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Where to camp near Bend Oregon
Whenever we visit Bend, our goal is to spend as much time as possible outdoors, and there is no better way to do this than by camping. There are bucket list-worthy campsites all over the area, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
40 Best Hiking Trails near Bend Oregon
Multiple wilderness areas and national forests full of hiking trails surround Bend, Oregon. You don’t have to wander far from town to find great views of mountains, forests, lakes, and unusual landscapes. With over 150 trails to choose from nearby, we’ve narrowed this blog down to the top 40.
Guide to Bend, Oregon – A 3 to 5 Day Itinerary
Bend, Oregon is one of our favorite places in the Pacific Northwest. It’s full of year-round outdoor activities and has an incredible food scene. There is so much to do and see here that we’ve visited multiple times and rarely have repeated the same activities!
Waterfall Tour on the North Umpqua Scenic Byway
The North Umpqua Scenic Byway is our favorite highway in Oregon. It follows the stunning Rogue River between Roseburg and the start of the Crater Lake North Highway, making it the perfect route to travel to or from the Oregon coast. Along the way, you can stop at seven easy-to-reach waterfalls.
How to Tide Pool in the Pacific Northwest
Tide pooling is an essential part of visiting the coast in the Pacific Northwest. If you can find a good location and visit at low tides, you’ll have hours of free entertainment on your hands. Below is everything you need to know to start tide pooling!
Crater Lake National Park — Everything You Need to Know
Crater Lake is a geological marvel. Not only is it the deepest lake in the United States, but it’s also the cleanest and clearest large body of water in the world. The vibrant color and clarity of the water are like nothing you’ll see anywhere else. Visit to learn about the lake’s mysterious natural phenomena and Native American legends about Mount Mazama forming Crater Lake.
While you’re in the area, you’ll also have the chance to see countless waterfalls, beautiful viewpoints, and rivers. Most people rush through the park in one day, but we recommend staying up to four days if you have the time.
Silver Falls State Park: Everything You Need to Know
The Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park is the most beautiful trail we’ve hiked in Oregon so far. Visit and you’ll quickly lose count of the waterfalls you’ll see, get to admire lush rainforests, and icy blue rivers. Spend one to two days here to enjoy everything the park, and surrounding towns, have to offer.
Best Activities on the Oregon Coast
There are stunning sights all along the Oregon Coast, including some of the Pacific Northwest’s best beaches, coastal hikes, and tide pools. Find out when and where to do each here, along with other unique activities, such as visiting the Sea Lion Caves, lighthouses, and more.
25 Stunning Hikes on the Oregon Coast
There are so many beautiful hikes along the Oregon coast. Wander inland and you’ll find towering waterfalls and summits or stick to the coastline for the best seaside views.
Whale Watching in Oregon (How, When, and Where)
Whale watching is fun and free! We love that it’s easily accessible — you can choose between stopping to search for whales at various roadside pullouts, beaches, viewpoints, or lighthouses, and even take your chances on a hike. Knowing where, when, and what to look for is key to having a great experience.
Where to Stay on the Oregon Coast
If you ask any Pacific Northwest local what they’re favorite town on the Oregon Coast is, everyone will have a different answer — that’s how great the coast is! There are so many adorable places, great beaches, and fun things to do. That’s why we’re outlining the best places to stay here, including the best campgrounds.
Oregon Coast Road Trip Guide (1-6+ Day Itinerary)
We’ve spent years exploring the Oregon coast, and it’s still a place we go back to at any chance we get. It’s beautiful, fun, and so relaxing. This itinerary is best for those wanting a road trip — seeing ALL the best sights and staying in different towns every night.
Columbia River Gorge: Top Hikes, Waterfalls, and More
The Columbia River Gorge is a treasured part of the Pacific Northwest. Visit to find iconic waterfalls, beautiful views, adorable towns, and great hiking and biking trails. While it’s not a national park, it was one of the very first federally protected national scenic areas and the very first scenic byway. It’s incredibly gorgeous and is the perfect destination for a quick road trip or extended weekend getaway.
Dry Camping in Washington: What, Where, and How
Dry camping goes by many names: you’ll also hear it called dispersed camping, wild camping, and boondocking. Simply said, it’s camping outside of designated campgrounds — meaning you’re finding legal spots to park overnight and camp, usually in national forests or on BLM land.
How to Camp on the Alvord Desert
It’s surprising that the Alvord Desert isn’t better known. It’s like the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah but located in the Pacific Northwest. Near the southeastern tip of Oregon, the desert is nestled at the base of the Steen Mountains, near natural hot springs, and has miles of desert to explore and camp — truly an overlander’s paradise!
