Friday, March 29, 2024


FUN AND ADVENTUROUS THINGS YOU CAN DO IN BEND OREGON

Bend is often called the “Outdoor playground in the West” for a good reason. This little piece of paradise is…

By Chan , in Travel , at December 1, 2022

Bend is often called the “Outdoor playground in the West” for a good reason. This little piece of paradise is worth a visit when you’re on a trip to Oregon. It boasts beautiful hiking trails, old-growth pines, and lava tube formations surrounded by the snowcapped Cascade Mountains. While taking in the stunning scenery, we enjoyed a wonderful tour that included hiking, biking, and sampling microbreweries. These are the top things to do in Bend, Oregon, to make the most of your time there. Bend offers it all: fishing, golfing, hiking, biking, and rafting.

These are the Best Things to Do in Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon, is known for its beautiful scenery and year-round outdoor activities. You can dine in award-winning restaurants or relax at the spa. Or, you can climb South Sister, Oregon’s third-highest peak. Where will you go on your Bend adventure? Continue reading to learn more about these Bend activities and places.

Bend, Oregon:

Bend, Oregon, is located in central Oregon at the Deschutes River’s foothills. It is located three hours southeast of Portland. We drove through Oregon to visit Bend and were able to easily explore the State Parks, historic sites, and foothills of the Cascade Mountains. You can compare rental prices at RentaCars.com. Bend is also accessible by flying into Roberts Field Airport (RDM).

Take the Misery Ridge Trail to Smith Rock

The best thing to do in Bend, Oregon, is not in downtown Bend, but just 20 minutes away. Smith Rock State Park drew us to Bend at the top of our list. Smith Rock State Park has some of the most beautiful hiking in Oregon. The Misery Ridge Loop Trail is one of the top hikes in the park. This steep, fun hike takes you up a rock path with stunning views of the high desert landscape.

It is worth the climb to the top at Misery Ridge. Each stop is a postcard-perfect. The park’s rock formations can be seen from the top of the mountain. The Monkey Face rock formation is the highlight of this trail. It is a 350-foot-high rock spire that resembles a monkey’s face. Climbers love to climb it.

Rock Climbing

Smith Rock State Park is the perfect place for rock climbing. Although there are some accessible routes that beginners can try, Smith Rock State Park is a popular spot for expert climbers. Smith Rock has some of the most challenging sports and traditional ways worldwide.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

The Newberry National Volcanic Monument spans 54,000 acres in the Deschutes National Forest and is a stunning outdoor destination. It’s home to cinder cones, lava flows, lakes, and Paulina Peak, 7985 feet (2433 meters). This natural area is located south of Bend and offers many activities.

Explore Lava Tubes

The Newberry National Volcanic Monument is home to 1,000-year-old lava tubes. They are located just outside Bend. There are only 400 lava tubes within Deschutes County, which includes the communities of Bend and Sisters. However, not all are accessible to the public. We visited the caves with Wanderlust Tours. Going on adventures with them is excellent, as they take you off the public tours.

This Lava Rush Road Adventure is a unique way to visit Newberry National Volcanic Monument. You’ll drive a four-wheel Polaris XP1000 through ancient volcanic lava flows, buttes, and other obstacles. This highly-rated tour is suitable for all ages if you want to see the lava fields in Bend, Oregon. This tour includes hikes of just 2 miles that allow you to explore Central Oregon’s geological history.

Boyd Lava Tube

Wanderlust tours explored Boyd Lava Tube. It took us off the beaten track and into caves where they were the only operators to enter. This cave, which measures 1880 feet in length, is located 12 miles from Bend. It’s a fascinating place to visit. Tour tours allow you to explore the entire 1800 feet (600m) underground. We had to squeeze and scramble through narrow openings and large caverns. Find out more. Exploring the Lava Tubes in Bend, Oregon

Lava River Cave

Deschutes National Forest is home to this popular lava tube. Lava River Cave can be accessed on your own. To explore this underground cavern, you will need to descend 150 steps. You will need a flashlight, a jacket, and sturdy shoes.

Tumalo Falls

Bend is well-known for its hiking trails. It would help if you did not miss the hike to Tumalo Falls. You don’t have to hike, but you can still see the stunning Tumalo Falls cascade from the trailhead.