Things to Do in Bend, Oregon:
Your Complete Adventure Guide

Why Bend, Oregon Should Be Your Next Adventure Destination

Nestled in the heart of Central Oregon at the base of the majestic Cascade Mountains, Bend has earned its reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most exciting outdoor recreation hubs. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, stunning high desert landscapes, and endless adventure opportunities, Bend offers something for everyone—from adrenaline junkies to families seeking memorable experiences.

Whether you’re drawn to thrilling ATV tours through volcanic landscapes, world-class mountain biking, craft beer tastings, or simply floating down the Deschutes River on a sunny afternoon, this comprehensive guide will help you discover all the incredible activities and attractions that make Bend truly special.

Top Outdoor Adventures in Bend

1. ATV & UTV Tours Through the Cascades

Experience Bend’s backcountry like never before with guided or self-guided ATV adventures through the Deschutes National Forest. These thrilling tours take you through volcanic landscapes, past alpine lakes, and across lava fields that showcase Central Oregon’s unique geological history.

What to Expect:

  • Navigate scenic trails through pine forests and volcanic terrain
  • Visit hidden gems like lava tube caves and mountain viewpoints
  • Spot wildlife including deer, elk, and various bird species
  • Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Cascade peaks

Octane Adventures offers both guided tours with expert local guides and self-guided rental options with GPS-equipped vehicles, making it easy for everyone from beginners to experienced riders to explore this incredible landscape. Tours range from 2-hour scenic excursions to full-day backcountry adventures.

Best Time: March through November for ATV tours

2. Snowmobile Adventures in Winter Wonderland

When winter blankets Central Oregon in snow, the adventure doesn’t stop—it transforms! Snowmobiling offers an exhilarating way to explore thousands of acres of pristine winter wilderness around Mount Bachelor and the Newberry Volcanic Monument.

Highlights Include:

  • Groomed and backcountry trails through snow-covered forests
  • Access to remote areas and stunning mountain vistas
  • Stops at scenic overlooks and frozen waterfalls
  • Options for all experience levels, from beginners to experts

Octane Adventures snowmobile tours operate from December through April, offering 2-hour introductory rides and extended 4-hour expeditions that include stops at mountain lodges for warm refreshments.

Pro Tip: Sunset snowmobile tours provide spectacular views of the Cascades bathed in golden hour light.

3. Hiking & Trail Exploration

Bend’s hiking scene is legendary, with trails ranging from easy riverside walks to challenging mountain summit ascents.

Must-Visit Hiking Destinations:

  • Smith Rock State Park (30 minutes north): This world-renowned climbing destination also features spectacular hiking trails like the Misery Ridge Trail, offering dramatic basalt cliff views and the winding Crooked River below.

  • Tumalo Falls: An easy-to-moderate 7-mile trail leads to this stunning 97-foot waterfall, with multiple viewpoints along the way. Accessible year-round, including winter snowshoeing.

  • Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint: A quick climb right in Bend rewards you with 360-degree panoramic views of the Cascade peaks, including Mount Bachelor, Three Sisters, and Mount Jefferson.

  • Green Lakes Trail: This challenging 9-mile hike in the Three Sisters Wilderness leads to pristine alpine lakes surrounded by volcanic peaks and wildflower meadows.

  • Deschutes River Trail: Perfect for families, this paved and natural trail runs along both sides of the Deschutes River through Bend, offering easy access and beautiful water views.

Hiking Tip: Summer and fall offer the best conditions for high-elevation trails, while lower-elevation hikes remain accessible year-round.

4. Mountain Biking Paradise

With over 300 miles of singletrack trails, Bend is consistently ranked as one of North America’s top mountain biking destinations.

Top Biking Areas:

  • Phil’s Trailhead: The crown jewel of Bend’s mountain biking, featuring flowy trails for all skill levels

  • Wanoga Trail System: High-elevation routes with stunning Cascade views

  • Shevlin Park: Family-friendly trails with beautiful Tumalo Creek scenery

  • Ben’s Trail: Technical challenges for experienced riders

Bike rentals and guided tours are readily available throughout Bend, with shops providing trail maps and local insider tips.

5. Water Activities on the Deschutes River

The Deschutes River is the heartbeat of Bend, offering cooling summer fun and scenic beauty.

Popular Water Activities:

  • River Floating/Tubing: The quintessential Bend summer experience! Float from Riverbend Park to Drake Park, passing through the Bend Whitewater Park for optional mild rapids. Rental shops and shuttle services make this effortless.

