Things to Do in Bend Oregon

Located smack in the center of Oregon, the city of Bend boasts access to some of the state’s best outdoor offerings. The charming mountain town lies sandwiched between a national forest, a desert wilderness, and a national volcanic monument. Within half an hour, its tourists and residents can reach a string of sparkling lakes, some of the country’s best rock-climbing cliffs, and Oregon’s largest ski resort.

Bend is a scenically-endowed town that is teeming with things to do and places to visit. Once merely an afterthought on Oregon itineraries, Bend is now Central Oregon‘s thriving regional hub and a launchpad for trips into the surrounding wilderness.

 

BEND OREGON: ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

It goes without saying that many of the best things to do in Bend involve the outdoors.

Bend is the type of place where you can go skiing in the morning, hiking in the afternoon, rock climbing in the evening, and stargazing at night. It truly is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts—a place where the natural world is a near-constant presence in the cityscape.

Drive five minutes outside of Bend in any direction, and you’ll find yourself immersed in nature. Drive half an hour, and you’re privy to some of the most enticing landscapes in the country.

Of course, there’s plenty to do within the city limits as well.

From museums to shopping and from world-class eateries to a fantastic outdoor concert venue, Bend is a city that punches far above its size when it comes to activities and attractions.

 

THINGS TO DO IN BEND OREGON

With a population just shy of 100,000 residents, Bend combines big city amenities with small town charm. It is a city that has evolved tremendously in the past few decades. And though its rapid-fire growth has not always been praised by longstanding locals, the city’s influx of visitors and residents has resulted in an explosion of things to do in town.

Bend has a highly touted culinary scene, a thriving art scene, and more breweries per capita than just about anywhere else in the world.

 

• TAKE A STROLL IN DRAKE PARK

Soaking in views of the Deschutes River from Drake Park is one of the top things to do in Bend Oregon. The scenic Deschutes River bisects Bend’s downtown and adds to the city’s plethora or recreational activities.

Drake Park spans 13 scenic acres along the river in downtown. Its grassy lawn is a community gathering place dotted with leafy trees and picnic benches.

Along its shores, Drake Park offers walking trails that boast views over the placid waters of Mirror Pond.

 

• SIP YOUR WAY ALONG THE BEND ALE TRAIL

It is difficult to mention Bend without drawing attention to the area’s bewildering number of outdoor opportunities. The city has trails galore: for hiking, skiing, mountain biking, you name it.

And in Bend, there’s even a trail dedicated to beer.

The Bend Ale Trail was founded in 2010 and initially included six breweries. Today, it includes 22 breweries, with more on the horizon. Claiming one independent brewery for every 4,500 residents, the town produces more suds per capita than any other place in Oregon.

The granddaddy of them all is Deschutes—the eighth largest craft brewery in the United States.

 

• SHOP OR DINE AT THE OLD MILL DISTRICT

Thirty years ago, Bend was a logging town in decline. Today, it is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts the world over.

In recent years, new neighborhoods have mushroomed up around Bend, as old ones have received unrecognizable makeovers.

The Old Mill District south of downtown puts Bend’s transformation into full view. The smoke stacks of an old lumber mill—visible from many places in town—-now mark the location of Bend’s REI.

Its nearby brick buildings have been repurposed into one of the city’s premier shopping and entertainment areas.

The shops and restaurants at the Old Mill District are a mix of local boutiques and nationwide chains. In typical Central Oregon fashion, the shopping center integrates the outdoors by abutting paved walking trails and overlooking the scenic waters of the Deschutes River.

 

• HIKE OR DRIVE UP PILOT BUTTE

Bend’s outskirts boast volcanoes and mountains in nearly all directions. But for those who cannot bear the thought of traveling beyond town to access Central Oregon’s peaks, Bend showcases its very own extinct volcano within city limits.

Pilot Butte is a popular cinder cone volcano that lies in Bend’s easter suburbs. At 480 ft, it stands high enough above town that it offers unobstructed views of the snow-dusted Cascade Mountains.

