30+ Fun Things to Do in Bend, Oregon

Last updated on October 2nd, 2026

In this guide we’re sharing some of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon, no matter the season, as well as where to stay, what to eat, and so much more!

We first visited Bend, Oregon back in September 2018 and let’s just say it was love at first sight. With a smaller city feel, epic mountains, rivers and lakes, plus an awesome food and drink scene, it’s hard not to love Bend!  

We have since visited Bend two more times, once in the spring and again in late September, which has allowed us to experience the region during warmer summer days, crisp fall mornings, and late spring snow. And all trips have only further proven that Bend is the ultimate year-round outdoor playground!

In this guide we’re sharing 30+ fun things to do in Bend, based on all three visits we have made to the area. It includes both summer and winter specific activities, plus activities you can do any time of the year!

And on top of that, we’re also sharing the logistics you need to know before you go. Such as how to get to Bend, where to stay, and permits you may need. We hope you love this gorgeous area of Oregon as much as we do!

About Bend, Oregon

Back in the early 1900s, Bend was a logging town, with two main logging companies dominating the area and bringing many people to the city for work. Although the logging operations ended in the 1990s, Bend has continued to flourish. And has become one of the top outdoor cities in the Pacific Northwest.

Bend is located in central Oregon. Just under 3.5 hours southeast of Portland and 2.5 hours east of Eugene. In what is known as the High Desert. This is an area that sits at higher elevation (3,623 feet), has drier climate, and sunnier weather than other parts of the state. Making the climate ideal for year round adventuring and lot’s of time to enjoy these best things to do in Bend!

And wow, is the city built for adventure! With the Deschutes River running through downtown, the Cascade Mountains (some of our favorite mountains!) to the west, and more desert-like terrain north and east, you can experience a wide variety of scenery both in town and just a short drive away.

But beyond its gorgeous nature, Bend is also a great city as a whole. With a charming downtown area, quaint neighborhoods, a community feel, and tons of local restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries (with over 22 just in the city alone!). As you can see, there’s so many things to do in Bend, Oregon. There is truly something for everyone here!

Before you plan to visit Bend, please brush up on the 7 Leave No Trace principles to learn how you can explore this area responsibly and respectfully. This is a very special place, so please do your part to help keep it that way.

30+ AMAZING things to do in Bend, Oregon

1. Walk around Downtown Bend

One thing we love about Bend is its super walkable downtown area! You won’t find any skyscrapers here, but what you will find are lots of local shops and restaurants. And some of the best things to do in Bend are located right downtown! If you find yourself in downtown Bend before or after your outdoor adventuring, make sure to check out Dudley’s Bookshop, Scout and Pine, Lark Mountain Modern, The Bend Store, Ju-bee-lee, and Cascade Cottons.

2. Enjoy First Friday Art Walk

On the first Friday of the month from 5-9 PM is Bend’s First Friday Art Walk, which takes place downtown as well as in the Old Mill District. During the First Friday Art Walk you can see different artists and live music, while you shop and enjoy local food and drinks!

3. Relax at Drake Park

As we mentioned earlier, the Deschutes River runs right through downtown Bend and Drake Park is a gorgeous stretch of the river, right behind downtown. We highly suggest grabbing a coffee from a local spot (more on that next!) and going for a stroll! 

4. Shop at the Bend Farmers Market

On Wednesday afternoons (11 AM-3 PM) from early May to early October the Bend Farmers Market takes over Brooks Alley in downtown! This is a great way to support local farmers and other vendors, while buying delicious meats, produce, and treats.

5. Check out the local coffee scene

We LOVE coffee and Bend has a killer coffee scene! So we couldn’t make a list of things to do in Bend without telling you where to fuel up! During both of our visits we have tried to visit as many local spots as we can. Some of our favorites are:

Little Cole Coffee Co.: Located in the cutest little trailer, this coffee stand has very creative drink options!

Lone Pine Coffee Roasters: This popular spot has a location downtown. But we went to their spot east of town twice during our trip and loved the drinks and the vibe!

Thump Coffee: We have been to both their Bend and Denver locations and it’s solid every time!

Still Vibrato: This coffee shop is located at the bottom floor of an apartment building, but don’t let that stop you! The flat whites here were amazing.

PALATE a coffee bar: We visited here on our first trip and loved it!

Watershed Coffee Roasters: Located right in town by Drake Park, with a great backyard, this spot has fun drinks, plus espresso whipped cream.

The Commons Cafe and Taproom: An old house turned coffee shop downtown and by the river!

6. Eat delicious food at a local spot

For a smaller city, Bend packs a BIG punch when it comes to local restaurants! While Bend isn’t known for a specific cuisine, it offers incredible restaurants with food from all over the world. During each of our visits, we have tried to check out new spots, plus revisit some favorites. Here are some of our top picks of places to eat!