  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Calm river sections and nearby alpine lakes like Sparks Lake offer perfect paddling conditions with mountain backdrops.

  • Kayaking: From gentle river paddles to whitewater adventures on class III rapids, options exist for all skill levels.

  • Fishing: The Deschutes is renowned for trout fishing. Guided fly-fishing tours help beginners learn the art while experienced anglers can access premium spots.

Season: Prime water activities run May through September, with peak season in July and August.

Winter Activities (Beyond Skiing)

6. Snowshoeing Through Silent Forests

Snowshoeing provides peaceful winter exploration accessible to all fitness levels.

Best Snowshoeing Locations:

  • Swampy Lakes Sno-Park: Beginner-friendly loops under 2 miles
  • Tumalo Falls: Winter wonderland with frozen waterfall views
  • Kapka Sno-Park: Dog-friendly trails with varying difficulty

Guided snowshoe tours with naturalist guides offer insights into winter ecology and wildlife tracking.

7. Ice Skating

The Pavilion: Central Oregon’s only NHL-sized ice rink offers public skating sessions, rentals, and special events throughout winter.

Seventh Mountain Resort: Outdoor ice skating under the stars provides a romantic or family-friendly evening activity.

8. Fat Biking on Snow

This growing winter sport allows cyclists to explore groomed snow trails on specially designed bikes with oversized tires. Rentals and guided tours available through local shops.

Cultural & Leisure Activities

9. Bend Ale Trail: Craft Beer Paradise

Bend earned the nickname “Beertown USA” for good reason—with over 30 breweries and cideries, it has one of the highest breweries-per-capita ratios in the nation.

Notable Breweries:

  • Deschutes Brewery (the original)

  • Crux Fermentation Project (rooftop views)

  • 10 Barrel Brewing (family-friendly)

  • Bend Brewing Company (riverside location)

Download the Bend Ale Trail passport to collect stamps and earn rewards as you explore. Many breweries feature food trucks, outdoor patios, and family-friendly atmospheres.

10. Old Mill District Shopping & Dining

This beautifully transformed historic lumber mill complex now houses boutique shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and scenic riverside walks.

Highlights:

  • Tax-free shopping at major retailers and local boutiques
  • Diverse dining from casual to upscale
  • River-adjacent walking paths and parks
  • Year-round events and live entertainment

11. High Desert Museum

This award-winning museum offers interactive exhibits on Central Oregon’s natural history, Native American culture, and wildlife. Live animal presentations featuring birds of prey, porcupines, and otters make it especially engaging for families.

Open year-round | Allow 2-3 hours for a full visit

12. Downtown Bend Art & Culture

Explore downtown Bend’s vibrant art scene with galleries, public sculptures, and the monthly First Friday Art Walk featuring complimentary drinks, live music, and open studios.

Cultural Attractions:

  • Tower Theatre: Historic venue for films and performances

  • BendFilm Festival: Annual October event showcasing independent films

  • Public murals and art installations throughout downtown

 

Unique Bend Experiences

13. Explore Volcanic Wonders

Newberry National Volcanic Monument features:

  • Lava River Cave: Walk through a mile-long lava tube (bring warm layers—it’s 42°F inside!)

  • Big Obsidian Flow: Hike across glittering volcanic glass formations

  • Paulina Falls and Paulina Lake: Scenic crater lake with camping and fishing

[IMAGE: Visitors inside lava tube cave]

14. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

This 66-mile loop road (seasonal, typically June-October) provides access to dozens of pristine alpine lakes, hiking trailheads, and camping areas, with Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters creating a stunning backdrop.

Stop At:

  • Sparks Lake: Stunning reflections of South Sister

  • Elk Lake: Swimming, paddling, and lakeside dining

  • Hosmer Lake: Fly-fishing only, maintaining tranquil atmosphere

15. Stargazing Under Dark Skies

Central Oregon’s high desert location and minimal light pollution create incredible stargazing opportunities.

Best Spots:

  • Pine Mountain Observatory (public viewing nights)

  • Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory

  • Worthy Brewing’s Hopservatory (beer + stars!)

Family-Friendly Activities in Bend

16. Parks & Playgrounds

  • Drake Park: Central riverside park perfect for picnics, with playground and frequent summer concerts

  • Shevlin Park: Natural area with hiking trails and creek play

  • Hollinshead Park: Large playground, sports fields, and disc golf course

17. Sun Mountain Fun Center

Indoor entertainment including mini golf, laser tag, arcade games, and go-karts—perfect for rainy days or evening family fun.

