MUST DO LIST for your Visit to Bend and Central Oregon in Any Season
So you are finally here or you are planning your first trip to Bend and Central Oregon–welcome! You’ll find the majority of people here exude happy, healthy, warm and friendly vibes. Over the past 120 years, Bend has transformed from a small town built around its lumber mills to an outdoor mecca that everyone wants to visit.
Bend is located smack dab in the middle of the state and tucked between the towering Cascade Mountains and the rugged high desert plateau. The landscape is made of 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, any time of year. Options vary greatly from one season to the next, but we have put together options here that are tried and true for all seasons. For the thrill seeking adventurer to the low key family friendly fun, read on for our Top 11 list of all the Bend area’s must dos and sees!
Must Do Activities and Places to See:
Walk the Deschutes River trail. Start at Bend Whitewater Park (a great beach/play/swim area to take the kids in the summer, and a place people can surf almost year round), continue south along the river by the Old Mill District, cross back over (to do a loop to head back north) at the OMD pedestrian bridge (the one with the flags), and past the Amphitheater for approximately a 1.5 scenic stroll. .
Visit the High Desert Museum. This is a must see for adults and kids. This museum features rotating art exhibits, pays homage to the he area’s heritage, and features up close encounters with spectacular wildlife.
Stroll downtown, Wall and 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 find a place to for coffee, cocktail or any meal of the day.
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.
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.
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 in town 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 30 minute drive just SE of Bend and make you feel like you are on more of an adventure to get there.
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 in to the trailhead and you may want to pack your snow shoes and or spikes.
Guided Tours:
Get wet with a guided river rafting tour, see the Deschutes, watch wildlife, and get to know Central Oregon from this unique perspective.
If beer and breweries is more your thing, check out the Cycle Pub, 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 in the sites and scenery.
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 were built on.
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.
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.
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.