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The official guide to visiting Bend, Oregon

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Bend Oregon

I would like to personally welcome you to the beautiful city of Bend, Oregon! Where you can eat, play and sleep all the while enjoying the West’s breathtaking outdoor beauty. I mean, this eclectic city BOASTS with fun and games. The city even proclaims itself to be the “Outdoor Playground”.

Perhaps you’re interested in visiting Bend on your next travel excursion or even bigger: You plan on calling Bend “home”. Regardless of your pursuits, this Oregonian city will spoil you with impeccable geographical sights, award-winning dining experiences, family-fun museums, exquisite art galleries, relaxing spas, adventurous outdoor activities and so much more.

Psst…and the locals of the town know this! That’s why they always ask visitors, “What will your Bend adventure be?” Come on. How can you say “no” to that?

Please. Join me on this adventure in exploring the city of Bend and everything it has to offer.

This. Is. Bend.

Where is bend, oregon.

If you’re a geography guru and have never heard of Bend, Oregon before, don’t worry. 

“Bend is the place to be in Oregon. Sun, snow, great weather, and all 4 seasons.” – Recent Visitor

Bend is located in the central portion of the state. It’s approximately 163 miles southeast of Portland (3 hours and 25 minute drive) and has an elevation of 3,623 feet. If you fly into Portland and rent a car, you will have a beautiful drive up past Mt. Hood on Highway 26 and then down through places like the Kahneeta hot springs.  

The Population of Bend

Located in the county of Deschutes, Bend sits in Central Oregon. It has a city population of 105,000 people and is steadily growing. However, the metropolitan population is trending toward 200,000 people. To give you an idea of the city’s healthy growth rate, the population was at 52,000 in 2000 and 77,000 in 2010. Needless to say, folks are catching on to the area’s greatness.

These numbers show that Bend has the fifth largest metropolitan area in the state of Oregon. Considering how vast and rural Central and Eastern Oregon are, this offers a perfect blend of country life and city life.

Bend and Neighboring Towns

Below are a list of some of the closest cities and towns to Bend Oregon:

Cities and Towns near Bend:

• Redmond – 17 miles northeast of Bend. Located in Deschutes County.
• Sisters – 22.5 miles northwest of Bend. Located in Deschutes County.
• Prineville – 36 miles northwest of Bend. Located in Crook County.
• Madras – 43 miles north of Bend. Located in Jefferson County.
• La Pine – 30 miles of Bend. Located in Deschutes County.
• SunRiver – 16 miles south of Bend. Located in Deschutes County.

Whether you are traveling for leisure or moving house and home, it’s best to be familiar with your surroundings. Besides, the cities I have listed here actually make up the metropolitan area of Bend. It’s often referred to as the “Greater Bend Region”.

Geographical Landscape and Climate for Bend

The city of Bend is situated on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains in the Deschutes River Valley. In fact, the Deschutes River etches its way through Bend until it meets the dam and pools in Mirror Pond. While the city is nestled beneath the towering Cascade Mountains, it’s only natural for the elevation to be 3,623 feet.

Speaking of elevation, Bend has a unique geographical feature that only exists in two other U.S. cities: an extinct volcano. Don’t worry; it’s an extinct volcano for a reason! It does not pose a threat to anyone as its days of spewing out lava are over. The city of Bend has dubbed it as Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint.

Bend has a semi-arid climate which is common for high desert regions. (Central Oregon sits on the edge of the high desert region found in southeastern Oregon.) You can expect chilly nights with warm, sunny days during the warm months. An average summer day temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit whereas an average summer night temperature is 35 degrees Fahrenheit. And might I add, you can expect the occasional hard frost during the summer months.

However, the winter months are cold. (Albeit, it’s not the coldest area in the country so that could always be worse!) Bend’s average winter temperature gravitates around -5 degrees Fahrenheit to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. And I’ve got news for you: The difference between nighttime and daytime temperatures is quite small during the winter months.

Bend does receive a healthy dose of snowfall every winter with an average of 24 inches. However, if this bums you out, think of all the Nor’easters the folks in New England must contend with every winter! Like I said, it could always be worse. (I’m mostly talking to those who are from the warmer southern states and have experienced very little snow.)

Bend is also known for having an Indian summer every year! The first day of autumn comes and everyone celebrates when suddenly a burst of warm summer air arrives. It never ceases to amaze me how it surprises the pumpkin spice latte lovers every autumn!

Outdoor Recreation in Bend

If you were paying attention to me in the beginning, you should recall where I said the city of Bend proclaims itself to be the “Outdoor Playground”. I was not joking; they really do see themselves as that and are 100% qualified to proclaim it. For starters, I’m going to share the long list of outdoor recreational activities that Bend has to offer. Keep in mind that this is NOT an exhaustive list.

Activities Include:

• Spelunking & Caving
• Tennis & Pickleball
• Geographical & Historical Tours
• Trail Running & Strolling
• Horseback Riding
• Ice Skating
• Adventuring & Exploring
• Bird Watching
• Bungee Jumping
• Frisbee Golf
• Local Parks & Playgrounds
• Motor Sports
• Sled Dog Rides
• Sledding & Tubing
• Sleigh Rides
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Skiing & Snowboarding
• River, Lake & Water Activities
• Rock Climbing
• Rockhounding
• Roller Skating & Skate Parks
• Sand Volleyball
• Cross-country Skiing

Obviously, I would be writing a novel if I were to go into intricate detail on every outdoor activity offered by the quaint Oregonian city of Bend. However, I can concur that one of the more popular places is Mount Bachelor. It’s a ski resort that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Bend is also famously known for its picturesque biking routes. People enjoy this activity for multiple reasons: exercise, scenic views, photo opportunities and fresh air!

The Economy of Bend

By this point, I am sure it’s no surprise to you that tourism is the biggest money maker in Bend. Perhaps the largest tourism site in Bend is the Mount Bachelor Ski Resort. Tourists travel from all over the country to play in the snow, partake in scenic hikes and soak in the breathtaking views. To give you an idea of how successful the tourism sector is for Bend, the city earned a whopping $570 million in 2011.

Tourism accounts for 16% of Bend’s workforce while the healthcare industry accounts for 14.7%. The retail industry accounts for 12% followed by 10% in the food service sector. With the unemployment rate currently sitting at 3.6%, there are plenty of work opportunities in the city.

The average salaries in Bend line up with the U.S. salary average. The average income for Bend is currently at $30,900 while the median household income is $52,000.

Even better? Bend does not have ANY sales tax because the state of Oregon is free of sales tax. So whatever you intend to purchase in a store, expect to pay what you see on the price tag. For new residents who visit from states with sales tax, it is AWESOME.

AND one more thing:

Bend is home to the only sole surviving Blockbuster Video store! Between the support of the locals and the bustling tourism, it has managed to stay open and stay successful. When you visit or relocate to the incredible city of Bend, go old school on a Friday night and rent a movie or two with a box of pizza. If anything, do it for me, will you?

The History of Bend

Not everyone came to Oregon via the great Oregon Trail. The year was 1824 when Peter Skene Ogden first visited the location of Bend. He was the leader of one of the many fur-trapping parties that used to venture through the area in those days. However, he didn’t stay. It was another 10 years before another set of explorers visited the beautiful Bend countryside. Nathaniel Wyeth and his party members travelled through the area in search of beavers. But hold on, they also passed on through and their path was practically erased. This trend continued on for several decades with explorers and hunters traversing through the area without attempting any long-term encampment or settlement.

Then one day, someone saw the potential for settlement in Bend country and filed a claim on land that’s within city limits today. Thus, the future city of Bend was born in the 1870’s. However, city incorporation did not come until the year 1900.

So how did Bend earn its name?

The city’s name came from a reference nickname the old pioneers used to pinpoint the original platting of the city called, “Farewell Bend”. This location was along the Deschutes River and was a great spot to ford the river.

The name “Bend” was derived from “Farewell Bend”, the designation used by early pioneers to refer to the location along the Deschutes River where the town was eventually platted, one of the few fordable points along the river.

Real Estate and Relocation Considerations in Bend

The real estate business in Bend is BOOMING. With tourism on the steady climb and more people recognizing the beauty, adventure and opportunity in Bend, the real estate sector is benefitting immensely.

The average prices for single-family homes in Bend are as low as $300,000 to as high as $450,000. When you view the average single-family home prices on the national level, Bend offers low prices for great value.

But that’s not all! The Bend community is surrounded by a lot of land and a lot of this land is FOR SALE. You can find land property for as low as $69,000 for .61 an acre in the Three Rivers South region. However, pricing does depend on location and quantity of land property.

Bend also provides many opportunities to invest in condo properties. On Mount Bachelor, you can purchase a 2bed/2 bath condo for only $52,000 on average. Many of their condos are furnished as well. This works GREAT for singles who are looking to relocate and start their careers.

Be sure to also read our Bend Oregon Real Estate Guide .

Explore Neighborhoods in Bend

Awbrey Butte

• Awbrey Village
• Awbrey Glen
• Awbrey Meadows
• Awbrey Park
• River's Edge Village
• Hillside Park
• River Park Estates
• Hawk's Ridge
• Tumalo Heights

• Country View Estates
• Royal Oak Estates
• Chestnut Park
• Barton Crossing
• Tango Creek
• Quali Crossing
• Boonesborough
• Overtree Ranch
• Old Deschutes

Century West

• Westbrook Meadows
• Westbrook Village
• Cascade Village
• Sunrise Village
• The Reserve
• Parks / Broken Top
• Mt Bachelor Village
• Widgi Creek
• 7th Mountain Resort
• Suntree Village
• Tanager Village
• Doblin Acres
• Desert Skies
• Traditions Ease
• Airpark Estate
• Arrowhead Acres

Mountain View

• Views / Oak Tree
• Tamarack Park
• Forum Meadows
• Madison Park
• Owls Landing
• Promise Lane
• Breckenridge
• Hastlings Park
• Franklin Crossing

Old Farm District

• Cooper Springs
• Silver Ridge
• Tillicum Village
• Nottingham Square
• South Briar
• Orion State
• Chase Village
• Badger Forest
• The Bridges
• Wilderness West
• King Forest

Orchard District

• Cedar Creek
• Canyon Park
• Center Wiestoria
• Village Wiestoria
• Bend Riverside
• Northwest Townsite
• Newport Landing
• River Terrace
• Forest Hills
• Newport Hills
• River Pointe
• Awbrey heights

Summit West

• Shevlin Meadows
• Shevlin Commons
• Saddleback West
• Valhalla Heights
• Marken Heights
• Highlands / Broken Top
• Golden Butte
• Skyliner Summit
• Northwest Crossing
• Three Pines
• Shevlin Pines
• Shevlin Ridges

Southeast Bend

• Quail Pine Estates
• Deschutes River Crossing
• Forest Meadows
• Elkhorn Estates
• Cooper Canyon
• River Canyon Estates

Southern Crossing

• Deschutes Landing
• The Plaza / Upper Terrace
• Mill Quarter
• Old Mill Estate
• Silver Lake
• McClellan Commons

Southwest Bend

• Edgewood South
• South Deerfield Park
• Brightenwood Estates
• Woodside Ranch
• Timber Ridge
• Mountain Pine
• Wildwood Park
• Sunset View Estates

We Look Forward to Seeing You in Bend!

Now that you’ve been given the brief overview of the lovely town of Bend , what do you say? Are you ready for that move? Spend the day in Bend and think about it more. You’ll meet friendly people and make new friends. Bend, Oregon has so much to offer!

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Weekend in Bend Oregon: Itinerary and Travel Guide (2024)

This weekend in Bend Oregon itinerary explains the top things to do in Bend, where to stay, where to eat, and other helpful travel tips.

After spending my first summer in Arizona last year, I vowed to avoid doing it again if possible. This year, the plan is to drive up to my home state of Washington for time at the lake and with family, before returning to Arizona when it cools down a bit.

On the way up to Washington, we broke up the drive with a stop in Bend Oregon. I’ve always wanted to visit this Central Oregon town as was blown away by it.

Bend is a year-round town with hiking and water activities in the Summer and skiing at Mount Bachelor in the winter. The town is the perfect mix of a small-town feel, while still having plenty of restaurants and activities that I guarantee you won’t get bored.

My time in Bend was spent working remote during the day then exploring the town at night. We visited many great restaurants, food trucks, and breweries.

On the weekend, we explored the outdoors by taking long walks and floating the Deschutes River which flows through town.

Keep reading this Bend Oregon travel guide for a simple weekend itinerary that includes all the top activities, foods, and local experiences.

Some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe in. Thanks for your support!

Bend Oregon Three Day Itinerary

The best place to start with planning a weekend in Bend Oregon is with a simple three day itinerary. The itinerary below allows you to hit the highlights of town, but can be easily adjusted based on your preferences.

Day 1: Explore Downtown Bend

Morning : Arrive into town and check in to your accommodation. If you’re hungry, grab brunch at The Lemon Tree.

Afternoon : Walk along the Deschutes river trail to the Old Mill district, where there is great shopping and lunch options.

Night : Grab dinner in downtown Bend at 900 Wall . After dinner, head to the las Blockbuster for a bit of 90’s nostalgia. If your accommodation has a DVD player, rent a movie!

Day 2: River Day

Morning : Start the day at the Saturday market and grab coffee at Sparrow. The Saturday Market has a lot of great craft vendors, food trucks, and snacks. I bought a great smelling bath bomb and delicious marionberry vodka.

Afternoon : Spend most of the day floating the Deschutes river. (below, I explain how to do this in detail).

Night : Grab dinner and beer at Podski, my favorite food truck roundup in Bend. There are great food options with a variety of cuisines and a bunch of local beers on tap.

Day 3: Adventure and Beer

Morning : Kick the day off with an ATV adventure tour . This tour explores the backcountry near Bend and even visits old lava flows. This is a great way to see the unique central Oregon terrain.

Afternoon : In the afternoon, do a DIY brewery tour hitting some of the most popular places like 10 Barrel, Bend Brewing Company, and Deschutes to try some local craft beer.

The Top Things to Do in Bend in the Summer

There are many great things to do in Bend Oregon in the summer. In fact, there are also many great things to do in the winter, but this guide focuses on warm weather activities.

Bend is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Most of the top activities surround the outdoors, including the river, hiking, and nearby parks.

The top activity to do in the summer in Bend is floating the Deschutes River. It’s an absolute must-do on your vacation.

Below, I’ll explain step by step how to float the river and tips for planning a fun day. After, I will list some of the other best things to do in the area.

Float the Deschutes River

As I mentioned above, a floating trip of the Deschutes River belongs on any weekend in Bend Oregon itinerary. The entire town is centered around the river, so it’s only fair that you spend some time on the water. The float is peaceful most of the way, with a fun portion of rapids in the middle. While you float, you can chat with friends, admire riverfront real estate, or sip on a local beer.

How long does it take to float the Deschutes River?

Depending on the wind, if you paddle, and if you stop, the float should take 90 minutes to 2 hours from start to finish.

What is the best company to use for floating?

If you don’t have your own tubes, there are a variety of local companies that rent out tubes and provide roundtrip transportation. I used Tumalo Creek float rentals and highly recommend them. The meeting point is in a large park and ride with plenty of parking.

From there, you will get your tube and load into a large bus for a short drive to the river. At the end of the float, their staff will help retrieve your tube from the water and the bus will return to your car.

What to pack for river floating in Bend?

The key to packing for the float is to pack light. Wear a comfortable swimsuit, water shoes , and a hat. For your phone or car keys, I suggest a dry bag to keep everything secure. Keep everything else, like sunscreen and your clothes locked in your car.

Can I float the river without a tour company?

Yes, it is possible to float without a tour company. You will require your own tubes and have to manage your own transportation between the drop in and take out points. If you are only spending a weekend in Bend, I suggest using a company to avoid the hassle.

Lava Tube Cave Tour

Nearby Bend you have the unique opportunity to explore subterranean caves that were caused by lava flows.

This half day tour visits the caves where you can explore inside and learn all about them from a naturalist guide.

If you’re an adventurer, one of the top tours in Bend is this ATV tour that summits the Fuzztail Butte with panoramic views of the area.

Along the ride, you will also see the Bend Badlands and lava river cave tubes.

Saturday Farmers Market

For a more laid back activity, the Bend Saturday Market is fantastic. There are a variety of vendors and food trucks. I purchased a bath bomb, dog treats, and artisan vodka during my recent visit.

The Last Blockbuster

If you’re feeling nostalgic, check out the last remaining blockbuster to rent a DVD, buy some merch, or just soak in the old Blockbuster smell.

Tumalo Falls

Take a quick trip from town to view these beautiful waterfalls, which are only a few minutes from the trailhead.

Pilot Butte

Drive to the top of this old Lava Dome at Pilot Butte state park for great views of the area or to catch a sunset.

Smith Rock State Park

Visit this nearby state park for a ton of great hiking and outdoor adventure.

Shop at the Old Mill District

The Old Mill area is a super cute part of town with a ton of restaurants and shopping along the riverfront.

Where to Stay

Junip er Preserve – This resort is a destination in itself. With an 18-hole golf course, 2 pools, swim up bar, waterslide, and three restaurants, there is plenty to do at the Juniper preserve .

The rooms are also very nice and have amazing views. However, you will be a drive from downtown Bend.

Tetherow Resort – This resort is a bit closer to town and still has many amenities. There’s an onsite golf course, outdoor pool, and restaurant.

The resort has rooms and suites, which are dog and family friendly.

Vacation Rental – One of the best places to stay near downtown Bend is in a vacation rental. There are many rental homes and condos that are directly on the river with water access.

I love this house with a hot tub, private dock, and large outdoor area.

The Best Restaurants

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Bend is a foodie town. There are so many great restaurants and breweries to try, it’s hard to know where to start.

In fact, I wrote an entire guide to the best restaurants in Bend .

To keep it simple for this Bend Oregon itinerary, below is the short list of my favorite places to eat in town.

Coffee Shop: Sparrow Bakery – This is a simple bakery and coffee shop, but with excellent execution. The shop is conveniently located next to the Bend Saturday market, making it perfect for a coffee before the market. I recommend ordering an ocean roll and breakfast sandwich.

Food Truck Roundup: Podski – One of the top things to do in Bend is visit a food truck roundup. My favorite is the Podski because it has the greatest variety of trucks and a long tap list of beer.

Brewery: 10 Barrel Brewing – There are dozens of breweries in Bend, but 10 Barrel is my favorite. In my opinion, it has the best food and the tap list is also great.

Dinner: 900 Wall – This is a great spot for a date night or special occasion. The food is elevated American with an Italian and French influence. The historic brick building is also super cute.

Dessert: Bonta Gelato – Bonta has some of the best Gelato I’ve ever had, be sure to put this on your Bend weekend itinerary at least once.

Getting to Bend Oregon

The most common way to get to Bend is by driving. The drive to Bend is beautiful, and I highly recommend traveling during the day to experience the sights.

Drive Times to Bend:

Portland to Bend : 3 Hours

Seattle to Bend : 5 Hours

Boise to Bend : 4 Hours

Alternatively, there is an airport near Bend in the town of Redmond, around 30 minutes away. This is a great option if you are coming from a bit further than the surrounding states or want to cut down on drive time.

Once you are in Bend, I suggest having a rental car to get around to the best hikes, different restaurants, and other activities.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The best time to visit Bend depends on what kind of activities you’re looking for.

For those interested in skiing or snowboarding, winter months from November through March are optimal. Temperatures drop during these months but bring with them some of the most stunning views of the Cascade Mountains. Summer in Bend is when temperatures warm up, making it ideal for camping, hiking, biking or rafting down whitewater rapids on the Deschutes River.

June through August are typically the busiest times of year due to school breaks and vacation schedules. However, it doesn’t get too overcrowded.

The Spring and Fall are considered shoulder season, so prices are lower. The temperatures will be too cold for swimming and too hot for skiing, but still perfect for hiking and other outdoor adventures.

How Many Days to Spend in Bend?

A weekend in Bend is the perfect amount of time to visit. It allows time to try a handful of restaurants, 2-3 activities, and get an overview of the town.

However, if you want to spend longer in Bend, you could easily spend up to a week. With more time, you can explore the surrounding area such as the Deschutes national forest or Newberry national volcanic monument.

If you spend longer than three days in Bend, you could also take one of the day trips listed below.

Potential Day Trips from Bend

If you are spending more time in Bend, there are a few fun day trips to mix up your vacation.

The first great day trip is to the Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake is a couple hour drive from Bend, with beautiful scenery most of the way.

At the national park, there is hiking, and viewpoints that will make for a great one-day trip.

If you’re craving a bit of city after a few days in the small town, Portland is only three hours away. Portland is a fun city with a ton of great food, more breweries, and nightlife.

Alternatively, if you are flying in or out of Portland, you could spend a day in the city at either end of your trip.  

Summary of a Weekend in Bend Oregon Itinerary

Overall, Bend Oregon is a great place to visit in the Pacific Northwest and is a good stop on an Oregon road trip itinerary.

Bend is a hidden gem of the northwest with breathtaking scenery, great food, better beer, and a ton of fun things to do outdoors.

Follow this Bend travel guide for ideas of what to do and see on your trip. If you have remaining questions, please reach out in the comments below!

Related Posts:

• Complete Guide To A Weekend In Portland Oregon 
• Where To Eat In Bend Oregon
• The Best Downtown Seattle Activities & Things To Do
• The Best Seattle Weekend Trip Guide & Itinerary From A Local

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Lauren is the creator of The Traveling Moore blog. She's travel obsessed, having been to nearly 50 countries and all 7 continents. She has a full time corporate job, and loves showing others that it's still possible to travel the world with limited PTO hours. Lauren is also travel hacking obsessed, finding every way to travel more often and more luxuriously.

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A Local’s Guide to Bend, Oregon, USA

By Megan Spurrell

Wyn Wiley, also known as Pattie Gonia , is an ardent environmentalist and drag queen determined to make the outdoors more accessible to an intersectional group of people. Though they are originally from Nebraska, Wiley has since relocated to the town of Bend, Oregon .

This interview is part of The World Made Local , a global collaboration between the seven international editions of Condé Nast Traveler in which 100 people in 100 countries tell us why their home turf should be your next destination.

What drew you to Bend?

Bend is where the high desert meets the Cascade Range, and the native land of the Warm Springs people. You can feel Mother Nature everywhere here: The heat carries the scent of pine in the air, and the Deschutes River winds right through town. I moved here because it’s one of the only mountain towns that also have a predominant Queer community. I feel very thankful and very privileged to live here, and ready to help create community for other diverse outdoorists.

What are some of the places to check out?

Get breakfast burritos at Strictly Organic. For lunch, Bo’s Falafel, and do Spork for dinner. For a non-touristy spot, check out Summer Lake Hot Springs, the Lava Fields, and Paulina Peak.

Shop at Somewhere That’s Green plant shop and Megaphone coffee. The best place to stay is LOGE Hotels. For views, hike up Mount Tumalo. And for more spots, Out Central Oregon is the Queer community organization here in Bend. Check them out!

Pattie Gonia

Give us the elevator pitch on how we should travel

Bend, Oregon, and the U.S. overall, is rich in its rural spaces and off-the-beaten-path beauty. I recommend skipping spending tons of time in big cities and instead spending your time visiting smaller towns, our national parks, and the great outdoors.

What is buzzing in Bend right now?

A diverse outdoor movement is growing. From Latino Outdoors chapters to Vamonos Outside to the work I do with the Pattie Gonia community—I feel so excited to help be a part of it as a community organizer. When I leave the neighborhood, one of the things I miss most is how kind everyone is and how much they exhibit allyship.

Finally, what’s that place you return to again and again?

Three Sisters volcanic peaks in Oregon.

Follow Pattie Gonia on Instagram @pattiegonia

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Bend is where all lovers of the outdoors should live – it's an absolute paradise. You can ski fine powder in the morning, paddle a kayak in the afternoon and play golf into the evening. Or would you rather go mountain biking, hiking, mountaineering, stand-up paddle boarding, fly-fishing or rock climbing? You can even surf a river wave in the center of town. Plus, you'll probably be enjoying it all in great weather; the area gets nearly 300 days of sunshine each year.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, your next trip starts here.

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

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Must-see attractions.

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50 Fun Things to do in Bend, Oregon (+LOCAL tips!)

Home » Blog » U.S.A. » 50 Fun Things to do in Bend, Oregon (+LOCAL tips!)

With endless outdoor adventures and a lively food and craft beer scene, Bend, Oregon makes an amazing destination all year long.

We are lucky to call this Central Oregon town home and have spent the last several years exploring all the nooks and crannies in order to put together a list of the very best things to do in Bend. (Including all sorts of local secrets you won’t find anywhere else!)

With epic nature to be explored, a thriving art and music scene, and of course all the craft beer you’d expect of a town in Oregon, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Bend, OR.

Situated in Central Oregon’s high desert, Bend has a population of just over 100,000 people , which is small enough that it oozes “mountain town charm” , but big enough that there are excellent restaurants and activities for all types of travelers.

As Goldilocks would say, it’s just right.

Plus, the access to nature in Bend is second to none . Nestled amongst the Cascade Mountain range , mountain bikers, whitewater kayakers, skiers, hikers, and rock climbers alike all flock to this outdoorsy town, and for good reason. There are endless adventures to be had.

Whether you’re a foodie or an outdoor enthusiast (or a bit of both!), there truly is something for everyone to love about this town.

In this article, we’re sharing the very best things to do in Bend (each of which we’ve personally done !). We’re also sharing some local tips and hidden gems you won’t find in any other guide. If you’re ready to plan the perfect trip to Bend, Oregon, you have come to the right spot.

Bend, Oregon Travel Guide

• Best time to visit Bend
• Tips for visiting Bend
• Best things to do in Bend
• Where (and what!) to eat in Bend

Why we moved to Bend

How to get to bend, where to stay in bend, why listen to us about the best things to do in bend, or.

Because we live in Bend!

We have a house here and spend every free minute we have (when we’re not working on our blog !) exploring this incredible place we get to call home.

Psst! Wanna know why we chose to move to Bend? We go into all the details here !

That means we have a heck of a lot more experience than someone who has just visited for a weekend!

This list goes way beyond the other “best things to do in Bend” round-ups you’ll find on the Internet, including some super secret things that have taken us years of living here to discover.

And if that isn’t enough, know that we have personally done every single item on this list , so we can speak from our own experience and add in all sorts of tips. This isn’t an article written by an AI robot with stock photos. This is actual advice from people who live in Bend. ‘Nuff said.

Best time to visit Bend, OR

Honestly, each season has its draws, and we’re fans of them all for different reasons.

Spring in Bend

• Springtime brings comfortable temperatures for hiking and mountain biking.
• Good to know: the nearby Cascade Lakes Highway will still be closed and many hikes are still covered with snow at this time of the year.

Summer in Bend

• Summer is the most popular (and crowded!) time to visit, but the other seasons have perks too.
• This is the perfect time for spending the day floating in the Deschutes River or at one of the many nearby lakes.
• Good to know: Late summer (usually August) can get very smoky depending on what the nearby wildfires are like.

Fall in Bend

• Fall brings a chill to the air and is a great time to do some drives and hikes outside of town to see the yellow foliage.
• The Old Mckenzie Highway is the best place nearby to see the fall colors, but time your trip right as they don’t last very long.
• A great nearby place to see a grove of yellow aspens is on the drive to Tumalo Falls.
• If you’re visiting in the fall, the pumpkin patch near Smith Rock is fun to visit!

Winter in Bend

• Winter is a great time to visit as well because temperatures in town stay pretty mild for most of the season, but just a short 20-minute drive toward the mountains will bring you to a winter wonderland!
• Planning a trip to Bend in the winter?  Jump down to the section of  things to do in the winter in Bend .

Ultimate PNW Bucket List!

Traveling around the Pacific Northwest? We have just what you need!

We’ve created the  ultimate PNW Bucket List , filled with fun and unique adventures. From epic outdoor escapes to off-the-beaten-path foodie experiences, we have a little something for every type of traveler!

Go ahead and grab your copy now.  It’s free , so what do you have to lose?!

5 Essential tips for visiting Bend

1. Temperatures change quickly

Bend is located in the high desert which means temperatures can drop drastically from day to night. Even if it’s an 80-degree day with not a cloud in the sky, carry some layers if you plan to be out after dark because those temps can dip pretty quickly and you don’t want to find yourself shivering in a sundress as soon as the sun sets.

2. Book accommodation early

Bend is a popular tourist destination, so if you’re visiting over a holiday weekend, be sure to book your stay well in advance. We’ve learned the hard way that what is typically a great variety of hotels and Airbnbs turns into slim pickings fast.

3. Be prepared for “smoky season”

If you’re visiting Bend during August or early September, be prepared that there may be smoke from nearby wildfires. The severity varies from year to year, but when it’s bad, going outside can be very uncomfortable.

4. Get a Sno-Park Pass if you’re traveling in the winter

If you’re visiting Bend in the winter months (from November 1 – April 30) and plan to do outdoor activities (like XC skiing or snowshoeing), you’ll likely need to purchase a Sno-Park pass.

To access most winter trails, you will need either a day pass ($5) or a season pass ($30), as this is what pays for them to be plowed and maintained. You can purchase these passes at REI, ranger stations, or at many local outdoor gear retailers.

5. Know about seasonal road closures

Some mountain roads are only open seasonally. The two roads nearest to Bend that may be closed during your trip are:

Permits are now required for some hikes in the Central Cascades Wilderness. Check the Forest Service website for information about permit requirements of specific hikes.

Absolute best things to do in Bend, OR

If you’re looking for a quick & easy list, these are our very top recommendations for things to do in Bend.

• Day trip to Cascade Lakes
• Unwind in McMenamins soaking pool
• Go brewery hopping
• Float down the Deschutes River in the summer
• Ski at Mt. Bachelor in the winter
• Catch live music at Suttle Lodge
• See Tumalo Falls
• Go underground at Skylight Cave
• Taste an ocean roll

Keep scrolling for all the details on how to do each of these experiences yourself (+ insider tips and what to expect!).

1. Hike Broken Top

Surrounded by mountain ranges, rivers and forests, it should come as no surprise that hiking is one of the best things you can do in Bend. And while there are seemingly endless  hikes near Bend , Broken Top is undoubtedly one of the best. In fact, this is one of our very favorite  hikes in all of Oregon .

If you’re looking for a challenging hike that’ll take up a good chunk of your day , there are few better nearby trails to choose. 

Broken Top Hike

• Type: Out and back
• Distance: 14 miles
• Elevation gain: 3,848 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult
• permits required between June 15th – October 15th
• Guide to hiking Broken Top : We wrote this so you have everything you need in one place. Definitely give it a read before you lace up your hiking boots!

Pass through stunning alpine terrain as you approach the iconic glacier-carved Broken Top . A highlight of this hike is making it to No Name Lake (pictured above), which make a great place to stop for a picnic lunch.

Insider Tip:  Check out the “food on the go” section in our  Bend restaurant guide  to discover our favorite sandwich shops in town to grab food before heading out on the trails.

2. Go brewery hopping

If you’re a fellow fan of craft beer, you’ll be over the moon in Bend as breweries are EVERYWHERE .

I think the current count is 26 breweries. For a town of just over 100,000 residents, that’s a ton!

Funny story: At one point, we lived within 3 blocks of 5 different breweries and taprooms. Let’s just say that we did our fair share of sampling!

The great thing about the breweries in Bend is that most of them offer excellent food (or food truck options) as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Also, most breweries in Bend that are dog and family-friendly .

With so many breweries in town, it can be damn near overwhelming. We’ve rounded up some of our personal favorite breweries in Bend and included descriptions so you can see what is most your style!

The Bend Ale Trail

If you’re feeling really thirsty and plan to visit several breweries during your stay, you can participate in the Bend Ale Trail. Pick up a paper passport the Visitors Center or download the free app and collect “stamps” at each brewery you visit, earning you prizes !

Check out the Bend Ale Trail rules for more details.

3. Hang out in Drake Park

Drake Park is a narrow slice of green space that stretches along the Deschutes River just as it approaches downtown Bend.

Popular with visitors and locals alike, Drake Park is a Bend landmark.

It’s a popular spot for locals to hang out all year round, plus, it plays host to all sorts of events.

Things to do in Drake Park:

• Grab a coffee from   Looney Bean  or The Commons and stroll along the paths.
• Munch & Music takes place on Thursday evenings (starting in July) where you’ll find live music, artisans, and lots of food vendors.
• People watch. If you come on a sunny days, you’ll likely see people slack-lining, practicing yoga, or sprawled out with a book. (If you do this just watch out for goose poop, as it’s plentiful throughout the park!)
• Bring a picnic. There are a handful of tables scattered along the river’s edge, making this the perfect spot to bring a picnic as the sun sets over the horizon.

4. Visit Smith Rock State Park

Named one of the  7 wonders of Oregon  by the Oregon Tourism Board, Smith Rock is well worth a visit during a trip to Bend.

We’ve been to Smith more times than we can count and still are wowed by this place.

With sheer basalt cliffs jutting up into the sky beside a tranquil river, this impressive state park is almost reminiscent of a small version of Zion .

Rock climbing at Smith Rock

Renowned worldwide for its excellent and varied rock climbing, this state park draws climbers from all over the United States (and even the globe). Smith Rock has more than 1,800 climbing routes , making it popular for beginners and experts alike. 

Fun Fact: Smith Rock is thought to be the birthplace of modern American sport climbing.

Hiking at Smith Rock

Even if you’re not into rock climbing, Smith is well worth a visit, as there are easy walking paths ( Crooked River Trail ) and more difficult hiking trails ( Misery Ridge ).

Both trails will bring you to the most iconic view in the park, a rock formation known as Monkey Face . This thin 350-foot rock spire with a bulbous tip is the kind of formation that makes you scratch your head and wonder,  “How did it get like that?”  and also,  “How does it not collapse?!” .

Insider Tip:  If you plan to spend some time hiking around Smith Rock, be sure to have proper sun protection, as there is little cover from the high desert sun.

And after working up a sweat, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the tables near the parking lot that offers sweeping views over the park.

Psst! We have an entire guide to visiting Smith Rock State Park so you know exactly what to expect and which hikes to add to your list.

