The best things to do in Bend in May
April 30, 2026
10 minute readWe’ve all felt decision paralysis when planning a vacation. Should you grab your fly rod and head for the Deschutes or hop on a mountain bike for high desert rides at the Maston Trail System? Does it sound more fun to hike wildflower-dotted trails or kick back on a sun-soaked patio downtown?
An April vacation in Bend solves everything.
The variety of weather from sunshine and 70s to clouds and sprinkles means flip-flops and a snuggly down jacket are equally important on your packing list. You get the best of both worlds, which is why some might argue that April’s the best time to visit Bend. Wondering what’s fun to see, do, explore, and experience this April in Bend? Here are a few favorite things!
5 must-dos in Bend for April
- Chase the best patio view in town: Monkless, Bend Brewing Co., Crux, Anthony’s, and Currents at the Riverhouse combine cold drinks and yummy bites with some of the best views around.
- Pair disc golf and beer: Spend an afternoon launching discs at Pine Nursery Park’s 18-hole course, then head over to Bevel Craft Brewing, a brewery founded by professional disc golfers.
- Do some Easter “research:” Follow the Easter Bunny’s lead and sample artisan chocolate at Seahorse Chocolate, indulge in childhood favorites at Goody’s, and wander through aisles of sweets at Cravin’s Candy Emporium and Sweet Tooth Candy Shoppe.
- Do a little spring bird-nerding: Meadowlarks, swallows, and warblers return, and suddenly the whole place sounds like a morning concert. No birding expertise required, just look up, listen, and enjoy those feathered serenaders.
- Ride the river trail: Bike along the Deschutes River Trail through town for river views with fewer crowds and VIP viewing at the Bend Whitewater Park, where surfers are already chasing those early-season waves.
Tourism’s hole-in-one
Big things are happening at Skyline Sports Complex—and you helped make it happen! In 2026, the Central Oregon Disc Golf Club won a grant from the Bend Sustainability Fund to improve the disc golf course there with new baskets placed for both beginners and competitive players. Soon you’ll also find a more clearly marked course and a welcome board that explains how to play it. Those improvements are entirely thanks to overnight visitors who stay at hotels and vacation rentals in city limits. How? A portion of your bill funds these grants for local organizations so they can do the work that makes Bend awesome for visitors and locals alike. Thank you for choosing our town! You can find a great place to stay in Bend here.
More great things to do in spring around Bend
April is that month when Bend starts stretching its legs. One afternoon, it hits 72 and suddenly everyone’s lubing bike chains, digging paddleboards out of the garage, and remembering how nice it feels to be outside without wearing three layers.
Where can I mountain bike in April?
Trail networks like Maston Trail System, Peterson Ridge Mountain Bike Trails, Horse Ridge, and Cline Buttes are usually clear of snow and ready to go. Because Bend spring’s freeze-thaw cycle makes Bend’s desert trails fragile when they’re wet—unlike other areas you might be used to—riding through mud can cause lasting damage. If things get sloppy, turn around and take it as a sign it’s time for lunch. Check out Central Oregon Trail Alliance or apps like Trailforks for conditions before heading out.
Gravel bikes tend to come out of hibernation in April, too. The Westside Tour is a spring favorite and takes you on a 26-mile loop from downtown that mixes gravel roads, bike paths, and scenic stretches past Drake Park, the Deschutes River, and Shevlin Park.
Can I paddleboard and kayak in spring?
Spring is typically when paddleboards and kayaks start appearing on the Deschutes River. Launch from places like Miller’s Landing Park, home to an accessible kayak launch, Riverbend Park, and Drake Park. Wanderlust Tours usually kicks off kayak tours on the Deschutes River before the high alpine lakes open for the summer season. No matter where you go, stay upright, because the water is cold!
Where can I play pickleball in Bend?
Pine Nursery Park is a great place for pickleball with several courts open to the public at all times. Some are reserved. The Bend Pickleball Club has information on which courts are open when, as well as other places to play around town. Reserve a court at Ballers & Brews and stick around for a drink and bites from their food truck pod.
