21 Best Things to Do in Bend, Oregon (By a Local)
In the center of Oregon, you’ll find the perfect city: Bend, Oregon. How do I know this? Because I live here! As a native Oregonian and Bend local, I have the scoop on all the best things to do in Bend, Oregon.
Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Oregon Badlands, stretching along the Deschutes River, Bend is a year-round playground. Hiking? ✅ Snow sports? ✅ Water sports? ✅ Food? ✅ Music? ✅ Beer? ✅
With a population of 107,000, this small city has A LOT to offer visitors. As a local, I’m happy to share my take, but you have to promise me something… please keep it special—leave no trace and move through the city with love!
☀️ = summer activities in Bend ❄️ = winter activities in Bend
1. Hike Tumalo Mountain ☀️
Yes, this is a popular hike, but it’s popular for a good reason: it’s the perfect hike. Tumalo Mountain is just outside of town, next to Bachelor. The hike is considered moderate with 1400′ of EG, but it’s only 4 miles round trip.
The views at the top are INCREDIBLE. If you go on a clear day, you can see all of the peaks in and around Bend, including a close-up view of Mt. Bachelor.
The hike itself is beautiful, with views of Bachelor the whole way, wildflowers, and a well-cared-for trail.
Bend has endless hiking trails, but if you want a close-in option with a big payoff, Tumalo Mountain is a great choice!
Dogs are allowed in the summer months but NOT in the winter months.
You do not need a permit, but you do need a recreation pass to park in the parking lot (Northwest Forest Pass, May 1 – October 30, Sno-Park pass November 1 – April 30).
TIP: You can snowshoe Tumalo Mountain in the winter. ❄️
2. Float the Deschutes River ☀️
This is, of course, one of the most iconic things to do in Bend, Oregon in the summer. Floating the Deschutes River in the height of summer is such a vibe.
The river is BUSY and the parking can be challenging, but the vibes are high. It’s more of a social experience than a serene river float, but I think it’s a great time.
If you need to rent tubes, go to Park & Float (1000 SW Bradbury Way). This is where Tumalo Creek issues tube rentals. Then, catch the shuttle (with your tubes) from Park and Float to Riverbend Park.
Launch at Riverbend Park and enjoy an approximately two-hour float to Drake Park. Here, you can catch the shuttle back to Park and Float.
If you don’t need to rent a tube, you have additional entry and exit options, although Riverbend to Drake is the most popular route.
LOCAL TIP: If you don’t like the crowds, you can float different sections of the river in Sunriver or La Pine.
3. Ski or Snowboard at Mt. Bachelor ❄️
If you are a winter sports person, you can’t miss spending a day at Mt. Bachelor. With 4,323 acres of skiable terrain, Bachelor is the largest ski resort in Oregon.
LOCAL TIP: If you can manage a weekday trip, you’ll avoid the longer lines that the weekend sees.
4. Paddleboard at Devils Lake ☀️
Devils Lake is just past Mt. Bachelor on Cascade Lakes Scenic Highway. I think it’s one of the most beautiful lakes in Bend, with its famous turquoise water.
This lake is small and shallow, so no boats are allowed. Instead, it’s most popular with paddleboarders. There are tent-only camp sites and a trailhead at the lake for additional adventure.
Fair warning, this lake is cold!!
LOCAL TIP: Parking is really limited at this lake, so get there early! If it’s busy, try Sparks Lake, just a bit further down the highway 🙂
5. Explore Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Newberry National Volcanic Monument is a 54,000-acre area just south of Bend. It features volcanoes, lava flows, lakes, and underground caves. If you are an outdoors person, this translates to: lots of hiking, water sports, and camping.
I’ve explored much of this area, and here are some highlights and recommendations to check out within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument area:
- Big Obsidian Flow hike: an easy hike surrounded by shiny black obsidian.
- Paulina and/or East Lake in the Newberry Caldera: here you can camp, paddleboard, kayak, fish, or boat.
