Bend may be a small town nestled in the foothills of the Cascades, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in adventure. Long known as Oregon’s gateway to outdoor recreation, Bend offers incredible opportunities for hiking, kayaking, skiing, rock climbing, and more. Beyond the outdoors, it also boasts world-class golf courses, unique shopping, craft breweries, and a thriving food scene.
With so much to do, deciding where to start can be overwhelming. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon.
Try a Craft Brew
For a town with fewer than 100,000 residents, Bend has an impressive craft beer scene, boasting 22 breweries—about one for every 4,500 people. The beer here isn’t just abundant, it’s award-winning. Deschutes Brewery, one of Bend’s originals, was recently named Brewery of the Year and took home multiple gold medals at the International Beer Competition.
Some great spots to grab a pint or a flight include:
Want to try even more? Follow the Bend Ale Trail and find beervana. Remember to always drink responsibly.
Take a Hike
With hundreds of miles of trails within a short drive of Bend, hiking is a must. The Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest, and Newberry National Volcanic Monument offer some of the most stunning hikes in Oregon.
Here are a few of the top trails:
- Paulina Lake Loop – 7.5 miles
- Tumalo Falls via Tumalo Creek Trail – 6.5 miles
- Green Lakes Trail – 9.1 miles
- Pilot Butte – 1.8 miles and it’s right in the middle of town!
Visit Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is a world-renowned destination for rock climbers drawing adventurers from all over the world to conquer the 650 acres of sheer rock faces. The park offers climbing routes for all skill levels, but if climbing isn’t your thing, the hiking trails are just as spectacular. The dramatic red rock formations and the winding Crooked River make for incredible photography opportunities.
Float Down the Deschutes River
One of my favorite things about Bend in the summer time is floating down the Deschutes River right through the middle of town. You can float all the way from Riverbend Park to Drake Park which takes about 2 hours. Before reaching Drake Park there’s a short whitewater section at Bend Whitewater Park which features a series of 12 drops. If you want, you can bypass the whitewater by getting out and walking around.
You can rent floats from Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe between 10 AM and 4:30 PM for $21. This includes an all day ticket for the shuttle which runs from Drake Park back to the Park and Float location so you can float down the river all day long.
Take a Drive on the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway
This 66 mile scenic byway is one of the most breathtaking roads you’ll ever drive on. Open from late spring/early summer through late fall, the road winds through the Deschutes National Forest and Three Sisters Wilderness, passing crystal clear alpine lakes, with the majestic peaks of the Cascades serving as a constant backdrop.
From the byway you can access several trailheads, lakes and campgrounds. You can stop along your drive to hike, have a picnic, or just admire the views.
Go Paddling On an Alpine Lake
If you think driving down the Cascade Lake Scenic Byway is breathtaking, wait until you see the view from out on the water! This route runs past some of the most pristine alpine lakes you’ll ever see. People travel from all over with their kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to paddle around Sparks, Elk, Devil and Hosmer Lakes. A little farther down the byway you’ll find several more small lakes as well as the larger Crane Prairie and Wickiup Reservoirs.
Because of the altitude these lakes stay freezing cold all year, so you won’t find many people swimming. But slowly paddling around the lakes, admiring the views of the cascades is a must while you’re here.
If you’re new to paddling, check out one of the many tours available with Wanderlust Tours. In the summer they offer both kayaking and canoe trips to many of the cascade lakes, moonlight and starlight canoe tours, and a Brews and Views Canoe Tour, where you can combine two of the best things to do in Bend!
Visit the Last Blockbuster in the U.S.
Feeling nostalgic for those Friday nights in the 90’s and early 2000’s when you’d run to the video store in hopes of grabbing a copy of the latest release before it was gone? Well in Bend you can relive those days by visiting the last Blockbuster.
Still fully functional you’ll find new releases, and old favorites alike, available for rent just like in the good-old-days. No place to watch those DVD’s? No worries! You can still stop in, take a walk down memory lane, and grab a box of candy for the road.
Stay at a Resort
Just a few minutes drive from downtown, you’ll find some of the most amazing resorts in Oregon. From luxury to family friendly, you’ll find things like indoor water parks, world class golf, and more outdoor activities than you can imagine.
On my most recent trip to Bend, we stayed at Sunriver Resort. This sprawling, family-friendly resort is located just 20 minutes from downtown, and just a few minutes from the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, in the small resort town of Sunriver. Although Summer and Winter are the best times to visit for outdoor adventures, the resort is a great choice year-round.
The resort offers both lodge style rooms, and larger whole home vacation rentals. We stayed in a lodge room and loved the large size, warm fireplace and giant patio complete with rocking chairs and amazing views of Mt. Bachelor over the golf course. There are several outdoor hot tubs spaced throughout the property and a giant indoor water park complete with lazy river, water slide, and giant spa tub.
The other resorts you should consider are:
Go Shopping
If you’re ready for a break from all the adventure, or you just want to give your wallet a workout, Bend offers several options for a day of shopping. Downtown Bend is full of unique boutiques, one of a kind artisan shops, art galleries, coffee shops, and loads of eateries – there’s also a brew pub or two! If you happen to be visiting the first friday of the month, make sure you stop by downtown for Bend’s First Friday Art Walk.
If you want name brands, head over to the Bend Factory Stores or the Old Mill District. There you’ll find stores like: REI (have to fuel those adventures!), Columbia, Lululemon, Sephora, Nike and much more! (And don’t forget, Oregon has no sales tax!) The Old Mill District also has several dining options and a cinema if you’d like to catch a show.
Visit Mt. Bachelor
If you’re visiting during the winter months, chances are you’re here for the pow! Less than an hour from Bend, Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort offers world class skiing, snowboarding and much more! If you’re new to skiing, check out the Ski & Ride School for both private and group lessons.
Or, if skiing and snowboarding aren’t your things, Mt. Bachelor has several other activities to choose from! Check out the Snowblast Tubing Park, go for a ride on a dog sled, or book a snowshoe tour. There’s so much to choose from!
Final Thoughts
Bend is an outdoor lover’s paradise, offering endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and great food and drinks. Whether you’re exploring the Cascade Lakes, hiking scenic trails, or floating down the Deschutes River, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant mountain town.
No matter the season, Bend is the perfect destination to embrace the best of Oregon’s natural beauty.
