10 Things to Do in Bend Oregon: Exciting Weekend Travel Guide

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If you live in Oregon, you already KNOW Bend is the spot. You’ve heard all of your coworkers rave about it. You’ve seen ads by TravelOregon and VisitBend everywhere. If you aren’t from Oregon and you follow even ONE outdoorsy/nature influencer, you’ve even probably seen them take a few trips to the central Oregon city. But…why? What is even in Bend? What are the things to do in Bend that make it such a hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts – and even people who aren’t??

I’ve been to Bend more than a handful of times, and even from my first visit…I could feel the adventurous spirit of the community. Along with my new Oregonian friends’ dragging me along on their outdoor excursions, visiting Bend is really what got me interested in being active outside. And for Bend, there are just SOOO many things to do in Bend that it’s almost guaranteed you’ll find at least one new activity to try.

That said, there are also some…less than ideal aspects of Bend, which I’ll touch on later, but overall it’s probably one of my favorite general regions in Oregon.

For one, it’s beautiful.

Probably on equal footing as the Oregon coast in terms of views, but the things to do in Bend REALLY elevate it as a vacation destination. Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself though. If you’re unfamiliar with Bend, or just want to know more about it as a potential weekend getaway, let me run through some of the basics for ya before we get into all the fun things to do in Bend.

THE BASICS

• State: Oregon
• Airport: Roberts Field Airport (RDM) 20min away, Portland International Airport (PDX) 3hrs away
• Ancestral Lands: Columbia River Tribes (Wasco [Chinookan], Tenino, Tygh, Wyam, and John Day [Sahaptin]), Wascoes, the Warm Springs, and the Paiutes. Today, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (Wasco, Warm Springs, Paiute).
• Nearby Major Cities: Portland (3hrs), Boise (5hrs), Seattle (5.5hrs)
• Best season to visit (in my opinion): Literally any and all seasons, though Spring is my least favorite
• Transportation: A car is recommended

SHORT HISTORY OF Eastern Oregon

Y’all know me – I gotsta do a little background spiel.

If you don’t know me, hi, I’m Kay. I fall down rabbit holes.

Anyways, Oregon was mad bountiful before colonization, especially in Central Oregon. I mean, even now you can tell how beautiful the area is…so imagine that TENFOLD. Although today the United States Federal government only recognizes nine “official” Tribes in Oregon (and many of those are Confederated Tribes aka associations of numerous Indigenous communities and peoples), the area was home to countless diverse peoples.

Before the 1800s, Indigenous communities in what is now Oregon had engaged in fur and equipment trade with Europeans, but as you know…it didn’t stay as such. Lewis and Clark (and Sacagawea & York) reached the Oregon coast in 1805, which prompted Anglo-American fur traders, trappers, and missionaries to follow suit (in numbers) between 1811 to 1840. Which…of course, led to the Oregon Trail.

Oh boy.

Did you ever play that old game?

Well, what it left out was that the Oregon Trail was an invasion. The prospect of gold and free land had settlers going in DROVES to “claim” this “new land” for themselves. (Manifest Destiny and the Homestead Act: settlers could obtain 160 acres for FREE!! It was their GOD GIVEN RIGHT!!!!! *foams at mouth*)

These white settlers also brought a tonnnnn of diseases to Oregon – as they did. Measles. Dysentery. Smallpox. Cholera. Malaria. Yellow fever.

While 1 in 17-ish settlers on the Oregon Trail did not survive the journey, those disease were DECIMATING to Indigenous Nations across the Midwest and Western lands. Disease claimed about 80% of nearly every Indigenous Nation and community in Oregon in a VERY short amount of time.

Well…What About Bend?

Get this. By 1852, up to 12,000 settlers were crossing Wasco and Warm Springs territories each year. That was A LOT back then, and those 12,000 settlers were EACH stealing hundreds of acres of land and the federal government “authorized” it.