- Paulina Hot Springs: Several small pools located on the shore of Paulina Lake
- Lava Butte: Hike to the summit of this cinder cone. The path winds through a large lava flow that surrounds the butte.
- Lava River Cave: Hike through this mile-long lava tube! Must have tickets May through Sep. 15th. Timed reservations are available on Recreation.gov.
6. Get a Beer (or slushy 🙂 at Boss Rambler🍻
People will tell you to visit one of our many breweries, and that is valid – we have a lot, and they’re all good! However, I recommend visiting Boss Rambler – not a brewery but a “beer club” with many beers+ and a great atmosphere.
LOCAL TIP: Sadly, the Boss Rambler property has been sold and will be torn down and replaced in the near future. Visit this local favorite before it’s gone!
7. Pastries at M’s Bakery (not Sparrow 😱)
Don’t get me wrong, Sparrow is delicious (you can’t beat the Ocean Roll), but the line on the weekend is always huge. If you don’t have time to wait that long, M’s Bakery is a great alternative with just as amazing pastries. Plus, it’s conveniently located in Old Mill.
8. Mountain Bike @ Phil’s Trail 🚵
Bend has 600 miles of mountain biking trails! Yes, mountain biking is huge here, and I’m not embarrassed to admit that I’ve never done it. It’s not really my thing. But if it’s yours, you’re in luck.
Phil’s Trail is Bend’s most iconic trail system, and it’s located just a few minutes outside of town.
This area is run by mountain bikers. I made the mistake of going hiking here with my dogs once, and let’s just say we all left a little rattled!
If you aren’t coming to town with bikes, you can rent them at Pine Mountain Sports.
9. Zipline at Mt Bachelor
Did you know that Mt. Bachelor has a zipline? It’s actually the Northwest’s steepest, fastest, and highest-elevation zip adventure (1,400 vertical ft drop along the volcano’s slopes).
It also has a self-controlled braking system, so no braking your back slamming into the landing zone. It’s open June 26 through September.
LOCAL TIP: Save $10 by booking 48 hours in advance
10. Have Lunch at Toasty’s in Podski
Toasty’s, located in Podski, is my favorite food cart in Bend. It’s a vegan cart that is famous for its “crunch wrap”, although the tofu scramble tacos are my favorite. Just trust me, my meat-eating husband loves this place.
11. Rest and Recover at SWTHZ or Gather Sauna
Bend has a growing number of wellness centers and spas, which makes sense because we all need some R&R after sending it outdoors!
My two personal favorites are Sweathouz and Gather Suana. You’ll need to book ahead at both of these places. Sweathouz is indoors, while Gather Sauan is located at a dreamy outdoor space.
12. Get a Birdseye View from Pilot Butte
This is a classic thing to do in Bend, Oregon, but I do think it’s worth doing. In fact, this is the first place I take people who are visiting.
That’s because not only is it a really pretty view of all of the surrounding peaks, but it’s a great way to get a lay of the land in Bend! You can see pretty much all parts of town and really get your bearings before getting into it!
13. Stroll the Old Mill District
Old Mill is located just south of downtown, along the Deschutes River. The Old Mill District used to be home to timber production. It’s now an outdoor shopping mall, with riverside restaurants, wineries, and a movie theater.
The vibe in Old Mill is nice; there are lots of people walking along the river, grabbing coffee or lunch along the water, or doing some light shopping (Lululemon, REI, and great shops for gifts).
It’s a great stop if you’re going on a walk along the Deschutes and want to grab a snack, coffee, a glass of wine, or pick up a souvenir.
14. Go to a Concert at Hayden Homes Amphitheater ☀️
This is one of my FAVORITE things to do in Bend. In my humble opinion, Hayden Homes Amphitheater is one of the best venues in the country.
It’s outdoors, it’s clean, the size is manageable, it’s located right next to the river, and the views of the surrounding mountains are stunning.
