With a small mountain town feel as well as plenty of restaurants, breweries, and big-city amenities, Bend, Oregon is the best of both worlds as far as towns go. There are so many fun things to do in Bend, Oregon, and you’ll find tons of outdoor activities right in town.

All of this makes Bend, Oregon one of my favorite mountain towns in the United States. If you haven’t been yet, now’s the time to plan your visit to Bend!

WHERE IS BEND, OREGON?

Bend is located in central Oregon in the Deschutes River Valley on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains. It is about a 2.5 hour drive east from Eugene or a 3 hour drive southeast from Portland.

The best airport to fly into to get to Bend is PDX. The drive from Portland is very scenic and takes you past Mount Hood.

WHEN TO VISIT BEND, OREGON

Bend is actually awesome any time of year, depending on what you like to do! Bend gets an average of at least 300 days of sunshine a year, so you can plan to adventure outside in any season.

You’re probably more likely to encounter rain in the spring, but that also brings gorgeous wildflowers.

The heat of summer is the perfect time to play in the water of the Deschutes River on a kayak, paddleboard, or tube.

Fall is my favorite season in Bend, with send temps for climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and more.

Winter is ski season in Bend, so hit the slopes of Mt. Bachelor and Willamette Pass.

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19 Best Things to Do in Bend Oregon

This list definitely leans toward the adventurous-minded person, but I’ve included a few of my favorite non-outdoorsy things to do in Bend, OR as well. These are just some of the many reasons why I love this town so much!

There are so many mountain biking trails in Bend, Oregon!

1. Hit the Dirt on a Mountain Bike

Bend is truly a mountain biking mecca! There are miles and miles of amazing trails right in Bend, Oregon’s backyard.

I recommend renting a mountain bike at the local gear shop, Pine Mountain Sports, if you can’t bring yours with you. You can grab a shuttle at Cog Wild, which offers drop off points at various trailheads around town. If it’s your first time riding in Bend, get dropped off at Wanoga and take the Tiddly Winks trail back down into town.

If you’re in the mood for some downhill, check out the mountain bike park at Mount Bachelor. In the summer, the ski runs are replaced by bike trails. Just take a lift up to the top, then choose your trail down.

2. Hike the Trails on Mount Bachelor

Hiking Mount Bachelor should definitely be on your bucket list of things to do in Bend, Oregon in summer. When winter is over, the ski resort transforms into a playground for hikers. If you just want to check out the view, you can take the short and easy Scenic Loop Trail.

But for the ultimate experience of standing on top of a volcano, hike to the summit of Mount Bachelor. For the biggest challenge, start at the base on the West Village trail and head to the Summit Connection. You can also take the Pine Marten lift partway up the mountain, then hike to the summit from there.

3. Savor a Pastry at Sparrow Bakery

Known for its insanely delicious “Ocean Rolls” – sugary croissant dough with a touch of cardamom – Sparrow Bakery is a beloved institution in Bend. All of their pastries are incredibly delicious, and they have amazing sandwiches on house-baked bread as well.

This place is an absolutely must-visit when it comes to things to do in Bend, OR, and luckily there are two different locations – the original on Scott Street and an expanded spot in Northwest Crossing.

The Ocean Roll is just one of the delicious pastries at Sparrow Bakery in Bend, Oregon.

4. Run Around Town on the Deschutes River Trail

One of the coolest things about Bend, Oregon is the vast system of connected running and bike trails all throughout town and heading up toward Mount Bachelor.

The Deschutes River Trail runs along the river through town and then through forest. You can choose your own loop or branch off along the way. It’s great for both running and road biking, or just riding your mountain bike back into town after a day riding the trails.

The trail runs right by the Old Mill District, so it’s easy to grab a cup of coffee before you head out or devour a delicious meal when you’re done running.

5. Surf the Wave on the Deschutes River

Believe it or not, there is actually a wave on the Deschutes River that you can surf! This is definitely not for beginners and can be quite a challenge if you’re used to ocean surfing. But it’s a unique thing to do in Bend and definitely worth trying if you fancy yourself a surfer. You can learn more about the manmade wave here.

Even if you can’t stand up on a surfboard to save your life, it’s super fun to chill in the Old Mill District and watch others catch a wave.

6. RAFT OR TUBE DOWN THE DESCHUTES

If you’re not a surfer, but still want to splash around, you can go tubing in the more mellow sections of Bend Whitewater Park. While the Whitewater Channel features the bigger waves for surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, the Fishladder Channel is perfect for a fun float with just a few moderate rapids. Several nearby outfitters rent kayaks, SUPs, rafts, and tubes, so you can hit the water.

7. CAST A LINE & GO FLY FISHING

Bend is a mecca for fly fishing, with an abundance of rivers, streams, and lakes in the area that are full of trout from rainbow to steelhead. You can cast in town along the Deschutes or head to nearby alpine areas for more solitude. Make sure to check local fishing regulations before you bait your hook.