Hiking or driving to the top of Pilot Butte is a year-round Bend activity. For first-time visitors to the area, it is a fantastic place to get a lay of the land.

 

• CATCH A SHOW AT THE LES SCHWAB AMPHITHEATER

The Les Schwab Amphitheater is Bend’s premier outdoor music venue. On summer weekends, it draws both ticketed and free concerts. In the past few years, the amphitheater has attracted the likes of Jack Johnson, Bob Dylan, Coldplay, and Death Cab for Cutie.

Perched right on the river across from the Old Mill, the amphitheater is a relaxing place to sit back on the lawn and listen to a show as the Deschutes River ambles past. Travel and Leisure even dubbed it one of the best outdoor venues in the country.

Seeing a show at the Les Schwab Amphitheater is near the top of my Bend bucket list.

Dan and I were planning on attending a concert this year, but 2020 threw a wrench in our plans (as usual).

 

• VISIT THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM

Bend’s High Desert Museum showcases the history, ecology, and geology of Oregon’s eastern desert. According to many, it is the top tourist attraction in Bend and one of the best museums in Oregon.

The High Desert Museum houses a mix of permanent and rotating exhibits. It introduces visitors to the area’s Native cultures, highlights the significance of the Oregon Trail, and contains an early 20th century ranch on its property.

Bend’s High Desert Museum is a top destination for adults and children alike. I have fond memories of visiting the place as a child. In fact, I’d wager that visiting the museum is one of the top things to do in Bend with kids due to its interactive displays and animal exhibits.

Though the High Desert Museum houses wild animals, it is not a zoo. The museum rehabilitates native high desert fauna that would otherwise not survive in the wild.

Animals at the museum include otters, falcons, porcupines, and a grey fox.

 

THINGS TO DO NEAR BEND OREGON (WITHIN 30 MINUTES)

Bend is a city so inextricably linked to the outdoors, that it is impossible to mention the top things to do in Bend without highlighting the wealth of natural attractions that lie within an arm’s reach of town.

If you’re planning a visit to Bend, chances are you’re looking to explore some of the area’s surroundings. Central Oregon abounds with desert, canyons, mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, lava flows, hot springs, and waterfalls. Many of the most geologically striking areas in Oregon lie at Bend’s fingertips, within a half-hour drive of downtown.

While they aren’t exactly things to do in Bend, these nearby attractions are what gives the town its reputation as the Pacific Northwest‘s ultimate outdoor playground.

 

• HIKE TUMALO FALLS

Tumalo Falls is a 97-foot waterfall that pours over a basalt ledge. It is one of the top places to visit near Bend due to its close proximity and picturesque setting.

Tumalo Falls lies nestled in a ponderosa forest, about 25 minutes west of downtown Bend. Though its silvery cascade is visible from the Tumalo Falls trailhead, the area merits more than just a passing photograph.

A 7 mile Tumalo Falls hike encompasses a number of small cascades that tumble through the evergreen hillsides of the Deschutes National Forest.

While the waterfall-laden trail can’t quite compete with Oregon’s Trail of Ten Falls near Salem, it is nonetheless a stunning place to visit within half an hour of Bend.

 

• PADDLE OR BIKE THE DESCHUTES RIVER TRAIL

The Deschutes is the heart and soul of Bend. And while paddling the river through the city’s core is a popular Bend activity, the river has more than 25 navigable miles that are suitable for non-motorized water sports.

The multi-use Deschutes River Trail is a year-round recreation amenity that follows the course of Central Oregon’s beloved river. It is one of the best places to kayak and paddle board near Bend. Though there are a number of place to paddle the Deschutes River Trail, we chose the course from Dillon Falls to Benham Falls.

The Deschutes River Trail is not merely a wonderland for kayakers and paddlers, however. A series of pathways winds along the riverbank’s pine forests, lava flows and riparian zones. The riverbank pathways are popular for hikers, joggers, cyclists, and bird-watchers.

