//
City in Oregon, U.S.
Photo: Xltel, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bend is the county seat of Deschutes County in Central Oregon.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The High Desert Museum is just south of Bend on Highway 97. The High Desert Museum is a great way to gain educational experience about some of the animals and habitat that go along with Central Oregon.
A 500-foot-tall cinder cone in the center of Bend that offers an excellent view of the city and surroundings. Pilot Butte makes Bend one of the few cities in the U.S. to have a volcano within its boundaries. Drive or hike to the top.
See lava flows, explore lava caves and ice caves, fishing for trophy rainbow and brown trout in the two alpine lakes at the Newberry caldera (East Lake & Paulina Lake) and explore the massive Obsidian Flow, where very little has been able to grow for several thousand years. There are hiking trails, camping and resorts. Also snow parks, winter cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Visit the Lava Lands Visitor Center for information.
Smith Rock State Park encompasses 651 acres on the Oregon high desert plateau which hovers around 3000 feet in elevation. The park and campground are open year-round. A $5 day use permit or a current state park camp receipt is needed for each vehicle. A yearly permit is available for $30. Hiking trails offer spectacular views of the surrounding area. You can spend 30 minutes walking along the river or a half day making a loop on the entire trail system that extends outside of the park. The major rock faces are composed of welded tuff (compressed volcanic ash) reaching a height of up to 550 feet. The picnic and campground areas sit on top of the rimrock which is made up of columnar basalt. There are over 1400 climbing routes in and around the park ranging from some of the best sport climbs in the world to. “Why would anyone want to climb that pile of choss”. People climb year-round, but summer temperatures can reach over , and in the dead of winter the thermometer stays close to the freezing mark () during the day. Spring and fall are the most popular climbing months.
The Deschutes features ruggedly beautiful scenery, outstanding whitewater boating, and a renowned sport fishery for steelhead, brown trout, and native rainbow trout. The Upper Deschutes features primarily flatwater boating with limited whitewater and excellent trout fishing opportunities. The Middle Deschutes has excellent hiking opportunities with spectacular geologic formations and waterfalls, but boating is limited. The Lower Deschutes offers the greatest opportunities for whitewater rafting and is one of Oregon's premier steelhead and trout fisheries
These areas are spectacular. Take a drive on the Cascade Lakes Highway and you can go to Sparks Lake, which is ideal for canoeing and kayaking, the Twin Lakes, Elk Lake and more while taking in some beautiful mountain scenery at the same time. Many of these lakes offer fishing, camping, and trailheads for hiking up into the mountains. Along the Cascade Lakes Highway, you can access trailheads as well as snow parks for snowmobiling in the winter.
About 45 minutes outside of Bend, Oregon, on the cascades lake highway. At the lake there are a number of activities and facilities available for tourists, all centered around the crystal clear waters of the lake. At Cultus Lake there are a number of activities available. The resort's main attraction is its water sports. One can rent a number of watercrafts including jet skis, motorboats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and party boats. Gas and oil can be purchased on site. Another popular activity at Cultus is the fishing. The lake is filled with Rainbows, Bass, Mackinaws and Browns. There are also beaches where people can swim and enjoy the water from another perspective. At the lodge there is a restaurant open to the public. They serve a wide variety of food here and it is reasonably priced. One can also purchase groceries, although the selection is limited and prices higher than a supermarket. Cabins are available to rent at Cultus Lake. The cabins are near the lake, and have fireplaces, kitchens and appliances. There are a number of campsites available on and near the lake. They are operated by the National Forest Service, and have a small per night fee. There is running water, toilets and parking available to campers, however there are no RV hook ups.
