Tours + guides in Bend, Oregon

Explore Central Oregon with an expert

If your idea of vacation is plunging down whitewater rapids, descending into cavernous lava tubes, flying over whoop-dee-doos on a mountain bike, or sampling some of the world’s finest beers, then welcome to Bend!

With so many things to do, why not make it easy on yourself and book a guided tour? Leave the planning, gear and logistics to the pros, plus gather all that local insight and make a new friend or two. From kid and family-friendly tours to more adrenaline-filled adventures, Bend’s guided tours run the gamut.

Wanderlust Tours

Wanderlust Tours specializes in naturalist-guided outdoor experiences around Central Oregon—canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing, caving, hiking, and more. Known for their knowledgeable, approachable, and professional guides, Wanderlust Tours goes the extra mile to connect guests of all ages and abilities with the great outdoors. 

In the summer, paddle the pristine waters of the Cacade Lakes on a moonlit canoe tour. Go underground and explore the vast network of lava caves. Or get a front-row seat to the cosmos on a stargazing tour at Fort Rock.

When winter arrives, explore the powder-covered Cascade Mountains on snowshoes. Wanderlust offers several guided snowshoe adventures, from starlit to daytime tours. Each trip is full of exploration and fun for all abilities and skill levels. And Wanderlust even brings the hot cocoa. 

Wanderlust also offers customized tours. Celebrate your corporate event, family reunion, birthday surprise, or any other special event in outdoor style.

Guided mountain bike tours

If your dream Bend vacation is riding mountain bikes on fast and flowy singletrack, you better call Cog Wild. Shuttles and guided mountain bike trips include an experienced guide, a post-ride beverage, and can include a rental bike if you don’t have your own. And they’re pros when it comes to safety, mechanical support, and being all-out awesome riding buddies. From full-day rides to private group camping vacations and family tours, Cog Wild has the intel and expertise to crank up your stoke level on the trail.

For something a little more leisurely, but just as fun, take a guided e-bike tour through Bend with Wheel Fun Rentals. Their 1.5-hour tour includes some history and fun facts about Bend as you ride along the Deschutes River through the Old Mill District and downtown. The 2-hour tour is more about riding than stories and adds a few more scenic miles along the Deschutes River Trail. Bikes, guide, helmets, and loads of photo stops are all included.

Whitewater rafting trips

On a hot summer day, there is absolutely nothing that compares to punching through whitewater on a rafting tour. Sun Country Tours and Seventh Mtn Rafting both offer guided trips on the Deschutes River, including the popular Big Eddy section. Enjoy a mix of punchy class III+ rapids and calmer stretches where you can kick back and take in the scenery. If you really want to get away, check out Ouzel Outfitters multi-day tours—spend 2 or more days rafting and camping along the Deschutes or Mackenzie river, while their experienced guides cook up tasty meals.

Guided fly fishing trips

Saying that fishing in Central Oregon is a passion is an understatement. It’s an obsession, a frenzy, and for some locals, it’s their livelihood. Because we’re such a fishing destination, the area has several fantastic shops and guide services. Fly and Field Outfitters, Bend Fly Shop, and The Fly Fisher’s Place, among others, are ready to get you hooked. Choose from half-day or full-day trips or even a multi-day adventure on the Deschutes River. Shops provide the gear you need and, most importantly, an experienced fly fishing guide. 

For a truly memorable experience, hire a guide from the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation to fish the Lower Deschutes River. Matt Mendes of Spin the Handle or Littleleaf Guides can guide you on the sacred lands and waters of the Warm Springs people.

Guided rock climbing

Central Oregon is a rock climber’s paradise, with everything from indoor bouldering gyms to world-class sport climbing at Smith Rock State Park. If you want to skip dangling from a wall, wondering where your foot goes next, book a trip with Smith Rock Climbing School and Chockstone Climbing Guides. Both have experienced American Mountain Guides Association-certified guides and trips for total beginners, seasoned climbers, families, and kids.

Smith Rock Climbing School offers customized climbing days ranging from private outings and family adventures to clinics. Chockstone Climbing Guides brings fun, personalized trips with local guides who know the area inside and out and can steer you toward routes that match your comfort level and goals.