This dude named Joel Palmer was named superintendent for the Oregon Territory and in 1855, his orders were to CLEAR OUT the Indigenous Nations, who were battered non-stop from disease, encroachment, and violence by the settler invaders. So Palmer “negotiated” treaties, including the one that established the Warm Springs Reservation. The treaty required the Warm Springs and Wasco Tribes to relinquish about ten million (10,000,000) acres of land…..in exchange, they’d get to keep 640,000 whole acres for their exclusive use!

That is 6.4% of the land area they previously stewarded, by the way. Not even 10%.

Plus, the treaty left out the part where the Warm Springs Reservation would have less fish, harsher climates, and poor soil conditions. Also the part where the US government would disregard their end of the treaty and take even more of that reserved land anyway.

Yanno, fine print and all that. It was a rock and a hard place. It was exploitation. Make the treaty or…die.

Bend NOW-ish

So with the area officially colonized with a signature, settlers descended on Bend like vultures. The name Bend actually came from an old ranch in the area by the name of “Farewell Bend Ranch.” That was…a mouthful for the Post Office Department in Washington D.C., so it got shortened to just Bend and incorporated in 1905.

Alexander Drake, a rich dude from the Midwest, is credited for “establishing” Bend, and supposedly built Bend’s first saw mill, which would become integral for the city’s future economy. He also founded Pilot Butte Development Company and started a NUMBERRR of irrigation projects, including the dam on the Deschutes River (now owned by PacifiCorp). As it turned out, the dam was incredibly destructive to the local ecology. But hey, at least the settlers could now grow things that weren’t correctly suited for the environment in the first place – things that definitely won’t be sustainable to maintain in the future, right?

But I digress.

Now, when you’re in Bend, it feels like you’re in a suddenly positive outdoorsy space. It’s absolutely beautiful out in central Oregon. Surrounded by mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, and plains, it’s kind of hard not to. Seriously, no matter where you go you’ll see at least two people with mountain bikes, others with chalked hands from bouldering, and standup paddleboards leaned up against the side of local dog-friendly breweries.

PLUS, all the Jeeps and Subaru’s you can imagine.

It’s like if REI was a theme park.

As you can imagine, there are TONS of things to do in Bend that revolve around the outdoors and being outside and adventuring in nature. TONS. But what if that’s not normally your vibe? Don’t worry, there’s still things to do in Bend that don’t require a mouth guard or helmet. Buuuuut at the same time if you’ve never done any kind of outdoor activity, Bend is a pretty great place to start.

WHERE TO STAY

I’ve stayed in a few different spots in Bend, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have great experiences in all of them! I wouldn’t consider Bend a “cheap” destination, but there are some variables in terms of lodging prices. Since Bend is such a huge hotspot for the outdoors, a lot of people camp!

But…yanno.

Not me.

However, if you are into camping or if you have an RV/campervan, my good friends Kathryn and Adam over at Adventures of A + K recommend Oregon Badlands Wilderness for free boondocking (no restrooms and spotty cell signal tho!) and Lava Lake Campground (about an hour from downtown Bend with incredible stargazing!) or Soda Creek Campground (closer to town). Be sure to check out their blog as well after for more travel advice!

Honestly, as long as you have a car, you’ll be fine staying anywhere in Bend. It’s not that big. So no matter what you have on your things to do in Bend checklist, you don’t have to plan your STAY around them. So prioritize your budget and comfort when it comes to accommodations! Below are some of the lodging options I have stayed in the past and recommend!

• The Camp Bend: SUPER cute mini trailers, and has RV/van hookups as well if you bring your own!
• Loge Bend: One of my favs, and has rental equipment for outdoorsy things to do in Bend! Highly recommend for solo travelers as they host experiences such as food truck crawls and movie nights.
• A Regular Degular Hotel: Nothing special here, I stayed in a few downtown hotels and nothing bad to report. Solid option and close to a lot of things to do in Bend.
• Cabin/House Rental: The best option for larger groups. Check out my Airbnbs in Bend post for some cool rentals to check out.