About 11 miles past Mount Bachelor and just a short drive out of Bend. It is known for its mountain scenery and relaxed atmosphere. It has clear water, making it popular to people seeking water activities. The Lake is 405 acres in size, with a depths ranging from 25-75 ft. The elevation of the resort is about 4884 ft. At Elk Lake, fishing is a popular activity. The lake is filled with Kokanee and brook trout. In the summer months the lake is planted with brook trout. Popular fishing techniques include: still-fishing, trolling and fly fishing. Boating is also permitted at Elk Lake. At the resort there are paddle boat, canoes, and sail boats available to rent. Prices for these boats are fairly reasonable and can be checked out by the hour or by the day. Larger motor boats are not allowed to help maintain the peacefulness on the lake. There are a number of boat docks that surround the lake to make launching a boat relatively easy. Swimming is easily accessible at the sunset and beach areas of the lake. If hiking is your choice there are miles of trails that circle the lake. At the resort there is a restaurant open to the public. It serves a wide variety of food, specializing in their hamburgers. For dessert they have a small ice cream parlor with about a dozen different flavors. There is also a small store where groceries can be purchased. Cabins are available to rent, and can be checked out at the main resort. They vary in size and location. Camping can be done at a number of different sites in the area. The different sites include: Little Fawn Campground, Little Fawn Group Camp, Point Campground, and Elk Lake Campground. There are also areas reserved specifically for day use.
Bachelor is Central Oregon's best Ski/Snowboard mountain. It was home to the Olympic snowboard trials years back as well. When the summit is open (depending on weather) it is some of the best skiing you will find in Oregon with 360-degree access to the entire mountain. The northwest territory is also great with lots of black diamond runs. It's probably not a bad idea to take some 2-way radios for the other members of your party. The mountain is quite big and keeping track of everyone is sometimes difficult.
Great place to go see the stars. Camping available onsite. Check the website to see when the observatory is open or if events are occurring.
formerly Les Schwab Amphitheater
In the summer time Bend offers many Sunday concerts that are performed at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. In the past artists such as Cold Play, Keith Urban, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and Jack Johnson have performed there. Buy tickets at The Ticket Mill store in the Old Mill District, or online. The Amphitheater also hosts the Bend Brewfest each May, with many local and West Coast beers, ciders, and seltzers.
Specializes in Oregon river rafting and Oregon whitewater rafting.
AMGA Accredited guide service. Guiding and instructing at Smith Rock since 1983. Smith Rock's original guide service.
Big Mountain Adventures
Bend scenic helicopter tours, trips and charters. Discover wine tasting helicopter tours, scenic helicopter tours at the Cascade range, outdoor tours and activities year round.
Backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Instruction, tours, ski mountaineering. AMGA accredited guide service.
A great burrito shack on the east side of Bend that offers great food at prices college kids can afford. Louie's has all of the character of the locals and it is a couple hundred yards the base of Pilot Butte.
Great ramen shop centrally located in Bend.
The Sparrow Bakery Northwest is the second of their restaurants in Bend. In addition to Ocean Rolls and breakfast sandwiches, they offer a variety of foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Notable for its world-renowned dark brews, the Deschutes Brewery Public House offers excellent burgers and sandwiches with a laid-back atmosphere in the heart of downtown Bend. (You can also visit the brewery and get a tour of the beer production facilities).
Excellent Northern Thai eatery. Being northern style Thai, their specialties are fried chicken wings and stir fries rather than curries and pad thai that you might get at a typical Thai restaurant.
Founded in 1936, serves classic American entrées made with fresh local ingredients.
A Pacific Northwest regional chain that offers excellent seafood. It has a nice full service bar with about six of the Oregon microbrews on tap. It also has a nice patio area that overlooks the Deschutes River
Try the Acadian Flatbread from the starter list. Good wine list and full service bar.
A wide array of gelato scoops make this a sought-after stop on a hot afternoon.
Goody's is a delightful little candy shop in downtown Bend that offers an array of different sorts of chocolates, candies, milkshakes, ice creams, and popcorn that is perfect for topping off a great meal.
Singles bar in downtown area. This is a late night hot spot in Bend.
Friendly staff, family friendly, consistently fast meal preparation & a local favorite.
