Road trip to Bend, Central Oregon
This summer we decided to take a road trip to Oregon from California as it has been on our list of places to explore. It’s about an 8-10 hour drive from Northern California, three hours from Portland and Eugene, and two hours from Crater Lake.
Bend, Oregon is known for its hot summers, natural beauty and epic outdoor adventures. To the west, the Three Sisters and Mount Bachelor are home to sky-high alpine trails which sprawl all throughout the Cascade Range and to the east is the high desert packed with juniper forests and river canyons to explore.
What we discovered during our visit was all of this plus an interesting volcanic environment, delicious food,, fantastic local craft beers and a hipster downtown feel. Just what the doctor ordered after a summer of COVID quarantine!
Did you know that Bend is one of the few USA towns with a dormant volcano on its city limits? Quite fascinating!
Where to Stay in Bend
Bend is pretty small, so you don’t have to worry about being too far from the action no matter the area you stay in.
There are tons of great vacation rentals in the area, which gives you the freedom to relax and unwind in a home-like atmosphere after an adventurous day.
Check out Sunriver Resort and Brasada Ranch for a range of accommodation options.
Favorite Things to do in and around Bend
Besides all the fun activities listed below, we loved visiting the Northwest Crossing Saturday Farmers Market in Bend. Awesome variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and gift items. We bought beautiful candles, awesome vodka, lavender essential oil and lots more goodies.
Tumalo Falls
One of the popular Bend Oregon attractions is Tumalo Falls, a 89 ft. waterfall is right near the parking lot. You can hike five minutes to the top of the waterfall for a different perspective or hike upstream along Tumalo Creek.
There are other trails to smaller waterfalls as well.
Tumalo Falls
Smith Rock State Park
Visiting this state park is one of the best things to do near Bend, Oregon. It is about 30 minutes north of Bend and is a renowned destination globally for world class rock climbing!
Majestic rock spires, the result of hardened ash, lava and debris rise above the winding Crooked River in the high desert.
There are 12 official hiking trails at Smith Rock State Park. Misery Ridge is the most popular as it offers beautiful views from the top; however, pick one that is most appealing to you.
Hiking at Smith Rock State Park
Cascade Lakes
The Cascade Lakes are a collection of lakes in central Oregon. The 12 lakes and two reservoirs are found along the east side of the Cascade Range in Deschutes County, Oregon. The lakes begin west of Mount Bachelor, just beyond the Mount Bachelor ski area. The first lake in the chain is Todd Lake
Todd Lake has a scenic 1.25 mile loop walk around its perimeter. Devils Lake has a stunning mile return hike around a sparkling, spring fed pool of green water and Sparks lake which was a favorite subject of longtime Oregon photographer laureate Ray Atkeson has a short loop hike as well.
Paddle boarding on Lake Todd
Benham Falls
The hike to Benham Falls was on of my favorite things to do in Bend.
It was a fun adventure winding through pretty forest to the Deschutes River at the Benham Falls Trailhead.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is most known for its striking blue water and the two islands in the middle: Wizard Island and Phantom Ship. You'll also find an old growth forest in the park full of popular hiking trails.
Visiting Crater Lake was my absolute favorite thing to do this trip. It took my breath away.
It was created approximately 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama crumpled into a crater.
What's really interesting about the lake is that there are no water streams running in or out of the lake and was filled purely by rainfall and snowfall. It took over 250 years to fill the 1,943-foot deep crater!
Crater Lake
Fly Fishing on the Crooked River
The Crooked River is one of the state’s most popular spots. This small stream is known as a year round fishery and most of the time it lives up to that designation.
We spent four hours on this serene spot fishing and being one with nature. We hired a guide from the Fly Fisher’s Place who outfitted us, provided us with all the gear and licenses.
Fly Fishing, Crooked River
River Float and Rafting on the Deschutes
Floating down the Deschutes on a tube or a raft is one of the most popular activities in Bend. It is also very relaxing and scenic. For a bit more of an adrenaline rush, try river rafting. Based on your level, there is something for everyone.
White water rafting
Floating down the Deschutes
If you make it to central Oregon and try any of these suggested activities, please do leave a comment. I would love to hear from you!