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Bend, Oregon
Located at the foot of the Cascade’s east slope, 160 miles southeast of Portland with the Warm Spring
Indian Reservation to go through, Bend is just a three and a half hour drive from Portland. With Mt. Bachelor
to the east, and the Deschutes River running through the center of it all, Bend beckons to the nature and recreation lover in
all of us. Bend celebrates mostly sun-filled days, even after several inches of snow have fallen you'll boundless things to
do.
Mt. Bachelor is a 9,065 foot dormant volcano that cries out to skiers, cross-country skiers, and snowboarders alike. It has
a 3,365-foot vertical drop and is one of the home mountains to the US Ski Team.
In the hush of Drake Park, away from all of the specialty and ski shops, you can picnic and feed the ducks on Mirror Pond. Drake Park
is located in the center of the city, but makes you feel as though there is no one around but the ducks and geese.
If its not picnicking that you are looking for, but more information it’s at the High Desert Museum. You can walk
through dark mining tunnels and visit log cabins, a picture perfect view of the old west. There is also an outdoor exhibit, even
in the winter, including birds of prey, bats, and otters. The museum is open daily.
In November 1990, The Newberry National Volcanic Monument was created within the Deschutes National
Forest. It provides a spectacular way of viewing the Central Oregon lava lands. 7985-foot Paulina Peak is
the tallest point, other than Mt. Bachelor in the area and offers panoramic views of the high desert. There are two alpine
lakes in the area stocked full of salmon and trout. It is hard to imagine as you drive through, that you are actually at the
summit of a 500 square mile volcano that is still seismically and geologically active today. There is also a one-mile long Lava
Cave that was created by molten lava forming one of the longest geologic tubes in Oregon. It maintains a constant temperature
of 42 degrees Fahrenheit, so dress warmly.
There have been a host of new restaurants that have cropped up including the Deschutes Brewery and Public House
on Bond Street, which is both, economically feasible with salmon running just $6.00 and full of Black Butte Porter, a favorite
among Oregonians.. There is also the Cascade Festival of Music in Drake Park, a weeklong adventure in classic to pop music in late August.
There are many outdoor activities to do in Bend. Snowboarding, skiing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and building
snowmen in the perfectly dry snow in the winter. During the summer, you can visit the Bend Chamber of Commerce
for rentals of bikes, kayaks, and canoes. There is also the Deschutes National Fort Headquarters that will give you
information on fishing and wildlife.
For accommodations visit the Riverhouse Hotel, which is a little pricier than most, but has the narrow part of the
Deschutes running right outside your room. For budget conscious travelers there is a hostel and some low-priced
Bed and Breakfast spots. The low-cost priced motels such as the Mill Inn and Edelweiss Motor Inn, running at studio room
rates of $27 per night, doubles $32. Most of the cheapest hotels line Third Street, just outside of the city. If it’s camping
that you are looking for, The Deschutes National Forest has an enormous number of campsites along Cascade Lakes Highway
west of town. These are $8-$12 dollars per night.
Bend is a fast growing city with Oregonians and Californians moving up for its beautiful warmth of heart
and landscape. It is still a quaint city with its beautiful landscape, change of pace, and many outdoor activities. We try to
get to Bendseveral times a year, every time we go, it is definitely a peaceful and refreshing break from city life.
More Information on Bend
Restaurants in Bend
Hotels and motels in Bend