WHAT TO EAT

Bend has a great food scene. You might not expect it because…you know…middle of OREGON and whatnot, but this small city as really grown into its own kitchen. If you’ve read any of my other travel guide posts, you won’t be surprised when I say that eating your way through the city is one of the best things to do in Bend. In any city, really.

Well, some places…ermm…might be better to have your own kitchen….

But I digress…

For Bend specifically, that is not the case and there’s a ton of food options. That said, they’re so good that I find myself repeatedly going back to my favorite restaurants time and time again. So hopefully you’ll like some of them too!

Disclaimer: As usual…please keep in mind that I’m not a food blogger, okay? Heck, I don’t claim to be good at ANY type of photography – least of all food. So don’t judge the following establishments based on my shotty angles and bad lighting. The TASTE is what’s important!!!

BREAKFAST

Breakfast is the best way to start ANY day. And probably one of the things to do in Bend that won’t require safety equipment. Probably. I will say if you’re visiting on the weekends, either arrive early, or expect a wait.

However, sometimes you just don’t have time for a full on sit down restaurant. I get it. Especially on the mornings when you’re waking up for a sunrise hike (more power to ya, couldn’t be me). In that case, check out my blog post on the best cafes and coffee in Bend (coming soon). I went to every single one on that list and STAND BY IT. That caffeine will keep ya movin’

• Sparrow Bakery: A great spot for coffee as well! I’d recommend their croissant sandwiches.
• Fix and Repeat: Amazing plant-based bfast/brunch spot. Hands down recommend getting one of their toasts or a macro bowl. Pet-friendly as well!
• CHOW: I always save CHOW for my last Bend breakfast, and I always get a breakfast burger. They also have gluten free and vegan options.

LUNCH

Eating lunch in Bend is a GIVEN!! You’re going to need fuel in between all of the exciting things to do in Bend. Lunch and dinner is arbitrary imo, but I chose lighter options for lunch!

• Spork: I’ve only been to their food cart, but there’s a sit down restaurant as well. Love the rice bowls and the tacos are pretty good too.
• The Lot (food truck pod): Great pod with lots of varying options and open seating. I appreciate that their seating area has heat lamps 🙂
• Podski (food truck pod): Another pod where with really tasty options
• Bo’s Falafel Bowl: No surprise, their falafels are a fan favorite. I personally don’t like falafel’s though and usually get the chicken bowl whomp whomp (it’s good too tho!)

DINNER

Ah yes, and DINNER. Dinner is always a great time because you get to refuel after all the exciting things to do in Bend. Make sure to double check opening and closing times!

• Hola: I think it’s a local chain, but it’s really good Mexican-Peruvian cuisine! Large portions, just a heads up!
• Wild Rose: REALLLY good Thai food, specifically Northern Thai cuisine. HIGHLY recommend making reservations for dinner as they’re usually booked. If you’re ever in Port Townsend, be sure to check out their other (and first!) restaurant Khu Larb Thai.
• Miyagi Ramen: Their ramen really hits the spot if you’re visiting in the winter. They also have vegan ramen as well!

DESSERTS AND LIGHT BITES

Yanno, I’m usually buzzing around hyped up on sugar, but there isn’t a big dessert vibe in Bend. At least, not from what I could find. Bonta Gelato is a good place downtown that I recommend, but that’s honestly the only dessert-y place I’ve been to (and enjoyed) on my trips. If I find any more, I’ll definitely add them in later, but just a heads up that getting sugar high probably won’t be the easiest of things to do in Bend.

The other typa high though……….

Jk, I haven’t gotten high in Bend. BUTTT, if you pass through Portland on your way, you can pick up a few items from these great dispensaries in Portland for some Oregon-grown green. It’s legal in Oregon, and another option for things to do in Bend if you’re into it. Just yanno, sober up before heading off for other things to do in Bend.