Some great seasonal brews as well as six others that are regularly on tap. The facility is in the heart of downtown Bend, which is next to the Deschutes River. Deschutes Brewery's "Mirror Pond Pale Ale" was once voted the number one microbrew in the United States by Men's Journal. Other Deschutes offerings have also won national and international awards. Free daily tours of the brewery at offered at the top of the hour from 1-4PM. Online reservations are encouraged for tours, but walk-ins are allowed if there's room. Known to local college students the brewery burger and a beer sampler gets you fed and watered in style for cheap.
The Bend Brewing Company is another great place to grab a drink right in downtown Bend. BBC has also won several awards for their beers. The riverside pub and restaurant overlooks Mirror Pond.
Huge brewery serves burgers and pizza with lots of indoor or outdoor seating. The observatory ("Hopservatory") on the roof is open after 9PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Serving flights of beer and Latin/Asian fusion dishes.
Serves pizza and burgers alongside flights of beer.
Great beer and good service. Free Wifi. 10 craft beers available. The Hounds Tooth Amber is one of the best around.
Bend's only boutique hotel, with 59 stylish suites. Steam room, sauna, and fitness studio available.
Centrally located to downtown Bend and Highway 97. Pet-friendly, complimentary hot deluxe continental breakfast, complimentary wireless internet access, business center, room service and Black Bear Diner on property.
Several rooms along the Deschutes River, with high definition TVs, fireplaces, spa, full kitchen and business suites. Free American breakfast, outdoor and indoor pools and spas, exercise room, ultra-high speed internet.
Has outdoor pool and hot tub.
Sunriver is the largest resort in Central Oregon. The size of a small town, there are many onsite activities including golf, horseback riding, and a waterpark. Lodging options range from hotel rooms in to rental condos and cabins.
Located between Bend and Redmond, Eagle Crest is known for its three golf courses and wonderful mountain views. The resort has a number of different amenities including, two recreation facilities including racquetball courts, basketball courts, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, weight and cardio center, three pools, two hot tubs (with adult hours only) indoor game room, day spa, café, a mini golf course-that will challenge even the most experienced golfers and a restaurant Niblick and Greenes.
Great resort 15 minutes from ski resort Mt. Bachelor. The resort has two swimming pools, one complete with waterslide and volleyball net. The pool area is accompanied by large hot tubs, a sauna, and dressing rooms. The Inn has lots of activities including white water rafting, hay rides, mountain biking, shuttles to the mountain, and ice skating.
Mt. Bachelor Village is on the way up to Mt. Bachelor and just outside of the city. It's close to the Old Mill District and minutes from downtown. Mt. Bachelor Village has rooms for all from business suits to family condos; during the winter season they have special packages for the winter enthusiast, which could include a ski trip or a snowshoes adventure. Almost all of the rooms face the wild Deschutes River. If you need some exercise, take a walk or run along the river trails, which run right along the river.
Resort and resupply stop near Willamette Pass, PCT mile ~1908 (~1.8 miles off-trail); accepts resupply packages via UPS or FedEx, no hold fee. Restaurant, cabins, showers, laundry on site.
The multinational video-rental giant may have declared bankruptcy in 2010 and shuttered all its corporate-owned retail outlets, but a few hardy franchisees stubbornly held their own — and after the 2019 closure of the Blockbuster in Morley, Australia, Bend's location has become the last remaining one in the world. Stop in to rent a movie, pick up some popcorn or candy, or simply indulge in some nostalgia for those halcyon pre-streaming days.
Outdoor mall that has great shops including REI, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, Gap, a few art galleries, and other great stores.
By car
S. Routes 20 and 97.S. 20 carries traffic from Santiam Pass and the Willamette Valley, and from Burns and southeastern Oregon.S.
By bus
The main bus station for local public transportation and intercity buses is at the Hawthorne Station on NE 4th & Hawthorne (334 NE Hawthorne).
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Redmond · Regional · RDM
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Bend and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
9 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.