Wild Rose: This Northern Thai spot has amazing Khao Soi (our favorite Thai dish)! For dinner, it’s best to have a reservation. But we have had lunch here on a weekday without any issues getting a table. Also for lunch there is a lunch menu that is more affordable, although the portions are smaller.

Spork: A unique spot with an Asian fusion + Mexican menu. You can try dishes like Lomo Saltado, curries, and tacos all in one spot! We have been here multiple times and loved their Thai steak salad, spicy fried chicken, and green curry! 

Americana: For the smash burger lovers, this spot is a must! Located at Podski, a food cart lot, their burgers are some of the best we have ever had. We loved The Popper, which has pickled jalapeños, jalapeño cream cheese, bacon, ranch, secret sauce, and more!

Parrilla Grill: Known for their very unique Mexican eats, such as burritos with unlikely fillings. Like the Nashville, which has hot chicken, tater tots, pickles, slaw, and sauce. Adam gave this burrito a 10/10! I tried their CBCB in bowl form and it was simple and delicious!

Tacos Pihuamo: These are said to be some of the best tacos in town! And while we have not tried them all, we agree that they are SOLID! We loved the carne asada, adovada, and carnitas! 

7. grab a sweet treat

Besides great restaurants, Bend also has some delicious sweet treats!

You cannot visit Bend without trying an Ocean Roll from The Sparrow Bakery. This is a Bend institution for delicious baked goods, but the Ocean Roll is our favorite. An Ocean Roll is croissant dough, vanilla, sugar, and cardamom, rolled like a cinnamon roll. It has the perfect amount of sweetness, plus a bit of spice from the cardamom. We get multiple on every visit! And if you don’t want to go to the bakery itself, many places around town (like Watershed Coffee) carry them too!

You can also find some great ice cream in town. Bontà Natural Artisan Gelato is one of our go-tos! Bontà means “goodness” in Italian and they definitely live up to the name. We tried a handful of flavors, including their Dulce de Leche + Sea Salt (a MUST), Peanut Butter and Theo Chocolate Fudge, Coffee Break, and Stracciatella. And every single one was creamy and delicious.

We also love the New Zealand real fruit ice cream from Birdsong! This is a style of ice cream where they blend hard ice cream and fruit in a special machine, creating a creamy soft serve. Birdsong is located right by Americana, making it the perfect post-burger treat. We love their marionberry flavor!

8. See Bend history in the Old Mill District

As we mentioned earlier, Bend was a mining town in the 1900s and the Old Mill District is the former home of some of the lumber mills. After years of poor forestry practices, the mills closed down in the 1990s. The property was bought and major renovations began to take place. 

The developers completely overhauled the area by cleaning up the river, which had been trashed by industrial debris over the years, and they also renovated buildings, while still keeping historical aspects, like the smokestacks. This all led to a restored habitat for fish, otters, and birds. And created a beautiful area for the public to enjoy, containing some of the best things to do in Bend!

In the Old Mill District there are tons of shops, restaurants, the nation’s first permanent fly casting course. And there’s access to the Deschutes River Trail! We spent quite a bit of time in this area accessing the river trail. It makes for a great starting point!

9. Admire the views from Pilot Butte

Pilot Butte is a cinder cone right in town that erupted around 250,000 years ago. And today it offers scenic views of Bend and the Cascade Mountains! To get to the top you can drive (seasonal) or walk just under 2 miles (all uphill) to the summit.

10. Drink your way through the Ale Trail

11. Go to the only Blockbuster left in the world!

Remember Blockbuster?! As a kid we both would spend too much time strolling down the aisles trying to pick the next movie we wanted to watch. Blockbuster used to be the largest movie rental business in the world, with over 9,000 locations, but in 2010 they filed for bankruptcy and their stores started to close. However, ONE Blockbuster still remains and it is in Bend, Oregon!

The Blockbuster in Bend is such a fun way to relive the days of VHS and DVDs, which you can still rent here! But if you’re just visiting and do not have access to a DVD player, you can buy Blockbuster merchandise or some candy to enjoy alongside a movie night!

12. Attend a local event

There is always something fun going on in Bend! From annual events, like Brewfest and Subaru Winterfest, to more frequent events like the First Friday Art Walk and Farmers Market we mentioned above, plus concerts at Hayden Homes Ampitheater, you can always find some sort of local event happening. And these are a great way to experience the area as a local. You can see the full event schedule with all of the best things to do in Bend here! 

13. Explore the Deschutes River Trail

The Deschutes River runs right through the heart of Bend and to enjoy this scenic river there are over 12 miles of established trails.

During our visit, we enjoyed quite a few walks starting in The Old Mill District, going both north and south. We loved walking up to the Whitewater Park and then back down south towards the Riverbend Park, where it gets a bit more wooded. 

