Barney, Jefferson Co., great area for those loving outdoors activities. Used to go to Cove Palisades water skiing around the 4th of July, beautiful! We also ventured South each summer to Lake Shasta, and yes, we hit the Black Bear on each trip!
Terrebonne, OR had a really competitive basketball tourney each winter we played in. Always had a fun time while there.
I think that area of Oregon is still a wonderful place to live, so much to do, and lots of space to do it in.