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!

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When to visit

Getting to Bend

Is Bend expensive?

Where to stay

Is Bend pet-friendly?

When to visit

Bend is Oregon’s sunniest town, with an average of 158 sunny days per year! It gets less than 12 inches of rain per year, so this really is a great destination year round.

Summer

July to September

You cannot go wrong visiting any Pacific Northwest destination in the summer. Temperatures here range from the high 80s to over 100°F. If you’re interested in water activities or summiting South Sister, this is the time to visit.

Wildfires and smoke are prevalent during this time of year, so if you’re concerned about air quality, consider hedging your visit into the spring or fall.

Fall

October to November

Although some roads close to prepare for winter in mid-October, fall is a beautiful time to visit Bend. There are great fall colors, cooler temperatures, and plenty of beautiful trails to explore.

Winter

December to March

Winter brings tons of snowy activities. Visit to ski one of the many bluebird days at Mt Bachelor, cross-country ski in town, or attend Winterfest.

Spring

April to June

Spring temperatures are comfortable in the high 50s and crisp in the evenings, with winter activities wrapping up and summer activities starting. Although the winter snow melt determines how fast certain recreation areas open up, you’ll still be able to find some ski tracks accessible in early spring and hiking trails in the lowlands.

Getting to Bend

Bend is in Central Oregon, just east of the Cascade Mountains. If you’re flying in, Portland has the nearest major international airport (PDX), although there is a municipal airport in Redmond (RDM) 30 minutes north of Bend. Although it’s smaller, you can catch direct flights to Redmond from most major cities nearby. If you’re flying in, we highly recommend renting a car to explore the area.

Bend is easy to reach from most of Oregon’s major cities.

From Portland: 163 miles, 3 hours and 15 minutes driving
From Euguene: 129 miles, 2 hours and 30 minutes driving
From Salem: 132 miles, 2 hours and 40 minutes driving
From Lincoln City on the Oregon coast: 190 miles, 3 hours and 44 minutes driving
From Crater Lake: 140 miles, 2 hours and 40 minutes driving
From Seattle: 328 miles, 6 hours driving

Coming from these locations will mean driving over a mountain pass – check conditions on Oregon’s Trip Check before driving.

Is Bend expensive?

Bend is a desirable destination, so it is on the pricier side. You’ll notice this most in the pricing of lodging. The shoulder seasons – fall and spring – are the most affordable times to visit.

Where to stay

There are so many great places to stay in Bend and the surrounding area that we’ve written another blog with lodging suggestions. In it, you’ll find lodging organized by location and budget with descriptions of walkability and nearby sites.

Is Bend pet-friendly?

Bend is SO dog-friendly! There are tons of pet-friendly trails in the nearby Deschutes National Forest, dog-friendly floating spots, and this entire list of pet-friendly restaurants.

Best hikes

Again, there are so many bucket list worthy hikes in the area that we had to dedicate another blog to them. Check out our favorite hikes in the area here.

Food trucks

We mentioned Bend had a great food scene, but we have to highlight the food trucks! You’ll find them sporadically around town and in food truck courts like The Lot and The Podski Food Cart Lot.

If craft brews are more your style, check out the Bend Ale Trail. So far 10 Barrel is our favorite brewery, but ask anyone and you’ll get a different answer!

Like most of Oregon, Bend is very accommodating to dietary needs. You’ll find tons of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options here.

3-to-5-day itinerary

We have grouped our activity recommendations together based on the area and length of time required, but it’s possible to mix and match activities/days to your liking. Although our itinerary only shows five days of plans, we recommend spending as much time here as possible.

This itinerary highlights activities accessible between spring and fall, but if you’re visiting in winter, check out Mt Bachelor or these winter parks and trails.

Itinerary breakdown

Day 1: Views and brews

Day 2: Newberry Volcanic Monument

Day 3: Get on the water

Day 4: Smith Rock State Park

Day 5: Caves

Day 1: Views and brews

There are so many great hikes surrounding Bend. Choose a hike that is conveniently located on your drive to Bend, explore Tumalo Falls just outside of Bend, or hike or drive to the top of Pilot Butte in town for a great sunset view.

Once you’re back in town, check out one of the many craft breweries on the Ale Trail. Galveston Ave is a great place to start. It has 10 Barrell, Boss Rambler Beer Club, and Sunriver Brewing Co all within a few blocks.