You can also ride bikes on parts of the trail, but make sure to pay attention to signage to know where bikes are not allowed. Dogs are also allowed on most of the trail, but must remain on leash.

Another fun way to the trails is to rent eBikes! We have used eBikes in several places across the US and they are a ton of fun! Some places in town to rent are Pedego Electric Bikes, Wheel Fun, or Bend Electric Bikes. You can also use the eBikes to visit downtown!

14. Get out on the Deschutes River 

Besides walking or riding a traditional bike, you can also experience the Deschutes River by getting out onto the water! There are a couple different ways to enjoy the river:

15. Watch the surfers at Whitewater Park

Did you know that you can SURF in Bend? Even without the ocean nearby, locals and visitors can shred some waves at the Bend Whitewater Park! 

This section of the river has 26 underwater pneumatic bladders that help create the waves, which can be manipulated 24/7 to create the best conditions, not only for the surfers, but to ensure that irrigation needs are met and to help the wildlife that live in the water.

This park offers two different levels of waves, one for surfers that is more expert level (and open year round) and one for floaters that is a bit milder (and only open in the summer). We saw surfers every day while in Bend in April, even on days that were only 40 degrees!

Want to give river surfing a shot? You can rent boards from Tumalo Creek! And even if you’re not down to surf, it’s a ton of fun to watch the surfers from the bridge or from the river trail.

16. Explore McMenamins!

McMenamins is a quirky Pacific Northwest chain where they turn old buildings into pubs, hotels, and music venues. And while in Bend, you must visit the Old St. Francis School location! This is a former 1930s Catholic school that now houses a hotel, pub, and movie theater (with couches and comfy chairs!).

But one of our favorite things to do here is soak in the soaking pool! The soaking pool is a European style pool with an open ceiling and warm water. It’s the perfect rainy day or colder day activity! Just make sure to reserve your spot in advance, as they only allow a limited number of people per hour.

We also loved looking for the hidden rooms in the Art building. Non-guests are allowed in this building after 3 PM and you can freely roam around and discover a couple hidden rooms, plus the Broom Closet (a hidden bar). To not spoil the surprise, we’ll leave it at that so you can discover them on your own!

17. Visit The High Desert Museum

While we do love museums, it’s normally not our go-to vacation activity, as we prefer to be outdoors and also try to travel as cheap or free as possible. However, during our time in Bend in the spring, we spent a few hours at The High Desert Museum and it was such a treat!

This museum is a mix of outdoor and indoor exhibits and shares the history of the High Desert region, which not only encapsulates this part of Oregon, but also parts of Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. It talks about the indigenous people that call this land home and how they have adapted over time, shares how mining and logging impacted the area, and discusses the local plants and animals. 

In fact, there are even some animals you’ll get to see, including a gray fox, porcupine, bald eagle and other birds, and our favorite…the otters, which are INSANELY cute! We tend to not be huge zoo people, but the animals at the High Desert Museum are all rescued and are all unable to live in the wild due to different injuries they sustained. 

The museum is open daily and costs between $17-$20 per adult depending on the season (and is less for seniors, students, and children). If you’re short on time in Bend, we’d suggest sticking to outdoor activities, but if you’re visiting on a rainy or gloomy day when some of the other things to do in Bend are not possible, and want a fun (mostly) indoor activity, we highly recommend it! 

PS: If you visit in the summer, they have crates that you can leave your dog in so you can visit the museum. 

18. Explore the Newberry National Volcanic Monument

The Newberry National Volcanic Monument is home to the Newberry Volcano, the largest volcano in the Cascade Range. When including all of its lava, it’s about the size of Rhode Island! While it hasn’t erupted in 1,300 years, it’s considered to be one of the higher threat volcanoes in the United States.

Hike the Trail of Molten Land (year-round)

Miles (roundtrip): 1.0
Elevation gain: 124 feet
Dog friendly?: Yes 
Trail reviews & conditions

This short trail takes you through tons of lava flow and up to a viewpoint that has an amazing perspective of how much lava there is in the area! 

Visit Lava Butte (year-round)

Miles (roundtrip): 3.8
Elevation gain: 593 feet
Dog friendly?: Yes 
Trail reviews & conditions

Lava Butte is a cinder cone that erupted over 7,000 years ago and is the reason for all of the lava on the Trail of Molten Land. At the top there are not only great views of the lava below, as well as the mountains around, but there is also a fire tower! This fire tower is one of three in the Deschutes National Forest and the most active in the Pacific Northwest, with 125 first fire reports on an average summer.

You can also drive to the top, but there is a vehicle limit of 22 feet. Between mid-April to mid-June and after Labor Day to mid-October, you will need a timed permit to drive to the top. During peak season, from mid-June until Labor Day, you’re required to take a shuttle to the top ($3 per person) since it’s one of the more popular things to do in Bend. The shuttle leaves every 20 minutes from the Lava Lands Visitor Center between 10 AM and 4 PM.