The multi-use trail can be accessed from a number of day use areas along Forest Road 41. Parking in any of the areas requires a $5 day use pass, a Northwest Forest Pass, or an Interagency Annual Pass.

 

• VISIT SMITH ROCK STATE PARK

Smith Rock State park is one of Central Oregon’s most beloved attractions and, undoubtedly, one of the top places to see when visiting Bend. Located half an hour from town, it a natural rock gym that draws climbing enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

Oregon’s Smith Rock State Park is the birthplace of rock climbing as a sport. Its towering cliffs boast some of the best climbing routes in the world. Among the thousands of climbing routes to choose from, popular challenges include the Moons of Pluto, the Mesa Verde Wall, and Monkey Face.

While Smith Rock State Park is a haven for rock climbers, adrenaline-junkies are not the only ones to be seduced by the area’s magical cliffs. Smith Rock’s unique topography is a result of the Crooked River carving through basalt rock over millennia. The state park has been deemed one of Oregon’s 7 natural wonders and is consistently heralded as one of the state’s best attractions.

Suggested hikes in the area include Misery Ridge Trail, the Canyon to Rim Loop, and Summit Loop Trail.

 

• TRAVEL THE CASCADE LAKES HIGHWAY

Central Oregon’s Cascade Lakes Highway is dripping in natural splendor. It boasts jaw-dropping vistas at every bend, and is the gateway to some of the largest and most magnificent alpine lakes in the United States.

More than a dozen jewel-like lakes lie scattered along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. In the hot summer months, these glistening bodies of water provide ample opportunities to swim, kayak, canoe, and paddle board.

While the Cascade Lakes all boast spectacular surroundings, they each have characteristics that make them unique.

Some lakes cater to kayaking and stand-up paddling, others attract water-skiers in droves. Some have lava-rimmed shorelines and sandy beaches, others are marshy havens suitable for bird watching.

Whether you’re into sightseeing, water activities, or relaxation, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is one of Bend’s top must-see attractions.

 

• GET LOST IN THE OREGON BADLANDS

It isn’t difficult to understand why tourists flock to Central Oregon’s mountains and lakes during sunny summer days. The area is a dreamland for hikers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

But when crowds inundate the area’s hiking trails and flood the waters along the Cascade Lakes Byway, locals drive out into the vast high desert.

The sprawling Oregon Badlands—a 29,000 acre wilderness area protected by the Bureau of Land Management—is one of the best places to experience Bend’s high desert magic.

The Oregon Badlands Wilderness represents outstanding examples of ancient western juniper woodlands and basalt rock lava formations. Almost 50 miles of sandy pathways crisscross the area’s jumble of rocks and trees.

In summer months, Oregon’s high desert is hot and dusty. Bring lots of water, lather up on sunscreen, and avoid the warmest hours of the day.

 

• SKI OR SNOWBOARD AT MOUNT BACHELOR

Skiing and snowboarding at Mount Bachelor is one of the top things to do near Bend Oregon. Come winter, it is Bend’s premier attraction and the hub around which the city’s outdoor recreation revolves.

The mountain—aptly named for the fact that it stands slightly removed from the prominent Three Sisters—contains the sixth largest ski resort in North America.

Mount Bachelor boasts 4,000 skiable acres, 3,365 feet of vertical drop, and more than 100 runs.

For those who aren’t keen on zooming down mountainsides, its Nordic Center is a hub of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

 

• DISCOVER SNO PARKS AND SNOWSHOE TRAILS

Bend’s winter activities don’t end at Mount Bachelor. Some of Oregon’s most enticing winter wonderlands lie within striking distance of town.

Bend’s vicinity contains multiple areas suitable for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and nordic skiing.  The Cascade Lakes Byway near Mt Bachelor is Central Oregon’s most popular winter getaway destination. Another heavily-frequented area lies along McKenzie Pass, near the Hoodoo Ski Area. Still others prefer to explore the snowy slopes of the Newberry Crater National Volcanic Monument.