5. Walk along the Deschutes River Trail 

The Deschutes River cuts through town, dividing Bend into an east and west side.

Each side of the river is lined with more than 12 miles of well-maintained paths, known as the Deschutes River Trail. You can actually go for quite a long walk in either direction. 

Insider Tip:  One of our favorite places to walk and explore is near  First Street Rapids , which is a section near the river with lots of big boulders. We used to live very close to this little waterside park and spent many hours relaxing on the giant boulders with books or soaking up sun in the late spring months. Relax by the water or walk toward Pioneer Park for some nice views.

6. Wander Downtown Bend

Wall Street and Bond Street  run parallel each other, comprising downtown Bend.

They are dotted with local boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, hair salons — the whole gamut. In the center of it all, there is the unmistakable historic Tower Theater , which plays host to different events throughout the year.

Walk along the sidewalk and pop into any of the shops that strike your fancy.

Here are a few of our personal favorite places in downtown Bend:

• The Commons :  This is our all-time favorite coffee shop in town to hang out at. With a cozy vibe, this not a place to grab your coffee and go, but instead to stay for a while. They also serve craft beer, pastries, and sometimes have live music.
• The Bend Store :  If you’re looking for a keepsake from your time in Bend, this small shop has a good variety of items with the town logo as well as pieces from local artists at all price points.
• Dudley’s Bookshop :  This is a local gem and absolutely worth a gander if you’re an indie bookstore fan (or need something to do on a gloomy day). With a coffee shop and a cozy upstairs space where you can relax and read (or work), this bookstore is something special. consider supporting Dudley’s while in town!
• Bontà Gelato :  If you’re looking for a cold treat on a hot day, this local gelato shop is your best bet.
• Backporch Coffee Roasters :  One of our favorite local chains, Backporch has a location right downtown for your caffeine fix.

7. Shop local during First Friday

The first Friday of each month, many businesses downtown participate in “First Friday”.

This is typically from 5-7 pm , and businesses will serve small drinks for free (yes, alcoholic drinks). 

Each business does it differently – some have hand-crafted cocktails, others have a keg of local beer, and others serve wine or bubbles. 

It’s a fun time to come out and support small local businesses while also unwinding at the end of the week.

Insider Tip: Pop around to as many stores as you can, but be sure to stop by REVOLVR and neighboring EVRGREEN because they always have fun cocktails on First Friday!

8. Warm up in a stunning soaking pool

One of the most unique things to do in Bend is to unwind in a Turkish bath-inspired soaking pool. We have been here more times than we can count and we’re obsessed.

Located in McMenamins Old St. Francis School, this warm soaking pool is filled with soft buoyant water, meaning there are no harsh chemicals like chlorine. It’s heated to a comfortable temperature cooler than a hot tub but warmer than a pool, making it the perfect spot to relax after a day on the slopes or a long hike.

It’s family-friendly, but also makes a really fun and unique date spot in Bend.

The turquoise tile work is reminiscent of a Turkish bath. Plus, there is an open-air skylight in the ceiling, which makes it a particularly interesting experience when it is snowing outside.

If you really want to unwind, you can order a cocktail or beer at the nearby bar to bring into the pool with you.

Do it yourself: Admission to the soaking pool is $8 per adult. Call ahead for a reservation. Alternatively, you can stay at the onsite hotel at McMenamins and get free access to the soaking pool. This is one of our top recommendations for places to stay in Bend because it’s the perfect location!

9. Go mountain biking

Bend is surrounded by world-class mountain biking trails – from beginner-friendly to advanced. If you don’t have a bike of your own, you can rent from a handful of places in town.

• Phil’s Trailhead  is a popular spot for accessing trails of different levels.
• Shevlin Park  has some really good beginner trails.
• From  this dog park , you can access some good beginner mountain bike trails as well.
• For a real adrenaline rush, you can purchase a  day pass at Mount Bachelor , which turns from ski resort into a mountain bike park during the summer months.

Insider tip:  Download the app  MTB Project  so you know the level of the trails you’re riding as well as the direction you should go.

10. Explore the nearby town of Sisters

Just a 30-minute drive from Bend, nearby Sisters is worth a visit. This kitschy-cute Western-themed town can be walked from end to end in just 15 minutes. 

The real draw to Sisters (after you’ve sufficiently explored the main street) is the nature just outside the town limits. 

Things to do in Sisters

• Walk around downtown  (it’s very small) and pop into any shops that strike your fancy
• Grab a coffee at Sister Coffee Company  & a pastry at Sisters Bakery
• Enjoy a beer at Three Creeks Brewery. We like the beer here, but we’d recommend grabbing food elsewhere.
• See a movie at Sisters Movie House.  This movie theater is set in a big barn, making for a fun date night. It’s temporarily closed, but we’re hoping it opens soon!
• Go spelunking in Skylight Cave  (more info below!)
• Go mountain biking on the nearby trails  (Peterson Ridge is closest to town).
• Hike to the Whychus Creek Overlook.  The trailhead is a short 10-minute drive from town.

Places to eat in Sisters

There are several cute cafes and restaurants in Sisters if you need a bite. Here are some of our favorites:

• Sisters Bakery:  Tiny little bakery off of the main street has excellent baked items. We love the marionberry coffee cafe, ham and gruyere croissant, and their cookies (molasses and butter cookies are our faves!).
• Angeline’s Bakery & Cafe:  For more hearty morning options, like breakfast burritos and breakfast sandwiches, Angeline’s is a good choice.
• Sisters Coffee Company:  This place is super popular and seems to always have a line. The interior is an impressive barn slash cozy cabin, the coffee is excellent and they have lots of pastry options as well as a small breakfast and lunch menu.
• Sisters Meat & Smokehouse:  This butcher shop and eatery has some pretty excellent sandwich options. We loved the tri-tip sandwich, but they also have smoked turkey, Reuben, brats, French dip, and more!
• The Open Door:  A good choice for sitting down for a proper lunch or early dinner in a cute outdoor setting.
• Boone Dog Pizza:  We’ve never been but have heard great things about this local pizza joint.

Psst!  If you’re in the area during early June, you may stumble upon Sisters Rodeo which takes place each year and draws in huge crowds. It’s lovingly called “The Biggest Little Show in the World”. 

11. Go underground at Skylight Cave

This cave is just outside of Sisters and is quite a sight to behold. Descend a metal ladder into what seems to be a pretty typical cave, but you’ll be rewarded with 3 beams of light shooting through the cave’s “ceiling”. 

In order to see this phenomenon, you must visit in the morning on a sunny day, as the light only streams in when the sun is at a certain position in the sky. 

We wrote an entire  guide to visiting Skylight Cave  on our sister site, including exactly how to get there and tips to know before you go. 

More caves in Bend

If you’re looking for a cave that’s a bit easier to reach from town, you’re in luck because there are plenty around Bend.

If you take China Hat Road, heading southeast of Bend, you’ll find a handful of caves:

• Arnold Ice Cave
• Hidden Forest Cave

Another option is to visit Lava River Cave (#25 on this list), which is the most built up in the area, as it’s part of the Newberry National Monument.

12. Take a day trip to the Cascade Lakes Highway

One of Bend’s biggest draws is you don’t have to drive very far out of town to feel like you’re a world away from city life.

One of the best places to get away from it all is along the Cascade Lakes Highway, which is a seasonally-open highway , just past Mount Bachelor. 

This two-lane highway winds and turns through the mountains and is the starting point for many adventures. If you’re into hiking, you’ll find many-a-hikes along this stretch of road. And like its name implies, this highway passes by plenty of lakes, making it a magical day trip from town .

Try to hop around to as many lakes as possible or pick one to hunker down at and soak it all in.

Insider Tip: Pack a picnic lunch, a hammock, your hiking boots, and maybe even a SUP or kayak for a perfect summer day. 

Here are some of our favorite stops along the Cascade Lakes Highway:

a) Sparks Lake

Possibly the most pictured lake on this stretch of road, Sparks Lake is a beauty.

Flanked by snowcapped peaks, this lake is popular for kayakers and paddle boarders (see photo above!). Beware that it can get extremely shallow during the later part of the summer months.

There’s also an easy loop trail that you can walk near the lake if you don’t want to get on the water.

b) Todd Lake

This small lake is surrounded by lush green forest, and has lots of shaded day-use spots for setting up a hammock or having a picnic.

There is a nice flat path along the shore, if you’d like to do some hiking. This lake tends to be less crowded than some of the others, and it’s one of our favorites for relaxing.

c) Devils Lake

Shockingly turquoise waters make stopping at this tiny lake just beside the highway for a few minutes a must.

Snap a picture and continue on, or set up a hammock or hop into the shallow waters for a refreshing dip or a relaxing float.

d) Hike the Green Lakes Trail

Located on the Cascade Lakes Highway, this trail is popular with hikers and trail runners alike. Pass by some small waterfalls on thickly wooded trails until you reach Green Lake. This is a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch with epic views of Broken Top in the backdrop. 

Green Lakes Trail

• Distance: 9.1 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,187 feet
• Difficulty: Intermediate

If you’re looking for an intermediate hike that won’t take all day, yet brings you into some beautiful Central Oregon Wilderness, Green Lakes Trail is a great choice.

Looking for another good hike on this highway less crowded than the popular Green Lakes? Jump down to #30 on this list for another idea.

e) Elk Lake Lodge

Elk Lake is by far the most built-up lake along this drive. There are boats docked on the water’s edge, making it quite different than any of the other more rustic bodies of water nearby.

There is a lodge onsite that has food and drink options and an ice cream stand .

Insider Tip: On Saturdays during the summer, Elk Lake Resort hosts live music at 5 p.m.  Check out the lineup on their website .

13. Go on a guided canoe trip with Wanderlust Tours

This Bend-based tour company offers some incredibly unique tours year round that will surely be a highlight of any trip to Central Oregon.

From Snowshoe & Bonfire tours in the winter to Moonlight Canoe Tours in the summer, there are a variety of options to choose from.

Here’s our top recommendation:

Half-Day Brews & Views Canoe Tour on the Cascade Lakes

This is the perfect, hassle-free way to get on the water if you’re not traveling with your own gear.

On this tour, you’ll have plenty of paddle time on some of the most pristine lakes in Central Oregon. Plus, you’ll get to pair this outing with a crisp craft brew.

More tour options:

• Cascade Lakes Kayak Tour: A similar version of the tour above, but on kayaks.
• Moonlight Canoe Tour: If you’re up for a real adventure, this night canoeing tour sounds magical!

Personal Note: We once participated in a clean-up day with Wanderlust Tours, and it was really cool to see in person how they care for the land on which they run most of their tours.

14. Drink a beer (or cocktail!) in an old Catholic school

Before moving to Oregon, we had never heard of McMenamins, but we soon learned that this family-run chain is legendary throughout the state. While it is a chain and there are locations in Portland and elsewhere in Oregon, it really is the opposite of what you’d expect a “chain” to be. 

Each location is completely and utterly unique. Typically, McMenamins locations are in historic buildings that have been transformed into some sort of entertainment center. 

In the case of Bend, McMenamins is in the historic Catholic school in the center of town . Some of the classrooms have been turned into hotel rooms, while others are now a cozy pub or a bustling restaurant with an onsite brewery that frequently hosts events. 

You could quite literally sleep, eat and play here during your stay in Bend!

Here are our favorite places to enjoy a drink at McMenamins:

a) Grab a cocktail by a fire pit at O’Keane’s

Behind the main McMenamins building, cross through a small parking lot and follow the signs for O’Keane’s. Once you pass through the fence, you’ll enter a secluded courtyard with fire pits, outdoor seating, and even a cozy cigar room. 

Grab a seat next to a crackling fire pit and order a cocktail or one of the beers brewed onsite at the Old St. Francis Brewery.

Personal tip: I’m a big fan of the Spanish Coffee here! Watching them make it is part of the experience.

b) Play shuffleboard in the Fireside Room

This cozy room has a collection of intimate booths, a fireplace, and shuffleboard, making it one of our favorite places to grab a drink.

c) Try to find a hidden speakeasy

Located in the Art House at the McMenamins Old St. Francis School, there is a secret cocktail bar hidden away. This pocket-sized bar boasts a small but eclectic menu of drinks and an intimate atmosphere.

Finding this tucked-way bar is part of the fun! I don’t want to spoil the experience for you, but I’ll give you a hint. If you happen to find a door marked “Broom Closet”, push ‘er open and see what’s inside!

More things you shouldn’t miss while at McMenamins:

• Take a dip in the warm soaking pool .
• Spend the night in what used to be a classroom!
• Catch a film at the super unique movie theater .

15. Enjoy live music in a magical setting

Suttle Lodge is nestled amongst trees on the edge of Suttle Lake, just 50 minutes from town. Going there for live music is one of our absolute favorite things to do in Bend. 

Not only is the lodge a super cool place to stay — think cozy, cabin vibes – but they host live music just about every week of the year . 

We’ve been here for music numerous times and it is always so much fun and the setting is magical at all times of the year. Shows are lakeside in the summertime and next to a crackling fireplace in the lodge during the winter.  Plus, the food and cocktails are great as well!

Big Lawn Series 

• Mondays, 6-8 p.m.
• Free, all ages
• Features a variety of artists 

Thursday House Band

• Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. 
• Local, Sisters-based band

Fireside Series

• Fall & Winter
• Thursday evenings
• Ticket prices change with each artist

See upcoming shows and events here .

16. Get a view over the town from Pilot Butte

You don’t have to scan the horizon for very long before you’ll see a curved hump looming in the near distance. Allow us to introduce Pilot Butte. 

While it may look like an unassuming hill protruding from nowhere, this is actually a nearly 500-foot lava dome that was formed by an extinct volcano . 

Today, it is a state park and a popular place for locals to get some exercise, but this cinder dome was once used as a place for the Native peoples to spot wildlife, and later as a navigation point for settlers in covered wagons as they crossed the Deschutes River. It’s easy to see why, as you can spot this landmark from just about anywhere in town which can be a handy way of getting your bearings. 

Compared to the Three Sisters range, Pilot Butte looks rather puny, but hiking (or driving) to the top will offer panoramic views over town with nine snow-capped peaks looming in the distance. 

How to get to the top:

• During the summer months, it is possible to drive to the top. This road is closed during the winter months.
• Hike the paved 1-mile trail (shared with cars) to the top.
• Hike the steeper but more peaceful gravel nature trail to the top.

Check out our Pilot Butte hiking guide on our sister site for more information!

Have more time in Oregon?  By the way, if you’re on a longer road trip and have the time, Crater Lake National Park is one of the best  places to see in Oregon , and is worth a spot on your itinerary.

17. Float on the Deschutes River in a tube

If you’re visiting Bend during the summer months, floating on the Deschutes is  the  thing to do! In fact, it’s one of our favorite  things to do in Oregon .

On a hot summer’s day, take one look on the river and you’ll likely see it crowded with people on brightly colored tubes or SUPs making their way leisurely down the river.

Don’t miss this! If you’re visiting from out of town, it can be a little confusing trying to figure out where to put in and where to get out, so we put together a handy  guide to floating the Deschutes River  with everything you need to know including where to put in, shuttle service recommendations and how to get yourself a tube. 

18. SUP on the Deschutes

If you’re looking for another way to experience the river, a stand up paddle board is a good option.

It’s a little more work than laying back in a tube and letting the river carry you along, but with a paddle, you can navigate both upstream and downstream.

Another perk of a SUP is you can do it in the fall or spring, whereas tubing is really only comfortable in the peak of summer.

If you don’t have a SUP of your own, you can rent one from most of the outfitters in town. Just search for a canoe or kayak rental and they should have SUPs as well.

19. Watch river surfers at the Bend Whitewater Park

If getting  on  the river doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, we’d still recommend making your way down to Miller’s Park to watch the river surfers. It’s pretty entertaining to watch them queue up next to the man-made swell and watch them rip one by one. 

The cool thing about the river surfers is you’ll find them at the whitewater park nearly all year long – morning, noon and evening.

20. See sunrise from Tumalo Mountain Trail

If you’re looking for a heart-pumping hike with epic views, this will fill the bill.

Directly across from Mount Bachelor ski resort, Tumalo Mountain Trail is a steep yet pretty straight shot to the top of this ridge where you’ll be rewarded with arguably the most beautiful view of the mountains in Central Oregon .

Good to know: Be prepared that you may encounter snow on this trail up until July.

Tumalo Mountain Trail Hike

• Distance: 3.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,407 feet

This is a popular route to hike for sunrise (as this is when the lighting is best), and the parking lot will sometimes be full even an hour before sunup.

21. Catch Live music at Hayden Homes Amphitheater

We’re obsessed with live music, and lucky for us, Bend is home to Oregon’s largest outdoor music venue. Situated on the banks of the Deschutes, Hayden Homes Amphitheater (formerly Les Schwab Amphitheater) can accommodate 8,000 people .

Good to know:  Disposable water bottles are not sold at this venue. Instead, bring an empty reusable bottle and fill from the free water station inside. How cool is that?! You can also purchase a reusable sili-pint inside for beer, wine or cocktails. (We love seeing companies reducing single-use plastic !)

Hayden Homes Amphitheater actually gets some really big names – from Dave Matthews Band to John Legend to Chris Stapleton – there’s a show for everyone! For the concert lineups and information on what you can and cannot bring inside the venue,  check out the official website . 

Didn’t get tickets to a show?  No worries, Bend has a pretty fantastic music scene, and you’ll likely be able to catch live performances just about any night of the week. Check Facebook for events near Bend, or just wander around town and keep your ears open!

22. Explore a Farmers Market

During the summer months, there are a handful of different farmer’s markets in town.

Downtown Bend Farmers Market

• May 1st – October 15th, 2023
• 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Google Maps location

You’ll find the pedestrian street parallel with Wall Street full of vendors for a small market of mostly produce stalls and a few food stands. 

NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market

• June 3rd – September 16th, 2023
• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The NorthWest Crossing district plays host to a much larger market. The streets are closed off and completely transformed for produce vendors, artisans, and food stalls.

There’s also typically live music and a pretty lively atmosphere.

Bend Night Market

• 5 p.m. until close
• June 2nd – September 22nd, 2023

New as of the 2023 summer season, this market is hosted weekly on the grounds of the Deschutes Historical Museum.

With a variety of food trucks, drink stands, artisan vendors, and live music, this family-friendly market is a great place to mingle with locals.

23. Visit Tumalo Falls 

Oregon has a pretty incredible collection of waterfalls , and if you’re visiting from out of state you’ll definitely want to make time to see at least one of them.

Located in the Deschutes National Forest, Tumalo Falls is the closest waterfall to Bend .

With options for a short hike or a viewpoint easily accessible from the parking lot, Tumalo Falls is quite accessible, making it a good stop for people of all ages.

Good to know:  You’ll likely lose cell signal on the drive to these waterfalls, so it’s a good idea to download the offline version of Google Maps so you don’t get lost.

We wrote a guide with  everything you need to know about visiting Tumalo Falls  on our sister site. Be sure to read up on it, as the best view is from a somewhat hidden trail!

Really love waterfalls?  Another great place for adventure in Oregon is  Silver Falls State Park , where you’ll find lots of waterfalls! If you like a good hike, be sure to do the Trail of Ten Falls !

24. Soak in a hot spring

If you’re a hot spring fanatic like we are, you’ll want to pay careful attention.

There aren’t any hot springs in town per se, but there are a few nearby that you can easily visit as a day trip from Bend .

Paulina Hot Springs

• 55 minute drive from Bend

Starting with the one that is closest to Bend (just under an hour away), Paulina Hot Springs is also the least known. 

Check out our  guide to Paulina Lake Hot Springs  on our sister site, so you know exactly what to expect when you get there. 

McCreedie Hot Springs

• 1 hour 40 minute drive from Bend

These shallow, warm pools are easily accessible and are a great place to soak year round.

Read our guide to visiting McCreedie Hot Springs for everything you need to know about getting there, as well as some other really cool stops nearby for an epic road trip!

Umpqua Hot Springs

• 2 hours 15 minute drive from Bend

This Insta-famous hot spring (pictured above) is probably the most famous in all of Oregon.

Read our guide to visiting Umpqua Hot Springs for some things you definitely want to know before you go (trust me!). Plus, we’re sharing our favorite stops nearby so you can turn this into a perfect little road trip! 

Terwilliger/Cougar Hot Springs

• 1 hour 50 minute drive for Bend

This tiered spring is nestled in a peaceful forest , and is one of our favorites. 

There is a small entry fee, and some things you should know before you hop in the car, so check our our complete Terwilliger Hot Spring guide . We’re also including places to stay nearby (like the coziest cabin!) if you want to extend your stay.

Really love hot springs? If you want an entire list of hot springs in Oregon , we got you covered! These are far from the only ones in the state.

Psst! If you don’t have time to spare for an entire day trip, check out #8 on this list to find a soaking pool in town that is super convenient.

25. Explore Lava River Cave with a lantern

This is a self-guided cave, so you’ll explore at your own pace. There are some metal pathways and stairs at the beginning of the cave, but as you get deeper inside, you’ll be walking on the ground.

It is mostly level the whole way, and pretty spacious (for a cave) for the majority of the walk.

At the cave entrance, there is a small building from which you can rent lanterns for $5 (which are more like super powerful flashlights).

Do it yourself

• Tip: If you have a National Park Pass, display it on your dashboard and your visit is free (this is a National Monument and is covered in the America the Beautiful pass ).
• Time : We’d recommend planning on spending 1 – 1.5 hours here .
• Family-friendly? Yes! We saw people of all ages inside the cave (including lots of families with small children).

Good to know:  If you’ve visited any other caves with the shoes you’re wearing, it is suggested that you wear rubber boot coverings (provided free of charge). This helps to prevent the spread of a disease that is deadly to the bats that call this cave home.

26. Tour the Deschutes Brewery

Without a doubt the most famous brewery in Bend, Deschutes is a town staple. There’s a taproom downtown as well as the actual brewery site, which features a small tasting room and beer garden.

If you’d like to take a tour and see how the sausage is made, as they say, you can book a spot on a tour . Tours run daily, and you’ll receive a coozie and a can of beer to enjoy!

• Cost: $10 per adult
• Time: 45 minutes (arrive 15 minutes early)
• Reserve your spot

Fun story: When we were living in Chiang Mai, Thailand , we found Deschutes beer at a couple of places around town, which was fun to see so far from Bend! 

27. Summit South Sister

Calling  experienced  hikers only…

Summiting South Sister is a bucket list hike for many Oregonians, and, with some preparation, it can be tackled on your trip to Bend.

South Sister is a volcano, and is the third highest peak in Oregon (after Mount Hood and Mount Adams respectively).

Summiting this majestic mountain is not for the faint of heart, as there’s a good amount of elevation gain, but as far as summits go, it’s not very technical. Hikers that make it to the top on a clear day will be rewarded with unobstructed views over the Cascade range.

Want more ideas? Check out our round up of some of the best hikes in Bend .

South Sister Summit Hike

• Out and back
• 4,898-foot elevation gain
• Very difficult

It’s important to know that you will need to start this hike early, and it will take the majority of your day (think 10-12 hours).

This hike is extremely challenging, and you’ll want to be prepared with proper shoes, gear, enough water, and food. Depending on the time of year you hike, you may need  microspikes  for walking along the crater at the summit. If this isn’t scaring you away, it is extremely worthwhile and an epic way to spend a day near Bend!

Psst! We have all the information you need to prepare in our trail guide for the  South Sisters Hike   over on our sister site.  

28. Test your detective skills at an escape room

We’re huge fans of escape rooms and love doing them when friends or family visit. 

Puzzle Effect is located just south of downtown Bend in an unassuming strip mall. But once inside, you’ll be wowed by their extravagant room set ups. 

There are 4 different rooms, each with their own story and difficulty level . Once inside, you’ll be transported to another world and time will fly as you try your darnedest to escape!

Personal experience: We did the pirate-themed room with two friends that we often do escape rooms with. This was one of our favorites we’ve done with them, and we just barely made it out in time!

Psst! We think this makes a perfect rainy day activity in Bend .

Check out the different rooms and make your reservation here (they do book up).

29. Sip on the best cocktails in town

While Bend is well-known for its brewery scene, you might be surprised to find plenty of top notch cocktail bars as well.

Here are just a few of our favorites:

• Savor a creative concoction at San Simon , a buzzy, candlelit cocktail bar hidden in Tin Pan Alley
• locations include a downtown tasting room as well as the Tumalo distillery about 20 minutes northwest of town
• find the illusively secretive Broom Closet Speakeasy at McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School
• Soak up the hip atmosphere and DJ beats at Dogwood Cocktail Cabin
• Pretend you’re on a tropical vacation with tiki-inspired drinks at Rapa Nui  or The Flamingo Room

Psst! If you’re more of a fan of spirits than beer, you’re going to want to head this this list of our favorite cocktail bars in Bend because we’ve done all sorts of sampling around town to let you in on the best!

30. Escape the crowds on these off-the-beaten-path hikes

Many of the well-known trails you’ll find in this article – Tumalo Mountain, Green Lakes, Broken Top, Tumalo Falls, and South Sister – are popular for good reason. They are all spectacular. But you’ll likely be sharing the trails with lots of other people, especially on a nice weekend day in the summer.

If you prefer solitude to rubbing shoulders, keep reading because we’ve rounded up some of our favorite lesser-known hikes around Bend . These are all pretty easy hikes, too, making them good options for all levels.

Steelhead Falls

• Type: Out-and-back
• Distance: 1 mile (it is approximately .5 miles to the falls but you can continue further on the trail if you wish)
• Elevation gain: 225 feet
• Difficulty: Easy (rated “moderate” on AllTrails, but we’d definitely categorize it as easy)

Located roughly 50 minutes north of Bend, this waterfall is much less-known than others in the area and doesn’t attract the same amount of crowds.

An easy, .5-mile walk from the trailhead leads to the falls, and you’ll likely see people fishing along the way. Near the falls there are a couple of nice swimming areas if you’re keen to take a dip!

Insider Tip: If you want a real off-the-beaten-path place to grab a beer nearby, stop at Over The Edge Taphouse , which has a nice outdoor seating area.

• Distance: 3.6 miles
• Elevation gain: 450 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate

A 3.6-mile out-and-back hike leads to the remote Lucky Lake, which is one of the least-crowded places on the Cascade Lakes Highway.

This is a great stop if you want some solitude and a bit of a workout!

Upper Chush Falls

• Distance: 5.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 800 feet

This waterfall is way off the beaten path, and getting there requires driving on some back roads in the Three Sisters Wilderness (but most vehicles should be just fine).

This trail is relatively flat trail begins in a recent burn area , so you’ll be walking amongst tree trunks that are reminiscent of something out of a Dr. Seuss book.

The falls is beautiful and is fun to visit at all times of the year. We’ve even been in the winter time, and would recommend packing microspikes ( these are the ones we have ) for when you get closer to the falls.

31. Eat your way through the food truck pods 

There are what seems like endless food truck pods in town, and with fierce competition, most of them are pretty dang good.

From Hawaiian poke bowls to vegan cookin’ to Oaxacan fare to breakfast burritos, you really can find anything you’re craving at a food truck in Bend. 

We created a round up of the best food trucks in Bend (+ what to order!) so you know exactly which ones not to miss.

32. Catch a film at a super unique movie theater

Bend has a few really unique movie theaters that are unlike any you’ve ever been to before. While it might sound strange to see a movie on a trip, keep reading and you’ll understand why…

a) Tin Pan Alley Outdoor Theater

What if I were to tell you that one of our all-time favorite “Bend date nights” takes place entirely in an alleyway? Sound creepy? Keep reading because I promise it’s much cooler than it sounds…

Parallel with Bend’s two main streets downtown (Wall Street & Bond Street), run alleyways that are much more exciting than the typical dodgy dumpster set up.

During the warmer months of the year, this alleyway gets transformed… Tables are erected and an inflatable screen is blown up, transforming the alleyway into a pop-up outdoor theater . 

The show, hosted by Tin Pan Theater and Bend Film Festival, starts as the sky get dark, and you’re able to order drinks and popcorn to go with the show. Sometimes they have a multi-week series with a theme, like classic horror films on Tuesday nights, or ski films on Thursdays. 

The perfect combination:  We love grabbing cocktail at neighboring San Simón then sticking around for an alleyway showing of a movie at Tin Pan. It’s a unique twist on a classic “drinks & a move” date.

b) Tin Pan Theater

On nights where there isn’t an outdoor film, you can pop inside Tin Pan’s actual theater. This intimate art-house theater that’ll make you swear you’ve stepped back in time. 

With 28 seats and a red velvet curtain surrounding the big(ish) screen, this boutique-style theater isn’t your typical AMC experience. 

Order wine, beer and popcorn during a screening of an independent art film or an old classic.

Do it yourself: Check  Tin Pan’s website  and their Instagram (they sometimes don’t announce shows that far in advance) for their up-to-date schedule for both the indoor theater as well as the alleyway showings.

c) McMenamins Movie Theater

The movie theater in McMenamins Old St. Francis School is so cozy and well worth a spot on your Bend itinerary. 

With couches instead of traditional chairs and a bar in the back where you can order food and cocktails , make an entire evening of it!

Plus, tickets are cheaper than a traditional movie theater — at $8 per person for first-run movies and just $5 for second-run movies, this makes for a fun date night. 

The only downside is they only play one movie at a time, so if it’s not a tile you’re interested in, you’re kind of out of luck.

Do it yourself:  See what films are playing now and  buy tickets here .

33. See regional wildlife at the High Desert Museum

One of the very top-rated things to do in Bend, according to TripAdvisor, is to make a visit to the High Desert Museum. This is one of the most popular activities in the area for families with kids .

The museum is part indoors, part outdoors and has many exhibits featuring native wildlife such as birds of prey, river otters, porcupines, and foxes, most of which have been rescued and wouldn’t be able to survive in the wild.

There are also art and cultural exhibits as well as an authentic homestead and sawmill from the early 1900’s. 

For hours and rates (they change slightly with the seasons), check out the High Desert Museum’s website .

34. Brunch it up

There are plenty of places to grab a morning bite in Bend, but if you’re looking for a full-service brunch, we’ve got you covered:

• Insider Tip: Their croissant French toast (stuffed with mascarpone and served with marionberry compote) is insanely good!
• The Victorian:  Located in West Bend, this adorable red Victorian house has been transformed to a local favorite. If you’re feeling up for it their famous Bloody Mary is huge and delicious.
• Jackson’s Corner:  Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Jackson’s Corner is an excellent brunch choice. With a focus on local ingredients, the menu is fresh and well-rounded.
• The Lemon Tree:  With menu items like shakshuka (one of our breakky faves!) and jumbo lump crab cake Benedict, it’s no wonder this is a popular brunch pick!

35. Feed alpacas at Crescent Moon Ranch 

As you’re driving north of Bend on highway 97 , you might spot some fluffy friends just off the road. We drove by this ranch so many times before finally stopping, and I can’t believe it took us so long!

Crescent Moon Ranch is an expansive piece of land that is home to many cute alpacas that you can see up close.

It costs $5 to purchase food to feed the alpacas , making this is one of the best cheap things to do in Bend.

We brought our daughter here for the first time recently, and we all had so much fun. Needless to say, we’ll definitely be back!

• Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, no need to make reservations
• Cost: $5 to get food for the alpacas
• Google Maps Location

36. Explore lava fields at Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Just southeast of Bend, you’ll find the Newberry Volcanic National Monument which covers more than 54,000 acres of lakes, lava flows, and other geologic features.

Visit the Lava Lands Visitors Center to learn more about the history and geology of this area before setting off on the paved 5.5-mile Sun Lava path. If you’re visiting during the summer months (between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends), there are shuttles that run every 20 minutes and bring guests to the summit of Lava Butte. This costs $2 per person and they run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Insider Tip:  While you’re in the area, be sure to head over to Lava River Cave (#20 on this list), which is nearby.

Another more adventurous way to explore this vast expanse is to hike to the  summit of Paulina Peak , which will grant you lovely panoramic views of theCascades, Newberry Caldera and the high desert. The trail is 6.1 miles round trip and there is a 1,600-foot elevation gain.

37. Go to Trivia or BINGO at Silver Moon Brewing

Silver Moon is one of our favorite breweries in Bend, and for good reason:

• The beers are solid.
• It’s a local hot spot and the atmosphere is fun.
• There are tons of fun events each week, no matter what you’re looking for.

From comedy nights to $3 pints on Mondays to DJ dance parties, Silver Moon truly hosts it all.

But two of our favorite events are trivia and BINGO. Both events are very popular and do fit up, so we’d recommend getting there early or reserving a seat (which comes with a small fee).

Trivia on the Moon 

We love trivia (even though we’re not very good!), and Silver Moon’s weekly trivia night is great. It’s free to play, cash prizes, and there are food trucks if you want food to go with your beer!

• Thursdays, most of the year

Looking for another trivia night? We also like the trivia at Bridge 99 Brewery , which is on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-8 pm. Just like with Silver Moon, get there early in order to snag a seat!

Not’Cho Grandma’s BINGO

A little raunchy, a lot of fun , Not’Cho Grandmas’ BINGO is the perfect way to start your Sunday with a bang! Games are usually $2 per card , other than the blackout round, which is $5. 

The cash prizes are pretty dang good, and there are some fun morning drinks, like unique mimosa flavors and Bloody Marys to get the party started.

• Sundays, seasonally

Be sure to check out Silver Moon’s event calendar to make sure the events are on during your dates, as they do take a few breaks during the year.

38. Enjoy a meal on an organic farm

Rainshadow Organics gives a whole new meaning to farm-to-table dining.  

This organic farm is located just outside of Terrebonne (a 40-minute drive from Bend ), and hosts regular meals throughout the year.

We’ve come for Mother’s Day brunch, pizza oven night, family style meals, and have a long table garden dinner booked for later this summer!

They have both indoor and outdoor meals, depending on the season, and each is wonderful in its own way. Each meal we’ve attended has been beautifully-presented in a magical setting .

If this sounds like it’s your kind of experience, be sure to make reservations early because every meal sells out well in advance. Check out their calendar here.

Insider Tip: Subscribe to their newsletter so you’re the first to know when a new date opens. That’s how we’ve been able to get bookings.

