The extraordinary range of Things to do in Bend, Oregon, is part of what makes it a truly special place. The breathtaking scenery and untamed wilderness, combined with the vibrant mountain town atmosphere and numerous breweries and restaurants, make Bend, Oregon, a gem for locals and a sneaky great destination for visitors.
This makes creating a list of the Best Things to Do in Bend particularly challenging because of the many experiences to chose from. But that is what we do in this article, sharing with you the top Bend activities you should consider if you are visiting or check out if you are a local
Bend is an outdoor enthusiasts dream, so most of the fun things to do in Bend OR involve the outdoors. But we include a few indoor activities as well, plus food and drink-related excursions. We invariably have probably left some great Bend activities off the list.
(Did we miss a place? Did we rank something too high or low? Let us know in the comments.)
The 15 Best Things to Do in Bend Oregon
Map of Things to Do In Bend Oregon
1. Float Down the Deschutes River
Why Do It: The heart and soul of Bend (and its namesake) is the Deschutes River. The town is centered on this river, as are many activities.
One of the greatest joys of being in Bend during summer is the chance to float down the Deschutes through town. You can do this via multiple methods – tube, kayak, SUP. But tubing down the Deschutes is for anyone and probably the purest way to enjoy the river.
We recommend doing this with Tumalo Creek and Kayak. They offer tube rentals right by the river in Old Mill, and can handle the logistics of shuttling you back. Their website has all the details.
Another alternative is heading to Sunriver south of town, especially if you want to SUP down a dreamy, calm section of the Deschutes. Bliss!
2. Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Why Do It: A can’t-miss attraction near Bend is the fascinating Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Located within the Deschutes National Forest, Newberry encompasses a variety of natural wonders, all shaped by a volcanic eruption that formed the Newberry Caldera 75,000 years ago.
Start at the Lava Lands Visitor Center, where, after getting your bearings, you can walk along the Sun-Lava Paved Path and witness fascinating lava fields. You can also check out the Lava Butte Interpretive Site, standing atop an ancient lava butte.
There’s much more to Newberry to explore, but a final recommendation is driving to the top of Paulina Peak. This observation area is about a 30 minute drive up from route 97, but offers spectacular views of the entire Newberry area.
3. Visit the Cascade Lakes
Why Do It: Sticking with the outdoor theme around Bend, there is no better way to see the beauty surrounding Bend than by heading down the Cascade Lakes Scenic Highway. Traveling southwest out of Bend, this highway takes you into the heart of the scenic Deschutes Forest, towards the Three Sisters Mountains, and in the vicinity of multiple pristine mountain lakes.
First, it’s essential to know that this seasonal road usually opens from May to November (depending on snow). Stopping at the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station on the way out of Bend is great for planning your trip and getting the proper pass (such as the Annual Northwest Forest Pass).
The byway will take you through breathtaking scenery, including views of Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters Mountains. You’ll also have access to multiple hikes, including favorites like the Ray Atkeson Loop at Sparks Lake and the Green Lakes Hike.
Other lakes you can visit from this byway include Todd Lake, Devils Lake, and Elks Lake. All have short hikes around them or places to get a quick and beautiful view.
4. Visit a Bend Brewery (or a few!)
Category: Food and Drink
Why Do It: Bend is known for many things, but one of them is beer. Bend is specifically known for its breweries. Much of the community, entertainment, and leisure revolve around them.
So, if you are in any way a fan of craft beer, we highly recommend you visit a brewery while in Bend. You can read our list of the best breweries in Bend, but if you can visit only one brewery, we recommend you make it Crux Fermentation Project. Crux has the beer, the setting, and the vibe that define what Bend is about.
Other great options are Deschutes (one of the pioneers in craft beer), Sunriver on Galveston, and Bend Brewing Company right downtown on the river.
If you are a beer lover, visiting Bend breweries deserves its own dedicated day or evening. The Bend Ale Trail might interest those who are really hardcore into craft beer.
5. Tumalo Falls
Category: Outdoor
Why Do It: Stunning falls! There are lots of waterfalls around Bend. But if you visit only one, make it Tumalo Falls. Located a short 25-minute drive west of Bend, it makes for a great excursion, picnic spot, or hike.
Tumalo Falls stand 97 feet in height with a majestic water flow in the Deschutes pine forest. You can view from the observation area adjacent to the parking area (fills up quickly during busy seasons), or you can make the short 0.5 mile hike to the top for even better views.
