Trail running in Shevlin Park in Bend, OR A ceramic artist in Bend, OR Skiing at Mt Bachelor near Bend, OR
Trail running in Shevlin Park in Bend, OR
A ceramic artist in Bend, OR
Skiing at Mt Bachelor near Bend, OR
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Kara at the pottery wheel in Bend, OR

Bend, Oregon

Bend’s a magical place where the sunsets knock your socks off and lakefront vistas take your breath away.

But let’s get real.

Your socks are the comfy, faded sort more suited for fireside cuddles than ultramarathons. And we’re all more apt to exhale fresh-brewed coffee than perfect minty-freshness.

That’s the beauty of this place.

The everyday people and everyday moments weave a Bend tapestry that’s bright and wild and wonderful. Forget sterile postcard pictures you touch but can’t feel. Bend stirs up feelings so fierce you’ll find yourself staring at snow-capped mountains wondering “is that real?” And one sunny, riverside afternoon, you’ll see chipmunks chasing through the twisty limbs of a ponderosa as you pack up a picnic that—let’s be honest—contained more cookies than veggie sticks.

It’s all good here. So are you, in this spellbinding place where each moment, each sunrise, each snowman sporting a crooked smile, snatches your heart and won’t let go.

The Real Reel

A sit-skier at Mt Bachelor in Bend, OR
Buying a forest pass in the Bend Oregon Visitor Center Bend Visitor Center The official Bend, Oregon visitor guide Bend Visitor Guide Leave No Trace in Bend, OR Leave No Trace Bend Ale Trail logo Bend Ale Trail Fuzzy brown dog at Bevel Brewing in Bend, OR Dog travel in Bend Aerial view of Drake Park in Bend, Oregon in the fall Bend Adventure Journal

The places

A bridge across a creek in Shevlin Park in Bend, OR
Looking at ceramics at Mud Lake Studios in Bend, OR
Aerial view of Elk Lake near Bend, OR
Opening Somewhere That's Green, a plant shop in Bend, OR
Photographing Tumalo Falls in the winter, near Bend, OR
Pouring a taster glass at Bevel Brewing in Bend, OR
A bridge across a creek in Shevlin Park in Bend, OR
Looking at ceramics at Mud Lake Studios in Bend, OR
Aerial view of Elk Lake near Bend, OR
Opening Somewhere That's Green, a plant shop in Bend, OR
Photographing Tumalo Falls in the winter, near Bend, OR
Pouring a taster glass at Bevel Brewing in Bend, OR

Shevlin Park

Shevlin Park is a sparkling jewel in Bend’s impressive roster of city parks. Shevlin comprises nearly 1,000 acres with an amazing diversity of trees, including ponderosa pine, western larch, spruce, and aspen. Tumalo Creek runs through the middle and a popular trail network in and around the park makes it stand out as one of Bend’s best natural experiences.

Parks in Bend

Mud Lake Studios

Mud Lake Studios comprises ceramic studios and a small shop in the Old Iron Works, a rustic industrial district on NE Scott Street. A handful of unique stores and artist spaces are huddled here and it’s a favorite location to see the work of local artists, purchase unique keepsakes from Bend, and relax on the sunny patio snacking on pastries from Cafe Des Chutes.

Arts + culture

Elk Lake

Elk Lake is one of the spectacular lakes found on Cascade Lake Scenic Byway. A small lodge rents out summer cabins and houses a modest restaurant with lakeside seating. Day use areas provide grand mountain views. Visit in the winter, via dog sled, cross-country skis, or snowmobile, for an extra memorable experience.

Lakes near Bend

Somewhere That’s Green / Greenhouse Cabaret

Somewhere That’s Green is a lush oasis of indoor plants in Bend’s Central District. Owner John Kish also operates the Greenhouse Cabaret next door, a small but vibrant drag, musical, and theatrical performance venue. Both spaces embody life, fun, and community.

Shopping in Bend

Tumalo Falls

This 97-foot tall waterfall is a popular destination in the summer, just a few miles out of town in Deschutes National Forest. In the winter, the road to Tumalo Falls is closed to cars, but those who make the two mile trek via fat bike, cross-country skis, or snowshoes, are rewarded with a snowy wonderland.

Waterfalls near Bend

Bevel Brewing

Nate and Valarie Doss, the founders of Bevel Brewing, are celebrated professional disc golfers of global renown. With an impressive collection of seven professional world championship titles and two junior world championship titles, their influence reaches far beyond the world of sports. Bevel’s outdoor courtyard, packed with a variety of food trucks, is a delightful place to savor their tasty brews.

Explore breweries + pubs

Featured locations