Where the high desert meets the sage brush, green parks, blue water, and the snow-capped mountains that reign in the distance here is a guide to experience the best things to do in Bend, Oregon.
Bend, Oregon was such a wonderful place to visit and really caught my eye. After visiting the big city of Portland and the smaller seaside towns on Oregon’s spectacular coast, it was so amazing to see the more desert-like landscape of Bend. Bend is in high central Oregon, there was more sand, sagebrush, desert-type plants, and ranches on the drive into town. The city’s elevation is 3,623 ft above sea level making it an interesting climate. The town’s primary industry now is tourism, but Bend doesn’t feel overly touristy. Bend’s population is just over 105,000, thus big enough to have things to see and do.
Read more: Things To Do In Bend, Oregon: The Ultimate Guide To This All Season Weekend GetawayDisclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase or booking, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.Travels of Sarah Fay is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you. I lent a 2024 Mazda CX-50 to check out the capabilities on my road trip. All opinions are my honest own opinions.
When to visit Bend Oregon?
Honestly, Bend is wonderful to visit anytime of year depending on the outdoor activity you are looking for. If you want to go rafting or kayaking down the Deschutes River come in the spring/summer. If you want to go skiing come in the winter, and if you just want to enjoy the perfect climate come in the fall for hiking in the Deschutes National Forest. There is something for everyone here and Bend is more than the outdoor adventures on its’ doorstep.
The Deschutes River is a popular attraction, located in the center of town and activities, and cascades through town. Bend is located near the Deschutes National Forest, with over 1.6 million acres to explore and mighty nearby mountains such as Mt. Bachelor with almost every winter and summer sport. While it was a warm and welcoming sunny day Memorial Weekend, it was awesome driving by the snow on the sides of the mountain roads as we drove to kayak on Lake Hosmer. Besides all the nature activities, the city also has a relaxing pace. You can enjoy great food, and entertainment at the amphitheater, cafes, wineries, and breweries. Bend does have such a unique feel to it, it is a must-see if you are in Oregon.
A Brief History of Bend
Bend, OR started as a lumber town and was only incorporated in 1905. Historically it became a popular place for settlers since they could cross the river at the bend where the water was lower. Before lumbering there were ranches and reportedly a ranch in the 1870s popularized the name Farewell Bend and the post office opened later using the name Bend (shortened by the Postal Department). On our way to Bend, we saw part of the Deschutes National Forest and the cute town of Sisters with its western cowboy feel before reaching Bend.
Timbering was the heart of Bend’s industry until the 1950s when the supply started to decline and the lumber plant was sold and eventually closed in 1983. However, while it deteriorated over the years, it was restored in the 1990s. The old brick powerhouse buildings and signature three smokestacks are the center of attention and are now known as The Old Mill District.
Bend, Oregon Weather
With Bend being in the high desert among high mountains, the winters can be cold with much snow, especially in the mountains, and summers are hot, with little rain, and sunny. The hottest month is July when the city has its Summer Festival. The best time to visit, weather-wise, is June through September. If you love skiing, snowboarding, etc you likely want to go in the winter and the coldest month is December. Bend also gets about 33 inches of snow annually. An important note is to bring layers since the weather can change!
Best Time to Visit Bend, Oregon
Depending on your type of activities there is usually some summer or winter sport that is available. I visited in late spring and from what I know June through August would be great, especially for water sports like swimming, kayaking, fishing, etc. But if you want to get the best hotel deals, beat the crowds, etc., the shoulder season is better. The shoulder season runs from April to June and from September to October. The weather is still a bit cool, but not as hot or busy as the summer. I went in Spring and it was a great time to visit and go outside to experience nature and the town. People were floating down the river, kayaking on the lakes, and hiking; it was beautiful.
How to get to Bend Oregon
The primary way to get to Bend I would say is to fly into Portland and drive there. There are good highways to see the great scenery and landscape as it changes on the way to the high desert of Bend.
- Redmond Municipal Airport (Code – RDM) – RDM is the primary airport that services Bend, being only 17 miles to the north. Bend’s smaller municipal airport (Code – KBDN) is also local. www.flyrdx.com
- Portland International Airport (Code- PDX) – I found PDX a very manageable airport and there are direct flights with reasonable prices. The airport is 11 miles from downtown Portland and costs about $35 via Uber/Lyft. Notably, PDX is a nickname for the city of Portland too. PDX is 158 miles to bend, or 3-3.5 hours depending on your route. www.flypdx.com
- Roads – There are several routes you can take to Bend, but US 26 and Oregon 20, etc. It also depends if there are places you may want to stop and see on the way there.