18. Sunriver Resort Area

Just 15 minutes south of Bend, Sunriver offers family-friendly activities including:

  • Bike path network (30+ miles)

  • Sunriver Nature Center

  • Horseback riding

  • Swimming facilities

Seasonal Highlights

Spring (April-May)

  • Wildflower hikes begin

  • ATV Tours at Brasada Ranch start operating

  • Milder crowds before summer rush

  • Last of the ski season at Mount Bachelor

Summer (June-September)

  • Prime time for water activities

  • All hiking trails accessible

  • ATV and UTV adventures in full operation

  • Outdoor concerts and festivals

  • Farmer’s markets and outdoor dining

Fall (October-November)

  • Stunning fall foliage along the Cascade Lakes

  • Ideal hiking weather with cooler temperatures

  • Craft beer festivals

  • Early season snowmobiling begins

Winter (December-March)

  • Snowmobile tours through winter wonderland

  • Skiing and snowboarding at Mount Bachelor

  • Snowshoeing and winter hiking

  • Cozy brewery visits and hot springs

Planning Your Bend Adventure

Getting There

  • By Air: Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), 20 minutes north

  • By Car: 3.5 hours from Portland, 3 hours from Eugene

Where to Stay

Options range from luxury resorts (Tetherow, Sunriver) to budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals throughout Bend and surrounding areas.

What to Pack

  • Summer: Sunscreen, hydration pack, layers (cool mornings/evenings)

  • Winter: Warm layers, waterproof outerwear, traction devices for hiking

  • Year-round: Camera, binoculars for wildlife, sturdy footwear

Permits & Passes

  • Central Cascades Wilderness Permit (for certain high-elevation hikes)

  • Sno-Park Permit (winter parking at trailheads)

  • Oregon State Parks Pass (for some locations)

  • Fishing license (if angling)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Bend, Oregon best known for?
A: Bend is renowned for its outdoor recreation opportunities—including mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and river activities—as well as its thriving craft brewery scene, with over 30 breweries earning it the nickname “Beertown USA.”

Q: How many days should I spend in Bend?
A: A minimum of 3-4 days allows you to experience Bend’s top attractions, but 5-7 days provides time to explore more deeply, take day trips to nearby areas, and truly relax into the Bend lifestyle.

Q: What are the best outdoor activities in Bend?
A: Top outdoor activities include  ATV tours through volcanic landscapes, mountain biking on 300+ miles of trails, hiking to waterfalls and mountain peaks, floating the Deschutes River, and winter snowmobile adventures.

Q: Is Bend good for families?
A: Absolutely! Bend offers numerous family-friendly activities including easy hiking trails, river floating, parks, the High Desert Museum, and family-welcoming breweries with outdoor spaces.

Q: When is the best time to visit Bend?
A: Bend shines year-round! Summer (June-September) is ideal for water activities and hiking. Winter (December-March) is perfect for snow sports. Spring and fall offer milder crowds and pleasant weather.

Q: What makes Bend different from other mountain towns?
A: Bend uniquely combines high desert sunshine (300+ days/year), diverse volcanic landscapes, extensive outdoor recreation, and an urban culture with craft breweries, dining, and arts—all without the pretension of some mountain resort towns.

Q: Can beginners do ATV tours in Bend?
A: Yes! Octane Adventures offers tours suitable for all experience levels, with automatic transmission vehicles, safety training, and guided options that let beginners safely explore the backcountry.

Q: Are dogs allowed on trails in Bend?
A: Many trails welcome leashed dogs, including portions of the Deschutes River Trail, Shevlin Park, and designated areas in the Deschutes National Forest. Some wilderness areas have restrictions, so always check regulations.

Start Your Bend Adventure Today

From heart-pumping ATV adventures through volcanic landscapes to serene river floats and world-class mountain biking, Bend truly offers something for every type of adventurer. The combination of stunning natural beauty, 300+ days of sunshine, and a welcoming community makes Bend one of the Pacific Northwest’s most compelling destinations.

Ready to experience the thrill of exploring Central Oregon’s backcountry? Book your ATV or snowmobile tour with Octane Adventures and discover why Bend is known as the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or an extended vacation, this comprehensive guide ensures you won’t miss any of Bend’s incredible activities and attractions. Start planning your Bend adventure today!