Visit Lava River Cave (summer)

Miles (roundtrip): 2.2
Elevation gain: 55 stairs, but otherwise flat
Dog friendly?: No 
Trail reviews & conditions

Want to explore a lava tube? The Lava River Cave is a publicly accessible lava cave and is the longest one in the state! On a self guided tour you’ll be able to walk across boardwalks as you venture into the cave, which is 42 degrees year round and very dark, so make sure to bring a jacket and multiple light sources (you can also rent a light for $5)! 

We were unable to do this due to it being closed during our visit, but it’s high on the list for next time!

Drive or Hike up Paulina Peak (summer)

Miles (roundtrip): 6.1
Elevation gain: 1,607 feet
Dog friendly?: Yes
Trail reviews & conditions

For the best views of the Paulina Lake area of the Newberry Volcano, head up to Paulina Peak! This is the highest point of the volcano at 7,984 feet. And from up here you’ll have sweeping views of the Cascades, Paulina Lake and East Lake, plus the Big Obsidian Flow. To get top the top you can either hike or drive a gravel road, with the road only open in the summer and early fall.

See the Big Obsidian Flow

Miles (roundtrip): 0.7
Elevation gain: 203 feet
Dog friendly?: No, the obsidian is sharp and can hurt their paws.
Trail reviews & conditions

The Big Obsidian Flow covers about 1 square mile and is the youngest lava flow in the state, dating back 1,300 years. The lava flow is made up of 10% obsidian and 90& pumice, which are both glass. This is due to the surface of this lava flow cooling before it had time to crystallize. In fact, they both consist of 73% silica, about the same as window glass! The difference between the two is the amount of bubbles inside, with obsidian having no bubbles and pumice having either small or large bubbles.

Hike to the Paulina Hot Springs

Miles (roundtrip): 4.2
Elevation gain: 95 feet
Dog friendly?: Yes, but please don’t let them go in the hot springs.
Trail reviews & conditions

Located along the shores of Paulina Lake are a set of hot springs! There are around 6 small and shallow hot spring pools, which are good for a partial dip, but not a full soak. We had heard mixed things about these hot springs, but we loved them. It’s pretty wild to soak in hot water just steps from the lake’s cold water!

Visit Paulina Falls (Year-Round)

Miles (roundtrip): 0.5
Elevation gain: 108 feet
Dog friendly?: Yes
Trail reviews & conditions

Paulina Falls is made up of two 80 foot waterfalls that fall side by side, with a giant rock face separating the two. It’s a quick stop, but super beautiful!

Visiting in the winter? The road to the falls is closed, but it’s still possible to visit. It will be a longer hike at about 2.5 miles each way.

19. Visit LaPine State Park

One of our new favorite things to do near Bend is head south to LaPine State Park. Located on both the Deschutes River and Fall River, in the town of La Pine, this park is a paradise for cyclists, anglers, and campers.

We spent a few days camping here in the north loop, which had spacious sites with decent privacy, plus access to showers. And while the camping alone was great, what we loved about this park is that there are many fun activities just a short walk or bike ride from camp…no driving required! From our site we were able to ride our bikes through the forest and along the river (we loved this route!) and fish the Fall River.

Since this is a state park, there is an entrance fee.

20. See the beautiful Tumalo Falls

21. Explore the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Just minutes from downtown Bend, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway winds 66 miles through the Deschutes National Forest. And it is one of the best places to visit in Oregon if you want easy access to the outdoors! What we love most about this area is you can hike through dense pine forests, explore volcanic landscapes, paddle across alpine lakes, and even snowshoe or ski in the winter, all without driving very far.

For the hikers, you can find some of the best hikes in the area here, like Green Lakes and No Name Lake. We will share more about those below! For the paddlers, we loved fly fishing and paddling around Hosmer Lake! You can even paddle to a waterfall from here, if the water levels are high enough. Unfortunately for us, it was a bit too low, but we still enjoyed spotting hundreds of trout and floating around.

If you need a kayak rental, Tumalo Creek offers them in town, but you will need to have a truck or a roof rack to transport it. Wanderlust Tours also has wide variety of kayaking tours to choose from!

After hiking or paddling, pop by Lava Lake Resort or Elk Lake Resort for pizza and other eats!

Visiting in the winter? We loved snowshoeing out here! There are many different sno-parks to start at, but we started from the Swampy Lakes Sno-Park and hiked this loop to a warming hut!

Important note: The highway is NOT fully open year-round. It typically closes to cars past Mount Bachelor from mid-November until reopening in mid-May or June, but the exact dates can vary depending on snow levels.

