Summer Trip to Bend, Oregon
Summer Trip to Bend, Oregon
Emily Geo
Central Oregon is a stunning place to visit. It's off the beaten path from the bustling urban atmosphere of Portland (~3.5 hours away) and it's the perfect destination if you're into brews and views. Oregon's landscape is truly unmatched and it holds a special place in my heart after living in the state for 5 years.
Unlike the moderate climate of the west coast, central Oregon is well known for its winter and spectacular skiing. But, I recommend visiting Bend in the warmer months from May - September to experience the sunny mountain town vibes, enjoying the endless patio dining options, hitting the trail, floating the river, or biking through the high desert scenery.
In this guide I've outlined some fun activities, recommendations for lodging, as well as the top spots for breakfast, great bites, and top notch breweries.
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McMenamins Old St. Francis School
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Each McMenamins has its own quirky personality. This location features a historic old school building with an indoor grotto bathhouse and pub onsite.
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Bunk+Brew Historic Lucas House
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Skip the boring Best Western and try a one-of-a-kind bunk house experience in the heart of Bend
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Mill Inn Bed & Breakfast
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Let Oregon's uniqueness guide you to an experience unlike any other. Forget the traditional hotel and try a cozy Bed and Breakfast.
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bend
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Looking for something more traditional? This central location offers great walkability to Bend's charming downtown area and still close to everything else you'll want to see in the surrounding area
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Breakfast
There are so many great spots to grab a cup of java and take a stroll along the river, but here are some recommendations for a fresh way to kickstart your day.
Thump Coffee
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Grab your morning java at this local roasting spot offering gourmet fares in an artsy and relaxed setting in downtown.
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Active Culture
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A lively, health food restaurant focused on taste and sourcing locally. Bend is full of delicious pub food, but if you're looking for a break from the giant pretzels and beer cheese I recommend a family friendly meal at Active Culture.
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Strictly Organic
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This bright and open coffeehouse has a nice selection of fresh drinks, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, wraps, pastries and more.
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The Lemon Tree
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This coveted spot does not take reservations and their international menu featuring local ingredients is popular for weekend brunch. The location in downtown near Drake Park/Mirror Pond is a lovely place to start your day.
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Sintra Restaurant
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Sintra's Portuguese cafe offers delicious eggs and other favorites for breakfast and lunch. They've got nitro coffee, artisan tea, and tasty cocktails.
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Midday Bites
Laughing Planet
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Sometimes on a trip you just want a quick and healthy bite before you're onto the next activity. I love Laughing Planet's vegan + vegetarian options and their smoothies. An uncomplicated choice for anyone on the go!
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McMenamins Pub at Old St. Francis School
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McMenamins is a small chain of one of kind brewpubs, music venues, historic hotels, and theater pubs in the PNW. Most locations are refurbished historical properties with some unique characteristics. Definitely a must see even if you just pop in for some late night Scooby Snacks.
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Spork
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If you're looking to try something more creative and travel-inspired, Spork offers an eclectic international and fresh dining experience just around the corner from Drake Park and the downtown area.
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Roam
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There's nothing more Oregon than a restaurant inspired by the sustainable food movement. Roam offers a delicious seasonal menu featuring local ingredients and an eclectic spread of urban-organic dishes from around the world. I'd advise making a reservation on the weekends to avoid missing out!
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Craft Kitchen & Brewery
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Craft Kitchen has found its own lively flavors featuring Southern-style tapas and homemade BBQ eats. They also do a special weekend brunch and are one of the few women-owned breweries in the U.S.
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Worthy Brewing Company
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This location is out of the downtown Bend area, but the atmosphere and food is impressive if you're looking for an excuse to venture out.
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Breweries
There are nearly 30 breweries in Bend and there's even a passport you can get stamped to qualify for a prize if you visit 18 of them! Whether you're completing the Ale Trail via Visit Bend (more info below) or just want to enjoy a crisp pint on vacation I've compiled my top picks based on experience, atmosphere, and delicious taps.
