Bend is one of the most popular destinations in all of Oregon thanks to its endless array of outdoor adventures, from trails to live music outside. Hiking trails are prevalent throughout Bend’s geological features, like a volcanic dome and nearby mountains.

Of course, the outdoor amphitheatre is quite popular, as it hosts incredibly popular artists. Don't forget to check out other parks along with attractions in town, like shopping centers and local pubs. Check out the 10 best things to do in Bend.

  • 1

    Pilot Butte

    Trek through a lava dome

    Pilot Butte
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    Pilot Butte is a massive lava dome crafted from an extinct volcano, featuring a famous scenic viewpoint that offers a breathtaking perspective of the region from its peak. You'll find 2 trails that will take you to the summit, though there's a drivable road as well. Alternatively, you can hike the 1.8-mile trail that goes around the base. When you reach the summit, you'll be able to see every last inch of Bend, and that's just the beginning.

    You'll also see several Cascade Peaks in the distance, including the iconic Broken Top and Mount Bachelor. This massive dome is hard to miss, so just look towards the Orchard District that’s west of city centre to see it.

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  • 2

    Tumalo Mountain Trail

    Hike a scenic trail

    Tumalo Mountain Trail
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    Tumalo Mountain Trail is a popular trail that reaches the peak of Tumalo Mountain after a moderate difficulty 3.8-mile hike up 1,407 feet in total. The trail is primarily known for its scenic views at the peak where you can see Broken Top Mountain to the north and Mount Bachelor to the southwest. It's important to consider the season before you plan to hike this trail.

    The best time is typically June through October to avoid the heavy snows. The blowdown is quite minimal and all of the snow is well gone by July. You'll find this trail 20 miles west of city centre.

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  • 3

    Tetherow Golf Course

    Relax with a round of golf

    Tetherow Golf Course
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    • Luxueus

    Tetherow Golf Course is one of the top 100 golf courses according to Golf Digest. The course is 18 holes of vibrant greens and stunning views and was designed by famous architect David McLay Kidd. Standard golf is available, of course, but you can also partake in closest-to-the-pin competitions and long drives.

    At this golf course, you can go all out and turn a golfing excursion into an all-day event. With group packages, custom scorecards, and leaderboards available, you can organise a golfing adventure. You'll find the course just 7 minutes from city centre Bend.

    Locatie: 61240 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend, OR 97702, USA

    Telefoonnummer: +1 844-431-9701

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  • 4

    Smith Rock State Park

    Conquer thrilling climbs

    Smith Rock State Park
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    Smith Rock State Park is primarily known for its extensive rock climbing opportunities, but you'll also find plenty of hiking and biking trails to enjoy as well. Specifically, you'll find several thousand climbs in the park itself with more than a thousand of that being bolted routes.

    Wildlife is also prevalent in this park allowing you to spot incredible sites, like prairie falcons, beavers, and even golden eagles. You'll find this park a few miles north of Bend just off The Dalles-California Hwy.

    Locatie: Terrebonne, OR 97760, USA

    Openingstijden: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm

    Telefoonnummer: +1 800-551-6949

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  • 5

    Deschutes River

    Venture out into the river

    Deschutes River
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    Deschutes River is a tributary of the Columbia River known for its aquatic adventures and fishing opportunities that you can partake in. The fishing is particularly popular as it's prominent around the world for its fly fishing. The Columbia River redband trout is especially sought after thanks to its massive size.

    You don't have to restrict yourself to fishing, however, as you can also enjoy boating. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are incredibly thrilling in the rapids with the upstream Big Eddy section being located just upriver from Bend. The river itself flows all through Bend and beyond.

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  • 6

    McMenamins Old St. Francis School

    Visit a historic school turned pub

    McMenamins Old St. Francis School
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    • Geschiedenis
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    McMenamins Old St. Francis School is a historic Catholic school from the 1930s that was eventually turned into a pub with an additional theatre and brewery. In the pub, you'll find a wide selection of drinks fresh from the brewery, as well as delicious items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

    The accompanying cinema showcases second-run films and has couches and beer, along with private food service during screenings. The outdoor patio and event spaces frequently host live music as well. See it all right city centre in Old Bend by Mirror Pond.

    Locatie: 700 NW Bond St, Bend, OR 97703, USA

    Telefoonnummer: +1 541-382-5174

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    foto door Orygun (CC BY-SA 3.0) bewerkt

  • 7

    Lava River Cave

    Go caving

    Lava River Cave
    • Avontuur

    Lava River Cave is part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and it's the longest continuous lava tube in the state that you're free to visit. Inside the cave, you'll find that it stretches a full 5,211 feet. This is just the main section, however, as the other section is not open to the public due to concerns about loose ceiling rocks.

    Traversing the cave is fairly easy as the entrance takes you away from the historical lava force, essentially having you travel with the flow. That means that you'll be going downhill through most of it. You'll find this cave a few miles south of Bend.

    Telefoonnummer: +1 541-383-5300

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    foto door Dave Bunnell (CC BY-SA 4.0) bewerkt

  • 8

    Bend Factory Stores

    Enjoy outlet shopping taken to the next level

    Bend Factory Stores
    • Shoppers

    The Bend Factory Stores are a culmination of several exciting retailers offering boundless opportunities for shoppers to find clothes, shoes, and other gifts. Grab gear for your hike at the Columbia Sportswear Company store, or shop the limitless offerings at the Nike outlet. Most of the clothes and shoes tend to be fairly affordable, as discounts are common throughout all the stores in this location.

    Amongst this outlet, you'll also find a few unique shops, including furniture outlets and a kitchen gear store. You can see it all for yourself south of city centre past the Scandia RV Park.

    Locatie: 61334 S Hwy 97, Bend, OR 97702, USA

    Openingstijden: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm

    Telefoonnummer: +1 541-382-4736

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  • 9

    Bend Ale Trail

    Enjoy the best local brews

    Bend Ale Trail
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    • Stellen
    • Nachtleven

    The Bend Ale Trail is the largest beer trail in the West where you can visit numerous breweries to earn stickers for your passport and become the champion. Collect ten stickers and you can win a Bend Silipint. Collect all 18 and you'll become a champion with a Bend Ale Trail bottle opener. Remember to enjoy this trail responsibly. You've got quite a few options that don't require driving yourself.

    There are organised tours, rideshares, and old-fashioned amphitheatre taxis to get around. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you could attempt the trail on foot. After all, there are plenty of places to rest along the way. Start by collecting your passport from the visitor centre.

    Locatie: 750 NW Lava Rd #160, Bend, OR 97703, USA

    Telefoonnummer: +1 541-382-8048

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  • 10

    Les Schwab Amphitheatre

    See an outdoor concert

    Les Schwab Amphitheatre
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    • Nachtleven

    Les Schwab Amphitheatre is an outdoor live music venue located in the Old Mill District that hosts a variety of artists, such as touring acts and local performers of numerous genres. The amphitheatre features a fairly robust stage, but the surrounding area feels more natural with green grass and trees alongside the sparkling Deschutes River.

    In the distance, you'll be able to spot the towering mountains that central Oregon is known for. Seeing your favourite musical artist perform with that kind of backdrop can certainly be a one-of-a-kind experience.

    Locatie: 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr, Bend, OR 97702, USA

    Openingstijden: Tickets Mill open Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm

    Telefoonnummer: +1 541-312-8510

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