THINGS TO DO IN BEND

Omg, FINALLY right?? About freaking time – we made it to the things to do in Bend portion of this post. Honestly, probably the only information you actually wanted anyway.

WELL TOO BAD ITS A PACKAGE DEAL.

I mentioned earlier that Bend was one of the first places where I felt outdoor activities felt readily accessible to newbies and people were encouraged to try their hand at new sports. Aka, I could be absolutely TERRIBLE and not feel like people were laughing at me. In fact, if I had trouble with something, more often than not a more experienced person would ask if I wanted a bit of advice that helped them out back in the day. As someone relatively new to being “outdoors,” I appreciated the more casual approach. Not every destination known for outdoor sports is like that.

I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love Moab, Utah, but…I felt more intimidated there compared to Bend.

The nice thing about Bend was that I didn’t feel silly or ridiculous being an absolute beginner and trying out all of the outdoorsy things to do in Bend because there were lots of other beginners there doing the same thing. I never felt like I was bothering the guides or instructors when I asked for extra clarification or help.

Are These Sporty Activities Fat Friendly???

Well. I am not someone with the authority to speak on this first hand.

I do know however that there is stigma towards plus sized people in the outdoor arena, AND a lot of tangible barriers that exclude larger people and those with limits to mobility or flexibility. I mean, for one, some outdoor gear brands don’t even make clothing sizes larger than an XL, not to mention boots and bindings only fitted to smaller calves. Snow sports are notoriously fatphobic with their gear, so it might be helpful to reach out to gear rentals about sizing beforehand.

Just because some of my friends didn’t experience any trouble, or that I didn’t notice any ill-will towards them because of their weight, it doesn’t mean it isn’t there at all.

If you are nervous or hesitant about getting into outdoor sports, either from the social aspect or what kind of gear that may work for you, I recommend the following the accounts below (also, follow them regardless because they’re great and I always enjoy their content):

• Unlikely Hikers
• Fat Wander Babes

High Desert Museum

Okay, remember when I stopped doing side deviations and started talking about things to do in Bend? Yeah, me either.

Kidding kidding, imma get to it right now.

ALRIGHT, so let’s start with museums, yeah? My favorite in the city is the High Desert Museum. You’ll probably see it recommended on all of the things to do in Bend lists, but it’s for good reason and it’s absolutely NOT overrated.

It of course goes over the usual geology and environment of Bend and central Oregon, but I really liked that they specifically addressed Bend (and Oregon’s) Indigenous history and peoples. It also touched on the discrimination and violence that the US government and settlers enacted upon Native communities. Then it goes into how that all impacted Bend’s modern history.

They also have pretty dope rotating/guest exhibits. When I visited, there was a whole exhibit dedicated to Burning Man! The cafe is pretty limited, so personally I wouldn’t plan on eating there. The gift shop is pretty nice though. Personally, my favorite were the little desert foxes…but you’ll see what I mean when you get there.

Hiking

For sure, hiking is definitely one of the best things to do in Bend. There are more trails in Bend than stars in the sky. TRULY. I’ve been on a few, but, since I am me, I never take very detailed notes on hikes because I am usually struggling not to give up. Combined with being chronically under-prepared for hikes (see picture above of me and my crew showing up in tanks when there was snow on the ground), I don’t have a ton of great info on Bend hikes.

That’s where my lovely blogger friends come in!! Below I will link a few of their posts about favorite hikes in or around Bend (as soon as they check their messages haha). Take a gander and for sure add one (or more) into your Bend itinerary.

Just, yanno, check the weather beforehand.

• Blue Basin Overlook Trail (3 miles)
• Tumelo Falls (5 miles)
• Broken Top (15.2 miles)

Last Blockbuster

Ah yesss Blockbuster. One of the kitschiest things to do in Bend. AND ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITES. If you didn’t know, the LAST remaining Blockbuster is located in Bend, Oregon.