22. Hike in the Cascades

The Cascade Mountains is one of our favorite mountain ranges in the entire United States. And lucky for Bend, they have quite a few peaks right by town! Between the Deschutes National Forest and Three Sisters Wilderness, there are miles of trails, skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, lakes, rivers, and so much more. And one of the best activities to do in the Cascades is go for a hike! 

Here are some of our favorite hikes in the area, plus a couple we want to check out next time!

No Name Lake

Tumalo Mountain

Miles (roundtrip): 4.0
Elevation gain: 1,423 feet
Dog friendly?: Yes, in the summer
Permit needed: None
Trail reviews & conditions

This trail has epic views of Mount Bachelor, the Three Sisters, and Broken Top, for only 4 miles roundtrip! We had planned to snowshoe this on our most recent visit, but due to cloudier weather we didn’t think we would get the payoff at the end we were hoping for. Despite the shorter mileage, this hike is pretty steep, so be prepared for a good workout.

Green Lakes Trail

Miles (roundtrip): 9.1
Elevation gain: 1,187 feet
Dog friendly?: Yes
Permit needed: Central Cascades Wilderness Permit (choose the Green Lake option) + Northwest Forest Pass/America the Beautiful.
Trail reviews & conditions

We hiked Green Lakes on our most recent trip to Bend and loved it! For its distance, it’s not that much elevation gain, making it a doable hike for many abilities. The trail starts in the forest, along a creek, where you’ll see a handful of beautiful, small waterfalls. You’ll then pop out into a more exposed and rocky area, before ending at multiple emerald colored alpine lakes nestled below Broken Top and South Sister. It packs quite a punch and great mix of scenery!

This is one of the most popular day hikes in the area, so make sure to hop online right when permits become available, as they do sell out.

South Sister

Miles (roundtrip): 11.6
Elevation gain: 4,986 feet
Dog friendly?: Yes
Permit needed: Central Cascades Wilderness Permit (choose the Devils Lake/Wickiup Trailhead option)
Trail reviews & conditions

South Sister is the third highest peak in Oregon at 10,358 feet. And for those who are experienced hikers, summiting it is one of the best hiking experiences in the area (so we hear). While we personally have not summited this, we have summited similar and taller peaks and cannot wait to attempt this one someday! 

Despite this being a higher summit and having a 4,986 foot elevation gain, this isn’t a technical hike, although it IS tough and should only be attempted by those in great hiking shape and who have done hikes at higher elevations, as altitude sickness can occur above 7,000 feet. You will also want to start very early to give yourself plenty of time to conquer this beast!

23. Play in the snow!

If you visit Bend in the winter or spring, you’ll be treated to a winter wonderland. While there may not be snow in town, head 30 minutes to the mountains and you’ll have tons of powder to play in! Here are some of the top ways to experience the snow while in Bend.

Ski or Snowboard 

Skiing and snowboarding are definitely the top winter things to do in Bend! Mount Bachelor is only 30 minutes from Bend and is the 6th largest ski resort in North America, with 4,300 acres and 101 runs. Besides hitting the slopes, Mount Bachelor also offers sled dog rides, FREE snowshoeing tours, dining options, and different events, so there is something for everyone!

While Mount Bachelor is definitely the most popular spot to go, we hear the Hoodoo Ski Area, which is just under an hour from Bend, is a great, cheaper and less crowded spot to check out! Plus they offer “Thrifty Thursday” deals where lift tickets are only $33 for the whole day!

Snowshoe or Cross Country Ski to a warming shelter

24. Go fishing

Adam finally got something he has wanted for years while in Bend…a fly fishing rod and reel (from Bend Fly Shop)! And for all of the anglers out there, Bend is a great spot to go fly fishing! 

The Deschutes River is a popular place to fish, as well as Fall River and Hosmer Lake. If you’re new to fly fishing or just want local guidance, you can hire a guide with Fly & Field Outfitters. You can even practice before hitting the river at the Old Mill Fly Fishing & Casting Course! 

Note: Fishing permits are required for anyone over 18 years old (with a youth permit for those 12-18) to fish in Oregon. You can find all of the steps to get one here!

25. Check out a cave

The Lava River Cave we mentioned above isn’t the only cave to explore near Bend! Another public accessible cave in the area is Boyd Cave, which is a lava tube that is estimated to have formed 10,000 years ago.

If you’re a bit nervous to explore on your own or just want to learn more about the cave as you explore, book a tour with Wanderlust Tours. We had hoped to do their cave tour, but due to logistics with our pup, we had to skip it. But it looks like a blast and should be on your list of things to do in Bend!

26. Hike at Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park is not technically in Bend, but is only a 40 minute drive north and is a MUST visit while in the area! This park is known for its striking rock walls and spires, which are made up of volcanic ash from volcanic activity millions of years ago and shaped over time by the Crooked River below. It is one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon and reminds us of a smaller version of Eastern Oregon’s Leslie Gulch.