If you are planning on coming to Bend, I recommend looking up the concert schedule and catching some live music, why not??
15. Camp in the Deschutes National Forest ☀️
If you’re coming to Bend, you’re probably hoping to soak up nature, and what better way to do that than sleep among the trees?
The Deschutes National Forest stretches from just north of Sisters (near the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness boundary) all the way south to the edge of Crater Lake National Park.
This leaves you with endless possibilities for camping. Whether you are looking for developed campgrounds, dispersed camping, backpacking, river or lake camping, there will be something great for you.
Here are some of the highlights:
🌲 Developed Campground Areas
These have toilets, potable water (at most), picnic tables, and defined sites. Great for car camping or families.
Suttle Lake (near Sisters) – Blue Bay, Link Creek, and South Shore campgrounds offer lake access, fishing, and boat rentals. Some yurts are available.
Elk Lake & Lava Lake (Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway) – Classic high-mountain lake camping with mountain views, beaches, and water sports.
Cultus Lake & Little Cultus Lake – Less busy than Elk/Lava, but still great for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Metolius River / Camp Sherman Area – Several small, shaded campgrounds (Smiling River, Pine Rest, Riverside, Allingham, Candle Creek) set along the spring-fed Metolius River. Historic Camp Sherman Store nearby.
Paulina & East Lake (Newberry Caldera) – Inside a volcanic crater! Geothermal features nearby and good for stargazing.
🏕️ Dispersed Camping (Primitive, Free)
No amenities — pack it in/pack it out. Here are some popular areas.
Cascade Lakes Highway (off pull-outs & forest roads) – Plenty of scenic dispersed sites tucked among lakes and lava fields, with Mt. Bachelor and Three Sisters views.
Metolius River Area (north of Sisters) – Many quiet pull-offs on forest roads near the river, under big pines.
Wickiup Reservoir area – Large dispersed sites right on the water, good for fishing and kayaking.
🎒 Backpacking (Wilderness Areas)
The overnight campsites that require a hike in are truly stunning in this area. These are my favorite areas.
NOTE: Permits required for much of the overnight sites from June 15–Oct 15.
Three Sisters Wilderness – Contains several famous backpacking routes, including Broken Top, Three Sisters Loop, Green Lakes, and more. Known for dramatic volcanic landscapes and pristine alpine environments
Mt. Jefferson Wilderness (north edge of forest) – Famous for alpine meadows and lakes beneath Mt. Jefferson.
Mt. Washington Wilderness – This area tends to be less crowded but still has stunning alpine lakes and volcanic views.
16. Go Disc Golfing at Pine Nursery Park ☀️
Did you know that Bend is ranked #1 in Oregon and #21 in the U.S. as a disc golf destination? We have 19 courses, including 11 with 18 or more holes.
Plus, there are an additional 14 PDGA‑accredited courses within an hour of Bend.
The Pine Nursery Park course is consistently considered one of the best courses in Bend. It’s an 18-hole course that is mostly flat with lava outcrops, sparse juniper trees, and concrete tees—great for all skill levels.
If you’re new to disc gold, Seventh Mountain Resort or Bend Pine Nursery are excellent choices as they are both accessible and beginner-friendly.
If you are more experienced, check out Base Camp at Horse Butte or Lost for a challenge and great views.
LOCAL TIP: Bevel Brewing has a 9-hole putting course where you can play with a drink in hand!
17. Attend a Local Event
Whether it’s Brewfest, Fall Fest, Weiner Dog Races, keg races, a play, a silent disco in the park, pond skim, First Friday Art Walk, the Pole Pedal Paddle Race, or trivia night, there is always something going on in Bend.
Some of my favorite events are the 4th of July Pet Parade and Balloons Over Bend. These are both great things to do in Bend, Oregon with kids 🙂 Check out the Bend Buzz to get the local event schedule when you are in town.