39. Taste a famous Ocean Roll

At some point during your time in Bend, you should absolutely make a stop at Sparrow Bakery and order an Ocean Roll. It’s kind of a Bend “must-do”.

These massive pastries are similar to a cinnamon roll, but instead of, well, cinnamon, the filling is made with cardamom, vanilla and sugar. It may sound strange, but when you sink your teeth into this crispy yet gooey and not too sweet delicacy , you’ll be thanking us for the recommendation.

In addition to their famed ocean rolls, pretty much everything this local bakery serves is excellent. The chocolate cookies are rich and decadent, the COCC Cookies (named after the local community college) are amazing. We’ve also had some of their breakfast sandwiches, which are good too, so order whatever sounds good (as long as you’re  also  ordering an ocean roll, of course!).

40. Go on a peaceful nature walk

Sure, Bend is known for epic hikes, but there are also lots of places to enjoy a peaceful and low-key trail surrounded by nature.

Here are our two favorites:

Shevlin Park

This narrow park hugs the banks of Tumalo Creek , and has plenty of walking trails as well as biking paths. From a paved walkway that stretches the length of the park to tiny paths where you’ll likely be the only hiker, there are options for everyone. 

Walk amongst the towering ponderosas and stop for a picnic lunch next to Tumalo Creek for the perfect afternoon.

Riley Ranch Nature Reserve

This nature reserve offers a wide variety of trails that bring hikers through some pristine high desert landscapes.

There are sections with sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains , as well as trails that lead to secluded spots along the Deschutes River. This is also makes a great trail running spot near town.

41. Step foot inside the last Blockbuster in the world

Bend has a strong tradition of supporting the film industry, so it isn’t too much of a surprise that it is home to the world’s last Blockbuster Video.

If you feel those familiar pulls of nostalgia, it can be a fun place to browse the aisles and pretend you’ve slipped a decade back in time. You can even see some movie props encased in glass boxes throughout the store.

Next door is Papa Murphy’s, so you can do a total throwback pizza and movie night – as long as your Airbnb has a DVD player, that is (do they even make those anymore?!). 

Fun Fact:  Watch  The Last Blockbuster  on Netflix for an inside look at this local landmark.

42. Walk & shop in the Old Mill district

For nearly a century, Bend was a logging town, and the Old Mill was at its heart. 

Today, the shops, restaurants, and art of the buzzy Old Mill District are a far cry from the days where timber was sawed and processed, but remnants of history still remain .

For one, REI is in a building that was once the mill’s powerhouse. You can see the three smokestacks still standing tall, as a reminder of what this area once was.

Old Mill has all the chain stores you could want to browse, from Victoria’s Secret to Lulu Lemon to GAP. But even if you’re not in the shopping mood, there are other reasons to wander Old Mill.  

Start by going for a stroll on the path alongside the Deschutes River and keep you eyes peeled for all the artwork you’ll find along the way.

If you get hungry (or thirsty or bored!), here are some ideas of place to stop.

Places in the Old Mill District:

• Sisters Coffee Company : Grab coffee and a treat to sit with or take with you.
• REI : Pop inside the historic building that is now REI and browse (aka my not so guilty pleasure).
• Evoke Winery : Unwind with a wine tasting
• Rapa Nui : Tiki bar cocktails
• Monkless : Not exactly in the Old Mill District, but just a short walk along the river will bring you to this brewery known for Belgian ales and a small but quality food selection

43. Have a PNW-style beach day

While you might not think of Bend as a “beach destination”, there are some pretty great (lake) beaches nearby.

One of our favorites is the beach on the east side of Elk Lake ( Google Maps location ). Bring a cooler, a blanket, a shade tent if you wish, and a SUP or tube.

With postcard-worthy views of South Sister, this beach is the perfect place to spend a summer day in Central Oregon.

Psst! If you’re really craving an ocean beach destination, check out our perfect Oregon Coast road trip !

44. See a river appear from out of nowhere

If you’re looking for a quiet escape from town but aren’t looking for too much strenuous activity, head to the mouth of the Metolius River. Located in the Deschutes National Forest , it’s just under an hour’s drive from Bend (a bit past the town of Sisters).

There are flat walking trails and places to relax next to the river. And if you want to see something pretty cool, make your way to the river’s headwaters. A short 10-minute walk from the parking lot will bring you to a spring from which the river appears as if out of nowhere!

Camp Sherman is a small village that consists mostly of campgrounds and cabins. There’s a General Store just beside the river that’s worth checking out. They have a huge variety of snacks, souvenirs and fly fishing gear. You can also order coffee drinks and made-to-order sandwiches to take with you for a little picnic lunch right next to the river.

Side Note:  There is a local artisan tea brand called Metolius Tea, which was named after the river. We’re obsessed with their chai concentrate and most of the coffee shops in Bend serve it, so give it a try!

45. Sip wine at a local vineyard

If you prefer wine over beer, make it a point to get to Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards during your trip to Bend.

Situated just east of Terrebonne, a 45-minute-drive from town , this vineyard has a stunning setting, a good wine selection, pizza offerings, and occasional live music.

Named after the Three Sisters Mountains , which were originally called Faith, Hope, and Charity, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of these beauties as you sip your wine.

Things to do in Bend during the winter

If you happen to be visiting Bend in the winter months and want a unique outdoor adventure, we’ve got some perfect ideas for you!

One thing to point out is that the town of Bend doesn’t typically accumulate much snow. After a snowstorm, it tends to melt within a few days. However, a short 20-minute drive toward the mountains will reveal a totally new landscape with plenty of powder for skiing, sledding or snowshoeing.

We created an entire guide to the best things to do in Bend during the winter on our sister site, but below we’re sharing a handful of our favorites!

Insider Tip: Remember to pack layers because even if it’s not all that cold in town, it’ll be a different story once you gain a bit of elevation.

46. Ski day at Mount Bachelor 

Nearby Mt. Bachelor is well-loved by locals and out-of-towners alike. And for good reason — covering more than 1,000 acres, Mount Bachelor is the largest ski resort in the state of Oregon (by area) and is the second largest single-mountain ski resort in the US (after Vail).

Additionally, Mount Bachelor boasts one of the longest ski seasons in the United States, with lifts typically open from mid-November through the end of May (weather permitting, of course).

Situated 22 miles west of Bend, it takes just about 30 minutes to reach the ski resort, making it really easy to fit into your trip to Bend.

Fun Fact:  It is said that this inactive volcano was named “bachelor” because it stands apart from the Three Sisters mountain range.  It took me a while to get that…

47. Ski for $29 at Mount Hoodoo

If you want to have a ski day while in town, but are hoping to avoid the crowds and super high price tag of Bachelor, we may have just the solution for you…

Hoodoo Ski Area is just 44 miles west of Bend , and takes just under an hour to get there (about 30 minutes longer than it takes to get to Bachelor).

While much smaller than Mount Bachelor, Hoodoo still makes for an excellent ski day — especially since it’s much more laidback and less crowded.

If you happen to come on a Thursday, you’ll save big because lift tickets cost just $29 on “Thrifty Thursdays”! We made it a near-weekly ritual to go to Hoodoo on Thursdays, followed by hot springs and dinner (see tips below).

Insider Tips:

• Hot Spring:  After a ski day at Mount Hoodoo, we love heading to  Belknap Hot Springs  to soak our chilled bones. It costs $8 per adult, and while it’s not a rustic hot spring like we typically choose (it’s essentially a hot pool next to the McKenzie River), it’s still a welcomed relief in the winter months.
• Burger & Onion Rings:  Also, if you’ve worked up an appetite, the Mackenzie General Store is just a bit further and serves up excellent burgers and onion rings with homemade marionberry barbecue sauce that’ll hit the spot! Be prepared to have little to no cell service on this section of the drive.

48. Snowshoe to a mountain hut

Just outside of town, there are networks of amazing snowshoe trails that will make you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland (even if there isn’t any snow in town!).

Don’t have snowshoes of your own?  You can rent them from REI. Check out this guide to  snowshoeing for beginners  to get all the info!

While you can go to just about any Sno Park, strap your snowshoes (or XC skis!) on and get on the trails, our personal favorite trail is at the Swampy Lakes trailhead. Follow the snowshoe trail towards the Swampy Lakes shelter, which is just over 1.5 miles from the parking lot (about 3 miles roundtrip).

Pack some snacks and a thermos with a hot beverage to enjoy in the fully enclosed shelter. There’s even a wood-burning stove inside to keep you toasty warm. You may be sharing the space with others (depending on the day and time you arrive). Take it as an opportunity to make friendly conversation!

Don’t forget your Sno-Park Pass!  This pass is required to be able to park at the trailheads from November 1st – April 30th each year. It helps fund the snowplowing and maintenance of these lots. You can buy a day pass for $5 or a season pass for $30 at REI, ranger stations, or local outdoor gear shops.

49. Go on a ranger-led snowshoe tour for free!

If you’re looking for a fun and free winter activity, look no further. From mid-December through late March, you can go on ranger-led snowshoe tours at the base of Mount Bachelor.

Along the way, the ranger will point out different features of the local geology and nature. We were surprised by how much we learned!

Snowshoes are provided for free (but if you have your own you can certainly wear them).

While this is a free program, consider leaving a donation if you had fun as it will help fund their non-profit partner, Discover Your Forest, which connects people to our public lands.

The details:

• Meet at the West Village Base Area near the Guest Services building. There is a USFS hut that has signs about the snowshoe program.
• Tours go out at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from mid-December through mid-March
• Check in 10-15 minutes before the tour start time
• Reservations are not required
• Snowshoes are provided
• Cost is free, but donations are welcomed

Alternative: This Snowshoe & Bonfire Tour , operated by locally-owned Wanderlust Tours, looks epic!

50. Cross country ski to a hidden restaurant

We love cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in general, but we love it even more when there is a special destination… like a hidden restaurant!

Start at Ten Mile Sno-Park, and follow the trail toward Paulina Falls. Shortly after the waterfall, you’ll come to Paulina Lake Lodge where you can order a burger or hot chili and a beer and rest your muscles before heading back on the same trail.

Good to know:  The XC ski and snowshoe paths cross by a snowmobile track, and this is a very popular place for snowmobilers. So be prepared to hear the occasional roars!

Where to eat inBend

If you’re looking for a handful of spots to put on your list, here are some of our favorite restaurants in Bend:

• Spork : global fusion and fun atmosphere
• Wild Rose : best Thai in town
• El Sancho (westside location!): street tacos and margs
• McKay Cottage : best brunch in town
• Jackson’s Corner : all-around good food
• 10 Barrel (westside location): good brewery and eats
• Brother John’s (westside location): pub grub in a hole-in-the-wall atmosphere
• Nancy P’s Cafe : great sandwiches to go
• Bo’s Falafel Bar : healthy and delicious bowls
• The Lot : taproom in a cool setting with food trucks

However, since Bend has such an incredible food scene , there’s really no way we could truly do it justice with a small section in this article…

That’s why we created a list of  our favorite restaurants in Bend !

This list includes our favorite spots to grab coffee, the best sandwiches to bring with you on an outdoor adventure, our favorite food trucks, can’t-miss breweries, and the best “nicer” restaurants in town. Be sure to check it out so you can flag the places you don’t want to miss!

Round up of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon

Here’s a recap of all the best things to do in Bend so you can see everything in one place.

• Brewery hopping
• Smith Rock State Park
• Deschutes River Trail 
• Downtown Bend
• First Friday
• McMenamins soaking pool
• Mountain biking
• Explore Sisters
• Skylight Cave
• Cascade Lakes Highway
• Canoe trip with Wanderlust Tours
• McMenamins Old Catholic School
• Live music at Suttle Lodge
• Pilot Butte
• Float the Deschutes River
• SUP Deschutes
• Bend Whitewater Park
• Tumalo Mountain Trail
• Hayden Homes Amphitheater
• Farmers Market
• Tumalo Falls 
• Hot springs
• Lava River Cave
• Deschutes Brewery
• Summit South Sister
• Escape room
• Cocktail bars
• Off the beaten path hikes
• Good truck pods 
• Unique movie theaters
• High Desert Museum
• Brunch 
• Crescent Moon Ranch 
• Newberry National Volcanic Monument
• Trivia or BINGO
• Rainshadow Organics Farm meal
• Taste an Ocean Roll
• Nature walk
• Last Blockbuster in the world
• Old Mill district
• Metolius headwaters
• Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards
• Ski at Mount Bachelor 
• Ski at Mount Hoodoo
• Snowshoe to a mountain hut
• Ranger-led snowshoe tour 
• Cross country ski to a hidden restaurant

We first visited this town in 2017 on a  road trip , and I vividly remember sitting next to the Deschutes River and talking about how we could really see ourselves living in this charming town that seemed to check all “the boxes” . 

Fast forward to the fall of 2019 and we arrived with our Subaru packed to the gills, ready to explore our new home.

And we’re certainly not the only ones who have fallen in love with this Central Oregon town and relocated. With just over 100,000 residents , Bend is quickly growing and shows no signs of slowing down (which is both good and bad in many ways).

Is Bend worth the hype?

What was once a small logging town is now one of the top destinations in the state of Oregon.

Many trendy places that grow quickly beg the question,  “Is it really all it’s built up to be?”  

After living in Bend since 2019, we can confidently say that this town  is  worth the hype.  

Our favorite things about Bend

What makes it so great?  Glad you asked! Here are just a few things we love:

• Moderate climate:  Not too hot in the summer *most of the time* (and very little humidity), not too cold in the winter. We love having 4 seasons without the extremes.
• Access to outdoors:  There is access to so many outdoor activities from town —  hiking for all levels , whitewater and lake kayaking, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, backcountry camping, skiing & snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing… I could go on! It’s an outdoor-lover’s paradise.
• Charming & historic downtown:  We love that a lot of the historic buildings throughout town have been preserved instead of knocked down in lieu of new construction (especially in the westside neighborhood). Many restaurants and shops are actually inside old houses giving the town a quaint charm that you don’t find everywhere.
• Lots of events:  During just about any week of the year, you’ll find tons of events taking place throughout town. And there’s honestly something for everyone — live music, art exhibits, film screenings, outdoor meetups, you name it!
• Psst! We’ve compiled a  Bend, Oregon restaurant guide  just for you!

The not-so-great parts…

As with most places, there are some drawbacks too.

We’ll be honest, Bend is pretty amazing, but it’s not perfect. Here are two things that we don’t love:

• Growing cost of living:  You could say that most towns have an increasing cost of living, but Bend’s is going up drastically. Like crazy drastic. It’s getting out of control, with  house prices increasing  by more than 30% from 2020 to 2021.  Insane, huh?!
• Lack of diversity:  Oregon in general has a historic lack of diversity, and Bend is no exception. With cost of living rising at an extreme rate, it’s unlikely that this will change in a big way anytime soon.

We’ll go over the best ways to get to Bend, whether you’re driving or flying.

Flying in and out of Redmond Airport

If you’re coming from out of state, you can either fly directly to Redmond airport (just 35 minutes north of Bend). or of course, you can drive .

Transportation to and from the airport

We’d highly recommend booking Enviro Shuttle for your transport to and from as they are super reliable and cheaper than Uber . We’ve learned the hard way that Uber at this airport can be really hard to get at night, and surge pricing can increase the rates incredibly.

Driving to Bend

If you plan to explore more of the state (which you definitely should if you have time!), Bend can make a great stop on your  Oregon road trip .

Coming from  Portland ?  The 175-mile drive takes you over a mountain pass and should take about 3.5 hours . The easiest way is to drive, but there are buses that do this route.

For your first visit to Bend, we’d personally recommend staying on the west side of highway 97 , near downtown or on the west side of the river (known as Galveston Flats). The Old Mill district , south of downtown, also makes a really good base.

These locations will be within walking distance to the river and to some of the best parts of Bend.

Important Note:  Many of the better hotels and Airbnbs in town book up long in advance, especially during the summer months or holiday weekends. Don’t wait until the last minute to book your stay. We’ve learned the hard way!

Here are some Airbnbs and hotels that we would personally recommend:

Our TOP picks

The Airbnbs and hotels in this section are our top picks! If you want an easy recommendation for a stay you’ll love, this is all you need!

McMenamins Old St. Francis School

This is one of the most unique places you can stay in town. This historic Catholic school was remodeled into what McMenamins is today — part hotel, part bar, part restaurant, part movie theater.

Yes, you can sleep in what used to be an old classroom! Plus, this hotel has one of the best locations in town — you’re within walking distance to all sorts of activities.

Beautiful Cottage on the Westsi de

This cute little cottage has room to sleep 6 guests and it includes a nice outdoor space with a grill in an excellent location in Bend. We’d book this in a heartbeat!

This westside loft features a quirky design with attention to detail. It is an Airbnb Plus listing, meaning the amenities are top-notch.

Historic Cecil House

This cozy and modern Airbnb is in a great location for access to all kinds of adventures. It’s beautifully decorated with a wood-burning fireplace and a salt water hot tub to relax after a long day.

Cozy Home wit h Hot Tub & Bikes

This modern bungalow has room to sleep 6 guests and includes a hot tub and bikes with your stay. Plus it’s in a perfect location in central Bend.

Top budget stay picks

It can be tricky finding budget-friendly accommodation in Bend, but lucky for you, we’ve done all the research. These stays will make a great choice as a home base without breaking the bank.

This is one of the only properties on this list located outside of town, but it’s a quick drive to the center of it all. Plus, the reasonable prices and a fun design — with hammocks in the rooms & a fun outdoor space — make it a good pick.

This is a particularly good choice if you plan to do a lot of biking in Bend, as the location grants you easy access to amazing mountain biking trails. There’s even a bike cleaning station onsite.

Bunk & Brew Historic Lucas House

Bunk & Brew is the only hostel in Bend (as of now!), and it’s a fun place to hang out whether or not you’re a guest. There’s a cool outdoor courtyard with permanent food trucks and a beer stand. There is often live music and an overall fun atmosphere. The hostel itself is inside the historic Lucas House, the first brick home in Bend.

Good to know:  We’d only really recommend staying here if you’re a solo traveler and keen to stay in a dorm, as the private rooms are as expensive (if not more) than hotels in the area.

Campfire Hotel

What used to be a standard motel has been completely remodeled into a trendy yet affordable place to stay. The location, on 3rd Street, is okay. It’s central, yet not as walking-friendly as many other spots on this list. However, this hotel is known for a lively atmosphere , hosting pool parties in the summer, bonfires in the winter, and live music all year. If you want a place to mingle, this is a great choice!

More places to choose from

Still not finding quite what you’re looking for? Here are a few more options, including a more luxurious resort, a chain hotel, and a boutique-style bed and breakfast.

Tethrow Hotel

If you’re searching for a truly luxurious stay in Bend , this is a perfect choice. You’ll feel like you’re surrounded by nature, but in truth, you’re just a short 15-minute drive to town . And if you don’t feel like driving, you’re in luck because there’s a complimentary shuttle that goes to town.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott

If you prefer chain hotels, this would be our pick in Bend. Well-located with many food options within walking distance, and beautifully outfitted, this is a good pick for your stay in Bend.

With a perfect location, this charming bed & breakfast makes an excellent choice. Ben’s parents stayed here and loved the cozy rooms (with lots of character) and they raved about the breakfast!

Camping near Bend

If you’re traveling in a campervan , there are plenty of places to camp near Bend. From parking on Forest Service roads in the Deschutes National Forest to established campgrounds with all the amenities, there are all sorts of options.

Helpful resources:

• Great campgrounds near Bend : we’ve got a whole list ready for you to scour!
• Tips for finding free camping : how to (legally) camp for free (+ helpful apps!)
• Best campervan rentals in Portland : expert tips for the best way to explore Oregon!

Are you planning a trip to Oregon?

Being that Oregon is our home state, we have TONS of content to help you plan your trip. Start with our  Oregon Homepage  and be sure to check out the articles below. Leave us a comment if you have any more questions!

• Don’t miss our favorite  restaurants in Bend Oregon .
• Get a detailed look at the  best hikes near Bend .
• Read up on all the  unique things to do in Portland .
• Keep this list of epic  things to do in Oregon  handy.
• This  Oregon road trip itinerary  makes for an epic vacation around the state. 
• Plan your  Oregon coast road trip  with our insider tips & map.

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We want to hear from you!

Have you been to Bend, Oregon? What was your favorite part of the town? Have questions? Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

Comments (16) on “ 50 Fun Things to do in Bend, Oregon (+LOCAL tips!) ”

This is an amazing guide! These locations in Bend never get old… it really is a paradise for us outdoorsy people! Love living here & being able to experience all of this & support fellow business owners.

We love it too, Miranda! We are stoked about this summer! Can’t wait to explore new spots and head back to our old favorites.

This blog post is a fantastic guide for those looking to explore snowshoeing trails just outside of town. The Swampy Lakes trailhead sounds like a personal favorite and offers a beautiful winter wonderland experience with a fully enclosed shelter complete with a wood-burning stove to keep visitors warm. The advice to bring snacks and a thermos with a hot beverage is a thoughtful suggestion for a cozy and enjoyable experience. Additionally, the reminder to purchase a Sno Park Pass is essential, as it helps fund the maintenance of these beautiful trails. Overall, this post provides excellent information and advice for anyone looking to enjoy a winter adventure.

Thanks for your comment! We love Bend in all seasons and winter is no exception. So much to explore on those snowshoe trails.

Please stop writing about how wonderful Bend is. Think the cost of living is high now… just wait… and please stop exposing local secrets. I quite enjoy the few places left that aren’t packed by tourists. Been here 20 years.

Hi Dev, thanks for the comment. We completely know that Bend has BLOWN UP in recent years and the secret is already out and has been for at least a half a decade. We’re sharing our tips to encourage people to travel responsibly, respect the local community and support local stores.

The place looks so beautiful with so much to do in all seasons. Loved the ideA of floating. Looking forward to visit sometime.

You’re right — Bend is an excellent destination at all times of the year! And floating is a blast! If you definitely want to tube on the river, we’d recommend planning your visit between mid-June and mid-September for the best chance of good weather. (It has to be a pretty hot day since the river is quite cold!) Alternatively, you can rent a SUP on chillier days since you (hopefully!) won’t be getting as wet!

I don’t think I’ve heard of this place before! It looks fantastic to visit if you like to be outdoors and go on hikes, even in the colder weather. The views of the mountains are amazing.

My jaw still drops every time I get a view of the mountains from town. So magical! Thanks Krista!

Skylight cave instantly attracted me the most. I would love to visit it someday. Thanks for sharing such an amazing post.

It’s a super cool cave! You just have to time it right to get the best light.

Wow! I didn’t realize Bend was this beautiful. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to this part of Oregon when I did my road trip last summer. It looks incredible and I also didn’t realize how expensive it was too. The hiking you guys did looked epic! 🙂

Thanks Taylor! If you do get a chance again, we definitely recommend adding Bend to your Oregon road trip!

Hello, how is the restaurant compilation coming along? If there is meant to be a link from this article, I’m not able to access it. Thanks.

Thanks for your patience, Cammie! We just finished our Bend, Oregon restaurant guide.

You can find it here: https://www.twowanderingsoles.com/blog/bend-oregon-restaurants

Happy eating!

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The Ultimate Bend Oregon Itinerary (How To Spend 4 Days In Bend)

Post Summary: The Best 4 Day Bend Oregon Itinerary

Are you already sick of the rain this winter? One of the most common complaints we hear about living in the PNW is the dark and dreary winter months. But that’s actually not the case everywhere!

If you’re looking to escape the rain and gray skies this season, may we introduce you to Bend, Oregon . This adventurous city is located in the PNW’s high desert region, with an average of around 12 inches per year. Bend also has the highest average number of sunny days in the state (sitting at 158!) which makes it a year-round hub for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, biking, cave exploring, and more!

In this post, we’re telling you exactly how to plan your weekend in Bend, Oregon and pack each day with outdoor adventure, yummy food, and lots of amazing views. Let’s get started!

The Ultimate Bend Oregon Itinerary (4 Days of Adventure!)

This post is sponsored by Visit Bend . All images, writing, and opinions are our own!

How To Get To Bend, Oregon

Bend is located in Central Oregon, near the foot of the Cascades mountains on the east side. If you are an Oregon local, chances are that you are coming from big cities like Portland or Eugene to spend a weekend in Bend!

The easiest way to travel to Bend, Oregon is by car , but there is also an airport in Bend if you REALLY need to fly in. The airport is actually in the neighboring town of Redmond, (code RDM) but it’s only 30 miles from downtown Bend.

Here are some travel times if you are coming by car (to account for in your Bend Oregon itinerary):

• Distance From Portland to Bend: 176 miles – 3 hours and 15 minutes.
• Distance From Eugene to Bend: 128 miles – 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Distance From Seattle to Bend: 330 miles – 6 hours 30 minutes

Note: These drives require driving over mountain passes! If you are planning a trip to Bend in winter, make sure to save Oregon’s TripCheck webpage, and put together your own DIY winter car emergency kit .

Where To Stay In Bend Oregon

There are lots of incredible places to stay in Bend in winter. However, if you are seeking lots of outdoor adventure, we suggest staying at the LOGE Camp in Bend ! LOGE’s motto is “Live Outside, Go Explore” and they help you do exactly that.

Bend’s LOGE Camp provides free bike rentals , has Deschutes National Forest trails literally right outside your door, and Mount Bachelor ski resort is less than a 30-minute drive away.

They are also very remote work-friendly too. We found that the lobby cafe had everything we needed for sending off quick emails or getting a little work done before our adventures. There were tons of collaborative tables to sit at, and if the weather was warmer, we could even sit outside on a clear day.

We noticed that LOGE Camp does a great job of fostering community. There are tons of places to gather with your friends all over the grounds to debrief about your full day of exploring outside. From fire pits, covered awnings, and a patio with a hot tub, there’s so much to choose from!

To book a room at LOGE Camp in Bend, click here !

Bend Oregon Itinerary Day 1

On the first day of your Bend weekend itinerary, it’s a good idea to orient yourself . After you check into your accommodations, we suggest spending a bit of time walking around the heart of the city. There are so many things to do in downtown Bend, but we figured it’s best to start out with a walking tour!

Take a Walk of the Deschutes River Trail

Starting off your Bend Oregon itinerary, you need to check out the Deschutes River Trail in the Old Mill Area. This section runs through the heart of downtown on either side of the river, spanning a 2.7-mile loop . It’s paved and perfect for strollers, scooters, and great for children on bikes.

Take the whole family out for a chilly outing, because there are parks, shops, and restaurants along the way to take a break and warm up. It’s one of the best things to do in downtown Bend that’s outside and in the fresh air! Grab a coffee and treats at some nearby Bend, Oregon bakeries (like Jackson’s Corner or Strictly Organic) and take a stroll!

Looking for the bike trail? The biking-specific section of the Deschutes River Trail is an 11-mile trail beginning at the LOGE Camp and ending at Benham Falls Overlook.

Take a Similar Trip: Walk the Greenbelt Trail in Boise, Idaho

Dinner at Bevel Craft Brewing

Bevel Craft Brewing is owned by Nate and Valerie Doss, who are among the best disc golfers in the world! They spent countless hours visiting breweries all over the world on their disc golf tours and collected a wealth of knowledge about the kind of business they wanted to run.

Their hop-centric microbrewery is certainly noteworthy, but we were especially enamored by the space they created. This outdoor oasis consisted of picnic tables, high tables, fire pits, and yes, a mini-disc golf area!

The resident food trucks surrounded the outdoor area and created a vibe that is absolutely perfect for meeting your friends for dinner and beer .

If we lived in the city, we know this would be our go-to Bend brewery!

Bend Oregon Itinerary Day 2

Hike to Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Bend to do any time of year, but it’s especially beautiful in the winter season! Once the first snow falls, the park closes the access road to reach the main parking lot. Therefore, grab your snowshoes or microspikes and get ready for a winter wonderland trail!

The Tumalo Falls via Tumalo Creek Trail is a 6.5-mile round trip from the Skyliner Sno-Park, Make sure to take a Northwest Forest Pass with you, to put on your car’s dashboard. If you are lucky enough to make it all the way to the parking lot, expect to pay a $5 entrance fee at the kiosk.

The trail is widely used in the Oregon winter season , so you can expect snow to be packed down on the trail. It can get slippery, so make sure to wear shoes with good traction, or put on a pair of microspikes to prevent slipping.

Once at the falls, the views are incredible! Stick the lower falls for a view of the cliffs and surrounding forest, or hike up the short trail to see the falls from the top. It’s one of the most iconic things you can add to your Bend Oregon itinerary!

Read More: 15 Incredible Oregon Waterfalls To Explore (+150 Waterfalls in Oregon Bucket List!)

Coffee and Breakfast at Spoken Moto

One of our favorite Bend Oregon coffee shops is hand-down, Spoken Moto !

The ambiance and interior are the perfect blends of industrial and laid-back, perfect for meeting like-minded creatives and makers! Situated in a warehouse building, communal tables and merch are intermixed with vintage motorcycles and bikes. On a nice summer day, you can expect their garage doors to be open, and someone working on or discussing their dope rides!

Another great feature of Spoken Moto is their food truck court right outside! Come during any time of day for some good grub to go along with your coffee. It’s our one-stop-shop to fuel up before another adventurous day exploring Bend.

Are you camping in Bend Oregon? Here are 6 ways to make coffee while camping.

Visit The High Desert Museum

If you’re visiting during the colder months, winter activities in Bend Oregon don’t necessarily have to involve snow! Stay inside, stay warm, and have fun at the High Desert Museum ! Built-in 1982, this 135-acre complex south of Bend has an abundance of ways to learn about the high desert environment in Eastern Oregon and beyond.

From watching playful sea otters to discovering the exploration and settlements of the West, this museum has something for everyone . We personally like to spend time in museums during the first days of our trips. This way, we can learn about the geography of the area, the history of the communities, and educate ourselves on the unique conservation efforts surrounding outdoor activities.

The High Desert Museum has summer hours (9 am-5 pm) and winter hours (10 am-4 pm). General admission is between $14-$17 depending on the time of year you visit.

This is one of the coolest things to do in Bend with kids because they have shows with live animals, a live-action historic village, and lots of interesting exhibits!

Dinner At Wild Rose Thai

According to our readers and followers, one of the most highly recommended restaurants in Bend was dinner at Wild Rose Thai ! You won’t find any Pad Thai here – they specialize in Northern Thai cuisine and encourage you to discover new and unique dishes!

Some of our favorites are the Sweet Sausage Fried Rice, Kabocha Curry, and Sukiyaki. It was a perfect blend of flavors from creamy coconut milk to spicy chili, and lots of yummy noodles. This place is quite popular, especially on the weekend. We highly recommend that you make a reservation to secure your table in advance!

Bend Oregon Itinerary Day 3

Hike Around Smith Rock State Park

What’s a Bend Oregon itinerary without a stop at Smith Rock State Park ?

If you like a good mix of hiking, climbing, photography, and simply some good ‘ole exploring, you’ve gotta visit!

Take the short but VERY steep Misery Ridge trail to the top for some epic view. For a more meandering stroll, check out the 2.8-mile Wolf Tree Trail , which leads you through a quieter section of the gorge.

Keep your eyes peeled for river otters or herons in this deep canyon!

Is Smith Rock too crowded for your liking? Take the alternative route to Gray Butte Trail . It’s to the far west of Smith Rock, and on USFS/BLM land. It provides great views of the park’s iconic peaks, without the traditional masses of hikers.

Hiking around Smith Rock State Park is one of the most popular things to do in Bend, Oregon ! To explore with fewer crowds, we recommend coming in the morning, or if you can, visit on weekdays.

Breakfast At The Sparrow Bakery

No trip to Central Oregon is complete without trying The Sparrow Bakery’s famous Ocean Rolls ! Stop by this iconic Bend Oregon bakery for some made-from-scratch pastries, delicious meals, and good company. This is a great place to meet friends for brunch before your next big adventure.

Take an Adventure With Wanderlust Tours

Wanderlust Tours is a company in Bend that takes explorers on half-day journeys in Bend, Sunriver, Sisters, and surrounding areas. From snowshoeing near Mt Bachelor in the winter to canoe paddling along the Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway in the summer, there’s an adventure waiting for practically everyone !

Their naturalist-led tours are incredibly informative, and you return from your trip having deep knowledge and respect of the area. We were lucky to join them for a cave tour during our 4 days in Bend, Oregon! (More on that below.)

Wanderlust Tours does a great job of offering a variety of adventures and we already have a shortlist of ones we want to book when we create another Bend Oregon itinerary. On our list next is the Prohibition Tour (where they tour cave locations that were used to illegally distill alcohol in the caves!) and a Cascade Lakes canoe tour in the summertime.

Explore Boyd Cave

During our Bend weekend itinerary, we explored Boyd Cave with Wanderlust Tours. Boyd Cave is one of the few public Bend, Oregon caves that anyone can explore free of charge and without a permit!

We highly recommend either booking a trip with Wanderlust or planning your own adventure. Either way, make sure to bring a helmet, 2-3 sources of light, and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty! The cave eventually gets too small for humans to pass through, but you can spend a good two hours exploring the cave and reaching the end.

Be prepared for a bit of climbing around big rocks, and banging your head on narrow rocks jutting out from the ceiling. (Hence, the helmet suggestion) It’s a great time, and an excellent spot to take photos as well!

Note: Because this is a public cave, there is a much higher chance of spotting trash, cans, and graffiti. If you want to volunteer your time, Wanderlust Tours runs cave cleanups , where you help keep them free of trash and get to explore the cave at the same time! Inquire with the Wanderlust team about how you can get involved with these efforts to keep Bend caves clean and accessible. 🙂

Other Bend Oregon caves to explore: (check to see if your desired cave requires special entry permission!)

• Redmond Caves
• Hidden Forest Cave
• Skeleton Cave

Plan Some Stops Along The Bend Ale Trail

If you love beer, you’re going to LOVE Bend! One of the most fun things to do in Bend is planning some stops along the Bend Ale Trail .

The Bend Ale Trail is an at-your-own pace beer tour, showcasing the best brewers and craft beers in the city. You can download the app to track your progress or pick up a physical passport book at the Bend Visitors Center .

