7 Oregon adventures I’ll do to make 2026 unforgettable
February 2, 2026
6 minute readFebruary in Bend can go many different ways. Some days start with carving powdery turns at Mt. Bachelor, only to have the bright afternoon sun make you think it’s summer. Other days call for a second round of lattes, followed by a long soak at McMenamins while snow drifts outside.
February may be short, but it’s long on good excuses to get out and enjoy Bend. Here’s what to keep in mind when planning a February trip to Bend:
- Valentine’s Day brings extra romance, with decadent dinners and treats that are almost as sweet as you. Ahhh!
- Mt. Bachelor continues to shine with skiing, snowboarding, and après good times without peak-season crowds. You’ll find Mt. Bachelor’s lodging partners here.
- Loads of snow or not, you’ll find ways to play outside, from skiing and snowshoeing to winter hiking as the days get longer.
- This is the month for dark beers by the fire and cocktails that warm you up.
The live music and performance calendar stays busy with concerts, theater, and jazz throughout the month. Plus, it’s time to start planning for the Salmon Run, one of Bend’s oldest races, and get yourself in shape for the Bachelor Ascent, since registration opens on February 1. Don’t forget Winter PrideFest kicks off March 5-8, with skiing, parties, and comedy. Find a place to stay that’s right for you here.
Celebrate WinterFest in Bend—and thank a visitor
Did you know that visitors who spend the night in Bend pay a lodging tax and that directly supports the biggest winter party in Central Oregon? Yup. From February 13-15 at the Old Mill District, Oregon WinterFest brings big-time party vibes from Saxsquatch and Brandi Cyrus, and Tiffany belting it out like the mall tour never ended. Snowboarders and skiers rip through a pump-track-style course, food trucks cover all the cravings, and you can sip your way through a Wine Walk or grab a pint. And kids can dig into brain-bending, hands-on fun straight from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) or the Family Play Zone. It’s winter in full celebration mode. Thank you for coming to Bend!
Bend on the Olympic stage this February
February brings a hometown moment. Bend-raised freeski halfpipe athlete Hunter Hess is competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and his story started right here at Mt. Bachelor.
Before heading to the world stage, Hunter spent years lapping the mountain and building his skills across halfpipe sessions, slopestyle runs, and big-mountain days.
If you’re visiting Bend this month, you’ll be sharing the slopes during one of winter’s best windows. Think quieter lift lines, snowy mornings, and plenty of ways to mix ski days with cozy nights downtown.
February in Bend is made for romance
Ready for a delicious meal? Start with wine and small plates at Flights Wine Bar, where sharing a glass (or three) pairs nicely with someone you adore. If a classic steakhouse feels right, Bos Taurus serves up beautifully cooked steaks and an intimate, low-lit vibe. Dress up a little, grab a cocktail, and claim a velvet couch at Dear Irene.
Dessert? If chocolate is your love language, there’s the rich, not-too-sweet black cocoa cake at Ariana made for sharing. The perfectly spiced, cream cheese-frosted carrot cake at Zydeco Kitchen has its own fan club—I highly recommend you join. Or head to Roam, where you can choose from Madagascar vanilla, espresso cream, and other crust-cracking temptations at their crème brûlée bar.
Book a soak. Book a massage. Book both and see where the night goes. Flux Thermal Lounge: where hot–cold–repeat turns into “wow, this was a great idea.” Summit Therapy offers couples’ massages that do more for Valentine’s Day than any card ever could. Stay the night at McMenamins Old St. Francis School, where the soaking pool is just steps away and Valentine’s plans don’t require leaving the property. Or really commit to the mood with a jacuzzi-tub suite at Pine Ridge Inn—candles optional, bubbles encouraged.
Going solo this February? Bend’s got you covered there, too. Book the Zen Refresher at Evoke Healing Space & Spa or show your bike some pre-season love with a tune-up at Sunnyside Sports.
For a cozy outdoor adventure go snowshoe under the stars to a roaring bonfire in a hand-carved amphitheater in the snow. Wanderlust Tours will lead you there over with hot chocolate this Valentine’s weekend.
Pro Tip: February is generally easy on crowds and your budget.
— Bend hotel prices average about $110 February–almost $100 less a night compared to July—making it one of the more affordable times to visit. What are you gonna do with the savings?
— Buy yourself a bouquet at Wild Flowers of Oregon purely as a reminder that self-love is always in season.
— Sit down at Yokocho Izakaya, intending to share plates and immediately abandon that plan.
— Go fat biking at Wanoga Sno-Park, question your life choices for five minutes, then immediately want to do it again.
Loads of snow or no, winter fun still delivers
Some Februarys are all-in on powder days. Some are on the lighter side. Either way, winter still shows up.
When conditions are all snow in the mountains, Mt. Bachelor is in its element. Downhill skiing, snowboarding, Nordic trails, lessons, and long mid-winter days that are less frantic than spring break season. You can even go dog sledding. February is often a sweet spot before the March crowds roll in.
While our mountains are covered in white stuff, the lower-elevation trails around Bend often stay dry and snow-free. It’s the magic of elevation, and it makes us so happy!
This roundup of inspiring winter hikes includes some of my very favorite trails to hit this time of year. From Sawyer Park to the Oregon Badlands Wilderness to good ol’ Pilot Butte, you’ve got snow-free trails to explore without busting out snowshoes or skis.
Get cozy with art and music in Bend
February is a great time to catch a show, wander a gallery, or spend a few hours at a museum. The historic Tower Theatre turns out a great lineup each February. This year includes Peter Pan The Musical, plus Ladysmith Black Mambazo and a Blues Harmonica Blowout, bringing serious energy to the stage. Grab tickets early, since some shows are likely to sell out. The High Desert Museum has a fun, new exhibit about volcanoes with a playful retro-80s vibe. Don’t miss the ridiculously adorable otters, skunk, and bobcat. For a deeper dive into the area’s roots, the Deschutes Historical Museum, right in downtown Bend, offers a fascinating look at the town’s earlier days through artifacts, photos, and stories.
Plan ahead for Jazz at the Oxford by taking a look at what’s on tap for February. Catch a concert at Volcanic Theatre Pub or Midtown Ballroom. And some of the breweries around town regularly host live bands and smaller shows. Check our events for what’s coming up.
Now for the nuts and bolts:
What’s the weather like in Bend in February?
The weather in Bend in February can be a mix of sun and snow with crisp days and nights.
- Average high: 45º F
- Average low: 24º F
- Average number of snow days in town: 7
- Monthly average number of inches of snow: 5
What are the road conditions for a trip to Bend in February?
Roads in and around Bend can get icy in February, especially in the mornings and evenings, and plowing can take time when it snows. Proper snow tires—not all season ones—will make a world of difference. Don’t have those? Consider taking the Mt.Bachelor Ski Bus or the Meissner shuttle. Both are cheap and driven by pros. Check road conditions here.
