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Bend sits on the dry eastern side of the Oregon Cascades, where the Deschutes River runs through town beneath snowcapped volcanic peaks. Once a lumber town, it has grown into one of the Northwest's best-known outdoor hubs, with a sunny high-desert climate, a strong craft brewing scene and easy access to ski slopes, lakes, lava fields and pine forests.
Downtown centers on Drake Park and Mirror Pond, a calm stretch of the Deschutes lined with lawns and old trees. Upstream, the Old Mill District has turned former sawmill grounds into shops and restaurants along the Deschutes River Trail, and in summer floating the river on tubes is a local ritual. Pilot Butte, a cinder cone within the city, gives a quick panoramic climb. Beyond town, Tumalo Falls is a short drive west, while Mount Bachelor anchors winter skiing and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway loops past alpine lakes in summer. To the south, Newberry National Volcanic Monument covers Lava Butte, the Lava River Cave and the Newberry Caldera with Paulina Lake and the Big Obsidian Flow.
Bend suits active travelers who like mixing a day outdoors with good food and beer in the evening. Summer is the busiest season for hiking, paddling and biking, while winter brings skiers to Bachelor. Smaller towns like Sisters and the rock-climbing area at Smith Rock State Park are easy side trips.
WiserMap travel guideBend Oregon Smith Rock Lava Caves and Craft BreweriesPlan a Bend, Oregon trip: the Deschutes River Trail, Smith Rock, Newberry's lava caves, Tumalo Falls, Mt. Bachelor, breweries, seasons and a three-day plan.Read the guide
A grassy park along the Deschutes River beside downtown Bend, where a wide, calm stretch of the river called Mirror Pond reflects trees and houses. Paths follow the water, and summer brings events and concerts. It is an easy walk from downtown's shops, cafes and brewpubs, so combine the two in one outing.
The site of former lumber mills along the river, now home to shops, restaurants and a riverside amphitheater, marked by three tall brick smokestacks. The Deschutes River Trail loops along both banks with footbridges and views. Summer concerts draw big crowds, so book tickets and park early.
In summer, locals and visitors float the Deschutes River on inner tubes and paddleboards from Riverbend Park toward Drake Park, passing through a channel at the Bend Whitewater Park. Rentals and a seasonal shuttle make it easy. The water is cold, so wear a life jacket and sun protection.
An extinct cinder cone rising right in the middle of Bend. A trail of about a mile spirals to the summit, and a road also reaches the top in the warmer months. From the summit you can see the city and a line of Cascade volcanoes including the Three Sisters and Mount Bachelor. Go at sunrise or sunset.
A tall, powerful waterfall in the forest west of Bend, reached by a short walk from a parking area at the end of a forest road. A longer trail continues upstream past more waterfalls. A Northwest Forest Pass or fee is needed to park, and the access road is usually closed by snow in winter.
A large volcano west of Bend with one of the biggest ski areas in the Pacific Northwest, known for dry snow and a long season, with lifts reaching the summit. In summer, scenic chairlift rides lead to a high lodge with big views, and there is a downhill bike park. Check the weather, as the summit can be very windy.
A scenic road of about 66 miles from Bend past a chain of mountain lakes, including Sparks Lake, Devils Lake and Elk Lake, with views of South Sister and Broken Top. There are many spots for paddling, picnics and short hikes. Beyond Mount Bachelor the road is closed in winter, usually until late spring.
The Lava Lands Visitor Center, south of Bend in Newberry National Volcanic Monument, explains the area's volcanic history. Nearby Lava Butte is a cinder cone with a road or shuttle to the rim and views over black lava flows. The paved Trail of the Molten Land loops through the lava. A recreation pass is required.
A lava tube about a mile long that you can walk through on your own, just south of Bend. It stays cold, around 42 degrees Fahrenheit, all year, so bring warm clothes and a strong light or rent a lantern. Reservations are usually needed in the summer season, and the cave closes in winter to protect bats.
A huge volcanic caldera south of Bend holding two lakes, Paulina Lake and East Lake. The Big Obsidian Flow trail climbs onto a field of shiny black volcanic glass, the youngest lava flow in Oregon. Nearby Paulina Falls and the drive up Paulina Peak add more views. The area is usually snowbound in winter.
A dramatic park north of Bend with towering orange rock walls above a bend in the Crooked River, known as the birthplace of American sport climbing. Hikers can take river trails or the steep Misery Ridge Trail for views of the Monkey Face spire. A day-use fee applies. Start early in summer, as it gets very hot.
A museum just south of Bend that combines natural and cultural history of the high desert. Exhibits cover Native peoples, settlers and the West, and live animal habitats include otters, birds of prey and porcupines. Outdoors there is a historic ranch and working sawmill. Allow at least half a day to see everything.
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