November means nudity, at least for the trees, and there’s something exciting about it in Bend. It’s a sure sign of seasonal change as we cycle from bright leaves to bare branches and fresh caps of white on the mountains.

More than any other month, November hums with anticipation. Will Mt. Bachelor open Thanksgiving week? Will you win a prize for Bend Ale Trail Month? Will we wake tomorrow beneath blankets of sparkly snow? 

The answers appear as November unfurls her frosty wings. Wondering what’s awesome to see and do this November in Bend, Oregon? Read on!

What is Bend weather like in November?

We all know the first day of winter isn’t technically until December 21. Bendites just snort-laughed snowflakes because, hoo-boy, we all know November gets wintery here.

• Average high: 49ºF
• Average low: 28ºF
• Average precipitation: 1.26 inches

Frosty temps and the giddy anticipation of impending snowfall gets all of us busting out cold-weather gear by the time November arrives. It’s a month to expect icy roads and snow at higher (and sometimes lower!) elevations. (Pro tip: Use TripCheck to check road conditions.)

If you’re visiting Bend from someplace less snowy, now’s a good time to buy a set of tire chains and learn how to use them. They’re required by law when mountain passes get icy, and the friendly folks at your local tire store can teach you in a jiff how to use them.

Bend’s shopping districts do great with shoveling sidewalks, but if you’re not used to slippery terrain, grab a set of microspikes at a place like Mountain Supply for peace of mind and extra traction. I always have a pair handy for icy dog walks or for hoofing it up Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint this time of year. Speaking of which…

The best Bend hikes for November

There’s a lot to love about hiking in Bend, and one of my faves is our abundance of year-round hiking. It’s a perk many mountain towns don’t have, and it’s thanks to a neat trick of altitude. While Bend gets an average of 30 inches of snowfall per year, Mt. Bachelor—just 30 minutes away—averages 30+ feet of it.

Winter hiking in Bend is a magical experience. The crowds are gone and you’ll seldom see a soul on some trails. As November sprinkles our mountains with snow, lower-elevation trails stay bare and more temperate than they’d be in July. I’m especially fond of close-to-town hikes like Sawyer Park, Riley Ranch, and the Oregon Badlands Wilderness this time of year. Pilot Butte makes an awesome winter hike as well, as long as you’re mindful of ice on its steep slopes. 

Another winter best-of for me is the trek from Tumalo State Park to Riley Ranch (though do keep in mind no dogs are allowed if you cross into Riley). If you’re hiking sans dogs, feel free to reverse that route or opt for exploring Riley Ranch on its own. For more of my favorite winter hikes, go here.

Stay alert to Bend seasonal road closures

This time of year, it’s wise to pay attention to which roads shut down for the winter. November’s when we see major traction (pun intended) on seasonal closures. Some of the biggies to watch for:

• The road up Pilot Butte typically closes to vehicles in early November, but don’t worry! The hiking path and road stays open year round for people on foot, bikes, or even skis.
• Officials close the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway at the snow gate just past Mt. Bachelor once snow starts piling up. The date’s a moving target each year, but expect it to happen in November.
• The road through Newberry National Volcanic Monument shuts down at 10 Mile Sno-Park sometime in November as well, cutting off access to attractions like Paulina Falls, Paulina Lake, and East Lake (though you can still ski, snowmobile, or snowshoe in).
• The seasonal gate shuts down Forest Service Road 4603 in November. Since that’s your route to Tumalo Falls, you’ll need to park at the gate and hike, fat bike, or snowshoe the extra couple miles to the waterfall.
• Bend’s the perfect home base to explore Crater Lake National Park, which is a couple hours’ drive each way. While the park stays open year round, its north entrance closes to cars in late October or early November. You can still access Crater Lake using Highway 62 from the south or the west.
• The McKenzie Highway (OR 242) typically closes to cars in early November and re-opens sometime in June.

That’s a lot to keep track of, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg for seasonal closures. How do you know exact dates? I wish I had a crystal ball or a lone link to share, but alas…it’s tricky with multiple organizations managing different areas.

For info on most roadways, the Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck page makes a solid resource. For trail closure info, follow the Deschutes National Forest on Facebook. If you’re an in-person kinda traveler, stop by the Bend Visitor Center for up-to-the minute trail and road info, plus complimentary maps and smiles.

What’s fun to do indoors in Bend?

I’m constantly hoping Daylight Saving Time will someday be a relic of the past. We’re not there yet, so we’re slated to fall back on November 2, 2025. Falling back brings an earlier stop to your play days in Bend, but it’s a great chance to embrace Bend’s indoorsy side.