18. Visit the High Desert Museum 👪
If you are in town with your kiddos or just want to learn about the high desert, this museum is a great stop (it’s consistently rated as the top Central Oregon attraction by TripAdvisor).
With 135 acres and more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, this indoor/outdoor museum has so much to offer. From otter and birds of prey encounters, to talks about our native fish, to going inside a ranger station – you are sure to be entertained and impressed with this museum.
19. Surf the River
Yes, you read that right. Bend is home to the only river surfing option in Oregon. Bend Whitewater Park on the Deschutes River has four waves of different difficulty levels for surfers, kayakers, and paddleboarders to enjoy.
The waves are located near Old Mill, so even if you aren’t surfing, it’s fun to go to the park or hang out on the walking bridge above the park and watch the surfers.
There is almost always someone surfing, and on nice days, there is a line. Make sure to read the rules – Bend has a no-leash rule here.
20. Visit the Last Blockbuster
Yep, we can all revisit our childhood by visiting the very last Blockbuster on earth! You can actually rent movies here, or you can stop in for souvenirs, visit the small museum inside, and take photos.
All proceeds go to keeping this store open so we can keep the nostalgia alive. So stop in, get some photos, and purchase some merch to support this locally owned final Blockbuster.
21. Get a Cocktail at the Flamingo Room
This is my favorite cocktail bar in Bend! It’s an intimate space in an unassuming spot in Bend.
The cocktails are good (I can’t say great because I’m a bartender and I have extremely high cocktail standards, but they’re good), a great atmosphere (the interior is COVERED in plants), and delicious small bites. The staff are also great.
Day Trips From Bend, OR
If you’re looking for even more Oregon adventure or just want to check out other parts of Central Oregon, these are great day trips from Bend.
Smith Rock State Park (🚗 ~40 minutes)
Smith Rock, located north of Bend off Highway 97, is famous for its dramatic cliffs, towering spires, and world-class rock climbing with more than 1,000 bolted routes. Beyond climbing, the park features miles of scenic hiking and biking trails and a walk-in campground for overnight stays.
The rock formations, created by volcanic activity some 30 million years ago, rise sharply from the surrounding high desert.
At the base, the Crooked River winds through the canyon, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and photography. This is a very worthwhile day trip from Bend!
Sisters, OR (🚗 ~30 minutes)
Sisters is a charming nearby town with a Western-themed downtown full of boutique shops, art galleries, bakeries, and food carts. It also offers a range of lodging options if you decide to stay overnight.
Just outside of town, you’ll find easy access to hiking, backpacking, camping, and alpine lakes—making Sisters another gateway to outdoor adventures.
The drive from Bend alone is worth it, with panoramic views of the Cascade peaks along the way.
Tamolitch Blue Pool (🚗 ~1.5 hours)
Tamolitch Blue Pool is one of my favorite places to take people. It is the point where the McKenzie River resurfaces after flowing underground (due to a lava flow) for several miles.
The water pools where it resurfaces before it continues to flow above ground through a gorge downstream. The pool is famous for its bight blue/turquoise color and frigid temperature.
Since pool is fed by an underground spring, the water never really warms up. The water stays around 37–42°F year-round. You can swim in the water but be prepared and don’t stay on more than a few minutes.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (🚗 ~30–90 minutes depending on stop)
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a 66-mile route just outside Bend that winds past alpine lakes, volcanic peaks, and endless trailheads. It’s a favorite for day trips, with plenty of stops for hiking, paddling, fishing, or simply taking in the mountain views.
Popular lakes along the drive include Elk, Sparks, Cultus, Todd, and Devil’s Lake. The byway is typically open late spring through fall (snow closes sections in winter), making it one of the most scenic seasonal drives in Oregon.
Sunriver (🚗 ~25 minutes)
Sunriver is a popular resort community known for its bike paths, golf courses, family-friendly activities, and easy river access.
It’s a great spot for renting a cabin, floating the Deschutes River, or enjoying a more relaxed pace outside of Bend.
