The 14 Best Adventures, Events, and Things to Do Bend Oregon

Bend, amid the high desert of Central Oregon, is vivid and adventure-oriented. Bend, which is near numerous lovely lakes, along the banks of the Deschutes River, and among the heights of the Cascade Mountain Range, is a real paradise for all the fantastic sightseeing and activities it presents to outdoor lovers. Families may enjoy skiing, mountain biking, and many parks; individuals who would like the peace will discover several spas and lively expanding art scenes in Bend.

Here are Bend, Oregon's 14 finest experiences, activities, and events: These are Bend, Oregon's 14 greatest experiences, activities, and events:

1. Since Bend has many trails of various difficulty levels, go on a hike with your family or friends to appreciate the beautiful environment around the city.

Hiking is another popular activity in Bend due to the over 200 miles of trail system in the area. Highly recommended are trails leading to Tumalo Falls for a stunning waterfall view, Mirror Pond loop along the Deschutes River, and Pilot Butte which offers spectacular views of the mountains. This trail to Awbrey Butte will take you through the Cascades and all across Bend.

2. Ski at Mt. Bachelor

With a total of 100 miles of skiing area and the longest skiing season in the Northwest, Mt. Bachelor is only 40 minutes from town with plenty of room and great mountain views. Others who may not ski will also spend time on the mountain playing snowshoes, tubing, sled dogs, snowmobiles, and many others.

3. Go Whitewater Rafting

Ride the wild Deschutes Rapids with whitewater rafting from several operators in Bend that offer guided and thrilling trips. Activities include class IV rapids, up to class V with water, and floating trips most suitable for children.

4. Spend time at the Gym and other Fitness Centers in Bend

They include the Oxford Hotel, the Lodge at Suncadia, the Omni Mount Washington, the Resort at Port Ludlow, the Resort at Squaw Creek, and many more luxurious spa resorts in Bend, Oregon where one can take a break and enjoy a relaxing massage, body treatment and a dip in a soaking pool.

5. Shopping along with food joints are available in downtown Bend.

Downtown Bend has shops and boutiques, galleries and other art venues, food and drinks, including cafes and brewpubs. Quite accessible pedestrian and cute, the downtown district also hosts such occurrences as First Friday Gallery Stroll. You should also make it a point to visit the Bend Brewing Company as it was originally situated at this place.

6. Go Stand Up Paddleboarding

Try out paddle boarding and embrace the beauty of Bend from within the Deschutes River as well as different lakes and reservoirs. This makes it ideal for learners, children, or for anyone who does not want to engage much with rapids, however, those who want the shallow parts of the river can continue downstream where there are some rapids.

7. High Desert Museum Oregon

This indoor/outdoor museum effectively demonstrates cultural, historical, and natural history assets of the High Desert area through wildlife dioramas, living history presentations, and demonstrations by local artists, nature trails, and other amphitheater attractions. According to the people, it is one of the best museums in Oregon and is highly recommended.

8. Take an Ale Trail

Over 30 craft breweries and brewpubs are situated in and around Bend, which is why Bend Ale Trail can be considered a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. Savor IPAs, stouts, porters, and numerous other beers, and gain a glimpse into Bend’s beer scene that has won the city numerous awards.

9. Mountain biking is another great activity that is fun and can be done in Bend.

Bend and the surrounding area are recognized as the best places for mountain biking enthusiasts and they can find endless single tracks for any level of difficulty. Phil’s Trail complex near town provides excellent corner and gap trickling while more challenging trails can be found on most other public lands in the surrounding area.

10. Local Art is also best seen in art galleries and studios.

All the walks beginning from First Friday art walks up to several artist studio/gallery spaces within Bend to world-class exhibits within the High Desert Museum, art within Bend is deep and offers visitors many opportunities to engage directly with artists.

11. Go Cross Country Skiing

When the snow is on the ground and the weather is chilly, swap out your hiking shoes for cross-country skis. The groomed Virginia Meissner Nordic area is ideal for quality skiing with views of Mount Bachelor. However, other skiing places that might be of interest include Tumalo Creek and Swampy Lakes cross-country ski areas which provide more trails with excellent views.

12. Participate in the Community Day and Cultural Celebrations

Yearly festivals, celebrations, and concerts are always held throughout the year. Some of the events that are more popular throughout the year are the Bend Summer Festival, and Indoor Fall Harvest Festival, the holiday light parade, summer Wednesday night concerts in Downtown Bend, and last but not least the huge Bend Fall Festival that has been specifically designed celebrating the joys of the fall season.

13. Golf Course, One of the Best of Bend

It is a golfer’s dream and the weather plus the geographical features of Central Oregon are perfect for the high desert terrain. Several courses and driving ranges have been awarded within and outside Bend and you can make your choice on where to practice.

14. Go Stargazing

Due to its geographical location in central Oregon, the region enjoys less light pollution to enable stargazing in the clear night skies. Go to Drake Park, shake the rock on the summit of Pilot Butte, or go just outside the city limits of Bend, Oregon, and spread your blanket and watch the stars dance. A variety of shooting stars, planets, Milky Way, and such like are out in force.

With so many natural wonders, welcoming locals, and such diverse activities to do, see, and explore for people of every age and preference, Bend is truly a destination that has much to offer for a year-round visit by visitors of all kinds. This city in the High Desert region remains receiving national travel focus for such a good reason; pack your bags and come and see the beauty and the fun of Bend for yourself.