Just because it’s mid-August and the kids are close to going back to school doesn’t mean there isn’t enough time left for a summer getaway to Bend. Summer here lasts well into September, so there are still plenty of chances to get up hiking in the Three Sisters Wilderness, mountain biking at Phil’s, or seeing your favorite band at the amphitheater.
If you’re visiting and paralyzed by what to do to make the most of your time, here are some ideas for exploring the best that Bend has to offer.
Mornings can be filled with outdoor adventures, while the afternoons can be spent visiting a local brewery or wandering through one of Bend’s premier shopping districts.
Let’s get the adventure started in the high desert.
Float the Deschutes River
There is no more quintessential summer activity in Bend than grabbing a tube and floating the Deschutes River. It’s such a big deal here that all you have to do is show up, and there are companies that will handle everything else for you.
That includes tube rentals and a shuttle back to the start, so you don’t have to worry about moving cars or walking back with a bulky tube.
The float takes around two hours, which is the perfect amount of time in the chilly waters of the Deschutes.
Hike Tumalo Falls
Located only 25 minutes from downtown Bend, Tumalo Falls is a must-visit destination on any summer trip. This nearly 100-foot tall waterfall is tucked back in a picturesque setting and is surrounded by trails that can take you on a 1/4 mile to 10+ mile hike.
If you choose to hike beyond the falls you can find a number of other smaller waterfalls along the sleepy trail that doesn’t see much traffic beyond the occasional mountain biker or trail runner.
Explore the High Desert Museum
The High Desert Museum, just south of town, celebrates all the things that make the High Desert an amazing place to live.
Interactive exhibits give visitors a glimpse into the history of the area, and outdoor exhibits feature some of the animals that can be found in the forest and rivers.
Don’t miss the lumberjack demonstrations where they saw logs using a working antique sawmill.
Visit the Bend Farmers Market
Despite Bend being in the high desert, it still has a thriving agricultural scene that is on display at its weekly farmers markets.
The downtown market on Wednesday highlights food products only, with farms, bakeries, ranchers, and other small artisans selling their wares in the heart of Bend.
Come the weekend you can head up to Northwest Crossing for Bend’s largest farmers market. Here you can listen to live music, grab a bite to eat, pick up your produce for the week, and browse art, clothing, and other wares produced locally.
Cycle the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a 60+ mile long road that runs from Bend up through the cascades and past numerous lakes and rivers. One of the best ways to enjoy this scenic stretch is on a bike.
With numerous stops along the way at lodges and small shops at lakes like Cultus, Elk, and Lava, there are plenty of places to get water or even grab a bite to eat.
Attend a Concert at the Amphitheater
Hayden Homes Amphitheater sits just across the Deschutes River from the Old Mill District and is the go-to date night spot for parents all across Bend. For any given show, especially ones from Bands that rose to prominence in the 90s or early 2000s, we can usually expect to run into numerous friends all enjoying the same evening out on the town.
If you pay a visit to the amphitheater you may notice a large number of folks setting up shop on the river to listen to that night’s tunes. Not a bad way to spend the evening!
Go Hiking at Smith Rock State Park
Located just 30 minutes north of Bend, Smith Rock State Park may just be the most beautiful spot in all of Central Oregon. With its dramatic basalt cliffs rising up from the Crooked River this is an incredible place to hike.
Hikes here range from mild out-and-backs along the river to calf burners up and over Misery Ridge. For a truly epic day, combine Misery Ridge with a loop that takes you up the Summit Trail for top-down views of the entire park.
Visit Crux Fermentation Project
Crux Brewing is Bend’s de-facto summer go-to spot. With a massive outdoor lawn area, food trucks, and an impressive beer list, you can always count on a good time with an evening at Crux.
While the views have been somewhat diminished by recent nearby developments, the vibe is still strong. Just watch out for loose kids who may run directly into the path of your cornhole game.
Explore the Lava River Cave
On the hottest summer days in Bend, there is no better way to beat the heat than to head underground, where the air is always cooler.
Lava River Cave is located just south of Bend and leads visitors nearly a mile underground from the entrance. Equipped with only a lantern or flashlight, you can experience true darkness in the heart of this massive lava tube.
Dress warm, as even during the warmest of days, the cave stays chilly at 42 degrees.
Paddleboard at Sparks Lake
Sparks Lake is easily one of Central Oregon’s most beautiful lakes, with its unique rock formations and setting just behind Mt. Bachelor.
Beware, though, as this lake has no natural inflows and sits atop porous lava rock which means its water level slowly goes down as the summer goes on. Finding a suitable channel for a paddleboard can become difficult later in the summer months although the deeper parts of the lake remain paddleable throughout the season.
Visit the Old Mill District
Once an old logging mill (hence the name), the Old Mill District is now Bend’s go-to shopping and entertainment district with no shortage of restaurants, entertainment venues, and stores.
With shops like REI, Anthropologie, Kara’s Kitchenware, Confluence Fly Shop, and Sephora, there is a little something for everyone (hint: the fly fishing shop also has a bar that serves up a nice selection of local microbrews).
Hike the Deschutes River Trail
The Deschutes River Trail runs from Bend all the way south to Sunriver and is a favorite for dog walkers, hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. Its easy grade and generally smooth surface make it ideal for the whole family to get out and enjoy the sights.
Along the way, you can explore sloughs, waterfalls, and huge aspen groves that turn a brilliant golden color come fall.
Try Fly Fishing in the Deschutes River
The Deschutes River is a favorite among fly fishermen for its numerous hatches, which send the local trout into a feeding frenzy.
Along its upper stretches near the Cascade Lakes Highway you’ll find that it is not much more than a small stream whereas heading north towards Warm Springs and Maupin you’ll find stretches that are wide and calm and others that pass through narrow canyons and are only accessible by boat or very determined hikers.
Go Mountain Biking at Phil’s Trail
Mountain biking in Bend and Phil’s Trail go hand in hand. Once nothing more than an unsanctioned trail through the forest, Phil’s Trailhead now serves as the go-to meeting spot for after-work bike rides and visitors looking to ride this famous trail system.
Most of the trails in this area are more the cross-country instead of downhill variety, but with a little exploring, you’ll be able to find a few spots that get the adrenaline pumping.
