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best outdoor activites in bend oregon

Bend Oregon – Almost Perfect

Bend is one of those places that sticks with you.  It’s the city that pops up in magazines as “the best place to live” or “best city for enjoying the outdoors”.  In fact, we had listened to so many people hype it up that we were prepared to be let down by the place.  But, true to everyone’s hype, it was amazing and what we consider to be almost perfect.  This city has a little bit of everything!

best outdoor activites in bend oregon

best outdoor activites in bend oregon

The Outdoors
Whatever you like to do: ski, hike, cycle, kayak, rock-climb, white-water raft, you name it, and Bend has got it.  We were limited on time so we opted for some of the quick highlights.

best outdoor activites in bend oregon

bend oregon lava beds

best outdoor activites in bend oregon

best outdoor activites in bend oregon

The Lava Lands Visitors Center did a great job of guiding us to some quick but rewarding hikes which included the Lava Tubes!

lava tubes bend oregon

 

best outdoor activites in bend oregon

best outdoor activites in bend oregon

Normally we don’t visit a lot of museums but the High Desert Museum wasn’t your average small town museum. It’s more of an animal sanctuary meets living history.  Sure you are learning about the region’s history and wildlife but it’s always so much more fun when you have the real deal versus just pictorial evidence.  For us, nothing beats getting to be a part of it all (or at least pretending to be).

best bend oregon museum

best bend oregon museum

best bend oregon museum

best bend oregon museum

best bend oregon museum

best bend oregon museum

best bend oregon museum

best bend oregon museum

 

Beer
Bend is rich beyond belief when it comes to brews.  With 11 breweries and counting, it’s almost hard to believe there are enough people to drink it all!  It’s by far one of the best craft brew scenes in America and if you can handle it, the Bend Ale Trail is a challenge worth accepting!

bend ale trail

 

Food
It’s no secret that we are big on food (real, fresh food that is) and Bend didn’t disappoint!  There seemed to be a cute eatery with an inviting patio on every street corner.  And if the looks didn’t draw us in, the buzz words would… slow food, organic, sustainable and many from local purveyors.  From the Bario to Jacksons Corner to sushi with new friends, we loved every bite!

best cheap eats in Bend oregon

best sushi in bend oregon

Camping
Sure there are some other campgrounds that might be closer to town but Thousand Trails Bend-Sun River campground makes our top 10 list of favorite campgrounds!  The sites were nice and spread out and the kayaking opportunities on site were some of the best we’ve seen at a commercial campground.  There was even a farmers market on the weekends!  And you know it was lovely when even Cleo and Singa found themselves getting along while frolicking through the meadows.

bend oregon campground

All in all it’s hard to define Bend and its independent spirit.  The diversity in geography and people is what makes it such a desirable place to visit (and live).   Now, if only there were an international airport, and the ocean was just a little closer, then I think it would be perfect!

Have you been to Bend?  What did you find?  Tell us all about it in the comments below.

Disclaimer: While we were compensated to film the campground (thanks Thousand Trails!)…all of our experiences and opinions are NOT purchased and are still our own.

Hello there! I honestly don’t know what to say, so I am going to tell you a bunch of random facts instead. I'm a fish eating vegetarian who hates spiders and loves snakes. I almost never took vacations growing up. I wanted to be Pippi Longstocking (still do). I misspell about every other word I write and still struggle with grammar. I love splurging on a good high tea (which is really hard to find these days). And whatever you do, don’t tell me I can’t do something, because then I'll HAVE to do it!

Comments (30)

  • Of all the places we have traveled in our RV, Bend has been our favorite. We spent a year there in CrownVilla RV Resort. Bend has sunshine almost everyday. People in Bend are happy, and why not???? With the exception of a large airport, Bend has it all.

    As far as outdoor activities, Bend has more things than we could do in a year – hiking, biking (both road and mountain), kayaking, skiing / snowboarding, snowshoeing, etc…

    As far as food and drink go, Bend is hard to beat. If you like beer, try the habanero infused beer from Boneyard Brewery and the Five Pine Porter from Three Creeks Brewing in Sisters, OR. The breweries & restaurants have happy hour with discounted prices on appetizers and drinks.

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  • Brent

    And the positive comments keep coming about Bend!

    My wife and I love camping around the area so much because there is so much to do.

    The Deschutes River has great hiking in and out of town. We also really like the fact we can ride our bicycles everywhere. Mountain Biking is awesome up at the Phil’s Trailhead. Nice flow and a good workout.

    The river sports are just as fun. Kayaks and SUP’s are everywhere.

    The Beer scene is so much fun. It is really cool to meet the employees who take time to share about the various styles they produced.

    Weather is great. We actually hit a rainy spell in June, but you could still squeeze in some outdoor recreation.

    Final note! Don’t miss Newberry and Sun River south of town. The paved bike trails in Sun River are scenic and nice for an afternoon stroll.

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    • Brent just reading about Bend makes me want to pack up and head that way now!!! Snowboarding here we come!

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  • I stopped in Bend, OR on my way to Crater Lake to meet with Kent Couch, Lawn Chair Balloonist. He flew 200 miles using helium balloons attached to a lawn chair, with drums filled with red Koolaid for ballast, and a BB Gun to control elevation. He was a very gracious host, and fascinating individual!

