Bend isn’t merely the picturesque cultural hub of Central Oregon (population: 76,000). Geographically, it’s also located close to the exact center of the state! Established as a lumber settlement called “Farewell Bend” in the mid-1800s, Bend is the county seat of Deschutes County, named for the nearby Rivière des Chutes (River of the Falls), a name first coined by French-Canadian fur trappers.
With its mountainous high desert location and forested surroundings, Bend is scenically beautiful and rich with outdoor recreational activities. It’s also home to a growing economy despite its distance from other major Oregon cities. In fact, perhaps its Bend’s geographic isolation which has permitted it to develop a distinct metropolitan identity all its own, with local TV stations, a handful of newspapers and institutes of higher education such as the “Cascades” campus of Oregon State University and Central Oregon Community College (COCC).
As per its motto “Shop, eat, drink, play, or just come to hang out,” Downtown Bend is buzzing year-round with art events such as the monthly First Friday Art Walk, theater performances and music concerts as well as a number of annual festivals and parades. Bend’s charming downtown and the nearby historic Old Mill District are also home to over a dozen craft breweries (best enjoyed aboard the pedal-powered, 16-seat “Cycle Pub”), coffee shops, eateries, galleries, shops, and the aptly named Mirror Pond, an urban lake formed in 1910.
Also located within Bend city limits is the extinct volcano Pilot Butte, a popular hiking destination with beautiful views from its cinder cone summit. The Mount Bachelor ski resort is just 30 minutes away via the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, a highway which weaves through the eastern Cascade Range, passing numerous lakes. Climbers’ paradise Smith Rock is also nearby, about 30 minutes northeast of Bend via U.S. Route 97.
Residents have every reason to be proud of their city: according to Downtown Bend’s website, Bend has been named “The Nation’s Dog-Friendliest Town,” “The #1 Town for Sportsmen,” “America’s Top Adventure Town,” “One of the Top 10 Fly Fishing Towns in the U.S.”, and “The #1 Mountain Biking Town in the U.S.” by various national magazines and news journals.
THE motorcycle destination vacation experience. Combining 4 decades of motorcycle riding with 2 decades of lodging and hospitality experience to thousands of guests from around the world, they've created the ultimate gear head adventure. Rent and ride different bikes on a variety of spectacular Central Oregon scenic roads each day.
This pub in Bend's Old Mill District serves beer brewed in a barn-turned-nano-brewery transformed by Al and Susan Toepfer on a ranch southeast of the city. Since 2013, Rat Hole Brew Pub has been serving bottled beers made with love by the Toepfer family, including Reds, Browns, IPA's, Porters and Pilsners as well as seasonal and specialty brews like their Summer Lemon Wheat, Blueberry Ale, Pumpkin Spice and Saison. Why not stop in for a pounder?
384 SW Upper Terrace Dr. #108
Bend, OR 97702
541-389-2739
Vacasa offers a wide range of privately owned homes throughout Bend & the surrounding areas, from cozy ski condos to downtown cottages. Many include hot tubs, WiFi, and pet-friendly policies!
At Brasada Ranch, which The Oregonian named the state's "Best Destination Resort," you can do it all: golfing on Brasada Canyons, spa treatments at Spa Brasada, horseback riding and 1,800 acres of hiking, all with beautiful views of nine Cascade Peaks.
Located in beautiful Bend, Oregon, Deschutes Brewery overlooks the wild and scenic Deschutes River. It’s home base to their adventurous, award-winning lineup of pioneering beers.
Goody's is a family run tradition of handmade chocolates, candies and ice cream. First created by Marne and Marion Palmateer in Sunriver, in 1984, Goody's Candy Store very quickly became a legendary and loved Central Oregon tradition selling assorted candies purchased for resale.
Juniper Swim & Fitness Center is owned and operated by Bend Park & Recreation District. Juniper is a community health, fitness and recreation facility open to people of all ages and abilities. The state of the art facilities and quality fitness programs ensure you Get Fit & Have Fun!
Come discover how our local geology, ecology, climate, and culture are all interwoven at the Lava Lands Visitor Center. The latest information on various topics including volcanic activity in the Cascade Mountains and Paleo-Indian technology is available and hands on activities will delight both young and old.
Explore a mile-long lava tube. Lava River Cave offers self-guided exploration of a mile-long lava tube. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to tour the entire cave. Initial access descends 150 stairs to an uneven floor and can be challenging. In the interest of preventing the spread of White-nose Syndrome to bats that reside in the Cave, we ask that you not wear or bring into the cave any clothing or gear you have used in a cave or mine outside of Oregon or Washington. Please wear close-toed shoes and warm clothing. Average temperature in the Cave is 42 degrees Farenheit.
Elevation: 9,065’
Vertical Drop: 3,365’
Skiable Acres: 3,683’
Lifts: 12 chairlifts, including 7 high-speed quads
Nordic: Full-service Nordic Center with 56 km of groomed track and the first ever Nordic Terrain Park
Location: Only 20 minutes from Sunriver and Bend in Central Oregon
