Things To Do
Tumalo Falls
Tumalo Falls is about 20 minutes west of downtown Bend. You can view it from the parking lot or hike up towards it - it's short but steep. If you want a proper hike, you can continue past Tumalo Falls up the North Fork trail, which has anywhere between 7-13 different waterfalls, depending on how you count. We believe this to be one of the biggest bang for your buck trails in town with regard to proximity, ease of access, and natural beauty.
Smith Rock State Park
If you want to trade the Ponderosa Pines for some High Desert wonder, Smith Rock State Park is epic. Known as the birth place of modern sport climbing, on any given day you will see hoards of climbers dotted along the vastly imposing walls of volcanic tuff and basalt. Hike around the rim, descend into the canyon and meander along the Crooked River, or hit the aptly named "Misery Ridge" trail to the top for panoramic views of both the High Desert and the Cascades. It's about a 45 minute drive north of Bend.
Walk around downtown Bend or The Old Mill
If you want to do some shopping or visit some local breweries / coffee shops, downtown Bend and The Old Mill are great places to spend time.
Pilot Butte
Pilot Butte is an extinct volcanic cinder cone - right here in town. Walk or drive to the top for breathtaking 360 degree views of Bend, the Cascades, and the High Desert. It's one of our favorite places to take Penny for a special weeknight walk.
Cascade Lakes Highway
Cascade Lakes Highway is a National Scenic Byway and notorious for its jaw dropping mountain views and, you guessed it, picturesque lakes. It's a beautiful drive that winds and climbs west of Bend with a plethora of places to stop along the way. The road opens in late May after a long winter so be prepared to see snow! This is where some of Bend's most famous hikes and trailheads are located. But this time of year calls for snowshoes or skis over hiking boots - even in June. Some great stops for this time of year would be: Sparks Lake, Devils Lake, and Elk Lake. Accessibility changes year-to-year, so we're happy to share recommendations as we get closer to the date.
High Desert Museum
If a museum is more your speed, the High Desert Museum is one of a kind. Sitting between Bend and Sunriver, it sits on 135 acres of forestland and shows off the people, animals, and landscapes of Central Oregon and the greater High Desert region. Our favorite thing to see is the Raptors of the Desert Sky show. The river otters are hilarious too.