Alpacas are highly sociable, gentle, and curious. They are the smallest members of the camel family, on average three feet high at the shoulder and 4-7 feet long.
Alpacas never spit at or bite humans, unless they’ve been abused, which makes them instant favorites of parents. Children are instantly drawn to their whimsical, crimped faces and their friendly personalities.
In Sisters you can make a partial or whole day visits 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.
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; reserve ahead.
Picnic with alpacas
At Paca Picnics you’ll eat, drink, and be merry while surrounded by a pack of friendly alpacas. Some will be just as curious about you as you are about them. All of them will put smiles on your face.
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.
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