What are Bend’s best spring hikes?
The road to Tumalo Falls is already open this year thanks to the non-winter winter we had, meaning you can hike along Tumalo Creek or head up to the falls for hikes beyond one of our area’s most spectacular cascades. Be sure to get a Northwest Forest Pass! The Bend Visitor Center sells them as do other places around town. You can also buy a day pass at the falls. America the Beautiful passes also work.
The Oregon Badlands Wilderness, just east of Bend, clocks in at nearly 30,000 acres with several loops you can hike. Remember no bikes, motorized equipment, any other form of mechanical transport (including strollers, wagons, and carts), or drones are allowed in any wilderness area. The Nighthawk Trail starting at Reynolds Pond is another great desert hike perfect for springtime.
The Alder Springs Trail down to Whychus Creek is worth checking out but you’ll want a high-clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead. The area did burn a few years ago so the area is sparse but the wildflowers are coming back in force. Be careful: The creek can be swollen and too dangerous to cross at times.
The West Metolius Trailhead is 2-miles long and takes you through towering pines, along gushing river views, and with lots of chances to spot wildlife. Don’t miss the bright turquoise splendor of Wizard Falls.
The Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park is about 6 miles round-trip with roughly 1,700 feet of elevation gain. Chimney Rock in the Lower Crooked River Canyon is about 2.8 miles with 650 feet of elevation gain.
Other awesome spring riverside hikes include Steelhead Falls, the Deschutes River Trail, or the Fall River Loop in LaPine State Park.
Frequently asked questions about Bend in April
What’s the weather like in Bend in April?
Varied. You’ll get sunshine and days averaging in the 60s, but be prepared for rain and chilly nights. Pack layers, tees, sunscreen, and check road conditions on Tripcheck.
When does fishing season open near Bend?
The Crooked River and Fall River are both reliable early-season spots, where rainbow trout and whitefish are munching on bugs and hopefully your look-alike flies. The Deschutes River, famous for redband rainbows and stunning canyons, starts to see anglers wade into its waters but with various zones holding various regulations. (Go here for details). The stretch of the Deschutes through Bend, from Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls, is open all year. The lower stretch of the Deshutes, from the northern boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation upstream to the Pelton Regulating Reservoir, opens April 22. The upper section above Benham Falls to Little Lava Lake doesn’t open until May 22 and closes again September 30. Check in with local shops like Fly and Field Outfitters, Bend Fly Shop, The Patient Angler, and The Fly Fisher’s Place for current conditions, hatch reports, or hiring a local guide to take you out for the day.
Can I get to Paulina Lake in April?
The road is currently closed up to Newberry Crater, where East and Paulina lakes sit. It typically opens in mid-May.
Where can I hike with my dog off-leash in April?
The Deschutes River Trail below Meadow Camp is off-leash until May 15. The Oregon Badlands has several loops within a mile or two long. There are also loads of dog parks in Bend, such as Pine Nursery Park and Alpenglow Park, as well as a small dog park near Riverbend Park, where your dog can jump into the river. Good Dog off SW Century Drive offers acres and acres of off-leash trails as well as river access.
What ski areas are open in April?
Typically, skiing at Mt. Bachelor in April is fantastic, with one of the longest seasons in the country that lasts through May. But 2026 has been a very light-snow year with some very warm days. Mt. Bachelor will close April 19, 2026. Don’t miss the big party with live music during RendezVan.
When should I plan a summer trip to Bend?
In a word, now. Summer might still feel a ways off, but Bend has a habit of filling its calendar early, and hotels can book up fast. Tickets for things like concerts at Hayden Homes Amphitheater and high-demand activities like mountain bike tours, moonlight canoe adventures, and whitewater rafting also need advance planning.
Same goes for some of the more popular high-elevation hikes. Central Cascades Wilderness Permit system opens for overnight trips for the season on April 7, 2026. Day-hiking permits open on June 5, 2026. Hikes like Green Lakes, Mirror Lake, and other Cascade favorites all require permits. Check out the summer trails at Mt. Bachelor, where you don’t need a permit.