Smith Rock is a popular rock climbing spot, but if you’re like us and prefer to stay on solid ground, we highly recommend hiking Misery Ridge, which as the name implies, is a steep trail that may cause a bit of misery, but is totally worth the huffing and puffing for the incredible views of the park! You can either hike the Misery Ridge and River Trail Loop (3.5 miles, 948 feet) or Misery Ridge and Summit Trail Loop (6 miles, 1,774 feet of elevation gain). We have done both and recommend the Misery Ridge and Summit Trail Loop if you have enough time, as it offers some great views of the park as you come down from the summit. 

And the best part? You can visit this state park year round! So it’s the perfect addition to your Bend adventure no matter what month you visit. Although, keep in mind summers can be pretty hot in the park and there is very little shade.

Note: There is a $5 day use fee to park at Smith Rock and they have pay stations that take credit cards. Dogs are also allowed on trails, but must be kept on leash.

27. Visit Steelhead Falls

Steelhead Falls is located about 45 minutes north of Bend, close to Smith Rock State Park, and makes for a great add on after hiking the Misery Ridge Trail. This waterfall may not be the tallest in the area, but it is very wide and scenic. And it’s only a 0.5 mile walk from the parking area, so it’s the perfect quick stop!

28. Visit Sisters

Sisters is a charming small town about 30 minutes northwest of Bend. And what makes it stand out is that it has an 1880s Western Theme! There are specific design rules, like wooden facades and western fonts that must be used for the buildings. It may not be authentically western, but it is fun to walk around! While here, make sure to grab a coffee from Sisters Coffee Company and a marionberry scone from Sisters Bakery!

29. Drive the McKenzie Highway

The McKenzie Highway is a lollipop loop of highways, centered around McKenzie Pass and the McKenzie River. And it is one of the best day trips from Bend!

There is quite a bit to do in this area and to experience it all, we suggest staying the night (we love the Paradise Campground!). Here are some of our top stops to choose from while in the area:

Dee Wright Observatory: A viewing area made out of lava rocks! There is also a short trail here with signage about the area and its volcanic activity.

Proxy Falls: A short hike to an upper and lower waterfall. The lower waterfall requires a bit of climbing over trees and rocks to get close to, but is very beautiful. While the upper waterfall is easier to access, although more hidden behind trees. But what makes the upper waterfall unique is that the water disappears into the ground, seeping into the lava rock below.

Sahale and Koosah Falls: These are two extremely impressive waterfalls! You can park at each and visit them with a short walk, but we suggest doing the loop trail, as you’ll see more of the McKenzie River and small waterfalls.

Tamolitch Blue Pool: This pool formed when a lava flow from Belknap Crater buried a stretch of the McKenzie River 1,600 years ago. The river now flows underground through porous lava rock and resurfaces at the pool, which naturally filters the water. This results in its famous crystal clear, vibrant blue color. But beyond its clarity it’s also known for its temperature. At a consistent 38ºF, it is so cold that virtually no organisms can live within its waters!

Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs: This is a beautiful hot spring tucked in the trees with 4 pools. It does have a fee ($12/person for 2 hours) and is only open from sunrise to sunset. It’s also clothing optional, so be prepared to see lots of nudity here.

McKenzie General Store: A great store with coffee, beer, and hot food. We enjoyed their burgers with marionberry BBQ sauce out in their amazing backyard area. They also sell tons of cute outdoorsy gifts!

30. Take a day trip to the Willamette Highway

Less than 1.5 hours from Bend, the Willamette Highway makes for a great day trip! Along this highway we love seeing Salt Creek Falls, an impressive 286 foot waterfall, only a quick walk from the parking lot. But for an even longer adventure, add on Diamond Creek Falls. Crescent Lake is also a stunning spot, with bright blue Caribbean-like water. Unfortunately during our visit it was pretty cloudy, so we didn’t get the full effect. But even with lots of fog, we could still tell the water was very clear!

31. See the Painted Hills

Located about 2 hours east of Bend lies another one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon, the Painted Hills in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. These colorful hills tell the story of different climates over millions of years, with the red hues being due to warmer, wetter periods, while cooler and drier periods created a yellow hue. And to experience them, you can drive through the park and go for a variety of hikes. Our favorites are the Painted Hills Overlook, Painted Cove Trail, and Red Scar Knoll Trail!

To learn more about this park and logistics for visiting, check out our detailed guide to visiting the Painted Hills.

32. Go on a day trip to Crater Lake National Park

Planning your trip to Bend, oregon

getting around Bend, Oregon

Once in Bend, we highly recommend renting a car, as you’ll definitely want to be able to easily get out to the mountains and nearby parks for some of the best things to do in Bend. Any type of vehicle should work fine, although if you plan to take any rough roads, getting a vehicle with 4×4 will be helpful. 