Bend’s arts and culture scene kicks into high gear each fall, with the Tower Theatre boasting an impressive lineup of music, theater, films, and other fabulous entertainment.

Families with kiddos will appreciate spots like Mountain Air Trampoline Park and Trampoline Zone for getting the wiggles out, or head for the K1 Speed indoor Kart track to fuel your inner speed demon.

Missing your feline friends back home? Head for Playful Paws Cat Cafe to get your whisker fix with some regular playtime or a special event like cat yoga or paint night. 

Feeling crafty? Sign up for an art class at Freak’n-Art or try a workshop at DIY Cave and learn skills ranging from woodworking to jewelry making.

Guests of all ages shouldn’ t miss the High Desert Museum for cool exhibits and native wildlife including river otters, a fox, porcupines, and oodles of raptors. For another great museum fix, hit the Deschutes Historical Museum and scope out our unique local history, including a variety of indigenous artifacts.

And while indoorsy fun is great, Fido still needs fresh air. Charge up your headlamp, then head for your favorite Bend pet store to grab a lighted collar and maybe some glow-in-the-dark toys. Then hit the trails or one of Bend’s fantastic off-leash dog parks.

Holiday events in Bend

November opens the holiday floodgates, and they keep flowing until we heave a collective sigh in the new year.

Though Oregon’s been a 100 percent vote-by-mail state since 1998, many guests count Election Day as a paid holiday. If you’re among them, why not treat Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 as an excuse for a four-day Bend adventure?

Bend’s Veteran’s Day Parade is touted as one of the largest in the state, and the 2025 event takes place November 11. It’s another three-day weekend when folks flock to Central Oregon for the season’s first taste of snow.

Thanksgiving week in Bend brings a flurry of restaurants offering turkey and pie and all the trimmings. Check out our event calendar for a plethora of fun runs to pep you up before or after the main meal, like the I Like Pie fun run/walk. You can even bring your dog.

If the notion of Thanksgiving makes you feel a bit icky, you’re not alone. Scan the schedule for the Museum at Warm Springs to find events and attractions celebrating local indigenous culture. Make a day of it with lunch at the Twisted Teepee, then stroll to the Tananawit Art Store for a special souvenir. You can also shop online through Sakari Farms, a Central Oregon grower specializing in Native American tribal foods. Bonus: Their online store makes a great stop for holiday gift giving (I’m OBSESSED with their smoked salts and seasonings).

With Thanksgiving done, it’s time for Black Friday. Shopping centers like the Old Mill District go all out with day-after-Thanksgiving sales, kids’ activities, and most importantly, the arrival of Santa via Air Link helicopter. Search the Old Mill’s holiday happenings page for dates and times to help you kick your holiday into high gear.

Downtown Bend has its own holiday events, plus a celebration of Small Business Saturday and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Mark your calendar for Dec. 5, 2025 since that’s the date the tree gets lit. Seems like a nice excuse to grab a drink at a Bend wine bar.

And now, for Bend’s biggest holiday of all…

When does Mt. Bachelor open?

With one of the longest ski seasons in the country, Mt. Bachelor leaves fans pining for opening day the moment it closes each May.

This year promises to be an epic ski and snowboard season with a wealth of fab pass options, not to mention 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain. This craggy volcano gets dusted in powdered sugar snow that’s perfect for families, experts, and everyone in between.

When is Mt. Bachelor opening day this year? The Friday after Thanksgiving has historically been opening day and that’s the plan for 2025, too, but climate change keeps getting in the way. That’s the million dollar question and the answer comes when the snow does.

For up-to-the-minute news on what’s open when at your favorite ski hill, keep your eyes glued to the Mt. Bachelor website.

Raise a glass to Bend Ale Trail Month

When it comes to Bend’s craft brewery scene, November’s the best time to lift a pint. Bend Ale Trail Month spans all 30 days with special prizes as you explore the territories of the Bend Ale Trail.

This post has everything you need to know about this year’s prizes and how to make the most of your Bend Ale Trail Month bonanza.

Even if November weren’t the official month of America’s favorite trail of suds, it’s a fabulous time to taste craft beer in Bend. All the breweries bust out their tastiest seasonal offerings, from luscious porters to belly-warming stouts. Why not spend a magical evening sipping suds (boozy or non-alcoholic) by the fire pit at your favorite Bend brewery?

Cheers to a great November, all!