Why You Should Visit Bend, Oregon

Why Visit Bend?

Hiking, Biking, Rafting

Let’s start with the combination of hiking, bike trails, free camping, skiing, rafting and mountains. Bend has become known as an outdoor enthusiasts dream! There is something for everyone at all times of the year and you don’t have to leave the area to find it.

There are trails for hiking and biking running through Bend along with the Deschutes River for rafting. If you want to venture a little further, 30 minutes or so, away Mt Bachelor and the Three Sisters tower over the Cascade Lake Scenic Byway providing winter sports and some of the prettiest trails around.

Smith Rock State Park is also less than an hour from downtown providing access to a completely different landscape than you will see in Bend. If all that wasn’t enough you have Mt Hood only 2 hours north and Crater Lake National Park less than 2 hours south.

Coffee, Burgers and Beer

The more you read this site the more you will realize that coffee, burgers and beer are staples of our diet. Not only does Bend not disappoint in this area but it is actually at the top of the list for this trio.

Bend is consistently in the top three towns in the United States for most breweries per square foot. From old staples like Deschutes Brewing to the renowned Ale Apothecary you have a beer lovers paradise.

It’s not always the case but usually a good beer town is also a good coffee town. Or is a good coffee town a good beer town? Whatever the case you won’t go wrong with your morning or post adventure coffee. The PNW is known for its smooth roasts, Portland and Seattle aren’t far, and the town of Bend is no exception.

The burger scene isn’t as strong as the beer and coffee scene but you won’t have trouble finding quality grub in town.  There are the aforementioned breweries and a plethora of food trucks around every corner. You will have your choice from burgers to tacos to Nashville chicken sandwiches.

Downtown and the Neighborhoods

If you stopped at the adventures and beverages then Bend would still be one of the outdoor meccas. Add in all the shopping and conveniences imaginably and you will quickly see why visitors are flocking to Bend each year.

Downtown Bend is a vibrant but small area that provides a great walking area to shop, eat and drink.  It is also located within walking distance to the river and a short drive to all activities.

The fun doesn’t stop in downtown as the breweries, food trucks and shopping hug the river providing a more sprawling feeling to the area.

The people of Bend, even with millions of tourists a year, are also some of the nicest we’ve seen in any city in the country.

Fast Facts

• Bend can often feel like a town but is actually a city with over 111,000 people as of 2020.

• The city is located on the Deschutes River along the eastern Cascade Mountain Range.

• Bend is considered to be part of the high desert leading to sunny days and chilly nights.

• Mt Bachelor along with the 3 Sisters Mountains are part of the Volcanic Arc of the Cascade Mountain Range. Mt Bachelor sits above 9,000 feet and each of the Sisters above 10,000. Bachelor is named for standing alone while the 3 Sisters are grouped closely together.

• Bend is home to the last remaining Blockbuster Video store in the world.

Where to Stay

Bend is an even more appealing option with the many options for free camping. If you fit into this group then make to check out our in depth resource on Van Life in Bend.

People Who Like Comfort After Exploring

If you prefer a more comfortable stay while pursuing adventures then a stay in Downtown or Old Bend would put you right in the thick of things. If you are looking to adventure on a budget then check out the hotels east of Interstate 97. It is a more commercial area but also puts you minutes from all the activities, food and beverages mentioned above. A quick google search will do wonders for you.

Resources