- Train – Amtrak does have trains that go to Bend’s Hawthorne Station. From Portland, it may require you to change trains and as of this writing can take 5+ hours.
- Bus – There are bus services to Bend from Portland. CoBreeze bus goes daily and Greyhound also services the area.
How to get around Bend Oregon
- Bikes / Scooters / Rental Cars: The city also has many e-bikes and great bike paths to make it easier to get around. I found it helpful to have a car while in town. I had a 2024 Mazda CX-50 SUV that made it easy to get around.
- Walking: Depending on where you are staying, you may be able to walk around part of the city, depending on your interests.
- Public Transportation: Cascades East Transit (CET) has many fixed-route buses throughout Bend. While I didn’t use the bus, it was available and the schedules can be seen online. www.cascadeseasttransit.com The local bus in Central Oregon is free from what I was told. You may want to check online in the event that changes. But I did find the folks in the Bend area want to preserve a clean environment.
- Uber / Lyft: Both ride services are available in Portland.
Best Things To Do in Bend Oregon
There is so much to do and see in Bend. Depending on the season, those interests may change, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter, to the fun in the sun activities in the summer like hiking, mountaineering, floating down the river, or kayaking a mountain lake or the Deschutes River.
Old Mill District
One great place to explore is the Old Mill District which is centrally located and easy to tell by trademark 3 smokestacks and original brick building from the prior ponderosa pine sawmill. It is located on 270 acres of land along the Deschutes River and there are now over 55 local and national restaurants and shops to visit. It is such a cute area and a place that makes Bend unique.
Food Tour
There are numerous food tours and you may want to check out the self-guided High Desert Food Trail. Tours are a great way to see some of the city and riverfront, as well as eat along the way. There is also a tour that mixes both food and exploring the breweries of Bend, Oregon it explores the rich food trucks that dot the city, and the breweries. While I do not drink this tour has good reviews so it maybe a great way to explore the city.
Walking Tour or Biking Tour of Bend, Oregon
There are walking tours, including some offered by The Deschutes Historical Museum on Saturdays from May through August. The Early Days of Bend Walking tour is offered by the museum and costs $15. Check the availability here. If you do not want to walk there area also bike tours around Bend, Oregon.
River sports- Float the Riverbend
Kayaking, canoeing, tube floating at Drake Park along the Deschutes River. Drake Park is centrally located on the river and is where the sunseekers and floaters like to catch the sun. There are also lovely new walking paths that were built along the riverfront. It’s a pretty stunning area to explore.
Bend Whitewater Park
The Whitewater Park is located near Drake Park and offers wild rapids for paddlers and surfers alike. There are runs for novices too. This manmade river surfing is available all year long generally from 5 am to 10 pm. It’s so unique, you can actually surf in the winter in Bend. www.bendparksandrec.org The Park offers so many water options.
Kayaking / Canoeing in the high Cascade Lakes Tour
I took a 4-hour paddling tour with Wanderlust Tours (www.getyourguide.com). The kayaking tour went to Lake Hosmer in the Deschutes National Forest. It was beautiful with Mount Bachelor in the background (about 5 miles away). I met the group at the tour company and they drove us up the mountain. On the way, the guide pointed out all the gorgeous lakes and mountains in the area. The road up to the lake had only opened the day before and it was stunning with all the snow that was around, but it was a sunny day and the air was warm. The elevation is about 5,000 ft. above sea level.
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and they provide kayaks, life vests, etc. We even got to see the volcanic rock area that the Bend area is known for. It was truly enjoyable.
Visit the town of Sisters, Oregon:
A great day or ½ day is visiting nearby Sisters, OR. This tiny town with just over 3,800 residents is truly stunning with its downtown Old West Architecture and cute stores and cafes. The building facades and boardwalks are styled after the 1880s. Sisters is only 23+ miles away from Bend on US Highway 20. The city was named after the 3 Sisters volcanic mountain peaks (called Faith, Hope, and Charity). We loved stopping at Sisters Coffee with its great western decor and house-roasted coffee, great sandwiches, pastries, and light dishes to share. www.sisterscoffee.com www.ci.sisters.or.us
Smith Rock State Park
This tremendous state park is located near Terrebonne in the high desert near some ranches, and so you know, it is more than just a rock. Pull into the parking lot ($ 5-day use pass) and you can walk nearby to see the breathtaking view and choose what hike you may want to take. The valley below is wonderful with the Crooked River running through it. You can take the flatter 2.5-mile River Trail that runs along the river. Another option is the Misery Trail with switchbacks that are challenging, but takes you to the towering cliff with a 3,360 ft summit with phenomenal views. This park is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon.
