Bend, Oregon, might not be a town that comes up in conversation all that often, but that’s precisely what makes it one of our favorite vacation destinations in the state. It’s a hidden gem that offers guests a little bit of everything. Whether you’re an adventurous type who wants to make a week out of exploring the high desert and mountainous forests or more of a city slicker in search of a place to shop, dine, and get pampered, Bend is the perfect place to plan a vacation virtually any time of the year.
Viewcation Presents: The Best Things To Do In Bend, Oregon.
Hit The Slopes on Mount Bachelor
Mt. Bachelor is a stratovolcano that sits in the heart of the Cascade Range of Central Oregon. It got it’s name from the fact that it ‘stands apart’ from the famous Three Sisters mountain peaks located nearby. Mt. Bachelor stands tall at an elevation of more than 9,000 feet. Come wintertime, every year thousands of skiers and snowboarders flock to the area seeing as how the weather is generally crisp and clear and the powder is pristine.
Even if you’re not into those winter sports, there are still ample other recreational activities in the surrounding area that will keep you and your family busy. At the summit, you’ll find an observatory, and there are plenty of other spots that are open for things like snow tubing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and hiking. For unparalleled views of the countryside, we recommend taking a scenic chairlift ride to the top of the mountain.
Brush Up On History At The High Desert Museum
If you’re looking to have more than just a good time on your trip to Bend, consider visiting this fantastic museum to take a trip back in time to learn all about the history and culture of the Cascade region.
The High Desert Museum first opened it’s doors in 1982. It’s located on a 135-acre plot of forest land right off Highway 97. The museum boasts a vast array of both permanent and temporary exhibits, but you can also find plenty to explore outdoors as well.
Visitors get the opportunity to watch live animals such as porcupines, badgers, bobcats, otters, and birds. Children will appreciate the various realistic life-like recreations of historical environments and settlements that resemble something straight out of a movie set. Guests will additionally learn all about the history of the Native Americans that called Oregon their home long before Europeans came along and colonized the region. If you work up an appetite or are in search of a souvenir to take back home, the museum also features a cafe as well as a gift shop.
Explore the Old Mill District
If you’re hoping to enjoy some entertainment or go shopping on your trip to Bend, the Old Mill District is one of the best places to visit. It’s located along the Deschutes River and is known for being one of the best places in town to let loose, unwind, and engage in a little bit of retail therapy.
The historic Brooks-Scanlon lumber mill served as the foundation for the Old Mill District. The area is easy to find seeing as how it’s marked by three large silver smokestacks. Since the district is located near downtown, it’s one of the best places to go if you’re looking to grab dinner, see a movie, or experience Bend’s bustling nightlife scene.
As far as shopping goes, visitors will find a mixture of familiar brands like Lululemon and Sephora as well a nice blend of local independently operated shops, galleries, and eateries.
Hike Out To Tumalo Falls
Who doesn’t love a majestic waterfall? If you’re down for a bit of day trip, why not take the opportunity to get lost in the stunning beauty of this local natural wonder. The waterfall has a 97-foot drop and can be found in the Deschutes National Forest – just about 12 miles from downtown Bend. To get there, you’ll need to hike the Tumalo Falls Loop Hike.
Parking is $5, although it’s free if you have an America the Beautiful pass. There are restrooms on site as well. The falls can get quite congested during peak season, so we recommend trying to get there early in the day if you’re looking to beat the crowds.
If you’re really trying to get the falls to yourself, we recommend bringing a pair of snowshoes and visiting during the winter months. If you do choose to go this route, however, be prepared for a 5 mile round-trip snow hike, as you’ll likely have to park your vehicle up where the paved road transitions to a gravel one.
If you’re visiting during the spring, summer, or fall, you can take the significantly shorter ¼ mile trail to the lower viewing platform.
Experience A Lava Tube Cave
Bend is known for volcanic activity, structures, and history. From beautiful cinder cones to vast cave systems, there are plenty of opportunities for exploration that await you in and around Bend. Within Deschutes County, there are more than 1,000 lava tubes that have been forged by millennia of volcanic activity.
You can either venture deep down into these intricate ecosystems solo with your flashlight, helmet, and thirst for adventure, or you can book a lava tube cave tour to learn about the cave’s volcanic history, geology, and ecosystem from a trained and knowledgeable guide.
