TOP 10 BEND ACTIVITIES FOR EVERY SEASON!

So you are planning your trip to Bend and Central Oregon – welcome! 

You’ll find the vibe here is happy, healthy, warm and friendly. 

Over the past 120 years, Bend has transformed from a small town built around lumber mills to an outdoor mecca that everyone wants to visit.

Bend is located smack dab in the middle of the state, tucked between the towering Cascade Mountains and the rugged high desert plateau. The landscape includes alpine lakes, lava flows, mountains to ski and summit, rivers to fish and float, and endless trails to hike, bike and run.

There is something for everyone in Bend, Oregon, any time of year. Options vary greatly from one season to the next, so we have put together a list of our Top 10 Bend activities for every season. 

For the thrill seeking adventurer to the low key family friendly fun, our list has all the Bend area must do’s and see’s!

Must Do Activities and Places to See:

1. Walk the Deschutes River trail: Start at Bend Whitewater Park. This is a great beach, play, swim area to take the family in the summer, and where Bend locals and visitors surf year-round! Continue south along the river by the Old Mill District and cross back over to do a loop to head back north at the OMD pedestrian bridge - that’s the pedestrian bridge  with the flags - and past the Amphitheater for a 1.5 mile scenic stroll. 

   
   

2. Vist the High Desert Museum: This is a must see for adults and kids. This museum features rotating art exhibits, pays homage to the area's heritage, and features up-close encounters with Central Oregon wildlife.

   
   

3. Stroll downtown, Wall + Bond Street: With a vibrant, historic and chic downtown area, you can always kill a few hours, strolling the streets, visiting the unique and quality shops, and finding a place to for coffee, cocktail or any meal of the day.

   
   

4. Hike or drive up Pilot Butte: Where else can you find an extinct volcano in the middle of the city? This short hike or drive gets you 490 feet of elevation gain and, on a clear day, an unmatched vantage point of the whole city and surroundings. 

   
   

5. Explore Mt. Bachelor: This is a must do no matter what time of year. In the winter, of course this is an epoch place to do all the winter sports. In the Summer, you can summit the 9065’ mountain on foot or take advantage of their hiking or biking trails. 

   
   

6. Explore Caves + Lava Tubes: Bring a flashlight! The ambient temperature in most caves stays a cool 42 degrees (F) year round, making cave exploration a fun, easy adventure any time of year. The 1 mile long Lava River cave is one of the most popular caves in the area, but it’s closed in the winter and requires a reservation in the summer. To avoid this chaos, check out some of the lesser known but equally as awesome tubes–like the ones right by the airport in Redmond that are quick paved drive and easy to access, or check out the Hidden Forest Cave and Arnold Ice Cave, which are an easy 15 minute drive  just SE of Bend and make you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.
   
   

7. Hike up to Tumalo Falls: This outing is equally exciting any time of year. It’s a bit of a steep climb to the overlook–in the summer you can park pretty close, but in the winter it can be a trek into the trailhead and you may want to pack your snowshoes or spikes. 

   
   

8. Guided Tours:

1. Get wet with a guided river rafting tour, see the Deschutes, watch wildlife, and get to know Central Oregon from this unique perspective.

2. If beer and breweries is more your thing, check out the Cycle Pub (not to be confused with the Cycle Bar!), where you get a guided bike tour which stops at at least one brewery then serves your beer and snacks on your ride around town while you take in the sites and scenery.

3. If you’re a history buff, you can embark on the self-guided historical walking tour through downtown Bend, where you can learn more about what the pioneer’s life was like and gain a better appreciation for the humble roots this city was built on.

   
   

9. Explore Smith Rock State Park: This place is considered the birthplace for modern American sports climbing, and it is a quick 35-40 minute drive from Bend. You will see Smith Rock from the car long before you arrive there. This majestic deep river canyon has several trails for walking, running and mountain biking. If you are feeling strong and want a challenge try the short but very steep hike up Misery Ridge, aptly named, or otherwise just stay at ground level and walk along the River Trail, and go loo, for the iconic Monkey Face rock formation and 5.14c, 14 clip, 4 pitch sport climbing route. 

   
   

10. Check out Shevlin Park: This is a 981 acre natural area with Tumalo Creek running through it. Another place for hiking, running, and mountain biking, pretty much year round. Also, they have a great kids only (17 and under)  fishing pond out there that is stocked with rainbow trout.
    
    BONUS: Enjoy McMenamins Old Saint Francis School: Watch a Movie, eat dinner and drink at McMenamins Old Saint Francis Movie Theater and then take a swim in their heated indoor/outdoor pool.

Looking for more ideas for what to do in Bend, Oregon?

Call us! We will show you the local’s only spots you won’t find online.