There are so many ways to enjoy this park, which is considered the birthplace of American Sport Climbing. You will see climbers of all ages ascend the tuff basalt cliffside. There are also some horseback riders in the park and wildlife; some birds also nest in the rock’s cliffs. It is so close and very reasonably priced to go to see this splendid view. There is also some room in the park and tent camp. www.smithrock.com
Spelunking – Or to us regular folk, Caving:
Some folks come to Bend since there are caves and you can go spelunking, even the lava tubes or lava caves from years ago. Spelunking name comes from the sound that cavers make when they slide and fall into water. There are various caving tours, some self-guided, but the Lava Tour is a favorite. While we did go lava caving we did see the old lava beds on our way to Hosmer Lake.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
The monument is located in the Deschutes National Forest. The monument gives you the unique chance to view the Lava Lands of Central Oregon which consists of lava flows and various geographical features of this unique area. Paulina Peak summit stands at 7,985 ft and gives you wonderful views of the Cascade mountains, Newberry Caldera, and the high desert. www.fs.usda.gov
Hayden Homes Amphitheatre
See a concert at the amphitheater. I saw a wonderful show and the venue is in the Old Mill District, where you can see the 3 smokestacks, etc. It seems very family-friendly and a lot of fun, there were food trucks there for food, drinks, etc. While I was in town I was able to check out Portugal The Man and Tegan and Sara. The vibes here were amazing and there were a bunch of local food trucks here for you to experience more of the great food of Bend. iwww.bendconcerts.com
Visit the Last Blockbuster Store
Bend is home to the last Blockbuster Store and many go to visit it. It is an actual store with the same layout, videos, and candy, but it also has nostalgic pics and memorabilia. Growing up I loved going to Blockbusters with my mother and talking to the staff about the movies and their recommendations. It was a great blast from the past. This too makes Bend such a unique place to visit. It’s a free walk down memory lane!
Trivia Nights
While in Bend there were several Trivia Nights and it was a way to meet some locals. After a busy day kayaking, I went to The Commons to get a coffee to find they were going to have a Trivia Night. So figured this is a way to relax a bit and meet some locals. It was fun and I noticed that many of the places in town, especially in the Old Mill District had Trivia nights or entertainment, open mic nights, etc. It was great fun and free.
The Bend area has so many other great activities including fishing (fly fishing on Hosmer Lake was pretty popular), mountain biking, and horseback riding, are just some of the other activities to enjoy.
Honorable Mention – Silver Falls State Park:
On my way to go to Bend, I stopped at Silver Falls State Park in Silverton, OR. Silver Falls is an enormous park (9,000+ acres) with 10 wonderful waterfalls, considered the crown jewel of their state parks. It’s 25 miles East of Salem, Oregon if you’re near it (we went for coffee in Salem). At Silver Falls the numerous hikes in the park can take you to all or some of the waterfalls. The entire loop for all the falls is 6.9 miles starting at Southern Fall since it was near the entrance.
The South Fall is near the entrance parking and the most visited fall in the park. Walking to the fall there is a cafe called the South Falls Cafe. You can get a bite and there are indoor or outdoor seats to enjoy your burger. I liked my burger and fries. The buildings within the park remind you of historic lodges and log cabins since many were built around 1940-1941. While I didn’t see all of the park or falls, it was easy to get around the park to see a few and it was well worth the trip to see the falls (especially when you can walk under and behind the fall itself). The cost is $5 for the day-use pass. There were also camping options available at the park, as well as equestrian trails and a bike path.
Food, Restaurants, and Cafes in Bend, OR
There are many restaurants, food trucks, cafes, and dessert treats in Bend. One night we even ate at the Campfire Hotel’s Canteen Bar; the fish and chips were great along with the karaoke. Here are some of my favorites:
Flights Wine Bar & Restaurant
The first night I ate at Flights— their curated menu was so delicious. They also have mocktails and their signature flights of wine to accompany the tasty dishes. The owner is a certified sommelier and wine specialist and she likes serving flights so patrons can taste various varieties of wines. The menu consists of charcuterie boards, shareables, flatbreads, and snack bites. It was wonderful in a classy setting. Besides the indoor seating, they had outdoor seating to enjoy the weather on those sunny days.