If visiting in the winter, make sure to have chains on you, as some mountain passes may require them. We have these chains for our van (make sure to double check which kind your vehicle will need!), but have never had to use them.

When to visit Bend, Oregon

The best thing about Bend is that it is fun to visit any time of the year! While you may associate Oregon with gloomy, moody Pacific Northwest vibes, Bend is definitely an exception with 158 clear days and 105 mostly clear days per year. While it can get a bit gloomy, as we did experience on our most recent trip, it definitely doesn’t slow down the fun. Some things to do in Bend are only possible during certain seasons, but we’ve made sure to note that below.

Winter

In the winter, the mountains near Bend get blanketed in snow, which means there are tons of snow sports to enjoy. However, the city itself doesn’t get nearly as much snow and if it does, it hardly sticks around for more than a day or two. So it’s the best of both worlds!

One thing to keep in mind is that due to how popular skiing and snowboarding is in Bend, it can get busy this time of year. So be prepared to share the slopes with others! But that’s worth it to enjoy all of the best wintertime things to do in Bend!

Spring

Springtime in Bend means continued snow in the mountains, but warming temperatures at the lower elevation. If you’re looking to hike, your options are more limited, but there are still tons of things to do in Bend in the spring, as we learned on our most recent visit in April 2022. But if you want a mix of snow activities + lower elevation trails, you’re in luck! 

Just be prepared for a late season snow storm. During our visit, the area had just gotten quite a bit of snow, which was a magical surprise!

Because this is more of the shoulder season, prices will be lower, there will be more availability for lodging, and the crowds will be lighter. You just might not be able to enjoy all of the things to do in Bend that we listed.

Summer

The summer in Bend is pretty glorious! The trails have thawed, the temperatures are a lot warmer, and it’s the perfect time to get out on the water. Many of the best things to do in Bend need to be done in the summer.

If hiking, especially to alpine lakes and some of the higher peaks, is the top item on your Bend bucket list, summer will be the best time to go! Our first visit to Bend was in the summertime (Labor Day weekend in 2018) and it was absolute perfection.

Just keep in mind that this is the busy season, so plan ahead, start your days early, and pack some patience!  

Fall

While we have yet to experience fall in Bend, it’s the goal for our next visit! The temperatures are cooler than the summer, the leaves change in town, and the crowds are a lot lighter. This makes enjoying the best things to do in Bend even easier! And if you visit early enough in the fall season, you can likely still access some of the more popular summer hikes! However, be prepared for snow storms to come and change plans!

Weekends vs. weekdays

Weekdays will always be less busy than the weekends almost anywhere you go, but our local friends told us that Bend doesn’t seem to slow down as much as other places during the week. We found coffee shops, restaurants, and even trails to have a good amount of people on weekdays. So while we still suggest visiting on a weekday if possible, don’t expect full solitude while enjoying these things to do in Bend!

How much time do you need in Bend?

Bend is one of those places that you could spend months in and not see, eat, and drink it all. But to see some of the major highlights, we’d suggest at least 3 days. This would give you the chance to explore the city a bit, go for some hikes, and explore some of the nearby natural sights.

Where to stay in Bend, Oregon

Something great about Bend is that it offers something for any budget. And lodging is no exception! Here are some of the best places to stay in Bend, ranging from FREE to a bit pricier and more luxurious. 

Camping

The Camp
We have stayed at The Camp on two visits to Bend and it is a great urban home base. It is an old RV park from the 50s that has been completely redone and is the ONLY RV park allowed in town! They have RV sites with full hookups, plus showers, laundry, communal fire pit, and two grills. Oh, and they have FREE coffee in the mornings! 

Soda Creek Campground
For a more nature-filled camping experience, head to Soda Creek Campground! Located on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and only open in the summer-early fall, this small campground not only has stunning views, but it’s also close to some of the best hikes in the area! We camped at site 5 for a few days, which is a huge campsite and very private.

NF-4610 (FREE)
Our favorite boondocking area near Bend is along NF-4610. This forest road is super close to town, plus mountain biking trails, and has a bunch of spots to choose from.

Lava Lake Campground
On our first trip exploring these things to do in Bend we camped at the Lava Lake Campground, which is about an hour from downtown Bend. However, it is located close to the mountains, so depending on how much you want to go into town, it could be a good spot. The views here are insane and while here we saw the Milky Way for the first time (truly a magical experience)!

Vacation Rentals

For a local Bend experience, we recommend renting a vacation rental in one of its many charming neighborhoods! It makes for a great place to relax after exploring all of the best things to do in Bend. Here are a few that look to be pretty awesome:

Cozy Modern Apartment (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom): This apartment is located in the heart of Bend, it’s within walking distance to downtown and there’s plenty of shopping and restaurants nearby!