The Tumalo Falls Trailhead is also the launch point for more extended hikes into the Deschutes backcountry, and it is highly recommended for avid hikers.
A pass (either a Day Pass or Annual Pass) is required for visiting, which you can buy in advance or at the parking lot.
6. Skiing or Mountain Biking at Mount Bachelor
Why Do It: Mount Bachelor is another natural icon of the Bend area. It’s also one of the premier outdoor venues around Bend, with various activities depending on the season.
In winter, Mt Bachelor is a major ski resort, ranked the 7th largest in North America with 101 runs and 12 lifts. Its ski season is usually long, from November to May. A vast network of Nordic trails also exists for cross-country skiers.
In Summer, Mt Bachelor becomes a fabulous hiking and downhill mountain biking venue. Mountain Biking at Mt Bachelor is a thrill, as you enjoy stunning views, beginner to very technical trails, and a rental shop to provide you with all the gear.
If skiing or mountain biking aren’t your thing, there are some great hikes up and around Mt Bachelor. Regardless of the time of year, Mount Bachelor needs to be on your Bend must visit list.
7. Green Lakes Hike
Why Do It: There are a number of great hikes around Bend that could easily be on this list, but our favorite is the hike to Green Lakes in the Cascades area.
You can choose multiple itineraries in this area that take in these gorgeous mountain lakes. If you want a genuinely epic hike, we recommend the Green Lakes / Soda Creek Loop, a 12.5-mile journey that begins and ends at the Green Lakes trailhead. This hike takes you through a little of everything – pine forests, mountain lakes, volcanic peaks, pristine mountain lakes, and beautiful meadows.
There are several shorter hikes in this area. Frankly, you can’t go wrong with most. Do you want something shorter with the kids? Try the Ray Atkeson Loop Trail at Sparks Lake.
Regardless of what you choose, your visit to Bend should include at least one epic hike (whatever that means for you).
8. High Desert Museum
Why Do It: Besides the plethora of outdoor activities, Bend is also home to a unique, award-winning museum. The High Desert Museum is an expansive facility showcasing the high desert’s environment, wildlife, and history.
Highlights of the museum include learning about the wildlife that are common in the Central Oregon area. You can see otter, wild birds, reptiles, and other animals that thrive in this region. Historic exhibits show you what life was like for the indigenous people of the region, and for the early Oregon settlers who traveled across North America and eventually created ranches and farms in this Pacific Northwest region.
The museum is just 10 miles south of Bend. It’s a great way to spend a few hours, especially for families and kids.
You can buy tickets online in advance, but in our experience, this is rarely necessary.
9. Old MIll District
Category: Entertainment
Why Do It: Set along the Deschutes River just south of downtown, the Old Mill District is Bend’s center of entertainment. This complex has Bend’s premier shopping area, twelve restaurants (mostly set on the river), an IMAX movie theatre, and multiple art galleries.
The Old Mill District is also home to the Hayden Homes Amphitheater, a large outdoor concert venue with an impressive lineup of shows, concerts, and events.
Old Mill feels like the heart of Bend in many ways. It’s a great place to stroll, watch floaters down the Deschutes, take in an art gallery, and get a drink or meal.
10. Play a Round at Widgi Creek Golf Club
Why Do It: Bend is a sneaky good golf destination. If you are a golfer visiting Bend, we highly recommend playing a round at a local course.
There are plenty of great Bend golf courses to choose from. Our favorite, and the place we think offers the most authentic Bend golf experience, is Widgi Creek Golf Club.
A golf round at Widgi is a pleasure. The course lies right on the Cascade Lakes Highway on the way out of town and is set in the pine forests of Central Oregon. It’s well-maintained and has an interesting layout, but it’s an affordable public course that is as laid-back as the town of Bend itself.
You’ll enjoy some spectacular views as well.
But Widgi is not the only golf course in Bend worth playing. Also, check out Lost Tracks, Tetherow, and Proghorn Resort. Incredible mountain golf courses!
11. Mountain Biking at Phil's Trailhead
Why Do It: Bend is known for its breweries, cascade lakes, volcanic peaks, and mountain biking. There’s no better place to experience mountain biking in Bend better than Phil’s Trailhead.