Flights Wine Bar and Restaurant also offers a happy hour from 3 pm- 5pm. However, I went for dinner and my top recommendations are as follows: Fig Pig and Goat flatbread, the Soy Ginger Glazed Black Cod, and the Beef Carpaccio. It was hard to choose because everything was delicious. www.flightswinebend.com
McCay’s Cottage Restaurant
McCay’s is a well-known breakfast, lunch, and brunch spot, voted the Best Breakfast place since 2010. The McCay Cottage is a 1916 preserved historic craftsman bungalow. You walk into the house and it still has many rooms with original nostalgic seats, etc. While it’s popular with its unique menu items, there is generally a wait, but they have great outdoor seating if you are waiting for a seat. I particularly enjoyed sitting near the fire pit and they had self-serve coffee outside while waiting. McCay’s also has a great takeout bar where you can order pastries and coffee to go. I also recommend this, well worth the wait. www.themckaycottage.com
Best Coffeeshops In Bend Oregon
The Sparrow Bakery – Northwest Location
One of the top places for great breads and pastry is Sparrow Bakery (they also have one in Portland). They are famous for the Ocean Rolls and pastries, they serve breakfast, lunch, etc. It’s a great quick place to grab something, especially if you’re heading out on a day trip. Some say they also have the best breakfast sandwich in Bend. www.thesparrowbakery.net
The Commons Cafe & Tap Room
After my paddling experience I needed a pick me up cup of coffee, so I went to The Commons. I was so glad I did. It’s a mixture of cafe and tap room, so I was able to get a great cup of joe and play trivia with some locals. If you look on their website, they have various events that go on and one is Trivia night. A few places in Bend have Trivia nights, with locals as well as tourists. It was great to get to meet a few locals, since I often travel solo. They serve beer, wine, tea, coffee and bites and generally open 8-8. I went in later in the day but was able to get a tasty latte and be entertained at the same time. It’s also right in Downtown Bend near Mirror Bond, so it’s a great place to walk around even after it closes. www.thecommonsbend.com
Thump Genuine Coffee
Thump is one of the longer term roasters in Bend with 3 locations in Bend (and 1 in Colorado); I stopped in at the downtown location and loved the iced latte! Loved the vibe and seeing that they served pastries, pizza, etc. From what you can tell www.thumpcoffee.com
Lone Pine Coffee Roasters
Bend, Oregon has been known for its’ coffee shops, and Lone Pine Coffee Roasters has been serving up freshly roasted coffee to the community since 2009. I can attest this is a beautiful coffeeshop, with unique twists to their coffee offerings. I definitely enjoyed their special of the day.
Where to stay in Bend, Oregon?
Bend is a unique vacation destination with hotels, inns, hostels, and vacation rentals for all budgets. Many can be found at www.booking.com But while it was a busy Memorial Week in Bend, I did get to stay at the Campfire Hotel.
The Campfire Hotel is a truly unique 100-room boutique motor lodge turned boutique hotel. It has edgy decor to go with the campfire theme. As you drive in your greeted to a tree interwoven with the hotel lobby entrance, the outdoor courtyard was my favorite with a pool, campfire area, and a huge Adirondack chair perfect for a Instagram worth IG shot. The room also was themed with the outdoors in mind, and my room even had a guitar for you to use if you got some musical inspiration by the campfire.
At night the community comes alive with a nightly fire, that you can roast your own marshmallows and make smokes with a smore kit you can pick up in the lobby at the canteen. If you want something more substantial grab dinner at the onsite restaurant/bar at the Canteen. They also had some fun karaoke nights and a DJ that would play by the pool during the day. The vibes here were on point.
One night I ended up eating at the bar since karaoke was going on and it was a blast. It was great to have this onsite, especially after all the walking I did that day. Last, it was affordable and only a few minutes’ ride from the Old Mill District and Downtown Bend.
Is Bend, Oregon Safe?
Yes, I felt safe traveling around the area. I felt safe as a solo traveler and solo woman traveler.
How long should you stay in Bend, Oregon?
Even if you only have 1 day to visit Bend, do it. I recommend 2-3 nights given all it has to offer, it really surprised me in a great way.
Bend is surely a unique city with an urban country feel, so different from Portland or the Oregon coast with its high desert fee. I definitely want to stay longer or come back. While it will get your adrenaline going with great outdoor activities, it was also relaxing in that high desert sunny environment. Remember, Enjoy the Journey!
Fun Fact about Bend Oregon
Bend is one of only 3 continental US cities with an extinct volcano in its city limits (the other two are Portland, OR and Jackson, Mississippi). The Horse Lava Tube System enters and is on the eastern border of the city.
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Sarah Errafay
Travels of Sarahfay.com
July 9, 2024
