Outdoor Recreation

Oh, and if you love your pets, they will definitely love Bend. There are numerous off-leash dog parks and dog-friendly activities, many of the local pubs in downtown Bend are pet-friendly, and businesses across the city offer all kinds of unique products and services for dogs. Outside of Bend, Central Oregon also has a thriving equestrian scene, the perfect place if you prefer your outdoor fun on horseback.

There’s truly an abundance of activities to consider if you’re living in, visiting, or considering relocating to the area. The following activities are a few of our favorite things to do in Bend Oregon.

The streets, roundabouts, and trails (many of them paved) in Bend are excellent for biking, whether you’re a serious cyclist training for an event or just prefer to use your bike around town. There are constant casual biking groups and events to take part in, as well as more serious races and tours.

Bend is the premiere biking destination of the Northwest and cyclists will feel well at home here (although waiting through the snowy months may take a little patience). In fact, mountain bikers flock from all over the world to experience Phil’s Trail, a complex network of trails named for the local Bendite who carved out the original single track trail. It’s a must-do ride on any mountain bike enthusiast’s bucket list.

Hiking, meanwhile, flourishes both in and around Bend. A system of trails is maintained in the city that thoroughly explores rivers, canyons, and forests and offers amazing desert views. With various walking trails, these are excellent for casual hikes with families that last only an hour or two such as hiking Pilot Butte, and also function as great training loops for athletes and joggers.

• Miser Ridge Trail: For a more difficult hike, read about Misery Ridge Trail at a total of 3.7 miles.
• Deschutes River Trail: On both sides of the river, this trail is a great stroll for scenic views or casual shopping.
• Smith Rock State Park Trails: North of Bend, Smith Rock State Park has a variety of trails ranging from 2.4 miles all the way to the Oregon Coast Trail which is 344 miles.
• Drake Park: Drake Park is perfect for a leisurely stroll, especially if you’re looking for somewhere in Bend with a central location.
• Deschutes National Forest: The large Deschutes National Forest provides Bend with a lot of trails, use the USDA’s interactive map to find the trailheads near Bend.

As always, be sure to read into the trail you are planning on hiking to ensure you’re prepared for the terrain and able to enjoy your hike.

Bend’s powder is the best on the West Coast, making it a popular hub for all kinds of snow sports. As the largest ski resort in Oregon, the ever-active Mount Bachelor is the locus for snowboarding and basic skiing, but that’s just the beginning. Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, and snowshoeing are all popular activities throughout the winter months (there’s also a kid-friendly hockey scene to try out).

If ice sports are your thing, The Pavilion in Bend offers ice skating, ice hockey, and curling for both kids and adults.

Deschutes County is one of Oregon’s most popular destinations for fishing. Thanks to the multitude of lakes and rivers, one can find many species of trout, including rainbows, browns, brooks, and Mackinaw (lake trout) along with kokanee (land-locked sockeye salmon) and largemouth bass. In fact, some of the best fishing in Central Oregon is located in lakes just south of Bend. Make sure you check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to get the proper permits and the Oregon State Marine Board to locate the nearest boat ramp.

Operated by the Bend Parks and Rec Department, the Juniper Swim and Fitness Center is a state-of-the-art, year-round facility with recreational activities for everyone. The center’s aquatic facilities include a seasonal outdoor pool with interactive features and large water slide, a covered and heated Olympic 50-meter pool, and an indoor 25-meter pool with diving boards, a rope swing, and water basketball. The center also features fitness classes, a weight room, and cycling studio.

The Juniper Swim and Fitness Center is located in the beautiful, 22-acre Juniper Park, which offers fitness walking trails around the park, a youth baseball field, four outdoor tennis courts, horseshoe pits, an outside playground and swings, and a picnic area.

It’s common to see beloved dogs swimming in rivers, perched on kayaks, running on trails, and rolling in the snow right alongside their owners. Bend has off-leash dog parks located across the city, with fun water features and separated areas for small dogs. The trails in the city offer complimentary baggies and trash receptacles for easily disposing of waste as well.

There is no shortage of sights to see in and around Bend. Sightsee close by and visit the lava river cave at Newberry National Volcanic Monument or Tumalo State Park. Or, venture farther out to Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Hosmer Lake, Mount Hood, and more. There’s an endless amount of outdoor experiences to explore.

As a popular vacation spot, there are amazing resort options for your vacation or activities in Bend. With scenic surroundings and an abundance of outdoor activities, Bend resorts are perfect for a long stay full of activities both indoor and outdoor. Just to name a few, Sunriver Resort is a beautiful area for horseback riding, pickleball, mountain biking, and tons of other family fun activities. Pronghorn Resort offers similar family activities including pools, biking, and live patio music. Lastly, Seventh Mountain Resort has different warm and cold weather activities including whitewater rafting, ice skating, and skiing. Like we said, there are so many different areas to explore and find the best resort for you and your families vacation.

Not sure where to start? Explore more about Bend and what it would look like Moving to Bend.