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    • How did we miss Kent? Sounds like we need to join him on a flight one day and shoot a video! Dang….

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  • Bayrider

    No ocean nearby but only 130 miles to world class windsurfing and kite boarding in the Columbia River Gorge.
    With the awesome skiing on Mt Bachelor Bend has just about every outdoors sport covered in spades.

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  • Glenn P. Walling

    Bend is a truly wonderful spot. For years, I have stopped by there to stay with friends on my way to Cycle Oregon. I always have breakfast on the way out to CO at the Alpenglow though there are many good choices including the Victorian. But for beers, ah yes beer, start with the Deschutes Brewpub downtown right near the famous Mirror Pond (a part of the Deschutes River) and their Mirror Pond Ale is one of their best known brews. I like their fish and chips as well. Just to confuse, the Deschutes Brewery is in a slightly different part of town and offers great tours. Both locations brew their own versions of their recipes. On a different subject, Smith Rock is truly memorable. For you Winter sports fans, please note that Mt. Batchelor is right next door.

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    • Glenn,
      We made it to Deschutes Brewery but skipped the Brewpub because it was not a requirement for the ale trail. I had no idea they brewed different versions at each spot! I guess its another reason for a follow-up visit.

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  • Daneece

    Thanks for the nice comments. I am a fifth generation Oregonian and live about 40 miles north of Bend in Terrebonne (home to the world Famous Smith Rock Climbing area). My husband and I have been on our large farm since 1990 and I commute to Bend daily and work as a Public Service Specialist for the Downtown Bend Library. We love our visitor and I have had the best time meeting folks from all over the world!! ( I am not kidding) The one saying I hear the most is “Wow people are so nice here”. Come back and visit again. You could always drive up the pass and hike a bit of the Pacific Trail. Oodles of hikes, lakes, and extreme beauty!!

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    • Thanks Daneece, we’ll come knock on your door as we’re passing through town 🙂

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  • Jason

    Nice disc golf clip. Keep ’em coming!

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  • Steve

    Best golf area in the NW. Courses are a little on the pricey side but lots of options. the Redmond muni is a very good deal

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  • Duane

    Story and pictures spot on. Agree with the last line about the airport and ocean. However the Redmond airport is extremely easy to check in and fly out of, just have the time and hassle of a connecting city. We recently bought our first property in Bend and would like to move there. Sadly finding jobs there makes that difficult.

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  • Bend is wonderful, which is why I live here! I love reading articles about how much people enjoy it.

    For Jill above, there are lots of wine choices. Be sure to hit Portello Wine Cafe up in Northwest Crossing. It’s my fav:) Also, go to Volcano Vineyards tasting room at the Century Center, Naked Winery tasting room in the Old Mill, Faith Hope & Charity vineyard in Terrebonne, and our most well known winery Maragas, along Hwy 97 in Culver.

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    • Thank you so much, Meredith! I just landed in Bend and took the “Loggers Loop” walk around the Old Mill area with my dog to get streched and get acquainted. Have to find a legal spot to spend the nights(tiny van conversion rig) and stay for a couple days. I’m in love already!!!

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  • Mary. Van

    I can’t wait to visit this town! You are not the only ones who have told me what a gem this little town is.

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  • Heading up to Bend in a week, thanks for pre-gaming it for me! This is definitely a place where I’ll be pulling the Vespa off of Ms Piggy Motorhome and enjoying a bunch of rides.
    Sadly… can’t drink beer, but I’m sure they have plenty of wine that will fit the bill nicely.
    Thanks for the great info and inspiration!

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    • Jill,

      Check my comment above, I listed many wine options for you.

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    • Jill there are also plenty of places making Cider, so maybe that’s up your alley? Hope you had fun!

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  • Donna

    We can’t wait to visit the Northwest, although it probably won’t be until 2015. Bend will be on our list!

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  • Donna

    We can’t wait to travel to the Northwest, although it probably won’t be until 2015. Bend will be on our list!

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  • Val Thomson

    We spent a month in Bend at Crown Villa RV Resort. Favorites were Big Sky Dog Park, Paddle boardig on the river by the Old Mill District, hiking to the different Falls in the area along Century Drive.

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  • Ted Hasse

    I am disappointed to learn you were in my hometown and I missed you ; ( next time let us know my wife and I love to play tour guide abd would be honored to show you around all the “secret” spots. Glad you liked it and thanks for all your posts and video’s we love following you guy’s around 🙂

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    • Well Ted, we’ll take you up on the offer next time we’re passing through…I know we’ll be back.

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  • Great video! Hubby & I love Bend! We have been there several times this year due to family living there . I also love it for photography. Unlimited possibilities for a landscape photographer. Just as you’ve said, Bend is great for food, outdoor activities and has a healthy vibe.

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    • Patricia,
      Are you sure you don’t work for the visitors bureau? 🙂

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  • RVgeeks

    We’ve heard so much about how wonderful Bend is, but have somehow missed it in our travels. After reading your post, we have no choice but to redouble our efforts to get there as soon as possible. This oversight can stand no more!

    Thanks for the great post!

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    • Geeks you must visit…even though you don’t like beer, or coffee, there is plenty to do. I would recommend tasting one of the new Ciders they are starting to brew in Bend!

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  • Adding Bend, OR to our bucket list. It looks like our kind of place…great food, kayaking and lava tubes.

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