It’s National Great Outdoors Month, and there is no better place to celebrate it than Central Oregon! If you are moving to Bend or recently arrived, you may be wondering what to do in Bend to enjoy the outdoors, explore, and spend time in the warm weather. There’s a long a list! But today we wanted to narrow it down to just a few of our favorite outdoor activities that are perfect for newcomers and everyone living in Bend.
Get Out for a Bike Ride
Bend is home to several biking events for good reason – if you enjoy riding your bike under the sun, then it’s always a commuting option…but there are many recreational biking paths and bikeways that you can try too. One of the most popular is the Twin Bridge Loop, which spans 36 miles and takes you all around Bend with plenty of beautiful vistas. Biking is also a great way to explore the city and find some of your favorite parts! And, of course, if you prefer mountain biking then there are hundreds of miles of trail around Bend that you should try!
Floating the Deschutes River
One of the outdoor activities in Bend that brings everyone together is floating the Deschutes River on a hot day. While many people prefer an inner tube that they can easily carry along with them for repeated trips, there’s also room for paddle boarding, while other sections of the river are excellent for peaceful kayaking. Feel free to bring your pet along if they are happy around water and plenty of other people!
Explore Smith Rock
Smith Rock is an incredibly popular Central Oregon destinations for hiking, camping, climbing, and bouldering, with options for all kinds of people across the incredible basalt edifice. If you’ve been yearning for mountain-related activities but only have a day or two to spare (and don’t want to wait for the Cascade peaks trails to clear), Smith Rock is the perfect choice. It can get a little busy as the weather warms up, so if you prefer to enjoy your activities in solitude it’s best to go during the off-hours.
Hike to the Top of Pilot Butte
If you prefer to start small or have small children to think about, you can scale things down and plan a hike to the top of Pilot Butte instead. It has a central location that you can reach from anywhere in the city, doesn’t take very long to walk up, and offers amazing views of Bend at the top as a reward. Every new Bendite needs to try it!
Plan a Canyon Hike
Spots like the Dry River Canyon Trail (occasionally closed for nesting season, so plan ahead) are an excellent way to enjoy the high desert side of Bend and explore some of the incredible natural beauty around the city. For those who don’t have quite as much time, visit one of Bend’s many parks. River Canyon Park and the Archie Briggs hike are additional options. You’ll get a chance to see desert wildlife while enjoying amazing canyon views – just don’t forget to bring your sunscreen.
As always, if you are looking for relocation services in Central Oregon, Moving To Bend is here to help so you have enough time to plan your own adventures!