Make sure to download a Bend Oregon breweries map too before you go. (And have a designated driver of course!)

Some suggestions to enjoy the libations in the city:

• Go to BrewFest in May (The Bend Oregon beer festival)
• Take a brewery tour – like the Deschutes Brewery Bend Tasting Room
• Try the tasting room at Crux Fermentation Project

Bend Oregon Itinerary Day 4

Grab Coffee at Lone Pine Roaster

One of the best Bend Oregon coffee roasters (in our humble opinion) is Lone Pine Coffee Roasters. We met someone during our weekend trip and they recommended the downtown Bend location, and we couldn’t get enough of it!

Lone Pine Roaster’s Downtown location is incredibly beautiful, with plants atop practically every counter, shelf, and floor space! It felt like a little green oasis in the middle of town. This is a great spot to visit with friends, with lots of conversation corners and cozy seating.

Visit Steelhead Falls

Looking for an Oregon waterfall hike with a little bit fewer crowds than Tumalo Falls? Might we suggest the short and sweet hike to Steelhead Falls ! It’s located along the Deschutes River, on land owned by the Bureau of Land Management. The trail to Steelhead Falls is only a half-mile from the parking lot, making it a great trail for kids or a quick stop to stretch your legs after a long drive.

This is also a great outdoor activity for a number of reasons. If you’re looking for free Bend, Oregon campsites , this is an excellent spot for an overnight stay! Campsites are first-come-first-serve, open all year round, AND pets are allowed! Great views, free stay, and you can bring Rover? We know we’re camping in Bend next time we visit!

More Outdoor Activities In Bend Oregon

Looking for more things to do in Bend, Oregon ? If you have a few more days to spare (say, you’re planning 1 week in Bend, Oregon!) here are some unique things to do in the area: (including day trips from Bend!)

• Explore Newberry National Volcanic Monument
• Drive the Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway
• Oregon Badlands
• Hike Pilot Butte in the city
• Visit Paulina Lake and Paulina Hot Springs
• Looking for things to do in Bend in winter? Head up to Mount Bachelor. From backcountry skiing in Bend Oregon to the Snowblast Tubing hill there’s a snow activity for everyone!

Looking for more amazing food in Bend, Oregon?

Here are some delicious places to check out and add to your Bend Oregon itinerary:

Great Restaurants in Downtown Bend :

• 900 Wall (Downtown Bend)
• Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails
• Anthony’s PNW Cuisine (Located in the Old Mill District)
• Miyagi Ramen

Incredible Coffee Shops In Bend :

• Spoken Moto
• Lone Pine Coffee Roasters
• Thump Coffee
• Looney Bean Bend
• Wild Roots Coffee House

*Snapshot* 4 Day Bend Oregon Itinerary

Here is a sample Bend Oregon itinerary to get you started dreaming up the perfect weekend getaway!

• Check into your Hotel
• Deschutes River Trail
• Brewery Dinner at Bevel Craft Brewing
• Tumalo Falls Sunrise Hike
• Breakfast and Coffee at Spoken Moto
• High Desert Museum
• Lunch At Miyagi Ramen
• Dinner at Wild Rose
• Hike around Smith Rock State Park
• Breakfast at Sparrow Bakery
• Go on an adventure with Wanderlust Tours
• Visit Crux Brewery For Dinner (or any Bend, Oregon breweries!)
• Visit Steelhead Falls for Sunrise
• Grab Coffee and Breakfast at Lone Pine Roasters

What are some of your favorite ways to spend 4 days in Bend? Share them in the comments below to add to our Bend Oregon itinerary!

More central / eastern oregon adventures.

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10 Natural Oregon Hot Springs To Soothe Your Soul

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The Perfect Eastern Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

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What To Do in Bend Oregon – A Local’s Guide

Welcome to my new travel series where local’s share their tips and advice about their hometowns. In this guide, you’ll learn what to see, where to eat and drink, what to buy and all the information needed to make your holidays unforgettable.

On this post, Rand shares his top things to do in Bend, Oregon.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Bend, Oregon

For anyone who loves to venture outdoors, Bend is paradise. The town is not too big, making it easy to escape to the ski slopes or trails, yet it offers just the right mix of dining, entertainment, and accommodation options. Situated on the Eastern flanks of the Cascade Range in Oregon, the small town benefits because most of the storm fronts stay in the mountains, making it a very sunny place (some claim it has 300 days of sunshine per year). As a Bend Native, I love exploring the mountains and all the outdoor activities the Bend area has to offer. If you want to learn more about Bend and beyond you can find more on my blog Well Traveled Mile .

Top 5 things to do in Bend

• Get outdoors – nestled at the base of the Cascade Range, Bend’s location is the perfect playground for active outdoor adventures. You’ll find great opportunities for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, paddling the river, or just downright relaxing outdoors.
• Visit the High Desert Museum – Great for both kids and adults alike, the High Desert Museum has great displays covering both the history and natural ecosystems around Central Oregon. Be sure not to miss the Autzen Otter Exhibit where you can watch otters playing and swimming.
• Explore Lava River Cave – The perfect way to explore the geological history of the area is to visit the Lava River Cave Interpretive Site . There is a worthwhile interpretive trail and a top highlight is to venture down into an old lava tubes.
• Ski or Snowboard Mt Bachelor – In just 30 minutes you can reach the Mt Bachelor ski area. The mountain features everything from mellow rolling terrain for beginners to steep chutes for well-seasoned skiers.
• Try the local beer – Bend has over 28 breweries making it a beer lovers paradise. A great way to taste them in on the Bend Ale Trail that takes you on a journey to various breweries.

Two off the beaten path things to do in Bend

Although Bend is a tourist hotspot in the Pacific Northwest, there are plenty of places to explore off the beaten path.

• Located in the Central Oregon outback, the Arnold Ice Cave may be hard to find, but then again that’s probably why it’s off the beaten path. As the name suggests, this cave is full of ice, which makes it a great adventure on a hot summer day.
• At the Peterson Rock Garden you’ll find terraces, bridges and replicas of historic structures constructed out of local colorful rocks.

Top 3 restaurants to eat in Bend

• Luxury – For the best fine dining experience, Ariana is hard to beat. The menu changes throughout the season and food is always top-notch.
• Mid Range – Spork offers a funky and unique take on many cuisines. The menu offers anything from West African peanut curry, delicious tacos, to Thai steak salad.
• Budget – The Parrilla Grill has been a favorite for feeding the hungry after a long day on the slopes or trail. Plus, it never gets boring here with a variety of burrito options.

Top 3 bars to drink in Bend

• Velvet – Chill and relaxed with extreme skiing and mountain biking videos playing on the wall-mounted TV’s. This place is one of the hippest spots in town.
• Sip Wine Bar – Wine lovers rejoice, Sip Wine Bar is a down to earth, relaxed place to try out a great selection of wines from the region.
• 10 Barrel Brewing – One of the most popular breweries in Bend. You’ll find a selection of over 10 beers on tap and a great outdoor seating area with a fire pit.

The best area to stay in Bend

Bend is pretty small, so you don’t have to worry about being too far from the action no matter the area you stay in. However, if you are there for skiing and mountain biking the best area is on the West side of town where you’ll be closer to the trails and ski area.

There are tons of great vacation rentals in the area, which gives you the freedom to relax and unwind in a home-like atmosphere after an adventurous day.

Traditional dishes to try in Bend

There are no traditional dishes, per say, to try in Bend. Pacific Northwest cuisine is fresh and varied with the season. Be sure to try wild salmon or seafood from the Oregon Coast that is brought over fresh almost daily.

The best way to get around Bend

Bend is small, you can easily walk around the center and get anywhere in town quickly by bike. For venturing farther for outdoor activities you’ll want to have a car.

The best spot to see Bend from above

Pilot Butte offers a great way to see Bend from above. You can either drive or walk to the top of this small extinct volcano to get prime views of both Bend, as well as the Cascade Range.

The best souvenirs to buy from Bend

Beer! With hundreds of local beers to choose from, you’re sure to find one that you like. Plus, the unique selection of beers found in the regions make them a great present for beer lovers.

The best day trips from Bend

A great way to spend the day is to drive the Cascade Lakes Highway. Leaving bend you’ll quickly climb up to the Mt Bachelor ski area and continue along the highway where you will find many roadside lakes and great views of the Three Sisters and Broken Top mountains.

Check out this Oregon road trip post for more things to do in the area.

Tourist traps to avoid in Bend

Don’t worry, there are none here! If I were to think of one…it’s probably the city itself. Once you visit, you probably won’t want to leave!

Rand Shoaf is an avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast. With his travels taking him to over 42 countries, he’s always seeking off-the-grid outdoor trips with the right gear. You can read his gear advice and follow his adventures at the Well Traveled Mile , on Facebook and Instagram

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Home » Blog » Ultimate Guide to Visiting Bend, Oregon in the Spring

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Bend, Oregon in the Spring

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our Disclosure Policy  for details.

Planning your first trip to Bend? 

We’ve got you covered! In this ultimate guide to visiting Bend, Oregon, we’ll go over all of our top recommendations on what to see, do, hike, and more during the Spring and Summer months. Bend is an up and coming city in central Oregon known for its incredible array of outdoor adventure activities and its popular micro-brewery scene. We’d recommend any nature lover to add Bend to their future travel itineraries! 

Disclaimer : This blog post is in collaboration with Visit Bend . Some parts of the article also feature affiliate links, which means we get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways we can keep producing free guides and resources for our readers. Thank you for the support!

What to Pack for Spring Time Weather in Bend

Springtime in Bend can make for unpredictable weather. Over Memorial Day weekend in 2021, people were out tubing down the river in 80 degree heat; whereas in 2022, it was raining and hailing on and off all weekend. 

That being said, make sure to pack for all kinds of weather! As the saying goes, there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing. We’d recommend bringing a variety of warm base layers, a waterproof rain jacket, and cold weather accessories including gloves and beanies. Our biggest piece of advice is to make sure you check the weather forecast before making your way into Bend when packing. 

If you’re looking to do any hiking up in the mountains, plan on snow still being up there, so make sure to pack your crampons, snowshoes, and/or microspikes. You can also rent snowshoes in town if you don’t want to bring your own. 

As always, if you are planning on heading outdoors for an adventure around Bend, pack the 10 Essentials in your daypack. For more on our favorite things to pack, check out our full gear guide here .

Best Places to Stay in Bend

During our trip to Bend, we made our home base at Loge Camps . It’s located right outside of downtown Bend and is a perfect location for those wanting to spend a lot of time up in the mountains. There are food trucks outside and it’s conveniently located next to Cog Wild if you are planning on doing a lot of mountain biking. 

There’s even a hammock that hangs up in the middle of the room, as well as a Yeti Cooler and bike racks as other amenities to take advantage of. It’s also pet friendly too – in fact, Bend is one of the most pet friendly cities in the USA!

Other great lodging options nearby: 

• Oxford Hotel
• Springhill Suites
• Riverhouse on the Deschutes
• Campfire Hotel

Best Guided Activities to Do in Bend

Whether you want to get out on the rivers, head up into the mountains, or explore through the forests, Bend has an exciting adventure for everyone. Here are our top recommendations for guided activities around the Bend area.

White Water Rafting with Sun Country

This was probably our favorite thing we did while we were in Bend! We had never gone white water rafting before and the folks at Sun Country tours were so much fun. Once you meet at their office, they’ll shuttle you on over to the river where you’ll be rafting. 

The tour we did lasted about two hours and we made our way through an array of Class 2 and 3 rapids. Whether you’re totally new to rafting or very experienced, you’re bound to have a blast going out with Sun Country. Our guide Evan was such a hoot and we can’t recommend booking with these guys enough. 

Book Your White Water Rafting Adventure Here  

Go Mountain Biking with Cog Wild

Both Stephen and I have never been mountain biking before this trip, although we have plenty of experience biking on the road. 

Our guide Pia made us feel super comfortable the whole ride and took us around to see some of the best views along the trails. She’s so knowledgeable and worked with the company for 13 years so we felt well trained and safe heading out on the trails with her. 

It’s basically impossible to not have a smile on your face while you are biking through these gorgeous forests around Bend. This is a great activity for all experience levels, and for families traveling with kids!

You can either take a guided ride with one of the amazing bikers at Cog Wild, or you can take advantage of their shuttle service where you can get dropped off and bike back to their base camp without any hassle. They also have bike and helmet rentals available during your tour. 

Go for an Epic Bike Ride with Cog Wild

Kayaking or Canoeing with Wanderlust Tours

One of the best ways to experience Bend, Oregon in the spring time is by heading out on the water via a kayak or canoe! 

Now, depending on the snow levels, you might not be able to do the incredible Starlight Canoe Tour that Wanderlust Tours offers; however, they have a super fun kayaking tour along the Deschutes River that operates in the spring at a lower elevation level that is accessible. 

Kayak past some gorgeous plains and lush ecosystems next to the Deschutes Bike Trail. If you’re lucky, you can encounter some incredible wildlife as well! We were able to see some ospreys.

Our favorite part of the tour afterwards was when we headed over to a local waterfall and went to enjoy the views with some brews. Our guide Chris was equally knowledgeable in kayaking and wildlife as he was in local microbreweries! We got to sample 4 different local beers before heading back into town. 

Book your Brews & Views Kayaking Tour here

Best Hikes & Waterfalls in Bend

Before getting into all of our favorite hikes around Bend, Oregon, make sure to touch up on the Leave No Trace principles . Make sure to pack out your trash, stay on trails, and respect the wildlife. 

We highly recommend investing in the Northwest Forest Passes or Interagency Passes to save you money throughout your recreating in Oregon.

Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls is the beloved gem of the Deschutes National Forest. In order to visit, you do need a forest service pass for Oregon, or you can pay $5/per vehicle at the parking lot. You can either see the falls from its lookout next to the parking lot, or you can continue on up a short side trail uphill to the overlook at the top of Tumalo falls. 

There’s also a separate mountain biking trail that starts next to the short hiking trail if you want to bike around this area. 

Since it is such a beautiful view and a short walk to see the falls, the parking lot fills up early and can often remain at overflow capacity on busy days. So just keep that in mind when you are planning your visit here!

Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park is home to some of the best hiking and rock climbing in all of central Oregon. We’d recommend visiting for sunrise or sunset when the crowds aren’t as busy. This is another spot where there is a recreation fee. 

Our favorite trail here was the Misery Ridge Trail. Before hiking, make sure to spend some time at the bottom of the trail as some of the best views are actually looking up at the ridge. This is more of an intermediate to advanced trail but it comes with some of the best views in the whole state park. 

Another great option is the Canyon Trail down to the River Trail or Wolf Tree Trail. This is also a beautiful option if you are looking for a hike with gorgeous views without the crazy elevation gain that comes with Misery Ridge. 

Pilot Butte

Pilot Butte is the best sunset hike inside the city of Bend. It offers full circle views of the town, with the famous sisters mountains off in the distance on a clear day, as well as views for miles of the old volcanic craters surrounding the city. 

Note: the parking lot has a strict time you have to exit by. Don’t stay past this time or you can get a ticket and your car will be locked in the parking lot. 

Newberry Volcanic National Monument

If you’re looking to explore Bend’s volcanic history, there is no better place to visit than the Newberry Volcanic National Monument. 

Do note that parking at the Lava Lands Visitor Center requires a $5/vehicle payment or a valid recreation pass. Here are some of our favorite attractions within the monument:

Lava Butte is probably the most popular thing to do in Newberry Volcanic National Monument in Oregon. However, it does now require timed entry passes in order to be able to get up to the top of the Butte in the spring. Once it hits peak season in the summer, you’ll only be able to access the Butte via shuttle. 

Once you’re at the top, enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the old lava flow that once flowed through Bend and the surrounding area. You can walk around the full rim of the crater in a pretty short amount of time. We’d allot 10-20 minutes to experience the whole thing. 

Explore Oregon’s longest lava tube at the Newberry Volcanic National Monument. The Lava River Cave is one of the most popular attractions in this state park and for good reason. You can hike one mile into the tube after you head down about 55 stairs. Make sure to bring a headlamp or a light to guide your way through the cave. 

We’d recommend bringing layers with you as you hike since the cave remains pretty cold year round, as well as wear closed-toed hiking shoes to protect your feet. 

Make sure to keep an eye out for the bats that reside in the cave as well!

Benham Falls

Benham Falls is a fairly easy 1.5 mile round trip hike to a gorgeous waterfall along the Deschutes River in central Oregon. There are two different ways you can do this route as there are two different parking lots on opposite sides of the river. We opted to park on the East Side and hike to the overlook on the West Side. 

This rapids section is actually a Class 5 rated area for kayakers and rafters as they’re pretty dangerous, but it is stunning to look at from the overlook. 

Koosah Falls & Sahalie Falls

If you make your way out past Bend and Sisters, Oregon, you’ll eventually hit Koosah and Sahalie Falls after about an hour or so. These waterfalls are stunning and are right down the road from each other. Our personal favorite of the two was Sahalie Falls – we were able to see a rainbow over the falls and it really reminded us of the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park . 

This is another one of the spots that can get incredibly crowded in the parking lot, so make sure to get there early. If you can’t find parking in Koosah Falls, try going down to Sahalie first! 

Tamolitch Blue Pools

Tamolitch Blue Pool was an incredible 4 mile round trip hike about an hour and a half outside of Bend. Even in the shoulder season, this hike is still incredibly popular. If you arrive anytime after 9am, expect no parking to be available and for the trail to be pretty crowded. 

We opted to hike this trail starting around 7am and had it completely to ourselves right after the sunrise until we were back at the trailhead. 

Make sure to have the trail data downloaded ahead of time since you don’t get any service out in this area. Also, we wouldn’t recommend jumping in the water here as it stays a ripe 38 degrees year round and people have died from hypothermia. 

It’s absolutely beautiful from above and makes for incredible photos with how blue the water is! Stay safe and enjoy!

Proxy Falls

Proxy Falls is the farthest hike we did from our home base in Bend, but it is definitely worth a spot on your itinerary when visiting the area. The hike leads to a beautiful cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and the best kind of PNW vibes straight out of Twilight. 

It’s a simple one mile loop hike out in the forest, but make sure to note that there are often road closures up here during the spring. We were able to see it on the first day that the highway had opened over Memorial Day weekend and there was no snow blocking any portion of the road. You can check road conditions on the Willamette website here .

Best Restaurants & Breweries in Bend

One of the most popular things to do in Bend, Oregon in the spring is the The Bend Ale Trail Craft Beer Tour. Bend is known for having one of the highest ratios of microbreweries per capita in the whole USA.

Our Favorite Breweries in Bend

10 barrel brewing.

This is definitely the most popping spot in town that we went to. Locals and visitors alike love coming here for their wide variety on tap and their nice array of bar food. It gets pretty chilly outside, but they do have quite a few fire pit seats available. 

The Good Life 

Our favorite beer here was the Beach Life Pineapple Ale. This spot had some delicious food – from their tacos, to sandwiches, to mac n cheese grilled cheese. Overall great vibes, great food and beer, and great service.

Crux Fermentation

The vibes at Crux Fermentation were immaculate. Not only are there incredible food trucks like our favorite, El Sancho Tacos, outside, but there’s a fire pit, lots of space outside to enjoy, and a ton of space inside for when it’s cold as well. We would say if you only had time for one brewery in Bend, this would be our top choice. 

We had a private tour of the facility with our new friend Jason, who showed us all around the tanks and gave us a fantastic tasting. The sours here are incredible, Stephen loved the Hazy IPAs, and the beer that we ended up both loving the most (which rarely happens with our different palettes) was the Tangy Boomerang, a creamsicle sour.

Overall, we hope you enjoyed this ultimate guide to visiting Bend, Oregon! If you’re an adventure and/or beer lover you should definitely add Bend to your travel bucket list. For more information on planning your trip to Bend, check out Visit Bend’s website for more resources. 

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Jetsetting Fools

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30 Best Things To Do in Bend, Oregon

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Soaring mountains, rushing rivers, and a quaint downtown featuring a multitude of craft breweries make Bend, Oregon a marvelous destination! The natural playground is highlighted by an interesting history – and visitors are spoiled for choice of exciting and fun things to do in Bend, Oregon. 

When we planned a weekend in Bend, OR, we wanted to pack our trip with the top attractions and experiences. We sought out the best places to visit in Bend – and discovered a few lesser-known Bend tourist attractions, too.

Things To Do in Bend, Oregon FAQs

We have created a long list of fabulous things to do in Bend, Oregon – but first, we want to answer a few of the most frequently asked questions.

Where is Bend, Oregon?

Located in Central Oregon just to the east of the Cascade Mountains, Bend sits in the center of the state. Surrounded by mountains, forests and wilderness, central Bend is nestled along Mirror Pond and the Deschutes River.

We share a map below and discuss how to get to Bend at the end of the article.

What is Bend, Oregon Known For?

Are you wondering, What is Bend Famous For? When searching for things to do around Bend it becomes clear that the area is known for the great outdoors and some of Oregon’s best craft beer.

Bend, Oregon Outdoor Activities

There is no doubt that the top activities in Bend are outdoor adventures. Bend basks in about 300 days of sunshine a year and is drenched in outstanding natural beauty. From skiing to rock climbing to floating down the river, nature enthusiasts (and scenery junkies) can partake in an array of outdoor adventures in Bend, OR.

Craft Breweries in Bend, Oregon

Equally astounding as the landscape is the incredible number of craft breweries in Bend, OR. The beer town proudly proclaims 22 craft brewers and ranks as one of the highest Brewery-per-Capita cities in the USA. Visitors can find their way to the breweries on the popular Ale Trail: Bend, OR (which we discuss in detail later).

Are there Free Things To Do in Bend, OR?

If you are traveling on a budget then you may be wondering, What is there to do in Bend, Oregon for free? The answer is, there are many free Bend things to do!

We feature top free Bend, OR activities throughout our list.

Are there Kid-Friendly Bend, OR Things To Do?

Absolutely! As a family-friendly destination and there are ample things for kids to do in Bend. While our list is not specifically geared toward kids, we feature family attractions throughout.

What To Do Near Bend, Oregon?

A common question is not only What is there to do in Bend, Oregon? – but What is there to do around Bend?

While the Bend downtown district is 100% worth checking out, the nature surrounding Bend is incredible! In fact, the natural landscapes and sights are often a highlight of Bend, Oregon trips.

Therefore, our list of the Best Bend, OR Things To Do features not only town center attractions, but nearby nature, hikes, sights and adventures, as well.

How Many Days in Bend, Oregon?

Deciding how many days to spend in Bend will depend on your interests and budget. We could easily spend a week in Bend hiking the trails, sampling craft beer and floating the river. That said, we think 3 days in Bend is just enough time to see the top sights and explore the region.

To help fellow travelers plan a weekend in Bend, Oregon, we share a 3-Day Bend Itinerary at the end of the post.

Planning a Weekend Trip to Bend, OR

There is so much more to planning a trip to Bend for the weekend than determining what to do. Travelers are also tasked with figuring out how to get there, where to stay and what to eat – and we cover it all!

Additionally, if your trip to Bend is part of a longer Oregon trip, then our other articles will be helpful in your overall vacation planning.

Still figuring out where to go and what to see in Oregon? Use our guide to the Best Things To Do in Oregon .

Planning on staying in Portland for a few days? Find out how to Spend 3 Days in Portland and tips on seeing the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls .

Want to take a road trip adventure? Get all the details for Planning an Oregon Coast Road Trip – including What To Do in Florence, OR and where to find amazing Central Oregon Hikes .

As you begin making reservations and plans, organization is key! Be sure to stay on top of all the important travel details with a travel planner – like our Printable Travel Planner .

30 Things To Do in Bend, Oregon

Our list of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon features top attractions and activities. We’ve done the research so that you can plan your trip to Bend, Oregon with ease. We also wrap it all up in a Bend Weekend Itinerary – plus a few essential packing tips.

Pin, Save or Bookmark our Bend Travel Guide for planning your vacation to Oregon !

#1 Explore Downtown Bend on Foot

The small, historic center of Bend is a fabulous place to explore. Fashionable shops and local eateries occupy the well-preserved buildings along Bond and Wall Streets, enticing visitors to slow down to savor the charm of small town Bend.

Simply wandering is one of the best things to do in Downtown Bend, Oregon, but travelers who want to take their exploration up a notch can opt to go on a city scavenger hunt . 

Pro Tip : Looking for free things to do in Bend, Oregon? We recommend going on your own historical walking tour !

#2 Relax at Drake Park and Mirror Pond

Without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Bend is to kick back and relax at Drake Park. The city-center park fronts the picturesque Mirror Pond, which was created in the early 1900s when the Deschutes River was dammed.

The park hosts top Bend events throughout the year – and is a lovely locale for a leisurely stroll along the water or for a picnic lunch.

Pro Tip : The biggest event of the year at Drake Park is the annual Old Fashioned July 4th Festival, which includes a pet parade, art walk and of course, fireworks!

#3 Drink a Pint of Craft Beer on the Ale Trail Bend

As we already mentioned, one of the top Bend, Oregon things to do is hoist a pint of beer at a local brewery. Visiting the breweries – which are practically tourist attractions in Bend, Oregon – is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Beer aficionados can obtain an official Bend Ale Trail Map from any of the city’s brewers – and we share our favorite Bend breweries to visit later in the article. 

#4 Hike to Tamolitch Falls Blue Pool

Hiking to the Blue Pool (formally known as Tamolitch Falls) is one of the best things to do near Bend, Oregon. An astounding natural site, the turquoise pool is fed by an underground river, which seeps up through lava rocks.

The trail to the Blue Pool, rated easy-to-moderate, is a 4.5-mile roundtrip trek that follows the McKenzie River through dense forest and over rocky terrain. Hikers can trek from the cliff’s rim down to the water to take a dip – but the average water temperature is a chilly 37 degrees!

Pro Tip : The McKenzie River Trailhead to the Blue Pool is about a 1.5-hour drive from Bend. MAP. The route passes through the cute town of Sisters, which makes for a fun stop along the way!

#5 Stand in Awe at Sahalie Falls

Another one of the highly rated things to do around Bend, Oregon is to take in the sight of Sahalie Falls. The 100-foot plunging waterfall is a powerful, mist-producing cascade – and there is no hike required.

Getting to Sahalie Falls is simple; the parking lot is located just off Highway 126 (not far from the McKenzie River Trailhead – MAP ) – and it’s just a short walk to the viewing platform.

That said, there is an easy 2.5-mile looping trail that connects Sahalie Falls to a second, smaller waterfall, Koosah Falls.

Pro Tip : Up for a longer hike? The McKenzie River Trail connects Tamolitch Falls Blue Pool, Carmen Reservoir, Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls for a 10-mile roundtrip trek.

#6 Spend a Day at Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park ( MAP ) is almost otherworldly – and visiting the park is definitely one of the fun things to do in Bend, Oregon. The High Desert park features deep canyons, towering cliffs and exceptional rock formations.

World-renowned for rock climbing, other activities at Smith Rock State Park are hiking, biking and wildlife watching.

Of the many hiking trails, the steeply inclined Misery Ridge Trail is the most popular and the most challenging. As we were up for a less strenuous hike, we wound our way through on the Homestead and River trails. Use this park map to plan your visit to Smith Rock! 

Want someone else to lead the way? Join a Central Oregon guided tour from Bend that includes hiking at Smith Rock State Park and visiting the artsy western town of Sisters. 

Pro Tip : There is a parking fee at Smith Rock State Park, but day passes can be purchased from the machines in the parking lot for $5.

#7 Stretch Your Legs on the Deschutes River Walk

The Deschutes River Trail extends several miles through Bend along both banks of the Deschutes River. Completing one – or more – sections of the trail is one of the fantastic things to do in Bend, OR.

We accessed the River Walk from Riverbend Park ( MAP ), where the trail travels south 1.5 miles to a footbridge. The pleasant walk features a wide, flat path and ample photo ops of the surrounding nature.

Pro Tip : The Deschutes River Walk – or Bend River Walk, as it is sometimes called – is one of the great things to do in Bend with kids, too! Along the path, there are playgrounds, interesting informational plaques and a few spots where you can dip your toes in the water.

#8 Enjoy a Picnic at a Riverside Park

The meandering Deschutes River flows north, curving through Bend on its way to the Columbia River. While the riverside trails are great for exploring the length of the riverbanks in Bend, the riverside parks are ideal for a relaxing picnic lunch. In fact, we think it is one of the best things to do in Bend, OR.

South of the city center are two lush Bend parks – Miller’s Landing Park and McKay Park – on opposite banks of the river. The green spaces are perfect for watching tubers, surfers and kayakers take on the river rapids.

Better yet, the independent Oregon grocer, Market of Choice, offers a range of ready-made meals – as well as a bountiful salad bar, sushi and other prepared foods – and is just a 10-minute walk from the riverside park.

Pro Tip : Wondering what to do in Bend, Oregon with kids? The nearby Harmon Park and Columbia Park are two riverside parks that have playgrounds. The fun play structures resemble boats!

#9 Take in the Views from Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint

Far and away, one of the unique things to do in Bend, Oregon is to drive (or hike) to the summit of an extinct volcano, Pilot Butte, that sits just 2 miles from downtown Bend ( MAP ).

The cinder cone rises 480 feet, delivering exceptional 360-degree views of the surrounding high desert terrain. The most impressive view is to the west of Bend, where the snowcapped Cascade Mountains pierce the sky.

Pro Tip : If you make the hike up, use this Pilot Butte informational park brochure ! 

#10 Learn about the Past at the Deschutes Historical Museum

Learning about the history of the city is one of the top things to do in Bend, Oregon.

Right in the city center, the Deschutes Historical Museum offers visitors the chance to learn about fascinating history of the High Desert. The permanent exhibits cover a range of topics – from Native American history to logging – and there are engaging rotating exhibits, as well.

There is a small fee to enter the museum. Find more information on the official website .

Pro Tip : In the summertime, the museum hosts an Antique Fair that is free to attend!

#11 Drive Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

One of the most serene and beautiful Bend things to do is to take a drive on the Cascades Lake Scenic Byway.

The 66-mile scenic byway climbs out of Bend toward Mount Bachelor, then hooks south around the iconic Cascade Mountain peak through the stunning Land of Lakes and impressive lava fields.

In addition to some of the most outstanding scenery in Oregon, the lakes and streams offer incredible opportunities for fishing and boating.

Pro Tip : Consider packing a picnic lunch for your Cascade scenic drive and enjoy your meal with a view. Lava Lake has a few picnic tables and a supreme view of Mount Bachelor, South Sister and Broken Top Mountain.

#12 Listen to the Central Oregon Symphony

A community-based orchestra, the Central Oregon Symphony has been entertaining crowds since 1967. They offer a variety of musical programs and concerts throughout the year – and they don’t charge for tickets. Attending a Central Oregon Symphony performance is one of the top free things to do in Bend, Oregon at night!

Pro Tip : Find a program schedule and learn where to get the free tickets on their website .

#13 Go See Salt Creek Falls

The thundering Salt Creek Falls is a 268-foot streaming waterfall – and seeing it ranks as one of the top things to do near Bend.

Nestled in the Willamette National Forest, Salt Creek Falls is the second-longest single-drop waterfall in the state of Oregon (after the famous Columbia River Gorge Multnomah Falls near Portland ).

The Salt Creek Waterfall viewing platform is just a short walk from the parking lot ($5 cash fee) and is wheelchair accessible. Adventurous hikers can continue down a steep set of stairs to the bottom of Salt Creek.

Pro Tip : Salt Creek Falls is located right off Highway 58 – and is not too far from the southern end of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. MAP . 

#14 Ski Down Mt Bachelor in Winter

One of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon on a winter vacation (and the spring, for that matter!) is to go snowboarding and skiing at Mount Bachelor.

The Mount Bachelor Ski Resort is one of the largest in America with 4,300 skiable acres and more than 120 unique runs. Both novice and experienced skiers are sure to find a run they can enjoy at the Mt Bachelor Ski Resort.

Pro Tip : Looking for more things to do in Bend in winter? Other Bend winter activities include snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating and even fat tire biking.

#15 Float the Deschutes River in Bend in Summer

When summertime comes around, so does one of the best activities in Bend, Oregon: Floating the Deschutes River.

There is, perhaps, no better way to relax, cool off and enjoy the scenic landscapes than from a tube in the Deschutes River. Rentals and transportation are available – so all you need is your swimsuit , some sunscreen and your water shoes !

Floating is just one of the many activities to do in Bend, Oregon on the river. Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding are other fun things to do in Bend during the summer.

Pro Tip : Want a more intense river adventure? Check out the Bend Whitewater Park where you can surf the Deschutes River!

#16 Go on an ATV Adventure in the Bend Badlands

Get off the beaten path and behind the wheel of an ATV for an adventure through the Bend Badlands!

There is no question that exploring the Badlands is one of the fun things to do in Bend – and it is even more exciting in an ATV. The guides – who give excellent pre-trip instruction – tailor the tours to each group. Find out more about the thrilling ATV tour .

Pro Tip: An ATV is just one way to see the expansive Oregon Badlands Wilderness. This unique Oregon geological area can also be experienced on foot or by horseback.

#17 Gaze into the Gorge at Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint

Disguised as a rest stop on Route 97 north of Bend, the Peter Skene Ogden Scenic Viewpoint is actually one of the really cool things to do around Bend, OR.

The 300-foot-deep gorge was carved by the Crooked River and is backdropped by the Cascade Mountains, creating a breathtaking scene. The basalt canyon is crossed by three bridges (one of which you can walk onto for fabulous views) and features a few informational plaques.

Pro Tip : During the summer in Oregon, visitors can get an adrenaline rush when the scenic viewpoint transforms into one of the fun Bend attractions: a bungee jumping site.

#18 Eat and Shop in the Bend Old Mill District

The revitalized Old Mill District is a hub of entertainment – and shopping, eating and playing in the Old Mill District are top things to do in Bend, Oregon.

The site is marked by the three rising smokestacks that were part of the riverside lumber mills, which dated to the early 1900s. As the district was undergoing renovations in the 1990s, several original structures were salvaged and developed into a chic outdoor shopping mall.

