Pet an alpaca

By Bill Bartlett

Make a visit to alpaca ranches where you can get up close and personal, petting, feeding, and “chatting” with them. Alpacas make a gentle humming noise when happy.

Photo Courtesy Wasim Muklashy

Where to find them:

No less than 1,000 alpacas are about a 15-minute ride east from Sisters. Alpaca Country Estates started with just six Huacaya alpacas in 2006. The 134-acre pastured ranch is set with breathtaking views of the Cascades. Alpaca fiber produces amazingly soft garments and warm throws, rugs, and yarn. The property includes an all things alpaca seasonal farm store. Luxurious alpaca fiber is one of the rarest and most treasured natural fibers in the world. Private tours and group activities are available.

At Paca Picnics you’ll eat, drink, and be merry while surrounded by a pack of friendly alpacas. Picnics happen at Flying Dutchman Alpacas north of Tumalo. The fun is all managed by the same folks who run Alpaca by Design, a premium apparel shop in downtown Sisters.

Reserve ahead for all activities.