Can I share a secret? This might sound weird, since summer’s when folks flock to Bend for hiking, rafting, and outdoor concerts, but hear me out: Fall is the best time to visit Bend, Oregon.

That’s nothing against other seasons, but take it from someone who’s lived here nearly three decades: Nothing beats Bend when crowds go quiet, the weather cools, and local eateries unveil their hoppiest beers and farm-fresh cuisine. Wondering what makes this the best time to visit Bend? Here are 7 reasons.

Come for the quiet

I love summer’s energy, and there’s a reason folks love vibing with crowds at summer concerts and family river floats filling the Deschutes with colorful tubes.

But fall shoulder season is when Bend really shines. Kids head back to school and hotel prices dip to compete for your business. Those hiking trails you fretted about trying in summertime heat because you feared the parking lot might be full? You’ve got ‘em all to yourself in autumn, with plenty of sunshine sticking around. 

You’ll have an easier time booking organized tours like a moonlight canoe paddle with Wanderlust Tours, a mountain bike adventure with Cog Wild, a horseback outing with Smith Rock Trail Rides, or whitewater rafting with Sun Country Tours.

In other words, you get the same kinda fun you’ll find in July and August, but with a little extra breathing room. 

Speaking of breathing…

Wave goodbye to wildfires

Summertime thunderstorms and careless humans bring wildfire to our dry little mountain town, and it’s worsened in recent years. But when fall rolls around, we all breathe easier.

There’s still some wildfire risk, and you’ll want to keep an eye on this page for the latest news on fires and local restrictions.

But most of the time, fall means rising air quality and diminishing smoke. In other words, Bend’s legendary fresh air gets a whole lot fresher in autumn.

Ready for leaf peeping?

Our front desk folks field one question more than any other once fall arrives: When can I see fall colors in Bend? The great news is that our combo of varied altitudes and different types of trees grants us an eight-week window to catch bright pops of color near Bend.

Each season varies, but typically mid-September ushers in changes for high-altitude aspens. Watch for bright pops of gold driving south toward Newberry National Volcanic Monument starting in the middle of September.

Not long after that, the lower-elevation trees start popping. In late September and early October, cruise through some of Bend’s older neighborhoods near Downtown or Northeast Bend. You’ll also see lots of bright oranges, reds, and ambers on deciduous trees off Mt. Washington Drive.

Bend parks are some of the best spots for fall colors, including Drake Park and Pioneer Park, which boast armies of oaks. Toward the end of the season (typically mid-October) you won’t want to miss Shevlin Park’s famous aspens exploding with golden light.

Grab the best Bend bargains

I already mentioned hotel prices dropping in fall, but lodging’s not the only spot to find Bend deals and bargains. 

When autumn arrives, Bend shops clear out summer merchandise to make way for what’s next. Want a deal on a kayak or new hiking shoes? Hit a Bend sporting goods shop when they’re clearing shelves for ski gear and snowshoes. 

Planning to wear shorts and sundresses for another month or so? That might feel like a trick question if you don’t know Bend weather, and the answer’s a resounding YES! While temps do cool in autumn, we typically see enough hot days to stretch your summer wardrobe into September and October.

Get in my belly!

Autumn marks one of my favorite culinary seasons in Bend. There’s an abundance of fresh produce, and Bend restaurants revel in dishing up farm-to-table fare. A few of my faves include Chow, Jackson’s Corner, Rancher Butcher Chef, Ariana, Mill Works Pub, and Dear Irene.

The 2024 Bend Farmer’s Market runs through Oct. 9, and it’s a great stop if you’re searching for the season’s best veggies, fruits, baked goods, meats, and more. You’ll find plenty of goods for a Bend picnic or to take to your Bend vacation rental for a home-cooked meal.

If you’re really into farm-fresh fare, take a short drive north to Rainshadow Organics, where their farm tours, farm store, on-site brunches, and longtable dinners leave your tummy swooning with joy.

If you’re hoping to hit the Bend Ale Trail, fall’s the best time to do it. Fresh hop season spans from early September through mid-October and most Bend brewpubs boast one or two fresh hop beers in that span. Bevel, Crux, 10 Barrel, Worthy, and Deschutes typically have some of my top picks, but I’m constantly delighted to see who’s rolling out something new. As we get deeper into autumn, keep your eyes and taste buds peeled (er, can you peel taste buds?) for autumn-inspired pumpkin beers and earthy porters.

Fall’s also the season for cider, with Bend Cider Company and Tumalo Cider Company boasting truly exceptional sips. Pro tip: Try the Huckleberry Lemon cider from Tumalo and the Ancho Blackberry from Bend Cider. You’ll thank me, I swear.

What’s happening now?

Wondering what’s happening in Bend this fall? Answer: Freakin’ EVERYTHING! Autumn’s when Bend trots out some of its finest events, from Little Woody to Bend Fall Festival.

The BendFilm Festival takes place the second week in October and never fails to thrill me with a wide range of cool indie films and a festive vibe that just feels like fall—I can’t explain it any other way, but trust me on this one.

And don’t think outdoor concert season ends after Labor Day. As a matter of fact, it’s when some of Hayden Homes Amphitheater’s top shows come to town. Other noteworthy September shows include Lindsey Stirling (Sept. 2), Orville Peck (Sept. 24), and one of my all-time favorite bands, Crowded House (Sept. 22—woot!) If you do hit a show, don’t forget to bring extra layers for bundling up. It gets chilly once the sun goes down.

The best time for hiking

From mid-September through late-October, I keep my hiking boots close in case of emergency. “Emergency” is roughly defined as “holy crap, these are the best hiking conditions I’ve seen all year!”

Cooler temps and smaller crowds make fall the perfect time for the 7.1 mile loop around Paulina Lake. From stunning lava flows to lush pine thickets to water so clear I can watch fish swim past, this hike has it all.

Popular spots like Sparks Lake and Todd Lake—which I’ll admit I tend not to visit during busy summer seasons—are quiet and mild once fall rolls around. Autumn also means desert hikes like the Oregon Badlands Wilderness become much milder than you’ll find in mid-summer. 

My favorite new hike is the 4.4 mile mixed-use Evergreen Trail up at Mt. Bachelor, which was made possible through Visit Bend’s own Bend Sustainability Fund. Hike up to Pine Marten Lodge and enjoy lunch at 7,700 feet before hiking back down (or if you’re like me, go easy on yourself by purchasing a lift ticket, riding to Pine Marten for a beer, then hiking back down to your car).

Want to try one of the hikes that requires a Central Cascade Wilderness Permit? It’s much less competitive in autumn, and I’ve had good luck scoring last-minute hookups for spots like Green Lakes and Tam McArthur.

For more fall hiking in Bend, check out this post rounding up my favorite short-but-sweet hikes, or this post boasting Bend’s best loop hikes (most of which are great for autumn).

I’ll see you out on the trails this fall, friends!