Visitors will find boutique shops alongside national brands – and heaps of excellent places to eat in the Bend Old Mill District.

Pro Tip : Entertaining concerts are held throughout the summer at The Les Schwab Amphitheater – and the Old Mill District hosts numerous Bend events, such as Art Walks, Bend Brewfest and Art in the High Desert.

#19 Get Nostalgic at The Last Blockbuster

Friday night movie rentals are a thing of the past…except in Bend! The last surviving Blockbuster in the United States is situated on the north side of town.

Visitors who want to take a walk down memory lane can step through the doors of what is now known as The Last Blockbuster. It’s one of the nostalgic and cool things to do in Bend, Oregon.

Pro Tip : In addition to the movie rentals, the Bend Blockbuster sells merchandise and displays movie memorabilia.

#20 Discover Pioneer Park and First Street Rapids

The pleasant Pioneer Park might not be one of the top Bend, Oregon tourist attractions, but it provides a peaceful retreat for those who seek it out.

One of the first city parks in Bend, it features paved paths, a picnic area and formal rose gardens. From Pioneer Park, visitors can follow the riverside trail north to First Street Rapids.

Pro Tip : A longer, 2-mile walk north along the river from Pioneer Park leads to Sawyer Park, which is rated by many as one of the beautiful things to see in Bend, Oregon!  

#21 Taste-Test Local Kombucha

When you are ready to take a break from Bend sightseeing, pop into the Humm Kombucha Taproom for a refreshing drink. Whether you are new to the kombucha craze or already fully on board, the Humm Taproom is the perfect place to sample the locally made product in Bend.

Pro Tip : Taproom visitors can order a flight or a pint – and can also grab bottles to go or fill up a growler!

#22 Seek Out Natural Hot Springs

Located on a (literal) hotbed of volcanic activity, seeking out natural hot spring is truly one of the best Bend, OR things to do.

Although there are no natural hot springs in the city of Bend, visitors can find steamy geothermal pools at nearby Paulina Lake, which is just an hour away. In addition to hot springs, visitors can hike to Paulina Falls or take a trek along the otherworldly Big Obsidian Flow Trail. 

Other popular – but further – hot springs in the Bend region are McCredie Hot Springs and Terwilliger Hot Springs.

Pro Tip : Forego the natural hot springs and opt instead to soak in the bathhouse at McMenamins Old St. Francis School Hotel . 

#23 Feed the Alpacas at Crescent Moon Ranch

Alpaca farms abound in the area around Bend! The dry climate and high elevation are ideal conditions for raising alpacas – and many of the ranches invite visitors to get up close and personal with the fluffy creatures.

In fact, Crescent Moon Ranch (located near Smith Rock State Park) offers guests the opportunity to hand feed the alpacas – which we think is one of the fun things to do in Bend, Oregon with kids.

Entry to the ranch is free; there is a small charge for feed, but it is just a few dollars – and tons of fun!

In addition to mingling with the alpacas, visitors can also wander through the gift shop filled with alpaca wool products.

Pro Tip : The Petersen Rock Garden and Museum is an interesting roadside attraction that sits between Bend and Crescent Moon Ranch. It’s worth a stop to see the unique rock art…and the roaming peacocks. 

#24 Visit Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Anyone interested in geology will want to put the Newberry National Volcanic Monument on their Bend, Oregon sightseeing list.

Situated in the Deschutes National Forest south of Bend, the area encompasses 54,000 acres of lava fields, lakes and trails. The Newberry Volcanic Monument is easily accessed from Highway 97 – and is just a half hour drive south from Bend.

One of the top things to do in Bend, Oregon at Newberry is to hike into the Lava River Cave. The lava tube, which was discovered in the late 1800s, extends for 1 mile and can only be visited in the summer season.

Visitors can learn more about what to see and do in the area at the Lava Lands Visitor Center and the Paulina Visitor Center.

Pro Tip : Another fascinating nearby cave is the Boyd Cave – which can be accessed year-round (but be sure to bring a jacket and flashlight!). 

#25 Go Mountain Biking in Bend, OR

One of the fun things to do in Bend, Oregon is to hop on two wheels for a thrilling ride in the mountains. In fact, it is one of the best Bend outdoor activities – and the city has been ranked by many as one of the best mountain bike towns in the United States.

With almost 300 miles of mountain biking trails in the region and heaps of bike shops offering rentals, it is easy for visitors to organize an exciting day of cycling in Bend. Some bike rental companies even offer shuttle services.

The mountain bike trails around Bend range from easy to intense – so there is a trail for cyclists of all skill levels. The most popular mountain bike trails are Phil’s Trail and the Whoops Loop.

Pro Tip : While mountain biking is one of the best Bend summertime activities, it can also be one of the things to do in Bend in winter!

#26 Learn about the Region at the High Desert Museum

When sightseeing in Bend, don’t miss one of the top Bend, Oregon attractions: The High Desert Museum.

Rated by many visitors as one of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon, the High Desert Museum offers guests the unique opportunity to experience close encounters with native wildlife. Otters, porcupines and falcons are just a few of the creatures housed at the museum.

The High Desert Museum is situated on 135 acres and features a massive exhibit space. However, the real draw – and the reason many rate it as one of the best things to do in Bend for families – are the hands-on programs and critter talks.

Pro Tip: The museum is open year-round and tickets can be purchased in-person or in advance online .

#27 See the Astounding Tumalo Falls in Deschutes National Forest

Known for its diverse landscapes and incredible outdoor adventures, Deschutes National Forest is one of the best places to visit in Bend, Oregon – and Tumalo Falls in the Cascade Range is a highlight of the park!

Ranked as one of the most popular things to see in Bend, Oregon, Tumalo Falls is a 97-foot-tall flowing waterfall nestled in an absolutely gorgeous setting.

Although parking can be problematic, it is just a short walk from the parking lot to the Tumalo Falls viewing platform. Hikers can embark on a trek past the viewpoint to more waterfalls upstream. Visiting the area requires a day-use fee or Northwest Forest Pass .   

Plus, if you are wondering what to do in Bend, Oregon with your dog, the Tumalo Falls hike is a dog-friendly trail!

Pro Tip: For a much more challenging hike in Deschutes National Forest, consider making the popular (but extremely difficult) climb from Devil’s Lake to the summit of South Sister. 

#28 Search for Treasures at a Bend Thrift Shop

Going shopping at Iron Horse Second Hand is one of the fun things to including on your Weekend in Bend, Oregon Itinerary. Whether looking for a unique Bend, OR trip memento or unusual home décor, you are guaranteed to find something special at the Iron Horse Second Hand.

The store is a treasure trove of antiques, collectibles and local odds and ends. Items are thoughtfully displayed and prices are clearly marked – plus the staff is super friendly!

Pro Tip : The Truffle Pig Trading Company is another great consignment shop in downtown Bend – and Cowgirl Cash is a good place to pick up second-hand western wear. 

#29 Partake in the Bend Coffee Scene

The Pacific Northwest is well known for its love affair with coffee – and it’s no different in Bend. From casual to hipster (but most definitely sustainable), the coffee shops in Bend are an ideal place to start your morning or take a mid-day break.

The best Bend café is Lone Pine Coffee Roasters, which is right in downtown. Not only do they roast their own beans, but the cafe exudes a homey vibe that makes you feel like you are having a cup of coffee at a friend’s house. Sipping a leisurely cup of coffee at Lone Pine is a must do in Bend, Oregon!

Pro Tip: In addition to coffee and tea, they offer a baked goods – which are nice for a light breakfast (but we have more breakfast tips coming up in the next section!).

#30 Sweeten Your Bend Weekend Trip with Gelato

A trip to Bend for the weekend would not be complete without a sweet treat – and Bonta Natural Artisan Gelato is the best place to satisfy your sweet tooth.

They use all natural, fair trade, local ingredients to churn out small batches or handmade gelato daily. The list of flavors is always rotating, but favorites – like Salted Chocolate, Tumalo Lavender Honey and Roasted Strawberry Honey are regularly in the lineup. Plus, they have vegan options!

Pro Tip: There will likely be a line out the door, but it moves fast!

Best Bend Restaurants

Now that you know what to do in Bend, Oregon, it’s time to chat about what to eat in Bend! We are highlighting a few of the best restaurants in Bend, OR. Additionally, we are sharing our top picks for local Bend breweries, too.

Breakfast in Bend, Oregon

For a light and quick breakfast, we recommend getting a tasty pastry at Lone Pine Coffee Roasters. However, if you want something a little more substantial, there are a few great breakfast places to eat in Bend, OR.

Sparrow Bakery

A bright and airy space to start your day, The Sparrow Bakery in Bend is known for the delicious Ocean Rolls and satisfying breakfast sandwiches.

A fun brunch spot for your Bend weekend trip, Chow serves fabulously filling platters of breakfast favorites – and their Bloody Mary cocktails come fully loaded!

The Breakfast Club

A classic diner, The Breakfast Club features counter seating and service with a smile. The omelets (of which there are more than 10 to choose from) are a big hit, but pancakes, waffles and biscuits and gravy feature on the menu, too.

Fine Dining

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion during your weekend in Bend or are simply a foodie after the best eats, there are a few options for classy, local cuisine.

Ariana Restaurant

Offering an exceptional dining experience from beginning to end, Ariana Restaurant excels at haute cuisine. While there is nothing on the menu that will disappoint, the six-course Chef’s Tasting Menu with wine pairing is an excellent choice!

Not quite as posh as Ariana, Drake provides a perfect atmosphere for date night. Entrees range from classic burgers to beef tenderloin to buttermilk fried chicken.

Local Eats in Bend, Oregon

When we travel to Bend, we love to eat where the locals eat – and we’re sharing a few of our favorite local spots!

Pine Tavern

An iconic eatery in the historic center, Pine Tavern Restaurant opened in 1936 (making it the oldest restaurant in Bend). The cozy dining room – which has two Ponderosa Pines growing in the center – offers river views and they offer patio seating, as well. The menu is classic American with an accent on PNW specialties.

El Sancho Taco Shop

A fun and funky Mexican street food taco shop, El Sancho evolved from a local food cart into a permanent fixture as a favorite restaurant in Bend. Diners can choose from a number of different tacos – all of which taste even better with a house margarita!

Bangers and Brews

A unique twist on Argentinian fare, Bangers and Brews is a counter-service restaurant dedicated to serving delicious, meaty sausages. Customers pick out their sausage (from a range of classic brats to wild boar), choose toppings and pile on the sauce. The combination possibilities are endless!

Pro Tip: Looking for a Bend restaurant in the heart of Old Town? Try the ever-popular Wild Rose Northern Thai Eats or the fashionable Zydeco Kitchen and Cocktails. 

Best Breweries in Bend, Oregon

Bend, OR breweries are a fun place to end the day – and there are several super craft breweries to choose from. We are sharing a few of our favorites! 

Bend Brewing Company

Hands down, one of the best things to do in Bend, OR is to drink a beer at Bend Brewing Company. Located in the heart of Old Town Bend along the Deschutes River – the spacious lawn provides plenty of room to spread out while sipping your beer. We recommend trying the signature Tropic Pines IPA!

Deschutes Bend Public House

The original brewhouse of Deschutes Brewery, the Bend Public House provides the perfect opportunity to try the brewery’s best beers straight from the source. Plus, they offer a range of small-batch beers brewed just in Bend!

Crux Fermentation Project

Innovative and forward-thinking, Crux Fermentation Project is a true find (as in, it can be truly difficult to find, but is well-worth the effort!). Housed in a former transmission shop in Bend’s industrial district, Crux produces delicious brews, which are served up alongside phenomenal views from their backyard beer garden!

Boneyard Pub 

When it comes to fun things to do in Bend, OR, Boneyard Beer fits the bill! The laid-back brewery on the north end of town features more than 20 taps of locally brewed beer – plus a range of cocktails, slushies and made-in-house CBD elixir. Boneyard also serves up some terrific eats – try the Royale with Cheese and you will see what we mean!

Interested in learning more about the Bend Craft Beer movement? Join a local tour guide on a Bend brewery tour and tasting adventure – Get the Details!

Pro Tip : Want to sample a variety of Oregon and PNW brews? Stop into the Kobold Brewing Lair where the knowledgeable staff can pour you one of their many beers on tap along with an impressive bottle and can selection.

Bend, Oregon Map

Use this link to Google Maps for an online, interactive version of our Things To Do in Bend Map.

Weekend in Bend, Oregon Itinerary

We have outlined the absolute best things to do in Bend…and now we are going to show you how to fit it into one weekend – one long weekend . Rather than outlining how to spend 2 days in Bend, we are extending the trip to a 3-Day Bend Itinerary.

How you plan your Weekend in Bend Itinerary will depend on where you are coming from and your travel time to get to Bend. In our itinerary for Bend, we begin and end the trip in Eugene, Oregon. Adding just a bit more drive time, this itinerary can also be completed from Portland.

DAY 1 of Your Bend Itinerary

Drive from Eugene to Bend via McKenzie Highway 126; bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. Stop at Tamolitch Falls Blue Pool for a late-morning hike (4 miles) and consider eating an early lunch on the rim of the Blue Pool. Next, make a quick stop at Sahalie Falls (and walk to Koosah Falls, if you’re up for another hike!)

Continue on Hwy 126 – passing through Sisters and perhaps make a quick stop for ice cream, depending on your timeline.

Arrive in Bend by mid-afternoon and get checked into your hotel. We recommend staying at the Wall Street Suites (but offer more suggestions in the next section).

After getting settled to your accommodations, set off on foot to discover Downtown Bend. Pop into the shops, visit the museum, get a coffee or gelato and wander through Drake Park and stroll along Mirror Pond. Then delve into the historic Old Bend residential neighborhood.

Circle back to downtown Bend for a beer at the Bend Brewing Company on the outdoor lawn. Then maybe grab another fresh pint of Oregon craft beer around the corner at the Deschutes Bend Public House. When it’s time for dinner, tuck into a satisfying meal at Pine Tavern. 

DAY 2 of Your Weekend in Bend

Get an early start and dive right into one of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon: Nature.

Either go north to Smith Rock State Park or south to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Regardless, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at a picturesque spot.

If you go north, make time to visit the Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint or go to the Crescent Moon Ranch to feed the alpacas. If you instead traveled south, consider booking an ATV tour , visiting the High Desert Museum or finding the natural Oregon hot springs.

Back in Bend for the afternoon, embark on an intercity adventure. If it is summertime, float the river, otherwise, set off on the Deschutes River Walk. On the other hand, if shopping is more your jam, head straight for the Old Mill District Shopping Mall or one of the thrift stores.

Join the locals at Crux Fermentation Project for a pre-dinner beer – then end your day at the Boneyard Pub with a CBD elixir and a divine Royale with Cheese Burger. Alternatively, get tacos at El Sancho or a sausage at Bangers and Beer. 

End the evening with a free symphony performance or relax at your hotel – but get some rest because there is more to see tomorrow!

DAY 3 of Your Bend, Oregon Itinerary

Start off your third day in Bend early with a walk through Pioneer Park to get the blood flowing. Check out of your hotel – but before leaving Bend, stop by Pilot Butte for the phenomenal 360-degree views. Make one last stop at Humm for a kombucha tasting – or grab a bottle for the road.

Leave Bend via the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway – but detour to Tumalo Falls for a peek at the wonderous waterfall. Get an up-close view of Mt. Bachelor and take in the splendid views as you drive south to Oregon Highway 58.

Make the drive back to Eugene on Highway 58 – making stops at Salt Creek Falls and McCredie Hot Springs on the way.

Top Travel Tips for Things To Do Bend, Oregon

Now that you know what to do in Bend, Oregon and how to plan your trip, we have a few more pertinent travel tips!

How To Get To Bend

If you are not already in Oregon or the vicinity, then the best way to get to Bend, Oregon is by flying.

Flights to Bend, OR

The most convenient place to fly into is the Redmond Airport near Bend, Oregon (RDM) with direct flights from San Diego , Vegas , Phoenix , SFO and Denver (amongst others). Alternative airports close to Bend, Oregon are Portland (PDX) and Eugene (EUG).

Find the best airfare to Bend, Oregon on a trusted site, like SkyScanner – but, first, read our tips on Booking the Best Flights .

Rental Car in Bend, OR

Regardless of which airport you use for your flight to Bend, you will need a rental car to get around the region. We recommend using a website like Expedia to price out rental car fares – and we offer more advice in our Guide to Renting the Best Car at the Best Price .

Driving to Bend, OR

In our Bend Itinerary, we outlined how to get to Bend, Oregon from Eugene. However, if you are driving from Portland, the best route is to take Highway 26 South to Highway 97.

Accommodations in Bend, Oregon

If you are spending the weekend in Bend, OR then you will need to find a place to stay! Bend accommodations range from luxury hotels to funky hostels to holiday apartments.

Hotels in Bend, OR

We are highlighting a few of the top Bend hotels for your trip. However, before you make reservations, be sure to read our tips for booking the best hotels !

Wall Street Suites

For our trip to Bend, Oregon, we stayed at the Wall Street Suites. Located on Wall Street just north of downtown, the recently renovated Wall Street Suites was a fantastic place to stay in Bend.

The full-size kitchen is perfect for preparing picnic lunches and the room features local touches, like artwork, chocolates and toiletries. Best of all was the community fire pit, which was incredibly relaxing at the end of our long days exploring Bend. Check availability and rates!

McMenamin’s Old St. Francis Hotel

An utterly hip hotel in Bend, Oregon, McMenamin’s Old St. Francis Hotel is a fantastic place to stay for your Bend weekend trip. Located right in the heart of Bend downtown, the hotel is a hub of entertainment. In addition to the 60 guestrooms, the hotel property also features a spectacular soaking pool, several themed bars and secret nooks. Check availability and rates!

Whether you are looking for 5-star hotels in Bend, Oregon or an inexpensive hostel, start your search on Booking.com .

Airbnb: Bend, OR

For longer trips, Airbnb is our go-to resource. If you are looking for holiday apartments in Bend, OR, be sure to check out our Guide to Using Airbnb first.

What To Pack for Bend, Oregon

Most of our tips for what to do in Bend, OR include spending time outside – so you will want to make sure you are properly packed for all types of Oregon weather. Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , we have a few packing hacks  to ensure you will have what you need for your Bend trip!

Need a packing list? Get your FREE Packing Checklist here !

Refillable Water Bottle

With the high elevation (the altitude of Bend, Oregon is 3,623 feet) it is easy to get dehydrated – especially when out adventuring. Make sure you travel responsibly and bring a refillable water bottle for your trip! We like using Kleen Kanteen water bottles but think these collapsible water bottles are ideal for travelers. 

Waterproof Pouch

Many of the things to do around Bend, OR are on the water. If you are participating in any water activities in Bend, be sure to pack a waterproof pouch for your travel camera , phone and keys.

Walking Shoes

Walking, hiking and exploring are a few of the best activities to do in Bend, Oregon – so don’t forget to pack a good pair of walking shoes! I think the best travel shoes are lightweight and versatile, which is why I packed my New Balance shoes on our trip to Bend.  

Exploring More US Destinations

Seeing more of the PNW? Read our complete guide for visiting Vancouver, Washington , what to see in Crescent City CA , tips for a Trip to Seattle and a detailed outline of What To Do in Spokane .

Planning other USA trips? Find out what makes our list of the Best Weekend Destinations in the USA and our top picks for Underrated Places to Visit in the US !

Feeling like a big city getaway? Great! Get ready for that vacation with our travel articles to NYC , DC , Chicago and Boston .

We Want To Know: What would you add to our list of Things To Do in Bend, OR? Give us your best tips and advice in the comments below!

Start planning your trip to Oregon ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page !

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The Awkward Traveller

10 Things to Do in Bend Oregon: Exciting Weekend Travel Guide

I am a participant in the Amazon Affiliates Program, so basically I earn a small commission if you use any of the affiliate links on this post - at no extra cost to you! Dope right?

If you live in Oregon, you already KNOW Bend is the spot. You’ve heard all of your coworkers rave about it. You’ve seen ads by TravelOregon and VisitBend everywhere . If you aren’t from Oregon and you follow even ONE outdoorsy/nature influencer, you’ve even probably seen them take a few trips to the central Oregon city. But…why? What is even in Bend? What are the things to do in Bend that make it such a hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts – and even people who aren’t??

I’ve been to Bend more than a handful of times, and even from my first visit…I could feel the adventurous spirit of the community. Along with my new Oregonian friends’ dragging me along on their outdoor excursions, visiting Bend is really what got me interested in being active outside. And for Bend, there are just SOOO many things to do in Bend that it’s almost guaranteed you’ll find at least one new activity to try.

That said, there are also some…less than ideal aspects of Bend, which I’ll touch on later, but overall it’s probably one of my favorite general regions in Oregon.

For one, it’s beautiful.

Probably on equal footing as the Oregon coast in terms of views, but the things to do in Bend REALLY elevate it as a vacation destination. Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself though. If you’re unfamiliar with Bend, or just want to know more about it as a potential weekend getaway, let me run through some of the basics for ya before we get into all the fun things to do in Bend.

• State : Oregon
• Airport : Roberts Field Airport (RDM) 20min away, Portland International Airport (PDX) 3hrs away
• Ancestral Lands:  Columbia River Tribes (Wasco [Chinookan], Tenino, Tygh, Wyam, and John Day [Sahaptin]), Wascoes, the Warm Springs, and the Paiutes. Today, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (Wasco, Warm Springs, Paiute).
• Nearby Major Cities: Portland (3hrs), Boise (5hrs), Seattle (5.5hrs)
• Best season to visit (in my opinion):  Literally any and all seasons, though Spring is my least favorite
• Transportation:  A car is recommended

SHORT HISTORY OF Eastern Oregon

Y’all know me – I gotsta do a little background spiel.

If you don’t know me, hi, I’m Kay. I fall down rabbit holes.

Anyways, Oregon was mad bountiful before colonization, especially in Central Oregon. I mean, even now you can tell how beautiful the area is…so imagine that TENFOLD. Although today the United States Federal government only recognizes nine “official” Tribes in Oregon (and many of those are Confederated Tribes aka associations of numerous Indigenous communities and peoples), the area was home to countless diverse peoples.

Before the 1800s, Indigenous communities in what is now Oregon had engaged in fur and equipment trade with Europeans, but as you know…it didn’t stay as such. Lewis and Clark (and Sacagawea & York) reached the Oregon coast in 1805, which prompted Anglo-American fur traders, trappers, and missionaries to follow suit (in numbers ) between 1811 to 1840. Which…of course, led to the Oregon Trail.

Did you ever play that old game?

Well, what it left out was that the Oregon Trail was an invasion . The prospect of gold and free land had settlers going in DROVES to “claim” this “new land” for themselves. (Manifest Destiny and the Homestead Act: settlers could obtain 160 acres for FREE!! It was their GOD GIVEN RIGHT!!!!! *foams at mouth* )

These white settlers also brought a tonnnnn of diseases to Oregon – as they did. Measles. Dysentery. Smallpox. Cholera. Malaria. Yellow fever.

While 1 in 17-ish settlers on the Oregon Trail did not survive the journey, those disease were DECIMATING to Indigenous Nations across the Midwest and Western lands. Disease claimed about 80% of nearly every Indigenous Nation and community in Oregon in a VERY short amount of time.

Well…What About Bend?

Get this. By 1852, up to 12,000 settlers were crossing Wasco and Warm Springs territories each year. That was A LOT back then, and those 12,000 settlers were EACH stealing hundreds of acres of land and the federal government “authorized” it.

This dude named Joel Palmer was named superintendent for the Oregon Territory and in 1855, his orders were to CLEAR OUT the Indigenous Nations, who were battered non-stop from disease, encroachment, and violence by the settler invaders. So Palmer “negotiated” treaties, including the one that established the Warm Springs Reservation. The treaty required the Warm Springs and Wasco Tribes to relinquish about ten million (10,000,000) acres of land…..in exchange, they’d get to keep 640,000 whole acres for their exclusive use!

That is 6.4% of the land area they previously stewarded, by the way. Not even 10%.

Plus, the treaty left out the part where the Warm Springs Reservation would have less fish, harsher climates, and poor soil conditions. Also the part where the US government would disregard their end of the treaty and take even more of that reserved land anyway.

Yanno, fine print and all that. It was a rock and a hard place. It was exploitation. Make the treaty or…die.

Bend NOW-ish

So with the area officially colonized with a signature, settlers descended on Bend like vultures. The name Bend actually came from an old ranch in the area by the name of “Farewell Bend Ranch.” That was…a mouthful for the Post Office Department in Washington D.C., so it got shortened to just Bend and incorporated in 1905.

Alexander Drake, a rich dude from the Midwest, is credited for “establishing” Bend, and supposedly built Bend’s first saw mill, which would become integral for the city’s future economy. He also founded Pilot Butte Development Company and started a NUMBERRR of irrigation projects, including the dam on the Deschutes River (now owned by PacifiCorp). As it turned out, the dam was incredibly destructive to the local ecology. But hey, at least the settlers could now grow things that weren’t correctly suited for the environment in the first place – things that definitely won’t be sustainable to maintain in the future, right?

But I digress.

Now, when you’re in Bend, it feels like you’re in a suddenly positive outdoorsy space. It’s absolutely beautiful out in central Oregon. Surrounded by mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, and plains, it’s kind of hard not to. Seriously, no matter where you go you’ll see at least two people with mountain bikes, others with chalked hands from bouldering, and standup paddleboards leaned up against the side of local dog-friendly breweries.

PLUS, all the Jeeps and Subaru’s you can imagine.

It’s like if REI was a theme park.

As you can imagine, there are TONS of things to do in Bend that revolve around the outdoors and being outside and adventuring in nature. TONS. But what if that’s not normally your vibe? Don’t worry, there’s still things to do in Bend that don’t require a mouth guard or helmet. Buuuuut at the same time if you’ve never done any kind of outdoor activity, Bend is a pretty great place to start.

WHERE TO STAY

I’ve stayed in a few different spots in Bend, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have great experiences in all of them! I wouldn’t consider Bend a “cheap” destination, but there are some variables in terms of lodging prices. Since Bend is such a huge hotspot for the outdoors, a lot of people camp!

But…yanno.

However, if you are into camping or if you have an RV/campervan, my good friends Kathryn and Adam over at Adventures of A + K recommend Oregon Badlands Wilderness for free boondocking (no restrooms and spotty cell signal tho!) and Lava Lake Campground (about an hour from downtown Bend with incredible stargazing!) or Soda Creek Campground (closer to town). Be sure to check out their blog as well after for more travel advice!

Honestly, as long as you have a car, you’ll be fine staying anywhere in Bend. It’s not that big. So no matter what you have on your things to do in Bend checklist, you don’t have to plan your STAY around them. So prioritize your budget and comfort when it comes to accommodations! Below are some of the lodging options I have stayed in the past and recommend!

• The Camp Bend : SUPER cute mini trailers, and has RV/van hookups as well if you bring your own!
• Loge Bend : One of my favs, and has rental equipment for outdoorsy things to do in Bend! Highly recommend for solo travelers as they host experiences such as food truck crawls and movie nights.
• A Regular Degular Hotel : Nothing special here, I stayed in a few downtown hotels and nothing bad to report. Solid option and close to a lot of things to do in Bend.
• Cabin/House Rental: The best option for larger groups. Check out my Airbnbs in Bend post for some cool rentals to check out.

WHAT TO EAT

Bend has a great food scene. You might not expect it because…you know…middle of OREGON and whatnot, but this small city as really grown into its own kitchen. If you’ve read any of my other travel guide posts, you won’t be surprised when I say that eating your way through the city is one of the best things to do in Bend. In any city, really.

Well, some places…ermm…might be better to have your own kitchen….

But I digress…

For Bend specifically, that is not the case and there’s a ton of food options. That said, they’re so good that I find myself repeatedly going back to my favorite restaurants time and time again. So hopefully you’ll like some of them too!

Disclaimer : As usual…please keep in mind that I’m not a food blogger, okay? Heck, I don’t claim to be good at ANY type of photography – least of all food. So don’t judge the following establishments based on my shotty angles and bad lighting. The TASTE is what’s important!!!

Breakfast is the best way to start ANY day. And probably one of the things to do in Bend that won’t require safety equipment. Probably. I will say if you’re visiting on the weekends, either arrive early, or expect a wait.

However, sometimes you just don’t have time for a full on sit down restaurant. I get it. Especially on the mornings when you’re waking up for a sunrise hike (more power to ya, couldn’t be me). In that case, check out my blog post on the best cafes and coffee in Bend (coming soon). I went to every single one on that list and STAND BY IT. That caffeine will keep ya movin’

• Sparrow Bakery : A great spot for coffee as well! I’d recommend their croissant sandwiches.
• Fix and Repeat : Amazing plant-based bfast/brunch spot. Hands down recommend getting one of their toasts or a macro bowl. Pet-friendly as well!
• CHOW : I always save CHOW for my last Bend breakfast, and I always get a breakfast burger. They also have gluten free and vegan options.

Eating lunch in Bend is a GIVEN!! You’re going to need fuel in between all of the exciting things to do in Bend. Lunch and dinner is arbitrary imo, but I chose lighter options for lunch!

• Spork : I’ve only been to their food cart, but there’s a sit down restaurant as well. Love the rice bowls and the tacos are pretty good too.
• The Lot (food truck pod): Great pod with lots of varying options and open seating. I appreciate that their seating area has heat lamps 🙂
• Podski (food truck pod): Another pod where with really tasty options
• Bo’s Falafel Bowl : No surprise, their falafels are a fan favorite. I personally don’t like falafel’s though and usually get the chicken bowl whomp whomp (it’s good too tho!)

Ah yes, and DINNER. Dinner is always a great time because you get to refuel after all the exciting things to do in Bend. Make sure to double check opening and closing times!

• Hola : I think it’s a local chain, but it’s really good Mexican-Peruvian cuisine! Large portions, just a heads up!
• Wild Rose : REALLLY good Thai food, specifically Northern Thai cuisine. HIGHLY recommend making reservations for dinner as they’re usually booked. If you’re ever in Port Townsend, be sure to check out their other (and first!) restaurant Khu Larb Thai.
• Miyagi Ramen: Their ramen really hits the spot if you’re visiting in the winter. They also have vegan ramen as well!

DESSERTS AND LIGHT BITES

Yanno, I’m usually buzzing around hyped up on sugar, but there isn’t a big dessert vibe in Bend. At least, not from what I could find. Bonta Gelato is a good place downtown that I recommend, but that’s honestly the only dessert-y place I’ve been to (and enjoyed) on my trips. If I find any more, I’ll definitely add them in later, but just a heads up that getting sugar high probably won’t be the easiest of things to do in Bend.

The other typa high though……….

Jk, I haven’t gotten high in Bend . BUTTT, if you pass through Portland on your way, you can pick up a few items from these great dispensaries in Portland for some Oregon-grown green. It’s legal in Oregon, and another option for things to do in Bend if you’re into it. Just yanno, sober up before heading off for other things to do in Bend.

THINGS TO DO IN BEND

Omg, FINALLY right?? About freaking time – we made it to the things to do in Bend portion of this post. Honestly, probably the only information you actually wanted anyway.

WELL TOO BAD ITS A PACKAGE DEAL.

I mentioned earlier that Bend was one of the first places where I felt outdoor activities felt readily accessible to newbies and people were encouraged to try their hand at new sports. Aka, I could be absolutely TERRIBLE and not feel like people were laughing at me. In fact, if I had trouble with something, more often than not a more experienced person would ask if I wanted a bit of advice that helped them out back in the day. As someone relatively new to being “outdoors,” I appreciated the more casual approach. Not every destination known for outdoor sports is like that.

I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love Moab, Utah, but…I felt more intimidated there compared to Bend.

The nice thing about Bend was that I didn’t feel silly or ridiculous being an absolute beginner and trying out all of the outdoorsy things to do in Bend because there were lots of other beginners there doing the same thing. I never felt like I was bothering the guides or instructors when I asked for extra clarification or help.

Are These Sporty Activities Fat Friendly???

Well. I am not someone with the authority to speak on this first hand.

I do know however that there is stigma towards plus sized people in the outdoor arena, AND a lot of tangible barriers that exclude larger people and those with limits to mobility or flexibility. I mean, for one, some outdoor gear brands don’t even make clothing sizes larger than an XL, not to mention boots and bindings only fitted to smaller calves. Snow sports are notoriously fatphobic with their gear, so it might be helpful to reach out to gear rentals about sizing beforehand.

Just because some of my friends didn’t experience any trouble, or that I didn’t notice any ill-will towards them because of their weight, it doesn’t mean it isn’t there at all.

If you are nervous or hesitant about getting into outdoor sports, either from the social aspect or what kind of gear that may work for you, I recommend the following the accounts below (also, follow them regardless because they’re great and I always enjoy their content):

• Unlikely Hikers
• Fat Wander Babes

High Desert Museum

Okay, remember when I stopped doing side deviations and started talking about things to do in Bend? Yeah, me either.

Kidding kidding, imma get to it right now.

ALRIGHT, so let’s start with museums, yeah? My favorite in the city is the High Desert Museum. You’ll probably see it recommended on all of the things to do in Bend lists, but it’s for good reason and it’s absolutely NOT overrated.

It of course goes over the usual geology and environment of Bend and central Oregon, but I really liked that they specifically addressed Bend (and Oregon’s) Indigenous history and peoples. It also touched on the discrimination and violence that the US government and settlers enacted upon Native communities. Then it goes into how that all impacted Bend’s modern history.

They also have pretty dope rotating/guest exhibits. When I visited, there was a whole exhibit dedicated to Burning Man! The cafe is pretty limited, so personally I wouldn’t plan on eating there. The gift shop is pretty nice though. Personally, my favorite were the little desert foxes…but you’ll see what I mean when you get there.

For sure, hiking is definitely one of the best things to do in Bend. There are more trails in Bend than stars in the sky. TRULY. I’ve been on a few, but, since I am me, I never take very detailed notes on hikes because I am usually struggling not to give up. Combined with being chronically under-prepared for hikes (see picture above of me and my crew showing up in tanks when there was snow on the ground), I don’t have a ton of great info on Bend hikes.

