While Portland is the biggest and most famous city in Oregon, there’s lots more to see in the Beaver State. If you love the great outdoors, then you’ll love exploring Oregon. One place that has a nice blend of outdoor activities and city life is Bend.

Background

Bend is located on the eastern edge of the Cascade mountain range along the Deschutes River. Settlement began here in the early 1900s, when it was nothing more than a crossing point on the river. When it became a city in 1905, there were only 300 residents. The population would soon grow, thanks to two competing lumber mills that set up shop on the banks of the river. By 1930, the population was over 8,000. While the population was growing, the forests of Oregon were shrinking thanks to the non-stop logging. Both mills would eventually go out of business, and the area was purchased and redeveloped starting in the mid-90s. It is now the city’s Old Mill District, a popular area for shopping, dining, and fun on the river.

Although the lumber mills are long gone, the population has continued to grow over the years. In 2000, there were just over 52,000 people in Bend. It was estimated at 87,000 last year and is expected to continue rising. In addition to its residents, Bend also has a steady stream of tourists. With mountains, lakes, and rivers all around, there’s lots to do here all year long. In fact, tourism is the largest sector in Bend’s economy. Let’s take a look at what you can do with a trip to this popular Oregon city.

Get Outdoors

This city is all about the great outdoors, and that’s the primary reason people come to visit. The list of activities you can do in and around Bend includes: hiking, skiing, rafting, golfing, kayaking, fishing, rock climbing, and camping, just to name a few.

In the summer months, you can go hiking in the mountains or take part in a wide variety of water sports on the lakes or rivers that surround the city. Winter brings the crowds to Mt. Bachelor, home to some of the best skiing/snowboarding in Oregon.

Whatever time of year you visit, there are endless possibilities for enjoying the great outdoors. This is not the place for couch potatoes – it’s all about being active in Bend. People here love running, cycling, hiking, and lots of other sports. If you’re just looking for a place to relax, you might want to vacation somewhere else!

You don’t even need to drive to the mountains to get out in nature here. Shevlin Park is Bend’s largest park, and it’s a great place to go for a walk or a bike ride. Even though you’re just a few miles from the city center, you’ll feel like you’re much farther away.

Enjoy the City

When you get back from a busy day on the lake or in the mountains, there’s lots to do in Bend. As mentioned above, the Old Mill District is a popular place to go shopping or meet friends for a drink or dinner. Of course, you could also rent a kayak, tube, or stand up paddle board to enjoy the river. There’s also an outdoor amphitheater that has concerts in the warmer months.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

There are tons of great places to get a meal or a drink in Bend. This is a city that loves craft beer, and it seems to be around every corner. Take a tour of one of the local breweries while you’re here, or just try a sampler.

If you like Thai food, be sure to check out Wild Rose. The staff are very friendly, they make tasty cocktails, and it’s authentic Thai food. I’ve traveled to Thailand many times, and this place is just as good!

There’s always live music going on in Bend, especially during the summer. Free concerts go on just about every weekend, so be sure to check the calendar before you come.

 

As you can see, a trip to Bend can be a pretty amazing thing. Spend your days out in nature, hiking in the mountains or floating down the river. Come back to town to enjoy great shopping, dining, and nightlife, and then start a whole new adventure the next day.

Have you ever been to Bend? How about Oregon?

What did you do there?

If not, would you like to visit? Leave us a comment and tell us what you would do!