Kayak Around The Cascade Lakes
Oregon is chock full of breathtakingly beautiful water features. We’ve already discussed one of the states most famous waterfalls, but throughout Oregon, you’ll also find countless rivers, creeks, ponds, and lakes – the most striking arguably being the Cascade Lakes.
This cluster of 12 lakes along the Deschutes River are just a 45-minute drive from Bend’s city center. While that might sound like a bit of trek, they are absolutely worth visiting!
The glistening waters are, in our opinion, best experienced from the center of the lakes rather than from the shore. There are numerous oppurtunities to explore these gorgeous lakes via kayaks or canoes. Beyond the shimmering water, you’ll also be treated to awe-inspiring views of lush greenery and pine-covered mountains.
Canoe or kayak tours can be booked with an established company, or you can always bring out your own vessels. Either way, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable time.
Go Mountain Biking
As if we haven’t already covered enough outdoor adventures to keep you busy in Bend, we’ll go ahead and mention another one of our favorites. Mountain biking around Bend is one of the most popular pastimes for both tourist and locals alike. There are numerous shops in the area where you can rent or buy a bike and gear. From there, you’ll have hundreds of miles of trails to choose from.
Rentals are affordable and there are a wide variety of trails that cater to cyclists of all skill and experience levels.
Drive Along The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
The Cascade Lakes Highway is without question one of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest. The drive is 66 miles long and takes about three to five hours, depending on how fast you drive and how many stops you take. We recommend, however, taking your sweet time to appreciate the abundance of panoramic views and vista points that you come across in your journey.
As you leave downtown Bend, you’ll head into the Deschutes National Forest. As soon as you make it across this boundary, you’ll begin seeing glimpses of the towering Cascade Mountains. If you have a camera, you’re going to be tempted to stop every five minutes or so to capture yet another mesmerizing photo.
Along the drive, there are dozens of spots to park and stretch your legs. The majority of these are trailheads that take hikers to beautiful places that are inaccessible by vehicle. If you have the time, go ahead and take a few of these trails to see where they take you. Chances are, you won’t be disappointed.
Due to snow conditions, the road is open only seasonally. It typically opens in June and closes down in October. Be sure to check the road conditions online before venturing out.
Visit The Breweries
In the last two decades or so, Bend has become synonymous with craft breweries and beer. It’s frequently featured on lists of the top beer trip destinations in the nation, just as Napa Valley is for wine lovers.
Deschutes Brewery, one of the most popular and original breweries in the US, is arguably the brewery that kicked off the craft beer movement in Bend. The brewery has an excellent tasting room which has been open since 1988.
There are several other breweries in town to visit as well such as Boneyard Beer and the Bend Brewing Company. Regardless of whether you’re more into IPAs, Lagers, Stouts, Belgian Whites, or Sours, you’ll be sure to find a brew in Bend that tickles your tastebuds.
Taste The Local Flavor
Bend is home to some of the best restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and pubs in central Oregon. For breakfast, we recommend giving McKay Cottage Restaurant a try. They serve up some of the best morning grub in town and have an attached bakery.
Another local favorite, Spork, got it’s start as a food truck. This unique space serves up some truly unusal, albeit fabulous, food. It has been described as a global street food purveyor. Their dishes are inspired by the chef’s travels around the globe, and the New York Times once referred to their recipes as ‘culinary magic’,
If you’re not looking for a sit-down experience, consider visiting what’s known as “The Lot”. This is a collection of food trucks featuring patio seating at the center. While you might be picturing an asphalt parking lot covered in food trucks peppered with a bunch of picnic tables, the lot was actually developed exclusively for it’s purpose. The patio features large garage doors that open up in the warmer months or remain closed in the cooler ones.
Regardless of what season you visit, you’ll always be comfortable, and dining you’re options are virtually endless. There is also a bar with sixteen taps. So, if you’re looking to sample the local brews and ciders while enjoying you’re meal, you’re in luck!
Unfortunately, we’re just about out of time, but before we sign off, we’d love to give you the oppurtunity to let your voice be heard. Have you been to Bend, Oregon before? If so, what are some of your favorite things to see and do in and around town? If not, what are you most excited to experience when visiting for the first time? Let us know in the comments. And as always, thanks for watching, and happy travels!