Smith Rock is a playground for rock climbers near Bend, Oregon.

8. Climb the Columns at Smith Rock

If you’re a rock climber, Smith Rock State Park is the first place you have to visit in Bend – and you’ll probably never want to leave! Located about 30 minutes north of Bend, Smith Rock is considered the birthplace of sport climbing in the US, and you’ll find more than a thousand bolted routes to climb in the park. But if you prefer trad climbing or bouldering, you’ll find plenty of that, too.

The stunning rock walls are made of volcanic tuff and basalt, creating incredible features to use for holds as you work your way up. Don’t miss Monkey Face, a distinctive tower with incredible multi-pitch routes. Smith Rock is absolutely a must-visit climbing mecca for any avid rock climber.

9. Explore the Trails at Smith Rock

Even if scaling rock walls isn’t your thing, you can still appreciate the unique landscape from solid ground on one of the many hiking trails in Smith Rock State Park. Misery Ridge is a classic Smith Rock hike featuring incredible views of rock formations in the park as well as of the Cascade mountain range.

Backpacking is not allowed in Smith Rock State Park, but the Bivouac Campground (aka The Bivy) makes a great basecamp for day hikes. And Smith Rock is dog friendly, as long as your four-legged friends stay on a leash!

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So that you can hit the trails with peace of mind knowing that you didn’t leave anything essential behind!

Breweries offer beers and views in Bend.

10. Raise a Glass at a Local Brewery

The beer scene in Bend has grown exponentially, and you can find an awesome brewery in every neighborhood. Explore them all on the Bend Ale Trail, which features more than two dozen excellent breweries. Complete your passport (you can pick up a paper copy from the visitor center for $5 or download a free app) and get cool prizes for finishing each territory, plus a grand prize (and a bonus prize in the month of November).

Some standouts on the Bend Ale Trail include 10 Barrel Brewing, Crux Fermentation Project, and Deschutes Brewery, the original brewery in Bend. You can also treat your tastebuds beyond beer with beverages at one of the local wineries, cideries, or distilleries.

11. CHECK OUT THE ROUNDABOUT ART ROUTE

The Roundabout Art Route lets you both spend time outside while enjoying creative art. The city of Bend collaborated with Art in Public Places to install sculptures in the middle of many of the roundabouts in town. Walk, bike, or drive around to explore the variety of art, including a carved steel trout, a pinwheel of kayaks, and a bright phoenix (known by locals as the “Flaming Chicken”).

12. EXPLORE SUNRIVER RESORT

Just 20 minutes south of downtown Bend, Sunriver Resort is practically an outdoor playground with something for everyone. You can rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or inner tube at the marina and float the Deschutes River, hit the links on the golf course, or go horseback riding. It also features over 40 miles of paved trails for biking through the pine forest along the river.

13. Soak in the Natural Hot Springs

After a big day of outdoor adventure, nothing beats soaking your tired body in a beautiful hot spring. Luckily, Oregon is well known for its magical hot springs, and there are several hot springs near Bend, Oregon where you can take a relaxing dip.

While it’s about a two hour drive from Bend, Umpqua Hot Springs is worth the drive for the gorgeous scenery at this natural hot tub sitting 150 feet above the North Umpqua River. But don’t expect seclusion at this super popular hot spring – and don’t expect everyone to be dressed either, since Umpqua Hot Springs is clothing optional.

Other hot springs near Bend include Paulina Lake Hot Springs at Newberry National Volcanic Monument and Terwilliger Hot Springs in the Willamette National Forest.

Bend makes van life easy with lots of free camping in Deschutes National Forest.

14. Camp in Deschutes National Forest

Bend, Oregon is SUPER van-life friendly, which was awesome for Michael and me when we visited. Every evening after working or exploring, we would head to the Deschutes National Forest and free camp with a lot of other camper vans. While there are lots of developed campgrounds in Deschutes National Forest, we preferred the flexibility of finding our own spot.

The best spot we found for free camping was along the Cascade Highway just outside of Bend on the opposite side of the road of the Widgi Creek Golf Club. There are a lot of other campers here though, so if you’re looking for solitude, this is not the place.

15. Hike to the Top of Tumalo Mountain

Thanks to easy access and panoramic views, hiking Tumalo Mountain is one of the most popular things to do in Bend. It’s a moderate 4-mile hike to the top of Tumalo, and from there you can see Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, and Three Sisters in all their glory. During the summer, dogs are allowed on the trail if they are on-leash.

Tumalo Mountain is also a great place to snowshoe in the winter, and you can even backcountry ski in the bowl on the northeast face.

16. Explore the Lava River Cave

Only 17 miles south of Bend, the Lava River Cave is a mile-long lava tube that you can explore on your own self-guided tour. You start by descending 55 stairs deep into the underground cave, then continue through the length of the lava tube.

