A small city perched on the banks of the Deschutes River, Bend is a lone star sparkling in the mountains of Oregon. The Great Outdoors beckons in every direction, from the ski resorts of Mt. Bachelor to hiking an extinct volcano and climbing stairways to an enormous lava tube.
Things to do in Bend
Mt. Bachelor hosts one of the largest ski resorts in the Northwest, with a bountiful snow season stretching into spring. It’s just 30 minutes from Bend and you can go downhill skiing, tubing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Join a dog-sledge team or snowshoeing expedition or enjoy hiking and mountain biking in the warmer months.
Downtown Bend exudes small-town charm with local cafes, boutiques and eclectic art galleries. Check out vintage treasures in the Redmond Antique District and head to the Old Mill District for apple-wood and mesquite-smoked cuisine at Greg’s Grill. Top off the evening with mojitos and late-night Peruvian-Mexican tapas at Hola! restaurant.
Don some hiking boots for a leisurely one-hour walk to Pilot Butte volcano, accessible from a trail beginning in town. You can also visit the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and climb stairs leading into Lava River Cave, an enormous tube created by hardened lava. To learn more about volcanic activity and regional wildlife, visit the High Desert Museum.
Embrace the Deschutes River for an afternoon of white-water rafting or inner tube floating. You can also go fly fishing on your own or with local guides. Head back into town for live performances at Les Schwab Amphitheater.
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Getting around Bend
You can rent a car at Bend Municipal Airport and from various locations in town. Buses and taxis operate throughout Bend and there are cycle shuttles to transport bicycles. Ski shuttles offer rides to Mt. Bachelor.