This vast network of single-track trails takes you through the high desert forest of central Oregon. It is filled with trails that are great for novices and advanced technical riders. You can map out a route in advance to your skill level, or do what we do and just improvise as you go, following the well-marked trail and difficulty signs.
Phil’s network is also great because it is within riding distance of downtown. In fact, if you need to rent mountain bikes and other gear, we recommend hitting Pine Mountain Sports, a short two-mile ride from Phil’s Trailhead.
If you want a guided mountain biking tour, check out Cog Wild. They can provide the entire package: bikes, equipment, a guide, and transportation.
12. Fly Fishing the Fall River
Why Do It: On this list, we’ve discussed Bend’s reputation for breweries, hiking, biking, and cascade lakes. But no Bend activities list would be complete without Fly Fishing.
Multiple world-class fly fishing streams and rivers are in the vicinity of Bend, including the Deschutes, which runs right through town. The Crooked River and Metulious River are both less than one hour from Bend and are prime fly fishing spots.
If you must pick only one, we recommend the Fall River, which is 30 minutes southwest of town near La Pine. The Fall is a gentle, gorgeous, spring-fed river that feeds into the Deschutes. The upper stretches have very accessible spots that offer solitude, beauty, and large trout for catch-and-release.
If you need a guide for a half or full day of fly fishing on the Fall or any other great fly fishing destinations around Bend, there are several in town. Check out Fly and Field Outfitters or Deep Canyon Outfitters. They have the gear, guides, and knowledges to provide a fantastic Fall River fly fishing experience.
13. Shevlin Park
Why Do It: Every city needs a good park, and Bend has several. Drake Park is the hub of downtown Bend on the Deschutes. Farewell Bend Park on the south side of town is similarly connected to Old Mill, a popular place to launch a float down the river.
But our favorite Bend city park is Shevlin Park on the northwest side of town. Shevlin is home to old-growth forests and Tumalo Creek and has a network of trails for walking, hiking, or biking.
You can do up to a 6-mile hike within this regional park, crossing Tumalo Creek and cresting a ridge with beautiful views. Shevlin also has multiple picnic areas with easy access, and in the evening, you’ll see many Bend locals walking their dogs around the park trails.
14. Smith Rock State Park
Why Do It: This should probably be higher on the list, but regardless, it’s a can’t-miss site when visiting Bend. Smith Rock State Park is a stunning landscape of towering rock peaks, deep canyons, wildflowers, and the Crooked River. It’s only a short 40-minute drive north of Bend near Terrabone.
You can enjoy Smith Rock with a short walk around the ample parking area at the park. But if you are up for a hike, we highly recommend tackling the Misery Ridge Loop Trail at Smith Rock.
This 5-mile loop trail takes you to the top of Misery Ridge in the heart of Smith Rock and back down along the river to the starting point. It offers stunning views, high desert landscapes, and a peek at the interesting Monkey Face rock formation. Be prepared—this hike has 1000 feet of elevation gain!
You can also bike, camp, or picnic at Smith Rock. It is well worth spending at least half a day there during your visit to Bend.
15. The Last Blockbuster
Why Do It: Sometimes history just happens in your backyard. The Last Blockbuster (from a peak of 9094 stores) happens to be in Bend, Oregon.
There will eventually be a time when few remember the physical video rental stores we visited to rent movies on VHS and DVDs physically. However, the transformation of the home movie industry from physical to streaming seems not far off to many of us. Visiting a Blockbuster store was a regular thing not long ago.
Blockbuster Corporation (and later Dish Network, which acquired it in 2011) went through a massive closure of stores after its 2010 bankruptcy. The Last Blockbuster Store still open today is owned by Debbie Tisher in Bend, and allows visitors to see how the home video world used to work.
Bonus Item: Steelhead Falls
Why Do It: If the above list is enough for you, here’s one more bonus attraction near Bend that combines the outdoors, hiking, and getting in the water. Steelhead Falls is an off-the-beaten-path spot 40 minutes north of Bend near Terrebonne that makes for a great outdoor water day, especially if the weather is warm.
It’s a half-mile hike to these falls on the Deschutes River, with an option to hike further. But the falls alone are well worth the hike. Bring your swimwear if the weather is warm because this is a tremendous swim hold.
There are also cliffs to jump off, a major thrill at this spot. Depending on your daring, you can swim and climb up to the falls.
Read Detail Reviews on Things to do Near Bend Oregon!