That’s where my lovely blogger friends come in!! Below I will link a few of their posts about favorite hikes in or around Bend (as soon as they check their messages haha). Take a gander and for sure add one (or more) into your Bend itinerary.

Just, yanno, check the weather beforehand.

• Blue Basin Overlook Trail (3 miles)
• Tumelo Falls (5 miles)
• Broken Top (15.2 miles)

Last Blockbuster

Ah yesss Blockbuster. One of the kitschiest things to do in Bend. AND ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITES. If you didn’t know, the LAST remaining Blockbuster is located in Bend, Oregon.

And YES. It is a functioning Blockbuster.

One day, I’ll go into how and why this became the last Blockbuster, but I’ve taken up too much of your time already. So I’ll just say you should visit, maybe rent a movie or two to watch at your Airbnb for old times sake (yanno, if your laptop even has a CD drive…) and pick up some classic snacks for the road. Besides, having a chill night in isn’t just reserved for things to do in Bend – I do it during all my trips!

At the very least, take a picture in front of the sign!

Splash Around on the Deschutes River

If you’re visiting in the summer and aren’t deathly afraid of water, I’d say you owe it to yourself to try your hand at a water activity on the Deschutes River. It’s one of the best things to do in Bend, and not something you can do in every city. The Deschutes River runs right through Bend, providing the perfect opportunity for a bunch of gear rental spots to pop up along the banks! The river is also pretty calm in a lot of spots (and not too deep!), but rental spots can point out where to go if you want more of a challenge.

Specifically, two things to do in Bend on the Deschutes River that I recommend would be kayaking and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). It’s SO fun, especially on a hot summer’s day, and perfect for groups! I’ve always rented from Tumalo Creek , the Industry Way location. It’s great because it’s right on the river so you don’t have to worry about transporting the kayak/board/canoe/tube floaties across town. In fact, they put you IN the water if you need help, so it’s super beginner-friendly!

The last time I rented, it was about $45 per person for a 2-hour kayak, SUP board, or canoe rental, which also includes life jackets, paddles, and a tutorial and tips for beginners. There are a few rental spots that are around $40 per person, but the added convenience of Tumalo Creek being right on the water makes up for the $5 for me!

Bend Ale Trail

I have to be honest. I’m not a beer person. Those are stock photos.

Sorry I’m a fraud.

BUT, this is one of the most popular things to do in Bend, so I didn’t want to leave it out. Basically all of Oregon is really into beer, ale, craft and micro brews. If all of those are the same thing, forgive me, I’m just throwing out words that I’ve heard. Bend is an extension of that, with breweries on practically every street corner. So, it should come as no surprise that going on an ale crawl is one of the best things to do in Bend! If you like ale.

To embark on this brew journey, download the free Bend Ale Trail app or pick up a paper passport from the Bend Visitor Center. Then you can (responsibily) check out over 30 breweries, 17 other fermented specialties (kombucha, wine, etc – which I also do not like), and even 21 spots for the perfect food and beverage pairing. These places cover seven different “territories” in the Bend area, so there’s a lot of ground to cover.

If you manage to visit all of the breweries in one area, you get a prize! In fact, you get a prize for EACH territory you “complete,” and a grand prize when you visit every brewery in all seven territories. On top of that, there is a prize for visiting all 17 “drinkable diversions” spots (the other fermented establishments), and even a prize for your designated driver because safety is always the number one priority!

If you happen to complete a territory during the month of November (which is Bend’s official Bend Ale Trail Month), you also get a limited edition prize on top of whatever you would normally get. It’s a lot of beer, but a lot of fun too. And don’t worry, you don’t have to drink them all in one go. This is one of the things to do in Bend where there is no time limit, so for the sake of your liver, feel free to take months or even years!

Mt. Bachelor

Absolutely LOVE hitting up Mt. Bachelor, and it’s one of my favorite things to do in Bend in the winter. My first experience with skiing was up at Mt. Hood (about an hour outside of Portland), but the first time I got on a snowboard was at Mt. Bachelor, and it blew my mind. Much prefer it over skiing, but that’s just personal preference.

If you, or anyone in your group, have never done any kind of winter sport, I think it’s helpful to sign up for a beginner’s class, just to learn how lifts work and how to correctly and safely stand (and eventually fall). You can also rent gear from the lodge directly, though it may be more expensive than renting from a shop in town and bringing it over – choose your convenience!

Lift Tickets – Single Day

• Adult (19-64): $119
• Teen (13-18) / Senior (65-69): $99
• Youth (6-12) / Senior+ (70 & up): $74

Mt. Bachelor is about a 30 minute drive from Bend, or there are also daily shuttles from Bend to the mountain for about $10 roundtrip. I highly recommend getting your lift tickets in advance online because the prices are more expensive at the mountain.

For a place so gung ho about nature and getting outside, you might not have guessed shopping to be one of the top things to do in Bend. But you know what? There’s some REALLY cute boutique shops around Bend. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, window shopping is equally fun! Plus, supporting local businesses is always a cute idea when you travel. These are just a few that I’ve enjoyed popping into over the years.

• Outdoor Ukulele
• Jack + Millie
• Scout and Pine

Smith Rock State Park

Oregon has some drop dead beautiful state parks. Smith Rock State Park just so happens to be my favorite. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Bend, however unfortunately there is not direct bus or shuttle that can take you from Bend to Smith Rock. That said, if you have a car, it’s one of the best things to do in Bend (well, nearby anyway).

Aside from being absolutely stunning, there’s a TON to get into. All those things to do in Bend, like hiking, biking, kayaking, etc….you can do them all at Smith Rock as well. Smith Rock is also one of the best spots in the state for climbing and bouldering. PLUS, there’s horseback riding. I highly recommend checking out Smith Rock Trail Rides if you want to go horseback. They’re super friendly and encouraging, and their horses are very well taken care of. In fact, out of all the horse places I’ve been to (including internationally), they had the happiest (and best groomed!) horsies.

You can probably tell horseback riding is my activity of choice.

Just look how good the owner is at taking pictures!!!! PREP YOUR INSTAGRAM!! But anyways.

There is a $5 day use permit at Smith Rock, which you pay at a kiosk in the parking lot. The park is open year round. Dogs are allowed on-leash, so please pick up after your pups. In the summer, it can get into the triple digits so BRING WATER. I also want to note that getting down to the main river canyon area of Smith Rock State Park is not easily accessible by wheelchairs and strollers.

Nearby Things to do in Bend

If you are looking for more things to do in Bend and around the area, and don’t mind driving out for a day trip, here are a few recommendations I can give to really add to your central Oregon experience!

• Museum at Warm Springs (1hr): Located on the Warm Springs Reservation, it is truly a remarkable museum. Their permanent collection is literally top notch (the Smithsonian quoted it as one of the best!) and their rotating exhibits are always mind blowing. For example, the most recent collection, “Savages and Princesses: The Persistence of Native American Stereotypes,” really dove deep into the driving function of Native American stereotypes and their damaging impact that is still actively harming communities.
• Little Leaf Guide Services (1hr): Also located in Warm Springs, hands down the best fishing guide in the area. Tours run half and full days, and are beginner friendly! Make sure you apply for your fishing permits in advance!
• Painted Hills State Park (1h40): The Painted Hills are just one section of the larger John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. So technically, you could spend a whole day (and more) there exploring everything, but the Painted Hills are the most unique section imo. I’d plan to spend about an hour or so there, two MAX, as it’s not big. Also, disclaimer, the photos really do look like that, but it’s very specific parts, if you know what I mean. So I don’t want to overhype it and get your expectations too high.

ERP What About Racism?

Before you’re all “OH WHYYYY DO YOU HAVE TO BRING RACE INTO EVERYTHINGGG” – let me remind you.

Oregon was admitted into the United States with a clause that made it ILLEGAL to be Black in the state. They literally prohibited Black folks from being in Oregon. Added with the state-sanctioned genocide against Indigenous peoples, multiple massacres of Asian communities who worked on the state’s railways, AND racially targeted deportation…there’s a valid reason why many folks may be hesitant to visit Oregon.

Especially central Oregon, which is seemingly in the middle of nowhere and far away from Portland.

So you want to know the scoop?

Well, hopefully as a tourist, you’ll be fine. While you will probably notice the stark absence of diversity in Bend’s population, for the most part most people are friendly and welcoming. I was pleasantly surprised by how encouraging a lot of rental places were for beginners, and very helpful and thorough when explaining how to operate the equipment and stay safe. That said, as with a lot of smaller cities and towns in Oregon (and even larger ones if you have darker skin), you may get some stares or second glances. Just to give you a perspective, more than 90% of Bend’s population is white.

I have experienced microaggressions in Bend, as I have in a lot of cities in the US. It is what it is. Things like baristas or shop owners reaching for my hair/asking if its “mine,” or people not giving me space on the sidewalk, hiking trail, and common spaces at ski lodges. I’m 100% certain these would be even more common if my skin were darker. When my boyfriend and I went to dinner at Hola, a random dude assumed my boyfriend, who is Mexican, worked there. Things like that.

Outdoor influencer Nelson Holland of Fat, Black and Gettin’ It , was called a racial slur on his visit. If you haven’t traveled much in areas that predominantly excluded Black people (and by extension, loads of other ethnicities)….I want to inform you that microaggressions, and beyond that , can and do happen.

Hopefully though, as a traveler, you shouldn’t have any outright problems .

What about people who LIVE there?? Are they okay???

That said, the situation isn’t the same for non-Anglo residents. It’s one thing to visit a place, hang out with super encouraging and welcoming tour guides and rental equipment employees, and stay occupied doing fun things with fun people.

It’s another thing to live with the not fun nor welcoming people.

Black residents in Central Oregon experience being harassed while driving, called slurs, or intimidated with trucks and revving engines. Late last year (September 2021), Barry Washington Jr, a young Black man, was murdered because Ian MacKenzie Cranston, a white man, got angry that Washington complimented Cranston’s fiancée at a nightclub. High schoolers have reported swastika graffiti and racist Asian caricatures on school grounds.

I don’t say these things to talk you out of visiting Bend, on the contrary, Bend is a great destination overall, but it is something to note. It’s incredibly easy to fall in love with Bend. TRUST ME. But if you are thinking about potentially moving there, or staying for an extended period of time, these are situations you might come across, and that’s just the unfortunate ugly truth about the Pacific Northwest. And, yanno…this country in general.

That said, there ARE multiple programs and organizations ongoing in Bend to help make all residents (and travelers) feel comfortable in their community, such as Embrace Bend and Warm Springs Community Action Team . So, that’s a start. I always enjoy my time in Bend, and EVERYONE should feel comfortable and safe in outdoor spaces, so I am hoping they can get their act together on that front.

THINGS TO DO IN BEND: CONCLUSION

Whew, sorry to end on a not fun note, I do want to reemphasize that I do enjoy Bend, haha. That’s why I keep coming back! That are literally endless things to do in Bend, which make it an amazing destination for people who always need something to do on their itinerary. Or, even if you prefer a more relaxed itinerary, you’ll find that their are things to do in Bend to match any mood.

If you follow any kind of outdoor influencer or photographer, I’m sure Bend has come up on your radar at least a few times, so hopefully my little guide has helped paint a more full picture of the destination for you. If you’re looking to get into outdoor sports, Bend is a great option to try your hand at a lot of new activities with all the things to do in Bend.

To add on to that, I’ve also passed through Bend on my roadtrips to Idaho and the midwest, Northern California, and even on my way to Nevada. So visiting the city and all the fun things to do in Bend is not solely reserved for Bend-specific trips!

Have you ever been to Bend? If you have, what are your favorite things to do in Bend? Also, what’s your season of choice? Did I miss any of your top things to do in Bend? Let me know in the comments below!

If you haven’t been, would you want to? Which of the various things to do in Bend catches your eye? Take me on your next trip!

Pin these Things to Do in Bend for Later!

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I’ve never really been one to want to travel around the US but reading this blog has made me consider it. Super informative and I loved all the pictures and memes!

Omg yay!! Thank you so much for reading!!

Wow, Bend has so much to offer! I had no idea that it is home to the last Blockbuster! The food and hikes look amazing!

YESSSS go for the hiking, STAY FOR BLOCKBUSTER

Really informative guide; outlines everything you need to know about visiting Bend, Oregon. We definitely like the look of horse riding – couldn’t think of a better location to do it! Thank you.

YESSSS you gotta!!! Hope you enjoy it!

I have not yet traveled to Oregon, BUT have heard so many good things about it – and this post confirms that! I need to travel there asap.

I hope you have a great time! Thanks for stopping by!

Bend seems like my kinda place – so many outdoorsy and fun nature activities to do! Thanks for writing such a detailed guide – definitely saving this for the future in hope I visit soon 🙂

Yayy!! Thanks for reading!

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From the casual, outdoor food pods to fine dining and farm to table options, you have your pick. Find your next meal in Central Oregon.

Taste a Central Oregon beer

With nearly three dozen breweries and cideries sprinkled throughout Central Oregon, beer-o'clock could last for days! While Bend, also known as Beertown USA, houses many of them, we will introduce you to some of originals and newbies around the region.

With nearly 30 incredible golf courses that feature three Top-100s, the sun-drenched courses of Central Oregon rival the finest in the world.

More Spring Fun

Spring is a time of rebirth and growth in Central Oregon. While the Cascade peaks remain covered in snow, signs of the season abound at lower elevations across the region.

With nearly three dozen breweries and cideries sprinkled throughout Central Oregon, beer-o’clock could last for days! While Bend, also known as Beer Town USA…

Stay at the Best Places While Visiting

Explore the cities, bend, oregon.

Once known as a bustling mill town, Bend is now the most frequently visited city in Central Oregon - known for its craft beer, outdoor adventure, small town vibes, and high desert landscape. Let's not forget it's food pods + firepits, bike trails, tax-free shopping, and natural beauty to explore. There, really is no shortage of experiences to be had in Bend.

What to do in Bend

Sunriver, oregon.

Sunriver lives up to it's name- a sunny, idyllic town with the Deschutes River rolling through it. Time slows down here, making it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing spa day, dine with the family, or escape into the great outdoors with a wide range of activities from kayaking to horseback riding.

What to do in Sunriver

Redmond, oregon.

Redmond is the hub of Central Oregon as it's home to the Redmond Airport and host to many large-scale events. With a vibrant downtown, great restaurants, craft beer, and outdoor adventure, it's the perfect microcosm of Central Oregon in one town.

What to do in Redmond

Sisters, oregon.

A drive through downtown Sisters will make you feel like you're back in the Wild West, with Western styled buildings, old-time drive ins, and homemade ice cream. More than a frontier-styled town, Sisters is also famous for its creative arts culture, fresh dining, family-friendly atmosphere, located in the heart of outdoor adventure opportunities.

What to do in Sisters

Culver, oregon.

The community of Culver started as a post office in 1900, formally incorporated as a city in 1946—and hasn't changed much in the decades since. Sitting between Redmond and Madras, the cozy community harkens back to Central Oregon’s earlier years with small-town charm to spare. That means fun annual festivals, friendly eateries, and easy access to outdoor recreation.

La Pine, Oregon

La Pine may be a small town, but it is home to a large amount of outdoor recreation possibilities. Explore through the ponderosa pines at the local state park, check out Newberry National Volcanic Monument, or cool off at Wickiup Reservoir. The town also hosts distilleries and dining to keep you fueled up between outdoor adventures.

What to do in La Pine

Madras, oregon.

Early on, the town of Madras was a trading post and community to serve local farmers. While there are still many farms around, it now also serves tourists with outdoor recreation ranging from a skate park and skydiving to camping, boating, and hiking as well as beer and spirits crafted right in town.

What to do in Madras

Maupin, oregon.

Located at the base of the Deschutes River Canyon, Maupin is the perfect home base for outdoor adventure. Whitewater raft or fish the Deschutes, bike the scenic canyon, or chase waterfalls. After your adventure, head back and enjoy a locally-sourced meal, pint and the charming community.

Prineville, Oregon

Nestled in the heart of the Crooked River Caldera and Central Oregon's oldest city, there is plenty to love about Prineville. Natural beauty such as the Painted Hills and Crooked River will leave people stunned as they hike, bike, fish, or enjoy the great outdoors. The city itself is rich with history, craft beer, and delicious food.

What to do in Prineville

Terrebonne, oregon.

Terrebonne is best known for Smith Rock State Park- the birthplace of sport climbing and popular outdoor destination. However, there are many other attractions to visiting Terrebonne as well from hot air balloon excursions, challenging golf courses, relaxing horseback rides, autumn attractions, and full plates of thoughtfully prepared food.

What to do in Terrebonne

Tumalo, oregon.

Tumalo is a small city just northwest of Bend and although the population is only 500, this town should not be overlooked. There are bountiful amounts of indoor and outdoor dining, relaxing activities such as floating down the Deschutes River, and one of Central Oregon's best cider maker.

Warm Springs, Oregon

Sitting in the heart of the Warm Springs Reservation, the hamlet of Warm Springs is one of the northernmost communities in Central Oregon. You can pass through town in less time than it takes to listen to a commercial on your favorite podcast but a longer stay rewards visitors with fascinating insight into tribal history, home-cooked meals steeped in tradition, and a close connection with the surrounding Deschutes River.

Explore the Cities of Central Oregon

Explore nature’s beauty.

From the sagebrush-covered plains of the high desert to the towering pines and majestic mountain peaks, discover the diverse landscape Central Oregon has to offer.

High Desert

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Central oregon traditions.

Come make new memories in a nostalgic place. A convergence of something old with something new.

Leave No Trace

Experience the enchanting landscapes and connect with nature while responsibly recreating in the region.

Tastes of the Region

Read about all the easily accessible Food Truck Pod locations throughout the region ideal for families and fur children.

Into The Dark

The stars shine a little brighter in Central Oregon. Read about why we are on the map for our starry skies and the best spots to experience it.

Embrace Your Inner Explorer

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Plan Your Getaway to Bend & Central Oregon

Morgan Somers / Getty Images

Bend, Oregon , is well known as a destination that offers quality outdoor recreation all year round. Located just east of Oregon's Cascade Mountain Range, the Bend region offers a variety of interesting and scenic terrain, including lakes, rivers, desert, forest, and volcanic peaks. The city of Bend also has lovely parks, interesting shopping, and great food and drink options. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic escape, or a girlfriend's getaway, if outdoor activities are part of your wish list, Bend, Oregon, is the place for you.

Fun Things to Do in Bend, Oregon

Angela M. Brown

Bend Oregon's best visitor attractions include:

Drake Park and Mirror Pond Adjacent to Bend's historic downtown, Drake Park is the site of Bend community events throughout the year. As you wander the park's trails you'll enjoy lovely water views and learn about local history from interpretive signs.

Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint Whether you choose to walk or drive, you'll enjoy awesome 360-degree views of Bend, the mountains, and the desert plain from the top of this city landmark. Those looking for a workout can walk the road or trails that wind up and around Pilot Butte. Leashed dogs are permitted.

Deschutes River Trail Part of Bend's network of urban recreation trails , the Deschutes River Trail runs along or near the Deschutes River, passing through parks, across footbridges, and through canyons.

High Desert Museum Part museum, part zoo, the High Desert Museum is the place to learn about the human and natural history of America's high desert region. Outdoors, you'll find exhibits featuring native critters such as river otters and birds of prey and you'll learn about the forest, Native Americans, and pioneer life. Live wildlife exhibits can be found inside the High Desert Museum's main building, along with history exhibits and art galleries.

Deschutes Brewery Tour Stop by the Deschutes Brewery tasting room and gift shop for a free afternoon tour of the brewing facility. You'll learn about the ingredients that go into Deschutes' craft beers, how beer is brewed and bottled, and how they control the quality of each batch. Be sure to sample their Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale, two of the Deschutes Brewery beers that are popular throughout the Northwest.

Old Mill District This mixed-use development is based around the location of a huge old Bend sawmill. Visitors to the Old Mill District can enjoy shopping, dining, lodging, a multi-screen theatre, and a children's museum. The neighborhood's Les Schwab Amphitheater is a great venue for outdoor concerts. The river and the urban trail system both pass through the Old Mill District.

Golf in Bend, Oregon Central Oregon is a popular destination for golf vacations. Visitors can choose from several public golf courses right within the city of Bend, including:

• River's Edge Golf Course
• Lost Tracks Golf Club
• Widgi Creek Golf Club

Des Chutes Historical Museum Located in the old downtown Reid Schoolhouse, this history museum focuses on the history of Bend and Central Oregon.

Fun Things to Do Near Bend in Central Oregon

The area around Bend, Oregon, is heaven for anyone who loves spending time in the outdoors. Hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, rafting, and golfing opportunities are all available in abundance. Here are my recommendations for fun things to do near Bend:

Smith Rock State Park Smith Rock is famous world-round as a mecca for rock climbers. You don't have to be a rock climber, however, to have a truly enjoyable experience visiting Smith Rock State Park. Even if you just park in the day-use parking lot to take in a view of the majestic red rocks and winding Crooked River, Smith Rock is worth the visit. Most people can experience the rock's many faces on a day hike. Depending on which trail you choose, your hike can be flat and easy, or steep and challenging. I would recommend the 2.2-mile River Trail. While the short stretch of trail from the parking lot to the footbridge is steep and rocky, the bulk of the route is flat and smooth, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery. Along the way, you can watch the rock climbers dangling from spots all along the rock spires. Some park trails are available for biking and horse riding. Smith Rock State Park is located north of Bend.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument You can spend a day or more checking out the many interesting places in Newberry National Volcanic Monument, including Lava Lands Visitor Center, Lava Cast Forest, and Lava River Cave.

Mount Bachelor Winter at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort means snow sports of all kinds, including alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, tubing, sled dog riding, and snowshoeing. During the summer, the mountain is great for hiking, mountain biking, and disc golfing.

Bowman Museum This small museum in Prineville has some interesting exhibits on local history. CCC memorabilia and homestead-era medical equipment are among the more intriguing exhibits, as is a collection of mousetraps from around the world and throughout time.

Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway There are numerous places to stop and enjoy the magnificent mountain and lake scenery along this 100-mile loop drive out of Bend.

Golf Near Bend In addition to the public courses located in Bend, you can choose from several in the surrounding region.

• Black Butte Ranch
• Crooked River Ranch
• Desert Peaks Golf Course
• Eagle Crest Resort
• Greens at Redmond
• Juniper Golf Club
• The Woodlands Course

Special Events and Festivals in Bend, Oregon

The community of Bend, Oregon, celebrates a variety of annual events throughout the year, many featuring sports and recreation.

• Bend Winterfest (Feb) - snow- and ice-related activities of all kinds
• Pole Peddle Paddle (May) - teams and individuals compete in this multisport event that includes alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biking, running, paddling, and sprinting
• Balloons Over Bend (June) - community festival featuring hot air balloons
• Bite of Bend (Jun) - food, food, and more food
• Bend Summer Festival (Jul) - visual and performance art, food booths, and family-friendly fun
• Deschutes Brewery Sagebrush Classic (Jun) - gourmet food, microbrews, golf, and more, all to benefit local children's charities
• JELD-WEN Tradition Golf Tournament (Aug) - pro-am championship golf accompanied by a community festival

Popular annual events that take place near Bend in Central Oregon include:

• Sisters Rodeo (Jun)
• Crooked River Roundup in Prineville (Jun)
• Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (Jul)
• La Pine Rodeo (Jul)
• Deschutes County Fair in Redmond (Aug)

Shopping and Galleries in Bend, Oregon

Dedicated shoppers will find several places to check out while visiting Bend, Oregon. Art lovers will be impressed by the high quality and selection of work offered in local galleries, much of it by local artists.

Shopping in Downtown Bend Bend's historic downtown provides a nice alternative to the ubiquitous chain stores available everywhere. Here is a sample:

• Glass Gallery - this gallery offers one of the best displays of glass art I've seen anywhere in the Northwest - highly recommended
• Bend Bungalow - you'll find a fine selection of craftsman home furnishing, including pottery, tiles, rugs, linens, and lighting
• AZU: A Plethora of Neat Stuff - unique and clever items for your kitchen, home, and office

Shopping in Bend's Old Mill District In addition to such popular franchises as Orvis, Coldwater Creek, and REI, these Old Mill District shops are worth a stop:

• Tumalo Art Co: A Fine Art Collective - featuring the works of local artists in a variety of media
• The Duck Shop - University of Oregon clothing, gear, and gift items

Outlet Shopping at the Bend Factory Stores Highlights of your outlet options at Bend Factory Stores include:

• Columbia Sportswear
• Eddie Bauer
• Pearl Izumi
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Where to Eat in Bend, Oregon

Visitors to Bend, Oregon, can enjoy some great food and beer. I can recommend the following:

• Baltazar's Seafood Ristorante & Spirits- fine Mexican food and cocktails
• Bend Mountain Coffee - this local coffee spot serves a great breakfast bagel sandwich
• Deschutes Brewery & Public House - local craft beers and upscale pub food
• Flatbread Community Oven - yummy casual Italian-style eatery in the Old Mill District
• Goody's Soda Fountain and Candy - the place for an afternoon treat while shopping downtown
• McMenamins St. Francis School - this old-Catholic-schoolhouse-turned-brewpub serves tasty food in a casual, funky environment
• Victorian Cafe - popular breakfast spot known for their eggs benedict

Hotels and Lodging in Bend, Oregon

Lara House Lodge If you're looking for romantic accommodations convenient to Bend's downtown park and shops, Lara House is a perfect choice. Occupying a magnificent historic craftsman home, this bed and breakfast puts an emphasis on the breakfast, serving a delicious full gourmet meal each morning. Quality elements such as polished woodwork and luxurious textiles can be found throughout Lara House's guest rooms and common areas, creating an elegant atmosphere. Each evening, wine and appetizers are served, allowing guests and hosts to mingle in a relaxed environment.

Mount Bachelor Village Resort Guests at this private, wooded resort can choose from hotel rooms, condominiums, or homes for their accommodations. For those planning an extended stay in Bend, the condominiums with kitchens are an excellent choice. On-site amenities include an upscale restaurant, an athletic club, a business center, meeting facilities, and a river trail. Mount Bachelor Village Resort is located within the city of Bend, not actually on Mount Bachelor; the resort does offer complimentary shuttle service to Mount Bachelor Ski Area.

Riverhouse on the Deschutes In addition to standard rooms, guests at The Riverhouse Hotel can also choose from a variety of suites with such amenities as fireplaces, kitchens, or a hot tub, many with river views. Fine dining, meeting space, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and an exercise room are all available on-site. The resort is home to the River's Edge Golf Course.

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Oregon , Travel Guides , U.S.A. · Last Updated: January 15, 2024

Beer & Sunshine: Visiting Bend, Oregon in the Summer

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If you’re thinking of visiting Bend, Oregon, you’ve come to the right place for tips on traveling to this amazing Oregon city! This Bend travel guide is meant to be a guide to visiting Bend in the summer, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to do on your trip!

Bend is my absolute favorite place to visit in Oregon (sorry Portland !) and may just be one of my all-time favorite West Coast cities in the U.S. This relatively small city is incredibly walkable, clean, and filled with friendly people. It makes for a great weekend destination for those who live in Oregon, and long weekend destination for those coming from out of state.

Whether you are outdoorsy or just enjoy making your way through the Bend food and beer scene, this town has something for everyone.

How to Get to Bend

Bend is located in the high desert area of Central Oregon and is only a few hours away driving distance from some of Oregon’s other major cities that have airports.

• From Portland: 162 miles (approx. 3 hours 20 minutes)
• From Eugene: 140 miles (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes)
• From Redmond: 17 miles (approx. 25 – 30 minutes)

You can fly into any of the above cities and rent a car to drive to Bend! However, if you have the time, I definitely recommend flying to Portland first and spending a day or two there before heading to Bend via car.

If you aren’t up for driving, or simply don’t have much time, there are now direct flights from multiple West Coast cities to the Redmond Airport (such as San Francisco, Portland, Los Angeles, Seattle, etc.). Car rental agencies are available at the Redmond airport. I recommend and use  Avis  as they are one of the few agencies where you can add a spouse as an extra driver for no charge.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Portland

Where to Stay in Bend

Bend has a lot of great hotels that are conveniently located within walking distance next to all the action! Here are a few of my favorites.

Springhill Suites by Marriott

The Springhill Suites by Marriott in Bend is one of my favorite hotels to stay at when visiting the city! Most importantly, it has such a great location in between the Old Mill District and Downtown areas. This makes it very central (walking distance) to many restaurants and breweries, as well as the Deschutes River.

Another great feature of Springhill Suites is that the rooms are large and spacious , and you can get a comfy king-sized bed for your time in Bend!

Tips for Staying at Springhill Suites

• I recommend signing up for the Marriott Bonvoy credit card and taking advantage of accumulating points to use for booking stays at Marriott hotels . Another great option (and one of my favorite travel rewards cards) is the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which you can use to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott to often get better best value from your points.
• This Springhill Suites location in Bend charges a daily $10 self-parking fee, so be sure to budget for that.

Residence Inn by Marriott

Another great Marriott property in Bend is the Residence Inn , located near the Old Mill Shopping Mall. Restaurant options near this are a bit more chain-like, but you can easily walk to the Box Factory area from here as well (and even to one of my favorite breweries in Bend, Crux Fermentation!). Downtown is a bit more of a trek. While still walkable, it’s only a few minutes’ Uber ride to save your feet.

Some of my favorite features of this hotel are:

• Spacious rooms with king-sized beds are available
• Full kitchens so you can heat up leftovers or pack your fridge full of beers to take home with you!
• Convenient location – walking distance to many shops and restaurants
• Free breakfast (including eggs, biscuits and gravy, bagels, cereal, etc.)

Best Western Premiere Peppertree Inn

The Best Western Premiere Peppertree Inn is located on the southwestern side of Bend. We stayed at this hotel when we visited for a friends’ wedding, which was held not too far away at Tetherow Resort. It’s not the most central of locations, but it is great if you are planning on visiting Mt. Bachelor or Tetherow.

We still chose to walk to some breweries and restaurants from the Best Western because, as I mentioned above, Bend is extremely walkable! We even started our Bend Ale Trail journey close to our hotel at Cascade Lakes Brewpub.

Rooms are comfortable and spacious enough for a weekend getaway, and they even have a pizza restaurant onsite.

Holiday Motel

The Holiday Motel is a decent option if you are on a tight budget or perhaps only staying in Bend for one night on a road trip (speaking from experience!). This motel has more of a southeast location, and will get you closer to the eastside breweries and restaurants.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals are a prime option when visiting Bend, especially when visiting in the summer! You can get a really cute place right on the river. While we’ve only stayed in hotels during our visits to Bend, here are a few rentals I’d personally consider when visiting again:

• Riverfront Retreat with hot tub!
• Drake Cottage across from Mirror Pond

Packing List for Bend

Summers in Bend are beautiful, but they do get some hot days during the peak of summer. Make sure you are prepared to guard your skin against the sun! That being said, summer nights in Bend are cooler in temperature, which is a welcome reprieve if you’ve spent your days hiking, floating the river, or walking around the city.

• Comfortable sandals   or shoes for walking all over town
• Appropriate covered shoes , hydro flask for water , hat , and backpack for moderate hikes (such as at Smith Rock State Park or Tumalo Falls)
• Jacket  for cool summer nights (it can still get pretty chilly in the evenings in Bend during the summer)
• Light blanket or throw   to keep you warm on cooler summer nights while you’re hanging out at breweries or food cart pods
• Sunglasses  for all those sunny days

• Swimsuit , towels &  slippers (flip flops)  if you plan on doing any river activities (such as floating on the Deschutes, kayaking, river surfing, or stand-up paddle boarding)
• Sunscreen & lip balm
• Lotion  (I love the scent of this one!)
• Electric toothbrush  (we’ve been using this one for years and it comes with a charging travel case) &  toothpaste
• Silicone bottles  for liquids that don’t come in travel sizes (if you need to save on space)
• Packing cubes  – save space to bring home beer!
• Car charger to keep your cell phone charged if you are driving to Bend from far away
• Beer bottle opener , in case you decide to crack into any bottles of beer purchased at breweries!

What to do in Bend

Bend is certainly a destination for lovers of the outdoors! It’s also a great destination for food and beer lovers, so you get the best of all worlds here.

Here are a few top activities you can do when visiting Bend in the summer:

• Hike around Smith Rock State Park
• Walk the Deschutes River Trail
• Saunter through Drake Park and picnic by Mirror Pond
• Surf (or watch surfers) at Whitewater Park
• Float the Deschutes River
• Drink up on the Bend Ale Trail (aka brewery hop – see a list below of my favorite Bend breweries)
• Visit Tumalo Falls
• Check out the last operating Blockbuster Video in the whole world!

Book More Bend Activities with Get Your Guide!

Smith rock state park.

Smith Rock State Park is an absolute gem for outdoor lovers , located in Terrebonne about 45 minutes north of Bend. You can plan to spend a few hours here, or all day exploring if you’re an avid hiker.

On your way back to Bend from the park, you can also hit up one of our favorite breweries in the area, Wild Ride in Redmond. Grab yourself an ice cold beer or beer float (yes, that’s a thing) after hiking around the park for a few hours!

Tips for Visiting Smith Rock State Park:

• Day use parking can be limited during peak visiting hours – get there early!
• Day use permits are $5.00 per vehicle . Pay stations are located in the day-use parking areas off the main road, and you can place the permit on your dashboard while you explore the park.
• Pack lots of water! Even if you only plan on being at the park for a minimal amount of time, make sure you stay hydrated. Bring a hydro flask (or two)!
• Visit in the early morning hours to beat the heat (and avoid going on days where the temps are over 80 degrees if you’ll be visiting mid-day)

There are various trails throughout the park , with each marked with a trailhead marker. Before you set off down into the park, be sure to take a picture of the park map at the parking area. You can see how long each hike is on that map also.

Deschutes River Trail

The Deschutes River Trail is a great easy walking trail to take while visiting Bend. We’ve only walked a small portion of it from The Old Mill up to Miller’s Landing Park. If you have more time, you can start your journey more south at Farewell Bend Park. This trail is great for leisurely walkers (like myself) that want a beautiful view of the river while getting steps in.