And YES. It is a functioning Blockbuster.

One day, I’ll go into how and why this became the last Blockbuster, but I’ve taken up too much of your time already. So I’ll just say you should visit, maybe rent a movie or two to watch at your Airbnb for old times sake (yanno, if your laptop even has a CD drive…) and pick up some classic snacks for the road. Besides, having a chill night in isn’t just reserved for things to do in Bend – I do it during all my trips!

At the very least, take a picture in front of the sign!

Splash Around on the Deschutes River

If you’re visiting in the summer and aren’t deathly afraid of water, I’d say you owe it to yourself to try your hand at a water activity on the Deschutes River. It’s one of the best things to do in Bend, and not something you can do in every city. The Deschutes River runs right through Bend, providing the perfect opportunity for a bunch of gear rental spots to pop up along the banks! The river is also pretty calm in a lot of spots (and not too deep!), but rental spots can point out where to go if you want more of a challenge.

Specifically, two things to do in Bend on the Deschutes River that I recommend would be kayaking and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). It’s SO fun, especially on a hot summer’s day, and perfect for groups! I’ve always rented from Tumalo Creek, the Industry Way location. It’s great because it’s right on the river so you don’t have to worry about transporting the kayak/board/canoe/tube floaties across town. In fact, they put you IN the water if you need help, so it’s super beginner-friendly!

The last time I rented, it was about $45 per person for a 2-hour kayak, SUP board, or canoe rental, which also includes life jackets, paddles, and a tutorial and tips for beginners. There are a few rental spots that are around $40 per person, but the added convenience of Tumalo Creek being right on the water makes up for the $5 for me!

Bend Ale Trail

I have to be honest. I’m not a beer person. Those are stock photos.

Sorry I’m a fraud.

BUT, this is one of the most popular things to do in Bend, so I didn’t want to leave it out. Basically all of Oregon is really into beer, ale, craft and micro brews. If all of those are the same thing, forgive me, I’m just throwing out words that I’ve heard. Bend is an extension of that, with breweries on practically every street corner. So, it should come as no surprise that going on an ale crawl is one of the best things to do in Bend! If you like ale.

To embark on this brew journey, download the free Bend Ale Trail app or pick up a paper passport from the Bend Visitor Center. Then you can (responsibily) check out over 30 breweries, 17 other fermented specialties (kombucha, wine, etc – which I also do not like), and even 21 spots for the perfect food and beverage pairing. These places cover seven different “territories” in the Bend area, so there’s a lot of ground to cover.

If you manage to visit all of the breweries in one area, you get a prize! In fact, you get a prize for EACH territory you “complete,” and a grand prize when you visit every brewery in all seven territories. On top of that, there is a prize for visiting all 17 “drinkable diversions” spots (the other fermented establishments), and even a prize for your designated driver because safety is always the number one priority!

If you happen to complete a territory during the month of November (which is Bend’s official Bend Ale Trail Month), you also get a limited edition prize on top of whatever you would normally get. It’s a lot of beer, but a lot of fun too. And don’t worry, you don’t have to drink them all in one go. This is one of the things to do in Bend where there is no time limit, so for the sake of your liver, feel free to take months or even years!

Mt. Bachelor

Absolutely LOVE hitting up Mt. Bachelor, and it’s one of my favorite things to do in Bend in the winter. My first experience with skiing was up at Mt. Hood (about an hour outside of Portland), but the first time I got on a snowboard was at Mt. Bachelor, and it blew my mind. Much prefer it over skiing, but that’s just personal preference.

If you, or anyone in your group, have never done any kind of winter sport, I think it’s helpful to sign up for a beginner’s class, just to learn how lifts work and how to correctly and safely stand (and eventually fall). You can also rent gear from the lodge directly, though it may be more expensive than renting from a shop in town and bringing it over – choose your convenience!

