As one of the most renowned skiing areas and iconic attractions in Central Oregon, it’s no wonder that so many of Bend’s visitors are drawn to Mount Bachelor. Read on below to learn more about this unique Bend destination!
Why Mount Bachelor in Bend Should Be on Your Itinerary
Mount Bachelor is a volcanic mountain situated in the Deschutes National Forest that was formed from what was once a stratovolcano that erupted between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago. An eruption from nearby Mount Mazama around 7,000 years ago covered the mountain in ash, which remains on the mountain to this day.
The mountain was given the name Mount Bachelor because of the way in which it stands apart from the iconic Three Sisters mountains, which are all grouped closely together. It has previously donned the names of Brother Jonathan, Mount Brother, and Bachelor Butte prior to its current name.
Year-round, Mount Bachelor provides endless sources of outdoor recreation and natural sightseeing. During the summer months, the mountain is home to incredible mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, disc golf, and hiking. You can easily rent a mountain bike from one of Bend’s many local bike rental shops, then hit the thirteen miles of trails at the Mount Bachelor Bike Park.
Biking at Mount Bachelor
The lifts at the mountain run all year long and they can take you to one of the mountain bike trails. There are trails for people of every skill level. Kids will enjoy the gravity parks, where they can learn about centrifugal force, and a lot of other fun scientific facts. You can join a tour led by a park ranger, where you will learn all about the flora and fauna in the area.
Zip Lining
The summer of 2020 will bring a three-part zip lining experience to Mount Bachelor. At 1,400 feet, the zip line will be the highest in the area and will dangle its patrons over volcanic mountain ridges and slopes.
Helicopter Tours
If you would rather sit back and enjoy the wilderness without wearing yourself out, you might want to try a helicopter tour of the mount. You will be able to see the high desert, Bend and this amazing volcanic mountain all from the comfort of a bucket seat. The helicopters are safe and piloted by folks with years of flying experience.
In the winter, Mt Bachelor is the most popular skiing locale in the Pacific Northwest, due to having one of the longest ski seasons in the region (from November to May) and receiving an average
snowfall of thirty-eight and a half feet. With over one hundred runs spanning as long as four miles, a vertical drop of over three thousand feet, and upwards of four thousand skiable acres, Mount Bachelor Bend Oregon is among the best ski resorts in the country. Its terrain is primarily split between intermediate, advanced, and expert terrain, though there is a substantial amount of easier terrain for first-time skiers. Mount Bachelor also has eleven ski lifts for visitors’ convenience, as well as two tubing tows and one magic carpet—a lift-serviced snow tubing hill.
Besides downhill skiing, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, Nordic or cross-country skiing, sledding, snowtubing, and snowmobiling through Mount Bachelor’s gorgeous snow-blanketed terrain and the surrounding Deschutes National Forest.
Places to Eat
Man does not live by outdoor adventure alone, and if you spend a day on Mount Bachelor, you are certain to work up an appetite. Fortunately, there are plenty of great places to eat in Bend from fast food to fancy.
Sunrise Café
This eatery located on the east side of the mount is a popular breakfast spot with skiers and hikers who come to the area. Here you can grab a quick breakfast burrito or enjoy a plate of eggs and toast before hitting whatever trail you might be exploring that day.
Boxwood Kitchen
330 SW Powerhouse Dr Building C, Suite 150, Bend, OR 97702
Located in the Old Mill District of Bend this eatery features an eclectic menu of dishes made with the freshest ingredients. Be sure to try the Buddha Bowl, featuring baked falafel, broccoli and kale or the fried Brussels sprouts that come with a tangy and tasty Ponzu sauce.
Bangers and Brews
1288 SW Simpson Ave Suite A, Bend, OR 97702
This fun British pub serves both traditional English and American Fare. You will also find a selection of local brews here. They offer both traditional and veggie sausages with your choice of toppings. They also have fresh salads and some tasty cheesecakes for dessert.
Bend Vacation Rentals – Your Gateway to the Wonders of Bend
For more details on Mount Bachelor and other must-see locations around Bend, contact our office and reserve your stay in one of our spectacular vacation rental properties today!