Helicopter and airplane aerial tours

There’s nothing quite like seeing the beauty of Central Oregon from above in a hot air balloon, airplane, or helicopter tour. Watch the land and geographical features become something completely new, changing shape and color before your eyes as you look down in infinite wonder. Get a glimpse of Central Oregon from above in a peaceful hot air balloon ride with Big Sky Balloon Company. Discover the wonder of Central Oregon from the comfort of a helicopter with Leading Edge Aviation or take a plane ride with Bend Aircraft, which offers a whole menu of scenic aerial tours.

Off-road and snowmobile tours

For a wild ride, book with Outriders Northwest for the ultimate all-terrain adventure. Choose from two to four-hour trips exploring the high desert, volcanic buttes, and Ponderosa forest, where they guide, but you drive. Trips are great for couples, families, large groups, and individuals of all ages and abilities. 

For horsepower with high-desert scenery, check out Octane Adventures. In the warmer months, their guided ATV tours wind through lava fields, black volcanic sand, alpine lakes, and pine forests with big Cascade views. Come winter, hop on a snowmobile and head into the snowy landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Tours range from mellow scenic rides, great for beginners, to longer outings with stops at spots like Paulina Lake Lodge.

When the snow hits, look to Central Oregon Adventures for customized snowmobile trips led by professional guides. Choose from a two-hour trip perfect for newbies and kids that takes you around Mt. Bachelor. If you want to add more thrill, the four-hour trip explores high mountain terrain and stops at Elk Lake Lodge for lunch.

Horseback Tours

Saddle up and see Central Oregon on horseback with a guided horseback ride through high desert trails and pine forests, complete with mountain views. Whether you’re a first-timer or bringing your own ten-gallon hat, there are plenty of options around Bend.

Black Butte Stables offers everything from kid-friendly rides to full-day adventures into the Deschutes National Forest and Three Sisters Wilderness. At Brasada Ranch, ride through high desert terrain with Cascade views, then warm up around the fire with some fresh cowboy coffee.

Diane’s Riding Place and FlySpur Ranch both offer family-friendly rides with smaller group experiences and welcoming guides. Smith Rock Trail Rides lets you explore the cliffs and canyon views around Smith Rock State Park, it feels a little like starring in your own Western movie. Just south of Bend, Sunriver Stables offers mellow rides through forests and meadows, especially great for families and younger riders.

Kid-friendly tours

When your kids have loads of energy and ideas about what they want to do, take a big old chunk of stress off your plate while satisfying their curiosity, energy levels, and interests by taking a kid-friendly tour. When the snow falls, how about 10 high-energy pups as your guide? Take a sled dog tour with Oregon Trail of Dreams for an experience the kids won’t stop talking about for years. 

For kayaking to canoeing to snowshoeing under the stars, Wanderlust Tours makes it easy to get the whole family outdoors. Leave the packing and planning to them so you can enjoy some stress-free time with the family. 

For families with adventurous kids, Sun Country Tours and Seventh Mountain Rafting both run guided trips through the Big Eddy section of the Deschutes River. The ride mixes calmer floating with “you will definitely get soaked” class III+ rapids. Whatever you do, don’t forget to stop by Bonta for multiple scoops of strawberry and chocolate gelato after a day outdoors.

Self-guided tours

While you’ll find loads of guided tours, you can also enjoy some amazing self-guided tours around Bend. For you foodies, The High Desert Food Trail is a self-guided agricultural and culinary tour featuring 45 unique businesses throughout Central Oregon serving up inviting flavors, stunning views, and experiences you’ll never forget. If you came to Bend to drink the beer, the Bend Ale Trail is a must! It includes over 30 breweries in seven different territories, where you can sample a little or a lot of the award-winning craft beers made right here in Central Oregon. Or how about learning a little something about Bend? The Roundabout Art Route, The Deschutes Historical Museum, and The Bend Hunt are great ways to take in some Bend culture and history.

Tips for your guided tour

When exploring the area with a guided tour, here are some friendly tips to ensure you make the most of your experience. 

• Make a reservation in advance to secure your spot; things get busy here in Bend.
• Do some research, like knowing the tour details, checking the weather, and dressing for the day’s activities. 
• Follow the Leave No Trace Principles to help preserve our beautiful natural surroundings 
• Remember to express your gratitude towards your guide, and if you can, show your appreciation with a well-deserved tip. 
• Above all, have an absolute blast!