Mt. Bachelor Village Resort Ski House (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom): This one bedroom condo sleeps four and is recently renovated. Perfect home base for exploring the area, especially is you plan to ski!

River West Home with Stunning Views (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms): A super modern and brand new home that sleeps 5 is pet friendly and within walking distance to downtown.

Updated Mt Bachelor Village Condo (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms): This bright and open condo sleeps 6 and is recently renovated. It is just a 10 minute drive from downtown but perfect for skiing and exploring the nature around Bend!

A Private Zen-Like Home (3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms): A spacious 3 bedroom home that is located on the river and has a sauna!

Dome Sweet Dome (Studio, 1 bathroom): For something unique, stay at this awesome geodesic dome! The dome has a kitchen and bathroom, so you’ll have the comforts of home while also having a very cool experience! 

Hotels

What to bring with you to Bend, Oregon

Hiking + Outdoor Gear

Since you’ll likely be spending most of your time outdoors while in Bend, you’ll definitely want to bring some hiking and outdoor gear. To see everything we take hiking, check out our hiking gear as well as our guide about how to make a 10 essentials kit. Luckily if you forget something there are plenty of places in town to get gear!

Snowshoes or microspikes

If heading to Bend in the winter or spring, make sure to pack snowshoes or microspikes! They’re crucial for many of the best things to do in Bend that we mentioned above. Pine Mountain Sports does offer snowshoe rentals if you do not own any!

Layers

Due to the area’s higher elevation and high desert climate, it can be a bit chilly in the mornings or evenings, even if the afternoons are warmer. Make sure to pack layers so you can be comfortable any time of the day!

Sun Protection

With more sunny days than other areas of Oregon, you’ll definitely want to bring sunscreen and other sun protection, like sunglasses and hats, to protect yourself from the rays while enjoying these things to do in Bend!

Trail permits

Many trails on the list of things to do in Bend require specific permits to park, which you’ll want to get in advance. We will include which permits you need for the activities listed below, but a couple to be aware of are:

• Sno-Park Permit: This pass is required to park at sno-parks from November 1-April 30. The cost varies whether you want 1 day, 3 days, or 1 year.
• Northwest Forest Pass ($30/year): This pass covers parking at national forest sites in both Oregon and Washington. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year), this pass will work as well, so no need to have both! You can also get single day passes for Northwest Forest Pass sites.
• Central Cascades Wilderness Permit ($1): Between June 15 and October 15, you will need this permit to do day hikes from many popular trailheads in the area. 
• Many hikes on our list of things to do in Bend will require you to get a FREE permit at the trailhead. Failure to do so can result in a fine, so make sure to read signs at the trailhead before you hit the trail!

Things to know before Visiting Bend, Oregon

Bend is very dog friendly!

Want to bring your pup with you to Bend? You’re in luck! Bend is an extremely dog friendly city and it’s not uncommon to see many dogs out on patios or at breweries. Most trails and things to do in Bend do allow dogs. But please check and follow the leash rules (and PLEASE pack out any dog poop!). As owners of a reactive pup, nothing is worse (or more stressful) than taking Kona on a trail that requires leashes and having an off-leash dog (with horrible recall) come sprinting at us. 

One important thing to note is if you’re visiting in the winter, most sno-parks do NOT allow dogs. However, the Wanoga Snow Play Area and Edison Butte Sno-Park do allow dogs!

Download offline maps

While we had great cell service in town, things can be a bit spottier when venturing into the mountains. So we suggest downloading offline Google Maps and AllTrails maps in advance to ensure you do not get lost.

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails Plus membership? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)!

We use AllTrails Plus on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

Start your exploring early

With how popular Bend is for outdoor recreation, popular spots can get very busy! We recommend starting your adventures as early as possible to ensure you get parking. And so you can enjoy its beauty and the best things to do in Bend without tons of people around. 

Be prepared for summer wildfires

Like most spots out west, summertime means wildfires, which means smoky skies, even if there isn’t a fire directly nearby. Wildfires vary every year and smoke patterns can change day to day. So for more up to date information about conditions, check out the resources on Visit Bend’s website. We also have found this website to be very helpful in seeing how smokey the skies are where we plan to go!

Looking for more things to do in Oregon?

• 25+ Best Places to Visit in Oregon 
• A Weekend in Portland, Oregon Itinerary
• The Best Things to do in Cannon Beach (Weekend Itinerary)
• 15 BEST things to do at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon (+ one day itinerary!)
• How to have an EPIC Southern Oregon Coast Road Trip! (The BEST things to do + 3 day itinerary!)
• The Ultimate 8 Day Eastern Oregon Road Trip Itinerary
• Watch our Oregon Videos
• Read all of our Oregon travel guides

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