It’s cold and dark in the Lava River Cave, so be sure to bring layers and a headlamp. The path can be quite rocky, so sturdy hiking boots or other closed toed shoes are also recommended.

Hiking to the Blue Pool is one of the most popular things to do in Bend, Oregon.

17. Day Trip from Bend to the Blue Pools

Tamolitch Falls, also known as the Blue Pool, is a magical place located about an hour west of Bend. It’s a fun day hiking trip to this idyllic spot. The hike is roughly 4.4 miles out and back with minimal elevation gain.

The stunningly clear water of the Blue Pool make the pool look deceptively shallow, but it’s actually quite deep – and very cold! While you can take a dip in the pool, due to the rocky shore and extreme cold, it’s safest to simply sit on the shore and bask in the beauty of the Blue Pool.

18. Take a Stroll Around Downtown Bend

The charming downtown district of Bend, Oregon is located next to Drake Park along the Deschutes River. Walk around the cobblestone sidewalks and check out the local shops and restaurants, including Zydeco, 900 Wall, and The Lemon Tree.

Grab a coffee at Commons Cafe and take a stroll through Drake Park and check out the lovely Mirror Pond. Or pick up a sandwich at Beach Hut Deli and have a nice picnic in the park.

19. Spend a Night at the Old St. Francis School

An especially cool attraction in downtown Bend is a former Catholic schoolhouse which has been transformed into a quirky hotel with unique amenities. At the McMenamins Old St. Francis School, the old classrooms have been turned into rooms and suites.

If you wander the halls of the school, you’ll find two pubs, a fireside bar (featuring shuffleboard), and even a hidden bar in the Broom Closet – seriously! You can also take a tropical escape to the turquoise-tiled, open air soaking pool.

The lava fields of Newberry National Volcanic Monument provide great hiking trails in Bend, Oregon.

20. Hike Through Lava Fields at Newberry National Volcanic Monument

We really adored this interesting hiking area just south of Bend. The centerpiece of Newberry National Volcanic Monument is Newberry Crater, a caldera the size of Rhode Island that is still an active volcano. Surrounding the crater are acres of lava flows and terrain to explore.

Check out the incredible volcanic terrain of Lava Lands, Lava Butte, and the Big Obsidian Flow. Then pay a visit to the spectacular Paulina Falls and Paulina Lake Hot Springs nearby.

21. Learn About the Landscape at the High Desert Museum

Showcasing a combination of the nature and history of Central Oregon, a visit to the High Desert Museum is one of the most popular activities in Bend, Oregon. At the museum, you can get up close with local animals including otters and porcupines, and see raptors such as hawks, owls, and falcons soar through the sky in a daily show during the summer.

At the Miller Family Ranch and Sawmill, you can speak to costumed characters and learn the history of the Plateau Indian Nations and the settlers of Oregon.

22. Drive Along the Cascades Lake National Scenic Byway

The Cascades Lake National Scenic Byway is a beautiful drive that will give you a great tour of the surrounding area of Bend, Oregon. Start your drive on the west side of Bend, then make your way through the Deschutes National Forest. As you head out of the trees, you’ll be greeted by a picturesque view of Mount Bachelor, and then you’ll spot Broken Top and the Three Sisters.

Eventually, you’ll pass many gorgeous alpine lakes where you can stop and play. The entire Cascades Lake National Scenic Byway is 66 miles long, and the road is open from June to October, weather permitting.

From the summit of South Sister, you get a great perspective of the rest of the Three Sisters near Bend.

23. Summit South Sister

The third-highest mountain in Oregon, South Sister is an imposing hike, but standing on the summit is an incredible experience. The trail is almost 12 miles, out and back, but what gets you is the nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain. Towards the top, you’ll be hiking on volcanic scree, which is an extra challenge.

When you finally reach the summit, take some time to appreciate your accomplishment and the amazing views of the Middle and North Sister and Broken Top and Mount Bachelor. You can camp at Devil’s Lake trailhead if you want to get an alpine start or hang out by the lake after hiking South Sister.

24. SKI THE SLOPES OF THE CASCADES

If you visit Bend in winter, you’ll find a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders. Mount Bachelor is the big draw for both beginners and those looking to shred the gnar – you can ride 360 degrees off the summit! Mount Bachelor averages 462 inches of snow each year, so you can definitely find the pow days there.

More advanced skiers should check out the Cinder Cone for some sidecountry skiing at Mt. Bachelor, and Tumalo Mountain is the place to be for backcountry skiers with bowls galore.

25. CELEBRATE THE SEASONAL EVENTS

Depending on the season you visit, you can check out some of the great seasonal festivals and events in Bend. In the summer, be on the lookout for Balloons Over Bend, when hot air balloons are launched each day. In the fall, you can’t miss a visit to the giant corn maize at Smith Rock Ranch. And Oregon WinterFest celebrates the snowy season with ice sculptures and light displays.

Hope this list helps you explore Bend to the fullest!