Lift Tickets– Single Day

• Adult (19-64): $119
• Teen (13-18) / Senior (65-69): $99
• Youth (6-12) / Senior+ (70 & up): $74

Mt. Bachelor is about a 30 minute drive from Bend, or there are also daily shuttles from Bend to the mountain for about $10 roundtrip. I highly recommend getting your lift tickets in advance online because the prices are more expensive at the mountain.

Shopping

For a place so gung ho about nature and getting outside, you might not have guessed shopping to be one of the top things to do in Bend. But you know what? There’s some REALLY cute boutique shops around Bend. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, window shopping is equally fun! Plus, supporting local businesses is always a cute idea when you travel. These are just a few that I’ve enjoyed popping into over the years.

• Outdoor Ukulele
• Clementine
• Outside In
• Lark
• Jack + Millie
• Scout and Pine
• Wool Town

Smith Rock State Park

Oregon has some drop dead beautiful state parks. Smith Rock State Park just so happens to be my favorite. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Bend, however unfortunately there is not direct bus or shuttle that can take you from Bend to Smith Rock. That said, if you have a car, it’s one of the best things to do in Bend (well, nearby anyway).

Aside from being absolutely stunning, there’s a TON to get into. All those things to do in Bend, like hiking, biking, kayaking, etc….you can do them all at Smith Rock as well. Smith Rock is also one of the best spots in the state for climbing and bouldering. PLUS, there’s horseback riding. I highly recommend checking out Smith Rock Trail Rides if you want to go horseback. They’re super friendly and encouraging, and their horses are very well taken care of. In fact, out of all the horse places I’ve been to (including internationally), they had the happiest (and best groomed!) horsies.

You can probably tell horseback riding is my activity of choice.

Just look how good the owner is at taking pictures!!!! PREP YOUR INSTAGRAM!! But anyways.

There is a $5 day use permit at Smith Rock, which you pay at a kiosk in the parking lot. The park is open year round. Dogs are allowed on-leash, so please pick up after your pups. In the summer, it can get into the triple digits so BRING WATER. I also want to note that getting down to the main river canyon area of Smith Rock State Park is not easily accessible by wheelchairs and strollers.

Nearby Things to do in Bend

If you are looking for more things to do in Bend and around the area, and don’t mind driving out for a day trip, here are a few recommendations I can give to really add to your central Oregon experience!

• Museum at Warm Springs (1hr): Located on the Warm Springs Reservation, it is truly a remarkable museum. Their permanent collection is literally top notch (the Smithsonian quoted it as one of the best!) and their rotating exhibits are always mind blowing. For example, the most recent collection, “Savages and Princesses: The Persistence of Native American Stereotypes,” really dove deep into the driving function of Native American stereotypes and their damaging impact that is still actively harming communities.
• Little Leaf Guide Services (1hr): Also located in Warm Springs, hands down the best fishing guide in the area. Tours run half and full days, and are beginner friendly! Make sure you apply for your fishing permits in advance!
• Painted Hills State Park (1h40): The Painted Hills are just one section of the larger John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. So technically, you could spend a whole day (and more) there exploring everything, but the Painted Hills are the most unique section imo. I’d plan to spend about an hour or so there, two MAX, as it’s not big. Also, disclaimer, the photos really do look like that, but it’s very specific parts, if you know what I mean. So I don’t want to overhype it and get your expectations too high.

ERP What About Racism?

Before you’re all “OH WHYYYY DO YOU HAVE TO BRING RACE INTO EVERYTHINGGG” – let me remind you.

Oregon was admitted into the United States with a clause that made it ILLEGAL to be Black in the state. They literally prohibited Black folks from being in Oregon. Added with the state-sanctioned genocide against Indigenous peoples, multiple massacres of Asian communities who worked on the state’s railways, AND racially targeted deportation…there’s a valid reason why many folks may be hesitant to visit Oregon.

