Bend, OR

Address:Bend, Oregon

Situated on the banks of the Deschutes River and against a spectacular backdrop of mountains, Bend is the largest city east of the Oregon Cascades and a great winter resort area. The city is home to Mount Bachelor, considered by many the biggest and best ski area in the Northwest, and the area's fair sunny weather makes it a popular destination. Several other mountains – the Three Sisters and Broken Top among them – provide an absolutely beautiful backdrop for the city, and their pine-covered slopes, many lakes, and trout streams attract hikers, mountain bikers, and anglers year-round.

During the summer, the Cascade Lakes Highway is the most popular excursion out of Bend. This National scenic highway is an 87-mile loop offering some of the most beautiful scenery in the Oregon Cascades. Along the way are a dozen lakes and frequent views of the jagged Three Sisters peaks and the rounded Mount Bachelor. The area offers excellent hiking, and those preferring just to see the view can get to the 9,065-foot summit of Mount Bachelor by chair lift from early July to early September. The lakes provide opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming and picnicking.

Many enjoy the plentiful fishing in Bend. The lakes of the Cascade Lakes Highway west of Bend are the most popular fishing destinations in the area. Of these, Hosmer Lake, is a catch-and-release fly-fishing lake. Crane Prairie and Wickiup reservoirs, are known for their trophy trout. For fishing closer to town, the Deschutes River flows right through downtown Bend, and good trout waters can be found both upstream and downstream of the city.

Bend comes alive with winter sports as the cold weather arrives. Just minutes from Bend, Mount Bachelor is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Skiers, Snowboarders and Nordic Skiers will find great conditions, with downhill skiing, halfpipe, tubing, snowshoeing and 56 km of Cross Country trails. The lift lines at Mount Bachelor's 16 lifts are short and the prices are low. The ski area's Super Shuttle goes to and from Bend and leaves from the west side of town at the corner of Colorado Avenue and Simpson Street, where there's a large parking lot.

When the snow melts, the cross-country ski trails become mountain-bike trails. The most scenic trail is the Deschutes River Trail, which offers guided mountain-bike rides in Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The Paulina Plunge is an easy downhill ride with stops at waterfalls and a natural water slide. Both mountain-bike and road-bike tours are offered. Tours vary in length and difficulty.

There are many golf courses in Bend. Of the resort courses, the three at Sunriver resort are great, challenging you with deep bunkers, lakes, and rock outcroppings. Note that they are expensive.

If you happen to encounter a rainy day in Bend, visit the High Desert Museum. At this combination museum and zoo, historical exhibits, live animal displays, and reconstructions of pioneer buildings bring the cultural and natural history of the region into focus. In the main building enjoy the walk-through timeline of Western history, and an exhibit on the region's Plateau Indians. There is also a sawmill and log homes. In the Desertarium, live animals of the region can be observed in a very natural setting. Outside, playing river otters, slow-moving porcupines and birds are the main attractions. A pioneer homestead with log homes and a forestry exhibit with a steam-driven sawmill round out the outdoor exhibits. If you get hungry there's a café in the museum. Informative talks are scheduled throughout the day. Allow 3-4 hours to see the whole museum. Many of Bend's main destinations are a short drive away.

Shopping is plentiful and affordable in Bend. Save 30-70% over retail at Bend Factory Stores. Shops include Nike, GNC, Carters, Harry & David, and more. The Bend River Promenade has familiar name stores, unique specialty shops and family restaurants. The Cascade Village Shopping Center is outdoors so you can enjoy outstanding mountain and lake views as you shop. Village Shopping Center offers everything from gifts and apparel to jewelry and Oregon-made products. Downtown Bend offers fantastic shopping as well. The historic district is a mix of new architecture and restored buildings housing art galleries, boutiques, gift and specialty stores. Each month, you can admire the work of local artists as you sample fine wine during the First Friday Art Walk. The Forum Shopping Center is Bend's spot for exceptional deals. There are plenty of brand-name stores to choose from, as well as apparel, grocery and specialty stores. The Old Mill is a shopping, dining and entertainment district offering top-of-the-line clothing and goods, and national chain restaurants. Watch the latest movies in the cinema and enjoy live entertainment every night.

There are plenty of dining options in Bend. Choose from Asian/Middle eastern, café-deli, Italian, Mexican, seafood and pizza. At night visit any of Bend's bars, pubs and clubs offering live entertainment.

We suggest breaking away from the regular hotels and resorts in Bend and recharge your batteries at one of the few charming bed and breakfast's or for an extended stay, rent a private home or cottage for you and your family. Indulge yourself at one of the many area spas and yoga centers.

Bend lies on the westernmost edge of the Great Basin, a region that stretches from the Cascade Range to the Rocky Mountains and is often called the high desert.