Also, identify parking options near your accommodation or in the downtown area to avoid surprise fees.
03Arriving by Bus
The regional transit hub sits at 777 SW Kalama, between Kalama and Canal streets, and serves both local Cascade East Transit routes and intercity bus operators. Several shuttle services, including CoBreeze Bus, also stop at Redmond Municipal Airport, providing a direct link between the terminal and the bus hub. Choose a bus line that aligns with your departure city and schedule, then decide whether you will transfer to a local route for your final destination within Redmond. Prior to travel, verify the latest timetables, fare structures, and ticket purchase methods on each operator’s website. Confirm the exact address and operating hours of the 777 SW Kalama station, and check whether the airport shuttle requires an advance reservation.
04Getting Around Once in Redmond
Inside town, the Redmond Transit Hub offers connections on Cascade East Transit routes that reach most neighborhoods and nearby attractions. For greater flexibility, especially when heading to outdoor sites outside the city limits, renting a car or using rideshare services remains the most reliable option. Weigh the convenience of public transit against the need for a vehicle when planning visits to places like Smith Rock State Park, Cline Falls, or the Redmond Caves. Review the transit route maps and fare tables to see if any lines serve your points of interest. If you opt for rideshare, be aware of any local surcharge zones that could affect cost. Finally, check for seasonal road closures near the Deschutes River corridor and other natural areas before setting out.
05Visit Sequence, Outdoor Stops & Traveler Trade‑offs
A flexible itinerary can start with a low‑key nature stop and finish with a scenic overlook at sunset. For example, after arriving, head first to Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint – a 9‑acre riverside park with open lawns, Ponderosa pines, and excellent bird‑watching opportunities. Its proximity to the highway makes it a quick early‑morning stop. Next, drive east to the Redmond Caves; because the lava tubes lack amenities, allocate enough daylight and bring multiple light sources, plus caution for rattlesnakes. Continue northward to Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint, where a grassy plateau and historic bridge provide panoramic views of the Crooked River – an ideal spot for late‑afternoon or sunset photography. Throughout the day, balance the convenience of a car (speed, flexibility) against the lower cost and lower environmental impact of public transit. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can swap the cave visit for a longer hike at Smith Rock, reachable by car or rideshare. Always verify park opening hours and any seasonal restrictions on the Oregon State Parks website before committing to a stop.
06Accommodation Basics & Essential Services
The historic New Redmond Hotel on 6th Street, built in 1928, offers a landmark lodging experience in downtown Redmond. Decide whether the charm of this hotel outweighs the potential need for more modern amenities or proximity to the transit hub; alternative options include other hotels, motels, or vacation rentals in Redmond or nearby Bend. Before booking, search current room availability and rates on major reservation platforms, and note check‑in and check‑out times as well as any health‑related policies. Keep the official airport website (https://www.flyrdm.com) and the state‑park pages for Cline Falls and Peter Skene Ogden handy for quick reference. Save these URLs and any phone numbers you locate for the airport and transit hub, and verify that the links remain active shortly before departure. If you require special assistance at the airport or with transit, consider contacting the relevant service desk in advance.