Drake Park & Mirror Pond

Drake Park, home of Mirror Pond, is an absolutely beautiful riverside park worth taking a walk through, or for enjoying a leisurely afternoon picnic. We generally continue on to Drake Park after finishing our walk along the Deschutes River Trail (you’ll have to walk through some neighborhoods to connect with the park).

Consider walking all the way up to Bend Brewing Company , where you’ll be rewarded with ice cold beers in a lovely riverside setting!

Float Down the Deschutes

This is one summer activity in Bend that we haven’t gotten the chance to do yet, but definitely want to in the future! You can enter the river at many points, or you can start your journey at the main entry points of either Riverbend or McKay Park.

If you don’t have any floating devices that you personally own, you can rent them from the Tumalo Creek Rental Kiosk , which is open from mid-June through September. There’s also a shuttle that runs every 15 minutes between Riverbend Park and Drake Park, so you don’t have to worry about having to catch a ride back to your car! I would recommend making your reservations ahead of your visit to ensure you have everything needed.

For more info on floating routes, rules & regulations, please visit this site .

Watch the River Surfers

If you’re an avid surfer, you could of course attempt your hand at surfing the rapids at White Water Park, located along the Deschutes River Trail. Or, if you’re a spectator like me, you can enjoy the show while watching from the foot bridge that spans across this point in the river. Either way, you’re sure to be entertained!

Complete the Bend Ale Trail

The Bend Ale Trail is a fun activity geared towards beer lovers that encourages you to get out there to visit and support Bend’s local breweries.

All new as of 2021 , the Bend Ale Trail is either now app-based or you can pick up a keepsake passport for $5 at the Visitor’s Center in Downtown. The new format is quite different than when we completed the Ale Trail with a good old paper passport to get stamped, but it’s always exciting when activities change and evolve.

Breweries are now divided into seven territories , and the app even has great suggestions for brewery diversions (i.e. not beer) and perfect pairings (activities you can do while on your Bend Ale Trail quest).

Tips for Completing the Ale Trail

• Download the Bend Ale Trail app
• Map out your route ahead of time to maximize your time
• Check in via the app when you are at each brewery to get your digital stamp and/or ask your beertender to stamp your keepsake passport
• Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT drink and drive! Bend is very walkable, and Uber/Lyft are plentiful (we’ve actually encountered some of the most friendly Uber drivers on our travels here).
• Eat food! You’re going to need something to soak up all that beer.
• Prizes are rewarded based on completed territories!

To read more on how the Bend Ale Trail works, visit: https://www.visitbend.com/bend-ale-trail/how-it-works/

The Last Blockbuster in the World

Never in my life would I have imagined a Blockbuster video store being a tourist attraction, but here we are! Blockbuster Video in Bend is the last operating Blockbuster in the whole world. Yes, you can still go in and rent movies just like the good old days! They also have movie memorabilia up around the store and you can purchase a few souvenirs as well.

I definitely recommend supporting this local business to keep the nostalgia alive!

Where to Eat in Bend

Eating out in Bend is such a fun experience! Most of our favorite places are super casual , with many of being them food trucks/carts. A handful of the local Bend breweries also host their own small food truck pods. You get delicious food and beer all in one spot!

El Sancho Taco

El Sancho Taco is a casual sit-down taco shop with two locations in Bend, in addition to a taco shack at Crux Fermentation Project. All of their delicious tacos are made with lightly fried tortillas, and you can even get some refreshing margaritas (or non-alcoholic limeade) to wash them down with!

Their Eastside location is the perfect spot to start your day with “brunch” at 11 a.m. before heading out to some of the nearby breweries like Bevel Craft Brewing or the Humm Kombucha taproom!

What to Get:

• Oaxacan Cheese , Mushroom & Potato Tacos
• Bring the Heat : An assortment of spicy condiments and pickled veg for $1.00 extra
• Chips and Salsa: Their house-made chips are delicious!

Spork is an Asian-Latin American fusion restaurant located just west of the Mirror Pond area of the Deschutes River. I absolutely love fusion restaurants where chef’s come up with creative and tasty cross-cultural food pairings. The magical food here at Spork does not disappoint! It’s one of our favorite foodie spots in Bend.

Spork is a pretty popular spot, and I recommend getting there early so you can get a good seat inside.

• Chilaquiles tossed in garlic tomatillo sauce (add a fried egg or shredded pork for more richness)
• Spicy Pork Noodle bowl filled with rice noodles, fish sauce caramel pork patties, herbs and veggies
• Picadillo Pork Tacos with pork simmered in Mexican Coke and green olives
• Spicy Fried Chicken tossed in a spicy and sweet chili sauce
• Side of kimchi , cuz kimchi is life…

A lot of their menu items can be made vegetarian and vegan upon request.

Miyagi Ramen

Located in the Box Factory area (between the Old Mill District and Downtown), Miyagi Ramen is serving up a variety of ramen and Japanese-inspired dishes. It also happens to be across the street from the Springhill Suites hotel ! Seating is limited, so just be patient if you don’t get a spot right away.

• Chicken Meatballs with soft boiled egg (lots of great ginger flavor in these)
• Tsukemen Ramen : A chilled ramen dish with yuzu broth served on the side for dipping. On hot summer days in Bend, this dish can satisfy your ramen craving without breaking a sweat!
• Chicken Katsu & Pork Belly Steamed Buns: Simple and flavorful, served with black sesame mayo, pickles, and sriracha and hoisin for dipping.

Bangers & Brews

Bangers & Brews made it to our list of places to visit as they were voted Yelp’s #1 Restaurant in 2019 (in the whole country)! This is a cozy family-owned shop with extremely friendly owners bringing gourmet sausages to the PNW. They even have vegetarian and vegan options for all you non-meat eaters!

What to Get :

• Any of their sausages with their delicious chimichurri sauce and caramelized onions will blow your mind

The bread they use for the buns is baked locally in Bend, and is quite possibly the best bun bread we’ve ever had!

Big Ski’s Pierogi

Big Ski’s Pierogi is a small food truck located in the Podskis food cart pod in the Box Factory neighborhood. If you’ve never had a pierogi, this is a great place to start! Pierogis are Polish dumplings stuffed with a variety of savory or sweet fillings – most commonly with potatoes and cheese.

Big Ski’s has so many different pierogi flavors to choose from, but thankfully they offer an option to order a sampler of six different pierogis. We found this to be a great way to taste a little bit of everything they have to offer and find our favorites.

• Cinder Cone-y: Chili, cheese, beef frank & serrano peppers (talk about a satisfying beer companion!)
• Hell’s O.G.: A spicy version of their O.G. with potato, farmer cheese, and serrano and habanero peppers
• B.C.B. : Bacon, Cheese, Beef!
• Side of sour cream and grilled onions (these elevate the pierogis with extra flavor)

The #9 and Pollo Del Fuego are also great contenders, but my heart is with the Cinder Cone-y and Hell’s O.G.

Wild Rose Northern Thai

Wild Rose was on my wish list for a while and we finally made it there to try out their delicious Thai food! This restaurant is extremely popular, and I recommend making a reservation ahead of time. Parking in this part of Bend can also be a little hectic, so Uber/Lyft (or walk) if you can!

• Moo Gratiem: Thinly sliced pork in a sweet and savory garlic sauce
• Khao Soi Curry: Yellow curry over noodles (this dish is definitely a bit on the sweet side but tasty)
• Thai Sukiyaki: A Thai take on the Japanese dish with glass noodles
• Pinyo : Spiced sausage with bold flavors of lemongrass and lime leaves

We’ll definitely need to come back to try more dishes!

Wild Ride Food Trucks

Wild Ride is a brewery located north of Bend in the town of Redmond, and is definitely worth a visit! Not only do they have great beer, they have four food trucks on site to choose from. We’ve only had the pleasure of eating at Shred Town, but I am sure we will try some of the others on a return visit.

• Pulled Pork Cubano from Shred Town
• Veggie Yakisoba Noodles from Shred Town
• The Spicy Jah from Red Road Pizza Co.

Strictly Organic Coffee

Strictly Organic Coffee is a great place to start your day in Bend. Order up a coffee or a chai , and get one of their delicious breakfast burritos to go! They also have a drive through, which makes being on the go extra easy.

I kid you not, they have one of the best tasting vegetarian breakfast burritos I’ve ever had!

Food Trucks at Bevel Brewing

Just like Wild Ride above, Bevel Brewing ‘s patio has four food trucks to choose from! You can get anything from Hawaiian food, Southern po’boys and gumbo to Mexican taqueria favorites, sandwiches, salads, and wraps.

We got a delicious poke bowl from Aina Kauai and we cannot wait to come back with empty tummies to try all of the other trucks.

Bonta Gelato

Bonta Gelato gives gelato from Italy a run for it’s money. This is an especially refreshing and tasty treat when visiting Bend in the summer! They have rotating seasonal flavors as well, so you could try something new each time you visit. We had the Berry Sorbetto and the Vanilla Passionfruit and they were both amazing. I wish we could have taken pints to go!

Pro Tip: Bonta has two locations in Bend. We visited the Eastside location and did not have to wait in any lines!

Wish List Eats

As with all of our adventures, there’s never enough time to eat at all the restaurants we’d like. When we visit again, here are a few restaurants we’d like to put on the permanent list!

• Jackson’s Corner for a hearty brunch
• Barrio/Shimshon for some eclectic Mexican/Spanish/Israeli fusion dishes
• Ariana for fine dining (I’m eyeing that Chef’s Tasting Menu!)
• Bo’s Falafel Bar for, of course, falafel!

If you’ve been to Bend before and have some foodie favorites not on this list, please drop me a comment below! I’d love to hear your recommendations for something new.

Best Breweries in Bend

The “best” of anything is always highly subjective to the one writing the list. However, we’ve visited enough breweries in Bend at this point to have a list of our favorites!

Bend Brewing Co.

Bend Brewing Company is always a favorite stop for us because of their location right on the river! We like to walk the Deschutes River Trail up through to Drake Park and end with a cold pint of their Ching Ching sour ale while sitting out on the grass overlooking the river.

Wild Ride Brewing

Though Wild Ride Brewing is technically located in Redmond, about 20 minutes north of Bend, they are considered a “Bend” brewery worth visiting! And yes, they are even listed on the Ale Trail Passport.

Wild Ride brews some fantastic beer, and we especially love their sours! They even have beer floats, which are refreshing and perfect on a hot summer’s day.

*Wild Ride also hosts a small food cart pod on premise (see above Where to Eat in Bend for more info).

Silver Moon Brewing

Silver Moon Brewing , located in the Downtown area of Bend, was a discovery we made while completing the Bend Ale Trail. We absolutely fell in love with their beers! They also have a cool tap room and just recently added a food cart area known as The Office .

Our favorite beers from Silver Moon were the Bangarang Passion Fruit Sour and A Parrot’s Life for Me , which was a mezcal barrel aged margarita sour. These were special beers that you probably can’t get currently but I’m sure there are other interesting rotating seasonal beers.

Crux Fermentation Project

Crux Fermentation Project is one of the very first breweries that we visited in Bend years ago and one we could return to every time we visit. They’ve got a huge outdoor lawn space with firepits perfect for hanging out for hours. They also offer their own limited food menu Thursdays through Mondays, in addition to a regular food cart lineup .

Be sure to check their website for their daily sundowner hour where you can get beer specials and $2.00 off share items.

Bevel Craft Brewing

Bevel Craft Brewing describes themselves as a “hop-centric” brewery, which is perfect for my husband and I who really enjoy a good IPA! They also have a killer patio with tons of seating and four onsite food trucks, including Aina Gourmet mentioned above in the Where to Eat section.

Immersion Brewing

Immersion Brewing was another favorite when we completed the Bend Ale Trail a couple years back. They are located in the Box Factory next door to Avid Cider, with several restaurants and food carts nearby (including the Podski’s Food Cart area which is located on the opposite street behind the Box Factory). Immersion also serves a full menu too, though we haven’t gotten the chance to try their food yet.

They have a good variety of different beers on tap, but our favorite is the Symphony Sour – light enough to end the day with!

Other Breweries to Consider

Of course there’s also the famous Deschutes Brewery where we’ve taken a brewery tour , and McMenamin’s St. Francis (a former Catholic school) is always a cool stop for something unique. Sunriver Galveston also makes some decent beer (favorite being the Vicious Mosquito) and their location in Bend is great!

Brewery Wish List:

• Spider City Brewing Company
• Porter Brewing in Redmond
• Kobold Brewing in Redmond

Kombucha & Cider in Bend

Can you believe that you can go to Bend and drink something else other than beer! Here are a few options for all you non-beer drinkers visiting Bend.

Humm Kombucha

Humm Kombucha is very proud of their status as the very first kombucha taproom in the country. I used to not be a huge fan of the booch, but I am liking it a lot more lately. At Humm, you can get flights of six samples of kombucha for a mere $5.00. Choose from a selection of their flagship flavors and seasonal flavors! We loved their seasonal watermelon basil and their cherry cola energy drink.

They also sell cans to go, make kombucha floats (perfect for summer!), and have food trucks on site if you’re hungry.

Avid Cider , located in the Box Factory across the street from the Springhill Suites (and next door to Immersion Brewing) is a great place to spend an evening. Their ciders are some of the best we’ve ever had! You can hang out on their front patio, or inside while playing pool and pinball.

They also have rotating food carts for all your foodie needs.

I hope this summer guide to visiting Bend was helpful in helping you to plan your very own trip to one of my favorite little cities. If you’re looking for additional things to do while visiting Bend, Oregon in the summer, be sure to check out the official Visit Bend site for more ideas!

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Healthy Bend Oregon Travel Guide

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Bend, Oregon is one of the best small towns to visit in the US, and I don’t say that lightly. If you like river floats, outdoor concerts, gorgeous waterfall hikes, charming, walkable downtowns, and alpaca farms, you need this Bend Oregon Travel Guide for your next vacation. I think Bend has the perfect mix of adventure, nature, wellness, and a delicious, local food scene that honestly rivals big cities like LA. I think Bend would make the best fall vacation with friends or weekend getaway. Read on for my top recommendations on where to eat, adventure, and enjoy all of the amazing things to do in Bend Oregon.

Everywhere we nomad to, I picture Zack and I living there. I even look on Zillow at houses and the neighborhoods that would be closest to my favorite healthy grocery stores. In two years of nomad life, Bend is far and away my favorite place that I could actually see us settling down in. Yes, Z and I have been talking about having kids! For a while, we were unsure if we wanted to have kids or if we were just getting swept up in societal expectations or other people’s timelines. But then on this episode on the Healthier Together Podcast, we got amazing advice from beauty expert Amy Chang on how to have kids and not have it ruin your life. It sounds dramatic, but the fears are real! If you’re in a similar boat, give the episode a listen. I promise it will help with any family planning anxiety!

Anyway, back to Bend.

Bend is a super sunny slice of Oregon that’s totally a year round destination. You can go in the summer to float down the river and hike the beautiful mountains, in the fall to see the beautiful leaves changing, or in the winter for world class skiing. There’s truly something here for everyone.

What’s a healthy travel guide?

I call my itineraries “healthy travel guides” because in every place that I visit, I seek out wellness and relaxation activities, note-worthy restaurants with nourishing foods (for the body AND the soul), and overall things to do that contribute to a happier, healthier life! And if you’re traveling with a partner, these healthy travel guides are guaranteed to make you feel  healthier together .

If you have more recommendations on the best restaurants, bars, hotels, and things to do in Bend Oregon, share them in the comments and I’ll add them to this Healthy Bend Oregon Travel Guide! Zack and I can’t wait to go back.

Best food in Bend

Basically every restaurant in this healthy Bend Oregon Travel Guide has a variety of gluten free and vegan options. Here’s where to eat:

Breakfast/Brunch

• The Pantry : come for the boujis lattes (the pistachio one is heaven) and stay for the healthy breakfast burritos. I also give their pastries an A+.
• Bend Breakfast Burrito: if you’re looking for the perfect pre-hike fuel to grab and go, look no further than this literally named spot. It’s been voted as “the best breakfast burrito in Bend” by locals, so you know I had to try it out. If you’re wondering why, check out my viral vegan freezer burritos .
• Chow : for the best brunch in Bend, head to Chow. Their decor is so artsy and the menu is so inventive with inspired dishes like the honey truffle fried chicken sando to comfort classics like scratch-made biscuits and gravy to healthy delicacies like the kale salmon salad. You’ll find the perfect range of healthy, produce-forward options to finger licking comfort food here.
• Kanona Cafe : this cute bungalow-style superfood cafe and craft coffee shop serves the best smoothies in Bend. Their ingredients are pure, unprocessed, and raw. They also have delicious açai bowls and Hawaiian-style coffee drinks.

Lunch/Dinner

• El Sancho : they have the BEST tacos and margaritas that come in seasonal flavors! Their concept is high quality Mexican street food in a really relaxed and fun atmosphere with an outdoor patio.
• Wild Rose Thai : eat lunch or dinner here for amazing, fresh, traditional Thai food served family style! This spot was voted the best Thai restaurant in Bend and is super accommodating for people who are gluten free and vegan. Lunch is first come first serve, no reservations needed, but dinner reservations are highly recommended in advance.
• Active Culture : a natural foods cafe with a few other locations along the Pacific Coast. Their Bend location is the perfect spot for a delicious, healthy salad or grain bowl. And if your tastebuds are craving comfort, the nachos are a must try.
• Spork : head here for a healthy fast, casual dinner that’s super flavorful and perfect for gluten free and vegan foodies. The menu’s loaded with global eats from chilaquiles to dan dan noodles to coconut curry. They even have an awesome kids menu if you’re traveling with little ones.

Drinks/Dessert

• Dakine Grindz : Right next door to Kanona Cafe is this authentic Hawaiian shaved ice truck. So if you haven’t had your fill of refreshing smoothies, grab some delicious shaved ice!
• The Ale Apothecary : I’m obsessed with their naturally fermented beers! This is Bend’s only sour brewery, and they make their totally natural, barrel-aged beer using ingredients off the local land from Oregon farms!

Things to do in Bend

• Go hiking : Green Lakes and Broken Hand were my two favorite hikes near Bend, Oregon, and Tumalo Falls is also well worth the effort. In the summer and early fall, you’ll need a day-pass wilderness permit to hike so reserve your spot well ahead of time!
• Summit a mountain : South Sister is known to be one of Oregon’s most incredible hikes. She’s long, she’s tough, but she’s also gorgeous, very doable, and a ton of fun! You’ll also need a permit to hike this trail, which you can find here .
• Explore Smith Rock State Park : it’s gorgeous and well worth the visit. I’d recommend only going for a hike if it’s cooler weather or cloudy, though. The entire park is exposed to the sun and the heat can get extreme. In addition to camping here, you can also go rock climbing, mountain biking, extreme slacklining, and horeback riding here (it’ BYOH though).
• Go lava tubing : You can explore the incredible deep caves and lava tubes in Bend, Oregon either solo or with a tour group! If you’ve never heard of a lava tube, it’s an underground tunnel that’s formed by flowing lava that hardens and creates a tube shape! There’s tons of different tour groups to choose from online.
• Play with alpacas : Crescent Moon Ranch has truly the cutest alpacas I’ve ever seen!! Their website says that they are Oregon’s premier Alpaca destination, and I 100% support this claim. I recommend going at 3:45 p.m. just before they close, and you can stand in the middle of the alpacas as they run into their home for the night!
• Float down the Deschutes River : For some of the most relaxing fun you’ll ever have outdoors, rent some tubes from this local spot and do a river float down the Deschutes. Hot tip: do this on concert nights and float on right outside the outdoor amphitheater to listen to the bands for free!!
• See an outdoor concert: Walk along the Riverwalk from Downtown Bend to the gorgeous, outdoor Hayden Homes Amphitheater (pictured below), which is situated right along the Deschutes River. View their line-up of upcoming concerts here !

The best day trip from Bend

I could honestly stay in Bend forever, but there are just so many amazing activities surrounding Bend that I think it’s worth a short drive. This day trip from Bend is just an hour outside the city and includes the perfect mix of exercise, relaxation, and really good food.

• Drive one hour northwest into the Willamette National Forest to Sahalie Falls and Blue Pool (the trailheads are near each other)!
• Head back south about 40 minutes to Terwilliger Hot Springs to soothe your post hike muscles.
• Now that you’re hungry, make a well-deserved pit-stop on the way home at The Barn in Sisters, Oregon for an amazing array of local food trucks, drinks, and live music ! I highly recommend Boone Dog Pizza for farm-to-table style pizza (gluten free crust and vegan options available). They also have food truck for vegan eats, Mexican food, and BBQ, plus an actual scratch kitchen and taproom!

I hope you guys enjoy this healthy Bend Oregon travel guide! Please tag me on Insta (@lizmoody) if you share pictures of your travels, and let me know in the comments if you have any recommendations to add to the list!

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More healthy travel guides:

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Sunriver & Bend Oregon Travel Guide

Bend, Oregon is a great destination year-round with incredible outdoor activities. There are many kid-friendly attractions in and around Bend, Oregon, making it a perfect place to take a family vacation.

If you live around Portland then it’s a perfect weekend getaway.

We have created this Sunriver/Bend Travel Guide to help you plan your entire trip. Our travel guide includes where to eat and lots of activity suggestions. Like all of our travel guides, this one will continue to grow and adapt over time. In February we are headed back down to experience all the great winter activities they have so check back for updates!

Table of Contents

Sunriver Activities

During the summer, activities include kayaking, white water rafting, and hiking. If you are new to rafting, raft the Big Eddy first. You will get a small taste of some major rapids without being tossed around too terribly.

1.Whitewater Rafting Sun Country Tours  

Rafting the Big Eddie with Sun Country tours was cheaper than kayaking and horseback riding in Sunriver. Plus it was awesome. We felt comfortable the whole time. The entire operation is streamlined, which is nice.

Whitewater rafting the Big Eddy near Bend, Oregon.

2. High Desert Museum  

A fantastic indoor family-friendly activity near Bend is the High Desert Museum , a one-of-a-kind museum that reveals the nature of things in the West’s high desert through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs, and meaningful history. We felt completely immersed in the history as we walked through some of the exhibits.

High Desert Museum

3. Hiking  

There are loads of hiking trails around this area, including lots of waterfall hikes.

• Benham Falls – Dillon Falls
• Steelhead Falls
• Tumalo Falls
• Fall River Falls
• Paulina Falls

4. Sharc Water Park

Sunriver has its own small waterpark (shown in the photo at the beginning of the post) that is mainly outdoors, but also indoors as well. Surprisingly, Sharc is a year-round aquatic facility. I’m assuming in the winter it’s just the inside portion that is open. Even in the summer, we thought the water was really cold. 

Military personnel and their families receive 50% off regular admission, which was awesome for our military family!

What was even cooler about going to this water park was that your admission got you unlimited rides on their summer tubing hill . I had never heard of a summer tubing hill, it’s so much fun. 

SHARC’s heated outdoor aquatics feature the following attractions:

• Water slides (must be 48″ to ride)
• Water Jungle Gym
• Tot Pool & Sand Area
• Heated to 83˚- 85˚

Sharc the waterpark in Sunriver

5. Summer Tubing Hill at the Sharc

You can tube almost year-round in Sunriver because they have a summer tubing hill. Here’s a video of the tubing hill.

6. Horseback Riding

Sunriver Stables is home to lots of horses and offers trail rides for any level and varying lengths. We took the one-hour ride, but I think 30 minutes would have been enough. All the trail rides offered are fine for beginners. If you are not a beginner, you might actually find the trails here a little boring.

Sunriver Horseback Riding

7. Kayaking

You can rent equipment like kayaks at the Sunriver Marina. They also offer tours. We went on their wildlife tour. During the kayak, we saw next to no wildlife we had a wonderful time. After we got done kayaking they fed us lunch and took us on a short hike to see Dillion Falls.

Kayaking in Sunriver, Oregon near Bend, Oregon

8. Off-Roading Tours

The entire area has loads of offroading available. You can sign up for an offroading excursion with Outriders NW. They have a handful of tours to choose from and their Polaris Razrs seat four. 

Off-roading with Outriders NW

10. Sunriver Fitness and Aquatic Center

Kid-friendly winter activities in bend, oregon.

During the winter you can ski and snowboard up on nearby by Mt. Bachelor. I have an entire post dedicated to taking a weekend ski trip to Bend. 

1. Ski and Snowboard  

In the winter, it is unacceptable to not go skiing if you are in Bend unless of course you just can’t. Why? Because Mt. Bachelor is just a short drive from Bend and home to 88 runs to accommodate novice, intermediate, advanced, and expert ski enthusiasts. It even has a magic carpet and bunny hill making this an ultra-kid-friendly place to ski.

2. Free guided Snowshoeing  

If you are a non-skier consider a 90-minute guided snowshoeing tour of the Deschutes National Forest instead. It’s easy to snowshoe and anyone 8 years or older can do it. This kid-friendly activity is free through the US Forest Service up on Mt. Bachelor. During your tour, you will learn about winter ecology at Mt. Bachelor and the geology of Central Oregon, the Deschutes National Forest watershed, and the plants and animals found throughout the area. You will need to wear snow boots and other warm winter clothing. These tours start at 10 AM on Saturdays. You check-in 10-15 minutes prior to the time of the tour at the USFS snowshoe hut just outside the Guest Services building in West Village at Mt. Bachelor ski resort.

3. Ice skating in Sunriver

The Sunriver ice rink is open from mid-November through the end of March and is an exciting activity for vacationers and locals alike. If ice-skating is not your forte, the rink offers a viewing room with a cozy fireplace so you can watch your friends and family skate to their hearts’ content.  This is a fairly cheap family activity!

Ice Skating at Sunriver

4. Mountain Air Indoor Trampoline Park

No matter where we go we always seem to find a trampoline park. This one is good with over 20 trampolines. 

Sunriver Restaurants

Cafe sinatra.

This place was fantastic! This will be our go-to place for breakfast in Sunriver from now on! Other than my crepe being a tiny portion I love everything about it. I just figured when I order the crepes that it would be more than just one of them. My $8 mistake.  It’s a cute place. They give everyone toast and it’s a cinnamon toast that’s REAL good. They did not have kids meals but they have some large plates that are good for splitting.

After first eating at their location in a strip mall in Bend I was not impressed. But after visiting this beautiful location in Sunriver right along the river I have completely changed my mind. The cocktails here are huge. HUGE! Plus, they have a lot of cocktail choices. The tequila tacos are awesome. Do not let your children order the nachos off the kids menu. They would be better off eating the complimentary chips and dip.

Meadows Restaurant

Inside Sunriver Lodge with a fireplace & lake views, Meadows is a great place to eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Sunriver Brewhouse

Craft brewery & gastropub serving creative American eats in a rustic setting with a kids’ play area.

Bend Restaurants for Families

Bend is home to 22 breweries, several with great food. 

Bend Brewing Company

We love everything about Bend Brewing Company. Their beers are great and on weekend nights they’ve got live music.  The Reuben is so large you should order and half or plan to split a plate with someone. They’ve also got excellent salsa!

Deschutes Brewery

The chicken BBQ bacon sandwich was amazing.  All of the other food was had was great. For dessert, we tried the peanut butter pie and it was ridiculous it was so good. You must try it if you visit!

The Original Pancake House – This place was great. It’s almost all pancakes. A typical order comes out with 6 pancakes. They have options for half orders on their pancakes and french toast. The prices are cheap. I fed 3 adults and 2 kids for around $30.

Extremely creative Asian Fusion

Worthy Brewing Taps and Tacos

Bend Lodging for Families

Tetherow Lodge

This is a family-friendly hotel towards Mt. Bachelor with large rooms and entries perfect for putting your ski gear. Plus, they have a pool!

TownePlace Suites  

This is another good place to stay in Bend, Oregon. The rooms are a little small, but they’ve got free breakfast. 

SpringHill Suites

Element Bend  

They offer airy studios and one-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens. Amenities include complimentary bikes, a fitness center, a complimentary evening reception Monday through Thursday 5:00 – 6:30 pm, and more. 

Sunriver Lodging

Sunriver vacation rentals or vrbo.

Sunriver has hundreds of homes for rent. Renting a home is nice because you can bring everything you need and spread out. 

If possible I recommend trying to stay in the Caldera Springs area. It’s a private area within Sunriver with its own pool. This is where we stayed during our most recent visit to Sunriver and it was excellent.

Caldera Springs Pool

Bend & Sunriver FAQ

How far is Sunriver from Bend?

Sunriver is 19 minutes south of Bend. 

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Travel Guide | Winter in Bend, Oregon

ABOUT BEND, OREGON

For an epic Winter trip, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and join along with my fellow Babes of the Babes That Wander and venture out to Bend, Oregon. We were invited by Visit Bend to spend a week in Bend, Oregon and experience what it is like to vacation in Bend during the Winter season.

At first, when we began planning for this trip, I was a little nervous. Bend is known for its adventurous wonder and though I love the wonder, I am not truly the outdoor adventurous type. But this trip changed my complete outlook on spending time exploring outdoors because there is so much beauty to see in nature, and in Bend, Oregon, you get a front row seat to it.

As you get ready to plan your trip to Bend, there are a few things that you need to know. Bend, Oregon is a very sustainable area because they want to maintain the natural beauty of the location. So it’s essential that you are committed to doing your part and being a responsible visitor.

Also make sure that you pack the essentials , especially if you are heading out for one of the adventurous tours and want to snowmobile, hike, snowshoe, dogsled, etc. but even if you don’t want to full commit to buying certain items, many of the tour providers have essentials that you can rent as Bend is a place where everyone looks out for one another and takes care of each and every person. So without further ado, here is a Winter Travel Guide for Bend, Oregon.

How to Get TO BEND, OREGON

Where to stay in bend, oregon.

ELEMENT BEND

The Element in Bend, Oregon is central to where you want to be when visiting Bend. This Marriot Hotel takes on the sustainable element of Bend and provides great care to the guests who choose to stay at this hotel. During our stay, we stayed in Studio Commons, which is a unique room type to the Element brand. The Studio Commons is a 4 King bedroom suite that connects each room to a common living area with a full kitchen. Each room has it’s own bathroom, mini fridge, TV, and a spacious closet. In addition to the amazingly, comfortable rooms, Element offers great amenities such as breakfast available each morning that can be made to order, complimentary wine in the evening, as well as a pool, gym, and other great amenities to make it feel as if you are living right at home.

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Things to do in bend, oregon.

SNOWMOBILING IN BEND, OR

While in Bend, it’s almost essential to do a snow activity, and if you’re taking a trip in the Winter, then it becomes a point that the majority of your trip should involve snowy fun! In Bend, Oregon, one epic thing to put on your itinerary is to go snowmobiling up the Cascade Mountains. During our trip, we went snowmobiling with Central Oregon Adventures who did a wonderful job of taking us up at our own pace and leading us to the most majestic places to see immaculate views that you can only find in Bend. For snowmobiling with Central Oregon Adventures, they’ll provide you with a helmet and googles, and they do have the option of purchasing other snow gear if you don’t happen to have it yourself. You’ll go on a two-hour guided tour via trails up the mountain where you’ll be able to stop at different areas to have some open space fun on your snowmobile.

GET A MASSAGE IN BEND, OREGON

If you’re looking for a little relaxation while visiting Bend, go on and have yourself a luxurious day of relation and have yourself a spa day. For our last full day in Bend, we went to Anjou Spa to have a full day of ultimate relaxation which is much needed after doing many Winter activities in Bend. So for those looking to get a massage in Bend, Oregon, I highly recommend going over to Anjou Spa where they not only offer massages, but you can also get facials, have a foot soak, and take advantage of a number of other services and spa areas such as the steam room and the sand room. And depending on what time of the year you head over to Anjou Spa in Bend, Oregon, you may be able to take part in their monthly specials and service offerings. During the time that we were there, they had a special “the Cocoa Comfort Massage” that I didn’t take advantage of, but sure wish that I did.

VISIT THE LAST BLOCKBUSTER IN BEND, OR

Bend is known of many things and one of the places that is a must visit while in Bend, Oregon is Blockbuster . In Bend, you’ll find the very last Blockbuster that exists in the world. This Blockbuster isn’t just available as a tourist spot to come in and get souvenirs and and reminisce about the times when this movie rental business fully existed, this Blockbuster is still fully operational. You can go into this Blockbuster and rent movies with a membership card just like you did decades ago. The location also sells plenty of gifts that you can buy in store and buy online, but the best part is being able to walk through the Blockbuster because it is such nostalgic moment.

SNOWSHOE IN BEND, OREGON

Another snowy activity that you should do while in Bend for your Winter vacation is to head out snowshoeing. For our trip, we went with Wanderlust Tours on a snowshoeing expedition that first started with having a dinner in a warming hut made right on site by a chef. After dinner and some wine, our tour guide outfitted us with snowshoes and a light to take a trek through the snow. There are a few options for snowshoeing, you can do a daytime adventure or go at night and even find yourself having a bonfire in the snow. We ended up doing a starlight trek after dinner where we walked through the snow and stopped to appreciate the clear night sky and marvel at starlight before finding ourselves at a bonfire in the snow for hot cocoa and dessert.

EXPLORE CAVES IN BEND, OR

Another tour that you can take in Bend, Oregon with Wanderlust Tours is the cave tours . Like the snowshoeing, there a few options for your cave tours depending on what you’re interested in. You can do a cave tour at night, one during the day, and even have one where you learn the history of the Prohibition in connection with the caves which then leads to visiting a distillery afterwards . Each tour takes you through lave tube caves which are caves made by lava from a past volcanic eruption. Before going into the cave, you’ll be given a helmet and light because there is no light once you go deeper and deeper, and the tour guides will take you as far as you would like into the caves while giving you history on the cave itself.

VISIT OLD MILL DISTRICT IN BEND

If you’re looking for some downtime and simply looking to some shopping in Bend, Oregon then Old Mill District is where you’ll want to go. Less than 10 minutes from downtown Bend, you’ll find this shopping district this filled with a variety of stores, eateries, and places to relax and have a variety of experiences. Old Mill District is also where you’ll find quite a handful of location businesses such as Vanilla, Ticket Mill, and Hello Sunshine. While we were out and about shopping, I was thoroughly impressed by the local shops and came home with quite a few gifts for my family. You can spend a whole day in Old Mill District because of the shopping options, dining options, and even the movie theatre. We spent almost a half a day at Old Mill District and probably could have stayed longer. I also appreciated the views at Old Mill District. Depending on what restaurant you visit, you can sit outside and take in the sights along the water.