Fort Rock (🚗 ~1.5 hours)
Fort Rock is a dramatic volcanic landmark rising out of the high desert. The massive rock ring, shaped like a fortress, was formed by volcanic explosions nearly 100,000 years ago.
Today you can hike into the formation, explore its trails, and take in sweeping desert views. The nearby Fort Rock Homestead Village Museum also gives a glimpse into pioneer life in Central Oregon. This is a worthwhile day trip for geology lovers and photographers
Painted Hills (John Day Fossil Beds) (🚗 ~2 hours)
The Painted Hills are one of Oregon’s most unique landscapes and part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Layers of vibrant red, gold, black, and orange earth reveal millions of years of geological history.
There are short trails and overlooks to wander among the rolling, striped hills and take in the views. The colors are most vivid in the late afternoon but this is also when its hottest so come prepared with water and sun protection.
I remember the last time I was there I couldn’t even be outside for more than 10 minutes at a time because it was so hot!
How to Visit Bend Responsibly
Bend’s nature is one of its biggest draws—and one of its most vulnerable assets. As more people discover this special place, we all must do our part to protect it. Here’s how you can visit Bend responsibly:
- 🚗 Drive the speed limit—there are a lot of cyclists in Bend, and wildlife crossings (especially deer and squirrels) are very common. Bend has a culture of letting people merge and driving respectfully. Please do the same!
- 🥾 Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion and protect fragile habitats.
- 🗑️ Leave no trace—pack out all trash, even biodegradable items!
- 🔥 Respect fire restrictions and be cautious with campfires during dry months – wildfires are our biggest natural hazard, please don’t be the cause of them!
- 🦮 Leash your dogs– Bend is very dog-friendly, and we all love taking our dogs everywhere. Please follow leash laws and clean up after your dogs so we can all continue to do so!
- 🤝 Be kind to locals—this is our home, not just your playground.
By traveling thoughtfully, you help keep Bend beautiful and welcoming for everyone.
Bend used to be a small, quiet mountain town. With the recent influx of tourism and transplants, many locals are feeling the strain—so please be extra respectful, mindful of your impact, and tread lightly while you’re here.
Best Time of Year to Visit Bend, Oregon
Bend is truly a year-round destination, with each season offering something unique depending on your interests. Bend is famously know to have “300 days of sunshine” and last year the local news decided to test this legend.
Turns out it’s not correct, but not far off. Weather data shows Bend has about 158 fully sunny days per year, with an additional 105 mostly sunny days, totaling roughly 263 days with significant sunshine.
Anyway, the point is Bend has better weather than most of Oregon, so the season for lots of outdoor activities is longer 🙂 Here’s a breakdown:
Winter (December–February):
Expect snow, bluebird skies, and cold temps. Great for skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor, snowshoeing, or brewery hopping. You’ll find fewer crowds in town and cheaper lodging compared to summer.
Spring (March–May):
Snow begins to melt and trails start to open. You’ll see fewer tourists, lower prices, and beautiful transitions in nature. Still some snow at higher elevations, but wildflowers and waterfall hikes are in bloom.
Summer (June–August):
Peak season. Hot, sunny days and cool nights. Perfect for floating the river, hiking, biking, paddling, and patio dining. Also the most crowded and expensive time to visit—book early!
Fall (September–November):
Milder temps, golden larches, and fewer tourists. Great for hiking, biking, and enjoying crisp mountain air. September still feels like summer, while late October has cooler weather and quiet trails.
Wrap Up
Bend might not be a hidden gem anymore, but it’s still a place filled with magic — from turquoise alpine lakes and lava fields to the simple joy of floating the river on a summer afternoon, these are just some of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon.
Whether you’re here to ski Bachelor, sip beer on a patio, or find some quiet in the backcountry, Bend delivers.
What makes Bend truly special is the balance here — between mountains and desert, play and rest, visitors and locals. If you treat this place with respect, move through it with kindness, you’ll fall in love!