Especially central Oregon, which is seemingly in the middle of nowhere and far away from Portland.

So you want to know the scoop?

Well, hopefully as a tourist, you’ll be fine. While you will probably notice the stark absence of diversity in Bend’s population, for the most part most people are friendly and welcoming. I was pleasantly surprised by how encouraging a lot of rental places were for beginners, and very helpful and thorough when explaining how to operate the equipment and stay safe. That said, as with a lot of smaller cities and towns in Oregon (and even larger ones if you have darker skin), you may get some stares or second glances. Just to give you a perspective, more than 90% of Bend’s population is white.

I have experienced microaggressions in Bend, as I have in a lot of cities in the US. It is what it is. Things like baristas or shop owners reaching for my hair/asking if its “mine,” or people not giving me space on the sidewalk, hiking trail, and common spaces at ski lodges. I’m 100% certain these would be even more common if my skin were darker. When my boyfriend and I went to dinner at Hola, a random dude assumed my boyfriend, who is Mexican, worked there. Things like that.

Outdoor influencer Nelson Holland of Fat, Black and Gettin’ It, was called a racial slur on his visit. If you haven’t traveled much in areas that predominantly excluded Black people (and by extension, loads of other ethnicities)….I want to inform you that microaggressions, and beyond that, can and do happen.

Hopefully though, as a traveler, you shouldn’t have any outright problems.

What about people who LIVE there?? Are they okay???

That said, the situation isn’t the same for non-Anglo residents. It’s one thing to visit a place, hang out with super encouraging and welcoming tour guides and rental equipment employees, and stay occupied doing fun things with fun people.

It’s another thing to live with the not fun nor welcoming people.

Black residents in Central Oregon experience being harassed while driving, called slurs, or intimidated with trucks and revving engines. Late last year (September 2021), Barry Washington Jr, a young Black man, was murdered because Ian MacKenzie Cranston, a white man, got angry that Washington complimented Cranston’s fiancée at a nightclub. High schoolers have reported swastika graffiti and racist Asian caricatures on school grounds.

I don’t say these things to talk you out of visiting Bend, on the contrary, Bend is a great destination overall, but it is something to note. It’s incredibly easy to fall in love with Bend. TRUST ME. But if you are thinking about potentially moving there, or staying for an extended period of time, these are situations you might come across, and that’s just the unfortunate ugly truth about the Pacific Northwest. And, yanno…this country in general.

That said, there ARE multiple programs and organizations ongoing in Bend to help make all residents (and travelers) feel comfortable in their community, such as Embrace Bend and Warm Springs Community Action Team. So, that’s a start. I always enjoy my time in Bend, and EVERYONE should feel comfortable and safe in outdoor spaces, so I am hoping they can get their act together on that front.

THINGS TO DO IN BEND: CONCLUSION

Whew, sorry to end on a not fun note, I do want to reemphasize that I do enjoy Bend, haha. That’s why I keep coming back! That are literally endless things to do in Bend, which make it an amazing destination for people who always need something to do on their itinerary. Or, even if you prefer a more relaxed itinerary, you’ll find that their are things to do in Bend to match any mood.

If you follow any kind of outdoor influencer or photographer, I’m sure Bend has come up on your radar at least a few times, so hopefully my little guide has helped paint a more full picture of the destination for you. If you’re looking to get into outdoor sports, Bend is a great option to try your hand at a lot of new activities with all the things to do in Bend.

To add on to that, I’ve also passed through Bend on my roadtrips to Idaho and the midwest, Northern California, and even on my way to Nevada. So visiting the city and all the fun things to do in Bend is not solely reserved for Bend-specific trips!

Have you ever been to Bend? If you have, what are your favorite things to do in Bend? Also, what’s your season of choice? Did I miss any of your top things to do in Bend? Let me know in the comments below!

If you haven’t been, would you want to? Which of the various things to do in Bend catches your eye? Take me on your next trip!

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