As a local of Bend, Oregon, it pains me to reveal this secret, but there is no better time to visit Bend than during the fall months.
Once the calendar rolls past Labor Day, the crowds instantly die down, the days start to cool off, the wildfire smoke begins its slow retreat, and locals head back out to the river, trails, and lakes that have been overrun with visitors for the past 3 months.
Bend is well known as a mountain biking destination, but our high desert environment means that trails can quickly turn into a sandy mess once the rains dry up for the summer.
But come fall, with its cooler days and more frequent showers; the trails turn back into tacky hero dirt that makes biking a dream.
The same goes for the area’s high-elevation trails. During the summer months, they are hot, and the mosquitos can be thick well into August. But in September and October, despite the slightly shorter days, the temperatures are perfect for long-mile days out on the trails, and the peaks are just as baggable.
So, if you’re looking for an excuse to visit Bend in the shoulder season, here are 8 reasons why it’s not just a good idea but the best idea.
Fewer Crowds
This is easily number one on the list. Bend is no doubt a tourist destination, and during the summer months, the town and surrounding areas become a beehive of activity with visitors. Trips to the lake or a float on the river mean you are often sharing the experience with a whole lot of other people.
But come mid-September, there will be plenty of mid-week days when almost no one is on the river, or you’ll be able to visit some of the lesser-known lakes along the Cascade Lakes Highway and enjoy them all to yourself.
Hiking permits to some of the area’s most popular destinations, such as South Sister and Broken Top, become far easier to obtain as well.
Fall Foliage
Central Oregon isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind for folks seeking out incredible fall foliage.
But that should change, as Bend is home to some incredible leaf-peeping spots that will leave you in awe. Starting right downtown in Drake Park, the willows and maples along the river transform the area into a blaze of yellow, orange, and red.
Head up to Shevlin Park, or even better, make a drive out to Camp Sherman to see the larch trees as they transform from a boring-looking evergreen tree into a brilliant golden color. Visit at the right time, and their golden needles will be raining down on the trail, transforming it into a golden path.
Milder Weather
The best weather in Central Oregon occurs between late September and early October, and I am unwilling to budge on that opinion.
The nights are starting to get crisp, especially at higher elevations, yet there is still abundant sun, and the days are still warm. Everything about this time of year is absolutely perfect for getting outside and exploring.
Perfect Mountain Biking
October is THE premier mountain biking month in Central Oregon. All the trails are open, the days are cool, we’ve most likely gotten a few rains that have knocked down the dust, and the mosquitos are done for the year.
Add in the fact that the trail traffic is probably half of what you’ll encounter during the summer months, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect month of bike riding.
Head up to the higher elevation trails before the snow hits and watch as fall slowly creeps across the landscape. But don’t wait too long—we’ve been skiing before Halloween in recent years!
Amazing Camping
Fall weekends are our favorite time of the year to go camping, hands down.
With no bugs to worry about (aside from those pesky ground hornets that get a wee bit aggressive this time of year) and cool nights that won’t leave us sweating in our tent, this is the perfect time to head out to the forest for a few nights.
There are dozens of campgrounds to choose from in the mountains and along the rivers around Bend. And while we won’t give up our favorite spots, there are very few where you can go wrong.
Fresh Hops
September means the arrival of fresh hop season for beer lovers across the Pacific Northwest. Bend is no exception as brewers across town roll out a whole host of fresh hop beers that now extend beyond just IPAs.
Sisters holds an annual fresh hops festival, which is a great way to taste a collection of fresh hop beers from around the region.
Prime Fishing
Central Oregon has no shortage of beautiful outdoor places, but for my money, it doesn’t get any better than fall along the Metolius River. Add in world-class fly fishing, and you have a combination that will have you coming back year after year.
But the Met isn’t the only amazing fishing spot around the high desert. Rivers like the Fall and Deschutes also offer incredible scenery to go along with amazing trout fishing.
Incredible Golfing
Bend’s world-class golf courses are playable nearly year-round. If you don’t believe me, go drive by one of the area courses on an unseasonably warm February day, and you’ll see.
But for my money, there is no better time than mid-fall. The sweltering days of summer are behind us, yet the chilly mornings still warm up quickly once the sun comes up.
You’ll find there to be far less competition for tee times as well, so grab the clubs and practice shanking a few drives into the bushes.