Day 2: Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Today you’ll be heading south of Bend. Pack a lunch and snacks because it’s going to be a full day without many restaurants nearby.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

The Newberry National Volcanic Monument has some of the most unique landscapes you’ll see near Bend. The monument is expansive, but it’s possible to see it all in one day.

Each car you have entering the monument will need a Northwest Forest Pass. You can purchase them onsite or online here.

Lava River Cave

You’ll need a timed entry reservation to visit the Lava River Cave when it’s open between May and September. You can purchase reservations when they go on sale in April or seven days before your visit.

Bring headlamps and flashlights, or rent a light, and wear warm clothes and good shoes because you’ll be hiking down a large set of stairs and walking on uneven surfaces. It takes about 1.5 hours to walk through the cave – a little over one mile in each direction. If you only have time to explore one cave in Bend, make this one it!

Please help keep the bats living in this cave healthy by preventing the spread of White-nose syndrome by not wearing clothing or shoes that you have used in other caves or mines.

Lava Butte

When driving on Highway 97 south of Bend, you’ll notice a strange hill suddenly rising 500 feet above the surrounding forested area. What you won’t be able to see from afar is the 150-foot-deep volcanic crater in the center of it. It’s a cinder cone that erupted about 7,000 years ago, creating massive lava fields that we know as the Newberry National Volcanic Monument today.

If you’re visiting between mid-April to mid-June or the Tuesday after Labor Day to mid-October, you can reserve a free permit to drive to the top of Lava Butte. Otherwise, if you’re visiting between mid-June and Labor Day, you’ll need to book a shuttle. It’s popular, so it’s best to do this in advance at the gift store or with this app.

The shuttle departs every 20 minutes, so you can stay at the top of Lava Butte as long as you like. Once you’re at the top you’ll have panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Trail of the Molten Land

This is a paved, 1.2-mile loop. We loved all the interpretive signs that help explain what you’re viewing. No reservations are required to enjoy this hike. If you’re ready for lunch by this point in your trip, there are plenty of shaded picnic tables near the parking lot.

Paulina Falls

Paulina Falls is going to be your next stop. It’s 30 minutes further away from Bend, but this area is a gem. The Paulina Falls upper viewpoint is roughly a five-minute walk from the parking area. The falls are beautiful, and if you hike ¼ mile past the upper viewpoint you’ll reach another lower viewpoint.

Big Obsidian Flow Trail

This is a fascinating 0.7-mile hike. The entire area is full of large obsidian rocks. The rocks are so shiny it will feel like you’re walking through a field of oversized black diamonds. Bring a pair of sunglasses if you’re sensitive to bright light.

Paulina Peak

From the Big Obsidian Flow, turn around as if you’re driving back to Bend, but instead, turn left on Northwest Forest Road 500. This will take you to the top of Paulina Peak, where you’ll have 360-degree views of everything you’ve spent the day exploring.

Too much for one day?

If combining the Northern section of the Newberry Volcanic National Monument with the area of the park near Paulina Peak, consider breaking it into two days. If you’d like to add more to do around Paulina Peak, check out the natural waterslide we highlight below, look into boat rentals at the Paulina Lake Lodge, or hike to the hot springs on the east side of Paulina Lake. We warned you that there was a lot to do around Bend!

Day 3: Get on the water

How you choose to spend your day on the water is up to you! Here are a few great options:

Float through downtown Bend

This is the easiest, no-hassle float option. Use the Tumalo Creek Float or Sun Country Tours to rent tubes and catch a shuttle upriver. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Bend Whitewater Park

This park is split into two sections, one with milder, fish ladder-like rapids for tubing down, and a second section for surfing and kayaking. You can bring your own tubes for the smaller rapids or rent tubes from Sun Country Tours which are about a ten-minute walk from the park.

We went tubing with our niece and nephew (both under age 7 at the time) and they loved it. It was gentler than we expected, but plenty exciting for the kids. If you’re here for the thrills and have experience, you’ll want to check out the surfing section.

Either way, set up a picnic blanket on the lawn at McKay Park where you can hang out between rides.

Kayak

Drive the Cascades Lakes Scenic Highway and treat yourself to beautiful views and multiple lakes to paddle on. All the lakes should be great to paddle on in early summer, but check for low water levels before committing to a spot by mid-August. Boat, kayak, and paddle board rentals are available at Elk Lake Resort and the Crane Prairie Resort.

Natural waterslide

Bend has not one, but two natural waterslides on the same trail! You can take a biking and swimming tour with the Paulina Plunge to see six waterfalls and try out both natural waterslides.

