One thing that’s constant in Central Oregon is the changing weather. Each season presents its weather, adventures, and sometimes obstacles. There’s a season for everyone to explore and enjoy! But be sure to check conditions, be prepared, and call ahead for expert local intel so you can have fun, stay safe, and make the most of your time in Bend.
Winter has something for everyone. Wax your skis, dust off the fat bike, and strap on your snowshoes! From snow covered mountains and trails, there’s plenty of winter fun to be had. If you are not a fan of the white stuff, check out Bend’s vast array of breweries and restaurants, as well as the many ways to have family-friendly indoor fun.
Spin the weather wheel of fortune in spring, which comes a little late in Central Oregon. Come April, wildflowers begin to bloom in the Badlands, mountain bike trails start to open up near town, and rivers start to rise. Be prepared for all kinds of crazy weather in the spring, from snow to sunshine to high winds and rain.
Who doesn’t love summer? Hot, sunny days make it the perfect time to float in the cool waters of the Deschutes River, explore the lakes on the Cascade Lakes Highway, mountain bike the ribbons of singletrack in the forest, or enjoy a refreshing beverage in the sunshine.
The shorter days of fall are lit up by brilliant yellow and red leaves on the trees in Drake Park. Solitude is easy to come by, and layering is highly recommended as cool shadows may cast a chill. Sip a Bend ale in the warmth of a fire pit while the sunset creates a backdrop behind the Cascades.
Winter has something for everyone. Wax your skis, dust off the fat bike, and strap on your snowshoes! From snow covered mountains and trails, there’s plenty of winter fun to be had. If you are not a fan of the white stuff, check out Bend’s vast array of breweries and restaurants, as well as the many ways to have family-friendly indoor fun.
Spin the weather wheel of fortune in spring, which comes a little late in Central Oregon. Come April, wildflowers begin to bloom in the Badlands, mountain bike trails start to open up near town, and rivers start to rise. Be prepared for all kinds of crazy weather in the spring, from snow to sunshine to high winds and rain.
Who doesn’t love summer? Hot, sunny days make it the perfect time to float in the cool waters of the Deschutes River, explore the lakes on the Cascade Lakes Highway, mountain bike the ribbons of singletrack in the forest, or enjoy a refreshing beverage in the sunshine.
The shorter days of fall are lit up by brilliant yellow and red leaves on the trees in Drake Park. Solitude is easy to come by, and layering is highly recommended as cool shadows may cast a chill. Sip a Bend ale in the warmth of a fire pit while the sunset creates a backdrop behind the Cascades.
Mt. Bachelor generally opens around Thanksgiving every year and has one of the longest seasons of any ski resort in the United States. With over 400 inches of annual snowfall and more than 4,300 skiable acres, Mt. Bachelor’s nordic and alpine skiing is some of the best around. Be sure to check Mt. Bachelor’s webcams before heading up to the mountain as conditions can vary greatly from what is happening at your vacation rental or hotel in Bend.
Meissner Nordic, located at the Virginia Meissner Sno-Park, 14 miles from Bend, is a community supported ski area. Trails are groomed daily, conditions permitting, providing 47km of skate and classic track, as well as ungroomed classic trails. Weather and trail grooming reports can be viewed on their website.
Central Oregon Avalanche Center (COAC) has a network of properly-trained avalanche and winter conditions experts and a weather station in the heart of the Central Oregon backcountry to help you decided if today is a safe day to head into our backcountry. As always, when you head into the backcountry, make sure you’re prepare for the unexpected. Always carry a beacon (and know how to use it), a shovel and an avalanche probe in addition to the remaining ten essentials. Travel with a buddy, and know what to do if things go wrong.
Bend’s fat bike trails are groomed out of Wanoga Sno-Park in the wintertime, conditions permitting, making for a truly unique biking experience. Traditional mountain biking trails, such as those accessible from Maston trailhead, Horse Butte or Horse Ridge areas, are often ridable in the winter. BendTrails has updated trail conditions, so if the trails are muddy or snow-covered, please stay off of them and practice proper trail etiquette.
Mt. Bachelor generally opens around Thanksgiving every year and has one of the longest seasons of any ski resort in the United States. With over 400 inches of annual snowfall and more than 4,300 skiable acres, Mt. Bachelor’s nordic and alpine skiing is some of the best around. Be sure to check Mt. Bachelor’s webcams before heading up to the mountain as conditions can vary greatly from what is happening at your vacation rental or hotel in Bend.
Meissner Nordic, located at the Virginia Meissner Sno-Park, 14 miles from Bend, is a community supported ski area. Trails are groomed daily, conditions permitting, providing 47km of skate and classic track, as well as ungroomed classic trails. Weather and trail grooming reports can be viewed on their website.
Central Oregon Avalanche Center (COAC) has a network of properly-trained avalanche and winter conditions experts and a weather station in the heart of the Central Oregon backcountry to help you decided if today is a safe day to head into our backcountry. As always, when you head into the backcountry, make sure you’re prepare for the unexpected. Always carry a beacon (and know how to use it), a shovel and an avalanche probe in addition to the remaining ten essentials. Travel with a buddy, and know what to do if things go wrong.
Bend’s fat bike trails are groomed out of Wanoga Sno-Park in the wintertime, conditions permitting, making for a truly unique biking experience. Traditional mountain biking trails, such as those accessible from Maston trailhead, Horse Butte or Horse Ridge areas, are often ridable in the winter. BendTrails has updated trail conditions, so if the trails are muddy or snow-covered, please stay off of them and practice proper trail etiquette.