GoodLife Brewing Company
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This Bierhall/tasting room has more than meets the eye, grab your kombucha, beer, or cider and head around back for a grassy outdoor hangout. Great start to a mini brew crawl with a few neighboring watering holes just a stone throw away.
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Crux Fermentation Project
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This might be the trickiest brewery to find, but you'll be rewarded with 20+ original craft brews and an expansive panoramic view of the Cascade Mountains. Pro-tip: head up for happy hour to catch the best sunset view in town
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Sunriver Brewing Co. - Galveston Pub
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A favorite cozy spot among locals, this updated pub has some delicious bites and an enjoyable indoor-outdoor experience year round.
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10 Barrel Brewing West Side Bend
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10 Barrel has gained momentum since they kicked things off in Bend in 2006. They've made their way into select stores across the U.S., but it's worth a visit to the lively brick + mortar just for the Cucumber Crush - a crisp and refreshing sour that's in a class of its own.
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Immersion Brewing
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A great place to grab a cold one if you're checking out the Old Mill District nearby. Enjoy a walk along the paved Deschutes River Trail before or after to check out the Whitewater Park to the North or Riverbed Park to the South.
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Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room
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If you're into the full brewery experience then planning a trip to Deschutes Brewery will likely excite you. With brewery tours, a tasting room, and outdoor beer garden just down the street you'll be set!
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In Town Activities
Visit Bend
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If the Ale Trail is calling you'll want to make sure you check out Bend's Visitor Center. You'll find maps, recommendations, and be awarded your prize after stamping your Ale Trail Passport at all required breweries. You can access the Ale Trail passport linked below or grab one at Visit Bend)
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Pilot Butte
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Explore an old cinder cone located on the East side of town. Hike up and around on one of 3 trails that lead to the summit where you'll get a grand panoramic view of the high desert/city below. One path is paved and another offers a more immersive natural experience. Expect to spend about an hour at this popular spot - summiting around sunset is particular spectacular!
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Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe
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One-stop-shop for renting tubes, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and more. They offer tours, lessons, and boat boat repairs as well. Spend the day on the river enjoying the beautiful scenery - Tumalo Creek also has a secondary seasonal rental kiosk and an additional Park and Float location nearby.
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Newberry National Volcanic Monument
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A quick 15 minutes South of town check out the unique lava flows, lakes, and other spectacular geologic features. Visit Paulina Falls, take a boat out on Paulina Lake, grab lunch at Paulina Lake Lodge, and check out the hiking trails.
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Deschutes River Trail
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If you're looking for the perfect hike close to town, the Deschutes River Trail offers over 12 miles of trail along the glistening waterway.
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Bend Whitewater Park
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Surf's up in central Oregon! Watch some river surfing/whitewater kayaking shenanigans along the river. The park is made up of 3 channels: the fish ladder, the whitewater/sport channel and the habitat channel. Stop by to learn more!
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High Desert Museum
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This history-rich facility brings regional wildlife, culture, art and natural resources together to promote an understanding of natural and cultural heritage of North America's high desert country.
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The Dogwood Cocktail Cabin
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Enjoy this cozy, woodsy-chic spot for inventive cocktails, and music-filled nightlife.
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Blockbuster
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Feeling nostalgic? Stop by the last operational Blockbuster store in the U.S. located in Bend, OR. It's like stepping back into the early 2000s. This family-operated shop is more than just another goofy road trip tourist trap.
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Old Mill District
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For the shoppers: Bend's Old Mill District is a lovely outdoor shopping area featuring familiar retailers and local restaurants just along the Deschutes River. Whether you dropped your sunglasses in the river or just want to window shop, strolling through the new shopping area and along the paved pathways and manicured landscaping is a lovely experience.
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Patagonia Bend
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Patagonia has a lovely selection of outdoor gear and give back to the communities they operate in through environmental grants. Their stores host local events each month and their staff often have some great recommendations and guidance.
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Crater Lake Spirits Downtown Tasting Room
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Explore tastings, mini cocktails, and other drinks from this local distillery. They host a variety of fun weekend events where you can taste some of their finest liquors - distilled through charcoal and lava rocks or featuring local aromatics.