If you’d like to try out a waterslide on your own, park here and hike north to reach the falls. The water is very cold – if you have a wetsuit, bring it.

Float or paddle at Sunriver

Rent tubes and a shuttle, or kayaks, paddle boards, or rafts at the Sunriver Marina to float on the Deschutes River south of Bend. This area of the river features more nature than the floats in downtown Bend.

Day 4: Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park will stun you. It’s full of rock spires that seem to appear out of nowhere, and it’s part of what makes this area so unique. An Oregon State Park Pass is required to park here. You can pay for a day pass onsite or purchase an annual pass here.

Smith Rock is a very popular climbing spot, so we highly recommend visiting early or late on a weekday to get a parking spot. If you’d like to try your hand at climbing, book a tour with the Smith Rock Climbing Guides; otherwise, we have a few great hiking suggestions here.

Although you can explore here year-round, winter brings potentially hazardous snow and ice on the trails. Spring and fall are generally less crowded, with more moderate temperatures, while summer is very crowded and very hot. You’ll need to wear shoes with great traction, watch out for rattlesnakes, and bring plenty of water – there is a large hill to get back to the cars. If you plan on tackling longer hikes, arrive early to avoid the worst of the heat.

Day 5: Caves

Although we admit that the Lava River Cave (under day two of this itinerary) is the best cave to explore in the area, if you didn’t get a timed entry permit or visiting one cave isn’t enough for you, these two caves are fun additions. If you’ve had enough caves, we’d suggest adventuring on a hike instead.

Please help keep the bats living in this cave healthy by preventing the spread of White-nose syndrome by not wearing clothing or shoes that you have used in other caves or mines.

Boyd Cave

Boyd Cave is our favorite cave in the area. There is a dramatic set of stairs leading into the cave and a trail that leads deeper into the cave. Hike as far into the cave as you like, but bring headlamps or flashlights and a jacket.

Arnold Cave

About ten minutes down the road from Boyd Cave are six more caves. Arnold Cave is our favorite because it usually has ice at the bottom of it. It’s not large, and sometimes there is only frost, not ice, but it’s a fun place to find some natural air conditioning.

High Desert Musuem

On your way back into town, take a detour to check out the High Desert Museum. It has something for everyone to enjoy – from a bigfoot display to educational shows with live animals. Note that this museum is only open between 10 am and 4 pm, so it's best to start or end your day here.

Explore Bend

Head to the corner of NW Franklin Ave and NW Wall Street to explore shops downtown. We particularly enjoy The Bend Store and Lone Crow Bungalow. Find a restaurant for dinner there, or check out the food trucks at The Lot. Fricken Faco is a fan favorite and they’re gluten free!

What to pack

If you’re visiting in the summer months, you’ll want plenty of sun protection, swimwear, and lightweight clothing.

If you’re visiting in the winter, pack base layers, puffy coats, waterproof boots, and warm layers.

Find our favorite clothing recommendations, tips on what to look for, and the best hiking gear in this blog.

Leave no trace

Please follow the Leave No Trace Principles and the Oregon Natural Desert Association’s safety tips while visiting Bend. It’s important to stay on trails, leave what you find, and respect wildlife.

Where to go next

Mount Hood

You may have heard of the “Fruit Loop” on the eastern side of Mount Hood, the many waterfalls nearby, or rumors of Timberline having the longest ski season in North America. It’s all worth a visit!

Columbia River Gorge

Circle around Mount Hood and drive along the Columbia River Gorge if you’re making your way to Portland. You’ll stop to see famous sights like Multnomah Falls and the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Portland

Just over three hours from Bend, Portland is a great spot to fly in and out of. While you’re in town, visit a McMenamins, Powell’s Books, Voodoo Donuts, and the seasonal Farmers Market.

Salem

We have two things we love in Salem – The Yard Food Park and Silver Falls State Park. Although Silver Falls is 30 minutes outside of Salem, it’s well worth a visit to hike the Trail of Ten Falls and walk behind multiple waterfalls!

The Oregon coast

If you’re driving a loop around Oregon, start in Portland, drive down the coast and across the Cascade Mountains to reach Bend, before heading north back to Portland. You’ll get to see such a huge variety of scenery!

Crater Lake National Park

From Bend, you’re just under three hours from Crater Lake. Most people spend a day here, speeding through the park, but if you have extra time, there is so much to see in the surrounding area.