Visiting Central Oregon’s sno-parks is one of the top things to do in Bend in winter. Popular sno-parks near Bend include the Virginia Meissener Sno-Park, the Wanoga Snow Play Area and the Ten Mile Sno-Park.

 

• VISIT THE NEWBERRY CRATER VOLCANIC MONUMENT

The Newberry Crater Volcanic Monument lies within the boundaries of the Deschutes National Forest, about a half hour south of Bend. The national monument is home to some of the the most fascinating volcanic landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.

The Newberry Crater consists of three main areas worth exploring. Near the Lava Lands Visitor Center, paved walking paths showcase a world of solidified lava flows that sprawl outward toward the forests. A short drive or shuttle up Lava Butte reveals the expanse from a birds-eye vantage point.

If you have more time to explore the area, consider hiking the underground lava tube, soaking in the views of the Big Obsidian Flow from Paulina Peak, or traveling off the beaten path through the Lava Cast Forest.

 

WHERE TO STAY IN BEND OREGON

From free camping to luxury resort stays, Bend has something for everyone when it comes to accommodation options.

For campers, the nearby Deschutes National Forests and Bureau of Land Management lands have plenty of places to pitch a tent. When it comes to established campsites, the Bivouac Campground at Smith Rock State Park is my favorite.

For non-camping travelers looking for budget accommodation in Bend, the Bunk+Brew Hostel offers cheap shared lodging. The bunkhouse comes complete with a sauna room, a food truck, and free check-in beers on arrival. It is a good (albeit noisy) option for backpackers and budget travelers.

For those seeking private accommodation with comfortable amenities and beautiful settings, the Riverhouse on the Deschutes and the Tetherow Resort are fantastic options.

For luxury vacationers seeking a mountain retreat near Bend, the Pronghorn Resort offers luxurious rooms overlooking some of Central Oregon’s most alluring scenery.

 

WHEN TO VISIT BEND OREGON

Bend is a year-round travel destination. In summer, the region’s unparalleled outdoor opportunities attract rock climbers, cyclists and hikers from around the globe. In winter, its snowcapped peaks ensure that skiers and snowboarders have plenty to do.

That being said, the best month to visit Bend depends entirely on what you’re hoping to experience. Smith Rock and the Badlands are best visited in Spring and Fall due to soaring temperatures. The Cascade Lakes and Paulina Peak are best visited in summer months. Tumalo Falls and many of the in-town amenities are enjoyable year-round.

During winter months, many of the snow-dusted Cascade Mountain attractions remain off-limits due to road closures.

 

WHERE TO EAT IN BEND OREGON

From food trucks to fine dining, Bend is a culinary haven.

The Central Oregon town has established itself as a place where casual eats are plentiful, cheap, and delicious. The Lot, On Tap, and the Podski all offer food truck pods similar to those found in Portland.

For sit-down restaurants at a mid-range price point, Wild Rose, Spork, and McKay’s Cottage are crowd-pleasers (beware of long wait times come summer weekends).

Though I haven’t personally eaten at many of Bend’s high-end restaurants, I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at 5 Fusion and look forward to some special occasion meals at nice restaurants in the future. I’m told that Ariana Restaurant boasts an exceptional fine-dining experiences.

 

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Bend is full of things to do, no matter the season. The area is blessed with some of the most striking landscapes in the United States and its varied topography means that you’re never far from deserts, forests, lakes, mountains or rivers.

The diversity of tourist attractions in and around Bend make the Central Oregon mountain town a fantastic destination for backpackers, families, nature enthusiasts, and adventure-seekers.

If you’re looking for a place where you can ski in the morning, hike in the afternoon, eat a gourmet meal for dinner, and stargaze in the desert at night, then there’s no place better than Bend.

 

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