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Day Trips
Depending on you travel plans you may have time to explore some amazing features just outside of Bend. I recommend making plans to visit some on your way into our out of town to minimize backtracking. Ideally a personal vehicle or rental car will help get you to these unique locations.
Tumalo Falls
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Just 14 miles (~30 minutes) West of Bend you'll find a breathtaking waterfall just a short distance from the parking lot. However there are a few longer trails that you can take to get a closer look. The most popular takes about an hour and there are picnic spots at the day use area as well.
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Sunriver
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Just 16 miles (~20 minutes) South of Bend you'll find the quieter, more peaceful town of Sunriver. Pass through on your way to nearby hikes and sites or stay and check out the resort, local trails, river floating, or find shorter lines at restaurants and ice cream parlors for a change of scenery.
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Smith Rock State Park
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About 27 miles (~40 minutes) North of Bend you'll be enchanted by the rocky high desert landscape of Smith Rock State Park. Check out winding canyons, wild rock formations, climbing/biking/fishing access, and picnic spots nestled in one of Oregons 7 Wonders. Opt for an easy stroll on the River Trail, check out Monkey Face and the insane views from Misery Ridge Trail or set out on a longer loop - lots of possibilities! Don't forget to treat yourself to an ice cream cone at Juniper Junction aka Rockhard afterwards.
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Crater Lake National Park
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About 100 miles (~2.5 hours) South of Bend you'll find Oregon's only National Park. Most find that a day trip will provide enough time to check out the dazzling blue water and stunning viewpoints, but if you're looking for a more strenuous or comprehensive outdoor experience check out my Crater Lake National Park Guide. Note: due to weather and other conditions please check the NPS site for updates and accessibility information.
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Trillium Lake
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About 106 miles (~2 hours) North of Bend you'll find a magical lake under the shadow of Mount Hood - Oregon's tallest peak. Picnic along the sun kissed shoreline, lounge in an inflatable tube, or rent kayaks nearby at Mt Hood Outfitters. Stretch your legs along the Trillium Lake Loop Trail - an easy 2-mile pathway with great views. Head up to Timberline Lodge or Mount Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl for more family fun.
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Umpqua Hot Springs
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About 120 miles (~2.25 hours) South of Bend and short steep climb to a secluded "tub" will expose you to a magical experience that you won't forget. Nudity is common at most Oregon hot springs and the water temperatures are truly toasty.
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Mount Hood
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About 130 miles (~2.5 hours) North of Bend you'll find yourself in the presence of a dormant volcano known for its year-round skiing. Check out the historic Timberline Lodge and scenic views, enjoy a hike and picnic, or drive the scenic loop to take in attractions along the way.
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Looking for More?
Less than 100mi South of Bend you'll find one of Oregon's most magical scenic byways - also known as Oregon's Highway of Waterfalls or Highway 138. Check out my guide featuring over 30 waterfalls along this perfect road trip route.
Highway 138 through South / Central Oregon is one of the best routes in the country for chasing waterfalls.
It weaves along the North Umpqua River and takes you past over 15 waterfalls. If you're visiting Crater Lake National Park this is a great throughfare to explore.
In this guide you'll find a map featuring the waterfalls that appear along this scenic drive.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emily Geo
Greetings fellow Earth-dwellers!
🏜️West Coast kid at heart (lived in AZ & OR)
📚Studied abroad in B.C. Canada
📍Now I call the Southeast U.S. home
🌍My passion for sustainability shines through everything I do. I currently work for an outdoor retailer and I love sharing outdoorsy recommendations and breweries.
I've been to over 20 National Parks and am exicted to create localized guides for them!
Conscious travel doesn't have to include finding a spot off the grid, living out of a van, or only eating vegan food. I enjoy sharing local businesses, environmentally-focused travel tips, and authentic and respectful ways to spend time while you're away from home. Check out my city guides and trip recommendations for mix of eco-tourism and enriching plans anyone would enjoy!
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