DRINK WINE IN BEND, OREGON

In Bend, Oregon you’ll find quite a few wineries and each one has their own specialty and story as to how they make their wine and where they make it. So depending on where you are, stop in to a winery in the area and enjoy the wine. Bend is known for their wine because of the amazing water quality that they have in the area, and with great water comes great wine.

VA PIANO WINERY

Located in Old Mill District, you’ll find Va Piano which is a small winery where you can indulge in some bites and sip on some wine. You can stay and order by the bottle or enjoy flights, but if you end up in Bend during a warmer day, make sure to sit out on the patio and enjoy the view.

DOMAINE SERENE

Domain Serene has multiple locations around Oregon including one in downtown Bend where you can head in to sit by a fireplace, the bar or where you feel most comfortable and enjoy their wine. The Domaine Serene Lounge in Downtown Bend is also a great place to dine.

VISIT A DISTILLARY IN BEND

Along with the wineries, there are also quite a few distilleries in Bend, Oregon. For the same reason that there are so many wineries, the distilleries are plentiful because of the quality of water. Because we took part in the Prohibition Tour with Wanderlust Tours, a visit to a distillery was on our itinerary which lead us to Oregon Spirit Distillery for a tour of the facility where they make their bourbon along with a tasting. Of course, you don’t need to take the tour to go into Oregon Spirit Distillery, and I recommend visiting not only for the bourbon cocktails but for the bourbon maple syrup that you can only purchase at that location. We were able to taste it and if I had more space in my suitcase, I probably would have come home with a lot of maple syrup.

Places to Eat IN BEND, OREGON

DOMAINE SERENE LOUNGE IN DOWNTOWN BEND

THE LEMON TREE IN DOWNTOWN BEND, OREGON

GREG’S GRILL AT OLD MILL DISTRICT

JOOLZ IN DOWNTOWN BEND

900 WALL IN DOWNTOWN BEND, OREGON

Bend, oregon travel vlog.

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17 Best Road Trip Stops from Portland To Bend, Oregon

If you’re heading to the Pacific Northwest and you have a weekend to spare, a road trip from Portland to Bend, Oregon should be on your to-do list. This drive is so much fun to do!

Many travelers headed to Bend, OR as their final destination tend to fly into PDX in Portland, OR. From there, the drive from Portland to Bend (or vice versa) can easily be tackled in 3 hours.

But why would you want to make that drive without stopping to see some of the awesome spots, hikes, and sights in between? The drive from Portland to Bend is so scenic.

You’ll pass by various types of scenery, starting with the densely forested atmosphere of the Portland area all the way to the high desert flora and fauna of Central Oregon. 

To help you make the most of your trip, we’re sharing a complete list of our favorite stops to explore along the way from Portland to Bend. So without further ado, let’s dive right into it!

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

ROUTES FROM PORTLAND TO BEND

There are a few routes you could take to get to Bend from Portland (or Portland from Bend), but this list focuses on the stops along these two main routes— taking US-26 all the way down and passing Mount Hood vs. taking I-84 east through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, then down to US-26.

What’s the difference? Well first off, let’s review what you’ll see along both routes.

• I-84 to US-26 – You’ll be going through the Columbia River Gorge to Hood River, where you’ll then take the 35 down to US-26 E and finally along US-97 S to Bend. This route is longer and more time consuming than the more direct path below.
• US-26 – More of a straight-shot to Bend from Portland, which will save you time and miles on your car. You won’t be passing the Columbia River Gorge or Hood River, but you’ll pass Mount Hood and everything thereafter.

The mileage and duration of your trip will depend on which route you take. If you go with the longer, more scenic route of I-84, you’ll be adding on another 50 miles, but a 50 miles well worth it. The total travel time really depends on how long you stop at each of the pitstops on your itinerary!

I’d recommend going the longer route if you haven’t had the chance to explore the Columbia River Gorge or the town of Hood River yet. If you’ve been blessed to have explored the Columbia River Gorge before, then why not take the US-26 route and check out some new sights along the way?

17 BEST ROAD TRIP STOPS FROM PORTLAND TO BEND

I doubt Portland needs a formal introduction. But if you were so keen to read one — Portland is a bustling city in Oregon and is one of the greenest cities in the world. Portland prides itself on embracing weirdness, which makes this city so fun to explore!

There are tons of quirky neighborhoods to explore, each with its own unique atmosphere and charm. The food truck scene is popping, as are the coffee and craft beer scenes.

If you’re starting (or ending) your road trip in Portland, make sure you have at least three extra days to eat, drink, and explore the city of Portland!

I personally love Portland so much that I opted to live there for a month in an Airbnb during the C-19 days when wfh was mandatory. It was easily some of the most memorable weeks of those crummy years!

With all that said, Portland gets a huge thumbs-up from me. Definitely allocate a couple of days to exploring the city!

MCMENAMINS EDGEFIELD

McMenamins Edgefield is so much more than a historic hotel. This property is 74-acres large and located only 20 minutes away from downtown Portland. Formerly a poor farm during the Great Depression, McMenamins is a wonder to see and explore. It’s so expansive there is even a visitor’s guide and map of the property available to visitors.

Seriously, the estate is huge! You could easily spend a few hours wandering about the extensive gardens (glass of wine or a pint of beer in hand), play golf, visit the glass/pottery shop, distillery, and winery, take a seat and enjoy one of the many bars, eat lunch in the outdoor courtyards, watch a recent-run movie in the theater, listen to live music, and explore the gift shop. Tons of stuff to do!

If you’re a hotel guest here, you can also take advantage of the beautiful soaking pool next to the tea bar.

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

The Columbia River Gorge is so beautiful and packed with jaw-dropping waterfalls, overlooks, and hikes that they named it a National Scenic Area. The Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway is actually considered one of the most scenic drives in the country!

Along this 70-mile highway, you will have the chance to see several historic buildings, monuments, fish hatcheries, the Oneonta Gorge, and numerous waterfalls including Latourell Falls, Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Shepperd’s Dell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahclella Falls, and Fairy Falls. Given recent fires over the years, it’s best to check their website to check for trail closures.

MULTNOMAH FALLS

It’s likely you’ve visited or at least heard of this popular waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge before. If you haven’t, it’s a must-see as you travel along the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway.

It’s a quick stop off the highway and you can walk right up to marvel at the falls without even breaking a sweat. Talk about bang for your buck! You can grab lunch, ice cream, coffee, and other refreshments here as well.

Note: Sadly, during peak tourist season, Multnomah Falls can get very crowded, and there may be a limit on the number of visitors allowed at any given time to manage crowds and ensure visitor safety.

Check the Multnomah Falls website for the most up-to-date updates/conditions. You may need to make reservations to visit.

Continue along the scenic byway running alongside the Columbia River to reach your next stop, the charming town of Hood River. Hood River, also known as the windsurfing capital of the world, hosts a good amount of wineries, breweries, and restaurants.

This is the perfect place to stop for a meal or a cup of coffee. If you’re not feeling hungry, you should still get out of the car to stretch your legs, walk through the town, and peruse the lifestyle/home decor stores and gift shops.

LAVENDER VALLEY

I love this little off-the-road travel attraction! There’s nothing better than visiting a lavender farm during the summer season and attending an annual festival dedicated to ALL things lavender. I mean, talk about unique, right?

At Lavender Valley, you can wander the lovely lavender fields, cut and pick your own lavender, and explore the little gift shop after you’ve enjoyed your stroll through the grounds.

The view of Mt Hood is as intoxicating as its fragrant fields! No lie, the view by far is the best thing here and certainly does not disappoint.

If you’re looking for an alternative, there are other lavender farms in the area including Hood River Lavender Farm.

Address: 5965 Boneboro Rd, Mt Hood, OR 97041

RAMONA FALLS

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire Northwest is just a quick hike away on your route from Portland to Bend.  The iconic 7-mile roundtrip hike on Ramona Falls Loop Trail provides stellar views of Mt. Hood and the grand Ramona Falls.

The trail itself is relatively easy, but the hike requires either crossing the Sandy River on fallen logs, rock hopping, or trudging through the river. If river crossings aren’t your thing, maybe skip this stop. It’s quite an adventure and totally worth it when you get to feast your eyes on Ramona Falls flowing down 120 feet of sheer basalt rock.

GOVERNMENT CAMP

Government Camp sounds much more formal than what it is–a home base for people visiting Mount Hood and exploring the national forest that surrounds the area. “Govey,” as the locals call it, is a quaint alpine village that has plenty of eateries, watering holes, and an abundance of small-town charm.

It’s an excellent place to stretch your legs and use the restroom before continuing on your road trip from Portland to Bend!

TIMBERLINE LODGE

As you approach the south side of Mount Hood, take note of the signs for the Timberline Lodge (you’ll be making a left to get there). Timberline Lodge is a magnificent historical mountain lodge, built during the Depression Era. This is yet another great place to grab a bite to eat with a side of awe-inspiring views.

This National Historic Landmark is perhaps most known as the exterior of the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining . It’s less than 15 minutes from Government Camp and you can expect to spend about 30 minutes to an hour here.

TRILLIUM LAKE

Just 10 minutes south of Government Camp, you’ll find the picturesque Trillium Lake sitting beautifully among the great outdoors. This lake is all about the view–featuring Mount Hood towering overhead nearby. This creates an amazing mirrored view of its snow-capped peaks, especially on a clear day.

If you have some to spare, consider doing the 1.9-mile loop hike around the lake, kayaking/paddling, fishing, or packing a picnic to enjoy here. Since motorboats are not allowed here, you’ll get an even more peaceful, enjoyable experience!

INDIAN HEAD CASINO / WARM SPRINGS INDIAN MUSEUM

A bit further south on the 26 will bring you to the Indian Head Casino as well as the Warm Springs Indian Museum .

Their proximity to each other will allow you to test your luck with slot machines or table games, AND experience the rich history and culture of this region afterward.

This is an awesome stop if (1) you need to stretch your legs and (2) you’re down to weave in some history/education to your road trip.

Visitors of The Museum at Warm Springs will experience firsthand the sounds of ancient songs and languages, the mastery of traditional craftsmen, and the sights of various cultures that make up the Confederated Tribes of The Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. The collections of the museum are rotated throughout the year.

PETER SKENE OGDEN STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT

Located just 9 miles north of Redmond, Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint is a cool roadside attraction. This brief stop boasts a dramatic view of the canyon against the Crooked River.  The two sides are connected by historic bridges that create a dramatic glimpse of central Oregon’s geological and historical features.

The parkland was once owned by the Oregon Trunk Railway and was later acquired by the State between 1925 and 1930.  Eventually, the park was named after explorer Peter Skene Ogden, who entered the Crooked River Valley in 1825.

This viewpoint is perfect for photography lovers! Another good reason to stop? There are restrooms and picnic areas in case you need a scenic break that doesn’t involve seeing the inside of your car.

SMITH ROCK STATE PARK

If you enjoy scenic views of towering canyons or rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park is the place for you. Rock climbers from all over the country flock to Smith Rock State Park to experience the thousands of climbing routes in the park. Here you’ll find dynamic routes that are ideal for various types of climbing and bouldering.

If climbing isn’t your thing, Smith Rock SP is still worth visiting. It’s great for trail running, hiking, wildlife spotting, and mountain biking as well. If you’re looking for a place to camp, the park also has a walk-in area for tent camping on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pro Tip: Smith Rock State Park is a popular attraction, and with that comes potential challenges with parking, especially during the peak season and on weekends. If you want to beat the crowds, visit on a weekday or try to get there before 8am on weekends. The parking/day-use fee costs $5.

CRESCENT MOON ALPACA RANCH

I added this to the list in hopes that anyone reading this is also in love with alpacas as much as I am. At the alpaca ranch, you’ll get the chance to feed the adorable alpaca as well as enjoy the alpaca boutique. It’s only 8 minutes away from Smith Rock, how can you say no?

It’s a fun place to stop, especially if you love animals or are traveling with children. You can expect to spend 45 minutes to 1 hour here.

We missed this on our last road trip, but we’re definitely making it a priority the next time we road trip to Bend, OR!

Redmond is a hub in the high desert along the 26 with a rejuvenated downtown, a growing beer scene, and lots of recreational activities to enjoy.

Head to Downtown Redmond for a light stroll among fine dining restaurants, boutiques, bookstores, and cafes. You’ll also find a few breweries in Redmond including Kobold, Initiative, Cascade Lakes, and Wild Ride .

For family-friendly fun, check out Splash Park or the ice rink in the heart of the city. Near the airport is the Deschutes Fair & Expo Center , which hosts a wide range of events, concerts, trade shows, automobile shows, and more.

Redmond is also where the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo is held in August. It’s a big deal, so if you’re planning a road trip during the month of August, try to make this one!

Looking for another high desert town to explore? When you pull into the Old West town of Sisters, OR, you’ll feel like you’ve just been transported back in time.

This friendly little town in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains attracts visitors for its natural beauty as well as annual celebrations like the Sisters Rodeo (June), the Sisters Quilt Show (July) and the Sister Folk Festival (September).

Take a stroll down the main street, hike the nearby trails, and enjoy the Wild West village atmosphere of Sisters.

Welcome to Bend, you made it through your road trip! If you didn’t know, Bend, Oregon is an absolute outdoor haven all year round.

Personally speaking, I am obsessed with Bend. If I was made of money, THIS would be where I would buy a house. Easy decision!

I absolutely love how green and friendly the entire town of Bend is. The plethora of hiking trails, waterfalls , and in-town things to do still steals my heart to this day. (Someone, buy me a house here already!!)

Summers are ideal for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and water sports, while winters are perfect for skiing or snowboarding on Mt. Bachelor. It’s the ultimate land of outdoor adventure, and you can’t forget about the craft beer tasting! Seriously, the sheer amount of fun you can have here is unreal.

There’s a lot to do within the city limits and even more to do outside of them. Check out our full list of 30+ best things to do in Bend here .

WHERE TO STAY IN BEND, OR

We love staying in Bend whenever we get the chance! Our top recommendations include these super-stylish and affordable hotels:

• LOGE Bend – Features stylish, rustic rooms; LOGE provides city bikes that are complimentary for use and offers evening entertainment and a shared kitchen.
• Riverhouse on the Deschutes – A clean, spacious, pet-friendly hotel featuring a restaurant, seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and a bar. Downtown Bend is 5 minutes’ drive away.
• Pine Ridge Inn – Located 2 miles from Downtown Bend, Pine Ridge Inn is just 1 mile away from the Old Mill District. They offer very open and spacious suites with king-sized beds and a sofa bed. They are pet-friendly and offer an awesome free breakfast.

ROAD TRIP PREPARATION: RENTAL CARS

If you don’t have a car or don’t have a reliable car you trust to get you out of Portland and back in one piece, I suggest you pick up a rental car for your road trip.

Need a rental car for your trip? To find cheap rental cars, I recommend using  Rentalcars.com . Their search tool is one of the best I’ve found!

Don’t Forget About The Pass!

A lot of the best adventures around Oregon will require a day-use fee. The better deal? Get yourself a Northwest Pass or an  Interagency Annual Pass . You can easily get one delivered straight to your door. Order one before your trip!

ROAD TRIP PREPARATION: LODGING/HOTELS

If you’re a planner like me, you’re probably going to want to book all your lodging before you leave. I don’t know about you, but the thought of not having a place to stay (or paying an arm and a leg to get a room last-minute) just makes me uneasy.

Be sure to book your lodging before you leave, or as soon as possible really, especially if you’re planning on staying at a specific hotel or yurt that you’ve been eyeing for some time.

If you are more of a spontaneous traveler, get the  HotelTonight   app. HotelTonight offers steeply discounted hotel prices for those last-minute bookings, perfect for spontaneous road trippers.

ROAD TRIP PREPARATION: ROAD CONDITIONS

Right before your trip, check Google Maps or  TripCheck  (by the Oregon Department of Transportation) before you hit the road.

We actually like TripCheck a little bit more for this exercise, because not only does it provide you with live road condition information, but it also gives you live weather alerts as well. There are even live cameras you can check out to see exactly how snowy a mountain pass may be or how bad the traffic is in the city. Though not as detailed as within Oregon, the highway condition information even extends to nearby states!

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USA Today Network photographers will show you how to shoot the eclipse in this webinar

Join USA TODAY Network photographers on Wednesday, March 27 at 7 p.m. EDT/6 p.m. CDT to hear their tips and tricks for getting your best shots of the solar eclipse happening across North America on April 8.  

Topics will include safety, planning and the technical approach to getting great photos from the eclipse. Registration is free and the webinar will last an hour. Attendees will be able to ask the photographers questions. No DSLR needed — our photographers will also cover using your phone’s camera as well.  

Sign up for the webinar here. 

Meet the speakers 

• Courtney Hergesheimer  has been a photo and video journalist at The Columbus Dispatch, in Ohio, since 2008. While studying photojournalism, multimedia and Spanish at Western Kentucky University, she interned at the Los Angeles Times, the Birmingham News and the Burlington Hawkeye. She is deeply invested in telling the stories around her. 
• Angela Piazza  is a photo and video journalist for the Caller-Time in Corpus Christi. She’s worked as a photojournalist in South Texas for almost five years. Some of the most significant moments in her life occurred behind a lens, where she connected with her community and brought forth multimedia stories. Angela began her journalism career working as an intern for her hometown newspaper, The Arizona Republic. 
• Albert Cesare  has been a photojournalist at various newspapers in for over a decade, spending the last half of that at the Cincinnati Enquirer. Seeing photojournalism as a great tool of recording history and bringing understanding of people, their experiences and emotions to the eyes of others.  
• Chris Pietsch  is the director of photography for Gannett Newspapers in Oregon, The Register-Guard in Eugene and the Statesman Journal in Salem. He has been a photographer for The Register-Guard since 1988. Before that, he worked for the Daily News in Moscow, Idaho, and the Lewiston Morning Tribune in Lewiston, Idaho. He grew up in a newspaper family as the grandson of the publisher of the Sandpoint News-Bulletin in Sandpoint, Idaho. 

In Michiana: Should you travel for eclipse totality or see bizarre solar tricks here? What to consider.

What you need to take photos of the total solar eclipse 

• Solar glasses  to protect your eyes from the sun during the partial phases of the eclipse. 
• Solar filter  for your camera lens, shiny side facing the sun.  If shooting with a DSLR or mirrorless camera you can order a filter sheet and tape it to the front of your lens. If you attempt to focus on the sun without a filter, you could damage your camera. 
• A sturdy tripod with an adjustable head.  The heavier the tripod the better. An adjustable head will allow you to easily adjust the frame as the sun will move across the sky. A sandbag will help stabilize your tripod. 
• A telephoto lens that is at least 200mm-300mm.  However, the sun will not fill the entire frame at this length. The longer the lens the bigger the sun will appear in your images. You do not need to go out and purchase a new lens for the eclipse. You can rent a lens or crop your image later. 
• A remote shutter release or built-in timer  will help eliminate camera shake. During totality you will not need your solar filter but your camera setting will change, slowing down your shutter. A release will allow you to fire your camera without touching it. This will result in a sharper image. 
• Extra batteries, memory cards, tape  and anything else you need to be fully prepared for the day. 

College Sports | No. 3 seed Oregon State women’s basketball…

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College Sports

College sports | no. 3 seed oregon state women’s basketball heads back to the sweet 16 with 61-51 win over no. 6 nebraska.

CORVALLIS, Ore. — Talia von Oelhoffen had 19 points and eight assists to help third-seeded Oregon State advance to the Sweet 16 with a 61-51 second-round victory over No. 6 Nebraska on Sunday in the women’s NCAA Tournament.

Raegan Beers added 10 points for the Beavers, who will cross the country to Albany to face the winner of Monday’s second-round game between second-seeded Notre Dame and No. 7 Ole Miss in South Bend.

Jaz Shelley had 10 points and seven assists for the Huskers, who have not advanced to the Sweet 16 since 2013. She was the lone Nebraska player in double figures.

Alexis Markowski’s layup pulled the Huskers within 35-29 heading into the fourth quarter, but the Beavers responded with three straight 3-pointers to go up 44-29. Nebraska responded with a 6-0 run to get back within single digits.

Von Oelhoffen, who wore a sleeve on her arm with the word “heart” penned in magic marker, hit a 3-pointer that made it 49-35 for Oregon State with 3:46 left.

Natalie Potts’ layup got the Huskers as close at 59-51 in the final moments but ultimately Nebraska fell short.

The Beavers (26-7) beat No. 14 Eastern Washington in the opening round, 73-51. But the Huskers presented more of a challenge with 6-foot-3 Markowski and fifth-year senior Shelley. Markowski averaged 15.9 points and 10.6 rebounds heading into Sunday’s game.

Nebraska (23-13) advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2010 and 2013. The Huskers’ last tournament appearance came in 2022, when they lost in the first round to Gonzaga.

Nebraska let a 17-point advantage slip away but held on to beat No. 11 Texas A&M 61-59 in the first round.

Beers, a 6-4 AP third-team All-American, had 19 points and nine rebounds in Friday’s win but gave the Beavers a scare late in the third quarter against the Eagles when she fell to the court clutching her right ankle. She did not return.

She started against Nebraska but got into foul trouble, collecting her fourth late in the third quarter and heading to the bench.

Oregon State, vying for a return to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019, started strong, jumping out to a 16-4 lead in the opening quarter after Timea Gardiner’s layup. The Beavers led 19-11 going into the second quarter.

Dominika Paurova’s 3-pointer extended the lead to 26-13. But Nebraska rallied before halftime to narrow the gap to 28-21 at the break. It was nearly closer, but Kendall Coley’s jumper at the buzzer was waived off.

Nebraska was hurt in the first half by poor perimeter shooting, hitting just one of nine attempts.

Markowski opened the second half with a layup to get the Huskers within five points as both teams struggled from the floor.

Attendance was announced at 7,227, a record for an NCAA Tournament game at Gill Coliseum.

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Women’s March Madness live updates: Notre Dame wins, NC State vs. Tennessee score, highlights

The women’s NCAA tournament rolls on Monday with eight second-round games . The day is headlined by none other than Caitlin Clark and top-seeded Iowa , who play in primetime on ESPN. JuJu Watkins and No. 1 USC are also in action tonight, one of two night caps to wrap up the day.

Women’s March Madness games are airing and streaming across ESPN’s family of channels. USA TODAY Sports will provide the latest news, scores, analysis and more all day. Follow along. 

STREAM: March Madness on ESPN+ and Fubo

NCAA women's March Madness bracket  

You can find the complete women's March Madness bracket here . 

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.

Women’s March Madness scores  

Here is the scoreboard for today’s second-round games in the NCAA women’s tournament . 

Women’s March Madness games today  

Here is the full schedule for Monday’s NCAA women’s tournament games . 

• (2) Notre Dame 71, (7) Ole Miss 56 
• 4 p.m.: (3) NC State vs. (6) Tennessee , ESPN 
• 6 p.m.: (3) UConn vs. (6) Syracuse , ESPN 
• 6:30 p.m.: (4) Indiana vs. (5) Oklahoma , ESPN2 
• 8 p.m.: (1) Iowa vs. (8) West Virgina , ESPN 
• 8:30 p.m.: (2) UCLA vs. (7) Creighton , ESPN2 
• 10 p.m.: (1) USC vs. (8) Kansas , ESPN 
• 10:30 p.m.: (4) Gonzaga vs. (5) Utah , ESPN2 

NC State leads Tennessee after first quarter of fast-paced game

The pace and offensive tempo in the second-round matchup between No. 6 Tennessee and No. 3 NC State has been enthralling.

Both teams have been looking to get up on fast breaks, but it’s the Wolfpack who closed the first quarter on a 7-0 run to claim an early lead, 24-23.

Tennessee star senior forward Rickea Jackson needed only four-and-a-half minutes to reach double figures, and made four of her first six shots, including her first two 3-pointers, to score 14 points in the first frame.

NC State is getting more balanced offensive production with three players — center River Baldwin and guards Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers — each with at least six points.

The Wolfpack have already scored 10 fast break points, compared to Tennessee’s five, and NC State also holds a 12-4 advantage in points in the paint.

Notre Dame reaches Sweet 16 by toppling Ole Miss

For the third time in Niele Ivey’s four seasons as Notre Dame’s head coach, her program is headed to the Sweet 16.

Thanks to a stifling zone defense, No. 2 Notre Dame toppled No. 7 Ole Miss 71-56 in its second-round game and will face No. 3 Oregon State Friday.

In the fourth quarter, Ole Miss turned to full-court press and ramped up its defensive intensity to try to spark a run, but the Fighting Irish relied on their own defensive intensity and forced 22 turnovers to close the game.

Notre Dame, as it has most of the season, got massive contributions from its big three: freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo (19 points, four assists), junior forward Maddy Westbeld (20 points, four rebounds) and junior guard Sonia Citron (17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists).

Notre Dame shot 26-of-52 (50%) from the field and limited Ole Miss to just 22-of-57 (38.6%).

Ole Miss more competitive, but Notre Dame still leads big

Ole Miss stopped the bleeding, more or less, but it’s appearing as if that won’t be close to enough.

Notre Dame outscored the Rebels by only two points in the third quarter, but the Fighting Irish still retain a sizable lead.

Notre Dame is up 61-42 and is one quarter away from booking its third consecutive trip to the Sweet 16.

The Fighting Irish have been deliberate and measured in their offensive approach, swinging the ball to find spaces in Ole Miss’ defense, attacking and then finishing — or making the extra pass. Notre Dame has recorded 15 assists on its 24 made field goals, compared with only seven on Ole Miss’ 18.

Notre Dame also has been dominating in the paint, outscoring Ole Miss 30-20 there.

Notre Dame up big at half over Ole Miss

In the first half, Notre Dame’s 2-3 zone caused all sorts of problems for Ole Miss.

The Rebels struggled to find gaps in the defensive pressure and often had their possessions run deep into the shot clock, forcing up rushed and contested shots, or – even worse – committing turnovers.

The Fighting Irish forced Ole Miss into 13 turnovers and limited the Rebels to just 11 of 29 (37.9%) from the floor. The Notre Dame zone also prevented Ole Miss from making easy entry passes into the post.

Notre Dame junior forward Maddy Westbeld led all scorers with 14 points, including the final bucket before halftime, off of an offensive rebound. Star freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo added nine points, three rebounds and three assists.

The Irish are up 43-26 at the half. — Lorenzo Reyes

Notre Dame up early on Mississippi

The conclusion of the women's second round is underway in South Bend, Ind.

Playing on their home court, the second-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a 21-9 lead over No. 7 Ole Miss at the end of the first quarter.

The Irish connected on 50% of their shots from the field in the quarter, including 3 of 6 from 3-point range. Freshman Hannah Hidalgo leads the way for Notre Dame with six points and a pair of steals.

The Rebels shot just 23.5% from the field for the quarter – and their 11-point deficit is the largest they've faced after one quarter all season. — Steve Gardner

Notre Dame and Ole Miss tip off

The first of the last games in Round 2 of the women's March Madness bracket has gotten underway, as No. 2 seed Notre Dame takes on No. 7 seed Ole Miss.

How to watch women's NCAA Tournament games  

The ESPN family of networks will carry all the women's tournament games. So you will find them on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews and ABC. The first game tips at 2 p.m. ET and the last game tips at 10:30 p.m. Here's how to watch women's March Madness like a pro.

How many points has Caitlin Clark scored? 

As Iowa’s Caitlin Clark continues to rewrite the record books, USA TODAY Sports is tracking all her stats during the NCAA Tournament. Here’s everything you need to know about the superstar guard. Here is an in-depth, illustrated look at the Iowa star and her race to the all-time NCAA Division I scoring record. 

Iowa, rich with basketball history, loves Caitlin Clark so much they carved her out of butter 

To fully understand the impact that  Caitlin Clark  has had on Iowa, a state that’s long adored and supported women’s basketball, consider this: For  all of the superstars  who have come out of this Midwestern hub, for all of the legends who dominated that  still-celebrated relic of six-on-six , for all the locals worshipped by other locals, only one has had her likeness carved out of butter. And that it wasn’t an exact resemblance is not the point.  

“Obviously I never expected to be sculpted out of butter,” Clark said, laughing as she recalled the August 2023  statue that went viral . “But if you’re from the state of Iowa, you know that’s a really big deal. You go to the state fair just to see the butter sculptures.” 

Read Lindsay Schnell’s full feature on Clark and Iowa . 

Women’s March Madness bracket predictions 

Here are all of today's NCAA women’s tournament second-round game picks from USA TODAY Sports experts  Nancy Armour ,  Scooby Axson ,  Ellen Horrow  and  Lindsay Schnell . 

Women’s March Madness players to watch today 

• Notre Dame G Hannah Hidalgo (23.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 4.6 spg), the most annoying on-ball defender in the country who can get to the rim whenever she wants 
• Indiana F Mackenzie Holmes (20.0 ppg, 66.7% FG), a force in the paint 
• UCLA F Lauren Betts (14.7 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 65.3% FG), can score at-will in the paint when her teammates get her the ball 
• Iowa G Caitlin Clark (31.9 ppg, 8.9 apg), the best scorer and most complete offensive player in the history of the women's college game 
• USC G Mckenzie Forbes (13.5 ppg, 3.3 apg), who pretty much only hits big shots in big moments 
• UConn F Ice Brady (4.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg), who stepped up big in the Big East tournament, more than doubling her scoring output 
• N.C. State guard Saniya Rivers (12.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.9 apg), whose athleticism is typically good for at least one jaw-dropping highlight per game 
• Gonzaga twin Gs Kayleigh (11.9 ppg, 4.5 apg) and Kaylynne Truong (11.6 ppg, 5.9 apg), whose stats, like them, are nearly identical. 

Women’s March Madness schedule  

Here is the women's schedule:   

• First round: March 22-23  
• Second round: March 24-25  
• Sweet 16: March 29-30  
• Elite Eight: March 31-April 1  
• Final Four: Friday, April 5 at 7:30 and 9 p.m. ET on ESPN   
• NCAA championship game: Sunday, April 7 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC 

What to know about Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame's freshman star and ACC rookie of the year 

Freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo  led the Fighting Irish to a 55-51 win over the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the ACC championship game to secure Notre Dame an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament. Hidalgo, who scored 22 points, six rebounds, six assist and two steals in the win, was named the 2024 ACC Tournament MVP and named to the All-Tournament First Team. 

The ACC tournament accolades are just the tip of the iceberg for Hidalgo, whose stellar freshman campaign has also earned her national recognition. Here's everything to know about the freshman standout . 

Meet Syracuse's Dyaisha Fair, the best scorer in women's college basketball not named Caitlin Clark  

Syracuse guard Dyaisha Fair is the fifth all-time leading scorer in women's college basketball history after surpassing former Baylor star Brittney Griner (3,283 points) this season. Fair, 22, only trails Missouri State alum Jackie Stiles (3,393), Ohio State alum Kelsey Mitchell (3,402), Washington alum Kelsey Plum (3,527) and Clark (3,685 and counting) on the NCAA women's basketball all-time scoring list. 

"She's different. She's special. She's one of the best players to ever play the game," coach Felisha Legette-Jack told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle , part of the USA Today Network, in January when Fair eclipsed 3,000 career points. 

Here's everything to know about the Syracuse star , who has quietly climbed the all-time scoring list in Clark's shadow. — Cydney Henderson 

Utah’s Alissa Pili on her Polynesian heritage 

To fully understand and appreciate the pride Utah women’s basketball standout Alissa Pili feels for her Polynesian heritage, one needs only to look at her right leg.  

Tattooed there, in prominent display from ankle to hip, is a spiral of Polynesian tribal symbols. In ancient times, ink like that — especially full sleeves — was typically associated with warriors.  

That’s also a fitting description for Pili, the reigning Pac-12 player of the year, a tough, relentless forward who averages 21.0 points and 6.4 rebounds for the No. 22 Utes . But because the senior, who is Samoan and Alaska Native (Inupiaq), also values femininity, she asked her tattoo artist to add flowers, too.  

“Women aren’t known for being super feminine in our Polynesian culture, but I think it’s important to not just be stuck in a box that other people (put you in),” Pili told USA TODAY Sports. “For me, I grew up playing football with my brothers and cousins, I was a tomboy. But I also like to be feminine. And if you want to wear the (fake) lashes or put on makeup or do your nails, it’s OK to show that side of you, too.”  

Read Lindsay Schnell’s full feature here . 

Women's basketball needs faces of future to be Black. Enter JuJu Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo 

It’s understandable why JuJu Watkins , the front-runner for national freshman of the year, sparks reaction every time she’s on the floor. The 6-foot-2 rookie from the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, has a silky smooth jumper, a veteran’s poise and a combination of skill, power and body control rarely seen.  

With Caitlin Clark headed to the 2024 WNBA draft , where she’s projected No. 1 overall, Watkins, the nation’s second leading scorer this season behind Clark, is positioned to become the face of women’s basketball. She'll be joined by Notre Dame point guard Hannah Hidalgo, the other favorite for freshman of the year.  

Not lost on any of the powerbrokers in the game: Both of these players are Black. And in a game built by Black women, it matters that the faces of the future look like the faces of the past.  

Caitlin Clark: Complete guide to basketball career of Iowa's prolific scorer and superstar

Caitlin Clark is the reigning national player of the year, a sharpshooting supernova with a penchant for launching 3-pointers from the logo , flicking no-look passes through defenders' arms and talking trash to any and all who stand in her way.  

The postseason for Clark and Iowa starts next week, with the Hawkeyes playing in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten conference tournament. No matter what happens in the next few days, Iowa is expected to earn a top four seed in the NCAA tournament, and host the first two rounds. A year after leading Iowa to the national championship game , Clark is trying to get back to her second consecutive Final Four, an accomplishment few players have achieved. USA TODAY Sports has been tracking her game closely. In case you need to brush up on your Clark trivia, we’ve got you covered with our complete guide to all things Clark . 

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