When you think of the Pacific Northwest, do you automatically think of wet weather? For a lot of the region, it’s fair to assume that packing an umbrella is a must. But did you know that Bend, Oregon, gets more than 300 days of sunshine each year? That’s a statistic that places like Tucson and Albuquerque can boast about. Because of its location on the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountains, Bend’s landscape delivers dramatic views of a sun-drenched high-desert region carved by geothermal activity, with the Deschutes River slicing through it, creating a vibrant, green corridor. This city in Central Oregon is made for outdoor adventures, combining endless opportunities to explore the outdoors while also being known for having a welcoming downtown.
Getting outside and exploring the great outdoors is a must when visiting Bend. There are plenty of opportunities to do so—that’s the easy part! The hard part is deciding how your group would like to do it. Or, maybe you’ll try a bit of everything! to
The Deschutes River is one of the city’s defining features, and it’s a favorite gathering place for visitors and locals alike. During the warmer months, enjoy a relaxing 2-hour float through town, starting at Riverbend Park and ending at Drake Park. Visitors can rent tubes and catch the Ride the River Shuttle to the starting location for their convenience, and also have the option to ride out Fish Ladder Rapids or hop out and walk around them. If renting a kayak or paddle board is more your speed, feel free to use your own or rent your equipment to paddle on your own or learn from an instructor. Didn’t pack a swimsuit? Follow the Deschutes River Trail by foot or by bicycle to either Farewell Bend Park or Riverbend Park.
So you’ve floated or paddled, and now you’re ready to explore Bend’s terrain. Lace up your sneakers or hiking boots because Bend has everything from easy nature walks to challenging mountain trails. Explore the volcanic terrain at Newberry National Volcanic Monument—yes, you heard that right! Within the Deschutes National Forest, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument is 54,000-acres that preserves the caldera, lava fields, and rift zones of the Newberry Volcano. There’s so much to see, including the caldera (the summit) at Paulina Peak, two alpine lakes, or the Big Obsidian Flow. But hey, if you’re not done playing in the water, visitors can rent paddle boards and kayaks on East Lake, too!
Stretching across the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains and surrounding much of Bend, the Deschutes National Forest encompasses more than 1.6 million acres of forests, rivers, lakes, and volcanic areas. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, visitors can wander through ponderosa pine forests, look for hidden waterfalls along the trails, and enjoy peaceful walks near mountain streams. In addition to hiking, there are also opportunities for mountain biking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and more, making it a favorite spot among outdoor enthusiasts.
22 miles from Bend, Mount Bachelor is a destination for every season. While winter visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, summer visitors can hike, mountain bike, and enjoy scenic chairlift rides with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. A part of the Lava Chain—actually, it’s the largest volcano within the chain—Mount Bachelor stands out on the horizon as a standalone peak, separated from the cluster of Three Sisters volcanic peaks.
If you’re looking to add a little more excitement to your trip, there are plenty of more adventurous and unique outdoor experiences to choose from. Hop in the car and drive north for about 30-to-40 minutes, and you can go rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park. If you’re feeling really adventurous, explore an underground lava tube. Or, see Bend by air on a hot-air balloon ride!
After a day of exploring, head downtown to experience Bend’s vibrant culture and mountain-town atmosphere. The craft beer scene is becoming more and more prominent, as Bend showcases its local brewers on the Bend Ale Trail, allowing visitors and locals to enjoy their time in some of the city’s favorite gathering spots and, of course, discover their new favorite concoction. The dining scene is equally as creative, and along with its outdoorsy spirit, visitors will love starting their events out at a farm-to-table restaurant or food truck before continuing on to an outdoor concert, community events, or a performance at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
In Bend, all four seasons offer a different experience. While many destinations have one peak travel season, Bend actually has two—the summer season from June to August and the winter season from December through February. Both seasons bring heavy crowds but for very different reasons (think hiking boots versus snow boots), but if you want to visit during either of these times, expect pricier hotel rates.
If you’re looking to save money on accommodations and to see Bend with fewer crowds, try planning your trip during the shoulder seasons, or late spring and fall. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and comfortable temperatures that are perfect for hiking before all of the summer travelers get to town. In the fall, crisp mountain air, vibrant foliage, and quiet trails will be the perfect setting for your dream outdoor getaway.
If you’re hoping to be within walking distance of restaurants, breweries, shopping, and the Deschutes River, you’ll definitely want to stay in Downtown Bend. Just south of downtown, the Old Mill District combines shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation with easy access to the river trail. For a quieter stay, try Northwest Crossing for a more relaxed pace, and for convenient access to outdoor attractions, find your accommodations in West Bend.
Palmera Vacation Club members have the advantage of having access to Palmera’s Six Ways to Travel, making planning vacations as easy as can be! Two of the six ways allow members to travel throughout the world—the RCI Exchange and Quest Travel Club. Use your membership points with RCI or find incredible deals through Quest. Below are some examples of accommodations we’ve found on both platforms.
Quest Travel Club:
RCI Exchange:
