Are there lots of fun and exciting things to do in Bend in any season of the year? Of course, there are, but after your first visit, you are going to understand why your favorite adventures may just be the ones you experience outside and why choosing Bend Vacation Rentals for your vacation accommodations is going to make your spring journey to Oregon one that you will compare all others against for years to come. This guide to the best outdoor Bend Oregon Spring activities will give you a few ideas on just how wonderful this visit is going to be, especially when you come home to our Bend retreats every night for some comfortable indoor times!
Take a Hike
When packing for your Bend trip, you are going to want to plan for all manner of weather types, especially if your spring visit is early on, but for hiking, it is always going to be best to layer. Mornings will be chilly, afternoons will be warmer, and a chance of rain (remember those April showers bring May flowers) likely. Weather should not be the reason you didn’t get out and hike and because Tumalo Falls is particularly gorgeous in the spring and summer months, we recommend you head there first.
Raging waters tumbling over rocks worn smooth create a picture of stunning proportions, seen best from the viewpoint off to the side. The Tumalo Falls trail is an easy one, extending just 2 miles out and back and taking less than an hour to complete, leaving hikers plenty of time to fit more outdoor activities into their schedule.
Ride the Rapids
White water rafting is generally on every thrill seeker’s bucket list and in the later spring, it can be one you cross off. The second week in May begins white water rafting season for Sun Country Tours, 531 SW 13th Street, offering a variety of adventures, including the Big Eddy Thriller, one of their most popular rafting trips.
Starting out as a gentle ride where the water is calmest, then crashing through rapids that will start at class 1 and top out at class 3, this thrilling adventure is exciting, while still being a safe option for rafters of all ages and lasting just a couple of hours, white water rafting may become your newest obsession. They also offer other trips, including a two-day adventure that may satisfy your need for the ultimate adventure!
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Volcanoes never fail to fascinate us, but our moms tend to encourage us to steer clear as they are worried about the inherent dangers involved, something you won’t have to worry about during your visit to Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At least not too much. The Newberry Volcano is still considered geothermically and seismically active, but it has been over 1300 years since its last eruption, so your spring visit in 2025 could be considered a safe bet.
The entire area of the monument was designated as such, enabling visitors to explore the Lava Lands of Bend, offering over 54,000 acres of lakes, lava flows, and of particular interest, the Lava River Cave. 55 steps will take you down into the earth to explore the mile-long lava tube, and if you are planning on visiting, be sure to bring warm clothes as the average temperature never reaches much higher than 42 degrees. Pets are not allowed.
Paddle’s Down
Kayaking is another popular outdoor activity that becomes even more popular in the warmer months and spring can be the perfect time to get your paddle on, for both kayakers and SUP enthusiasts. Bend Kayak School and Rentals, 691 NW Drake Road by Corner of Harmon Road and, NW Nashville Avenue, offers both lessons and rentals ensuring that your Bend adventures will be safe and fun.
They will provide paddles, kayaks or boards, car straps and padding, life vests, and hand pumps if you want to pick up your equipment of choice, or for an extra fee, they will deliver everything to the river where your adventures will take place. Offering both serenity and excitement, this might be best considered a late spring activity as the water will be cold early on if you happen to fall in.
Sunsets, Barbecues, and Hot Tub Moments with Bend Vacation Rentals
Your most impactful outdoor moments may be the ones you enjoy at home with Bend Vacation Rentals. Raise a toast to the sunset from decks that offer panoramic views, enjoy a family barbecue, perhaps with the fish you caught earlier (another outdoor activity) charring nicely on provided grills, or sink into the bubbling depths of a hot tub on the deck after the sun sets and the moon casts its glow on the landscape. Reserve your favorite retreat today and discover all the ways the outdoor life will be memorable during your Bend getaway.
If you’re planning a Halloween getaway to Bend, OR, you’re in for a treat. This charming town transforms into a festive wonderland each October, offering the perfect backdrop for a memorable trick-or-treat adventure. Our guide will lead you through the top spots in Bend for trick or treating in Oregon and experience local Halloween magic.
Top Trick-or-Treating Spots in Bend
You can kick off your Halloween exploration in the heart of downtown Bend, where the festive spirit is palpable. The downtown area, with its historic charm and friendly atmosphere, offers a welcoming environment for families looking to enjoy an evening of trick-or-treating. Many local businesses and shops enthusiastically participate in the Halloween fun, offering treats and sometimes even small surprises for little goblins and ghouls.
Next, you can head to the charming neighborhoods surrounding downtown Bend. Areas like the Old Farm District and the River West neighborhood are particularly popular during Halloween. These communities are known for their well-decorated homes and generous candy-givers, creating a festive and family-friendly environment. The enthusiasm of the residents in these areas truly enhances the Halloween experience, making it a must-visit for trick-or-treaters.
For a touch of local tradition, you can check out the annual Halloween event at the High Desert Museum. This attraction not only provides educational exhibits but also hosts special Halloween-themed activities. Kids can enjoy storytelling sessions, hands-on crafts, and even a chance to see some friendly wildlife up close. This event offers a delightful alternative to traditional trick-or-treating and adds a unique twist to your Halloween experience.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit some of Bend’s popular parks during the Halloween season. Parks like Drake Park and Pioneer Park often feature community events and gatherings that are perfect for trick-or-treating. These parks create a festive atmosphere with their beautiful settings and are an excellent choice for families who want to combine outdoor fun with Halloween celebrations.
Additionally, if you’re looking for something a bit different, consider visiting the local schools and community centers. Most of these institutions host Halloween parties and trunk-or-treat events that are designed to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for kids. These events often feature themed games, contests, and a variety of treats, making them a fun alternative to traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating.
For those who prefer a more structured Halloween experience, several local businesses offer special trick-or-treating events during the season. Stores like the Market of Choice and local breweries often have trick-or-treating hours where children can collect candy while parents enjoy a festive atmosphere. These events are a great way to experience local hospitality and get into the Halloween spirit without having to navigate traditional trick-or-treat routes.
Finally, be sure to check out the Bend Park and Recreation District’s Halloween-themed activities. This organization often hosts events such as haunted houses and pumpkin patches that are designed to entertain and thrill. These activities offer a fun and engaging way to celebrate Halloween and are perfect for families looking for additional holiday experiences beyond trick-or-treating.
Elevate Your Bend Getaway with Our Exceptional Rentals
After a delightful Halloween adventure in Bend, OR, you can retreat to our stunning vacation rentals that promise comfort and luxury. Nestled in prime locations around town, these properties offer a perfect home base for exploring all the festive fun. Imagine relaxing in spacious living areas, beautifully decorated to reflect the charm of Bend, where every detail is designed with your comfort in mind.
Our vacation rentals in Bend feature fully equipped kitchens, ideal for preparing hearty meals or Halloween treats after a day of trick-or-treating. Here, you can enjoy the convenience of modern appliances and ample counter space, making it easy to cook up a feast or just whip up a quick snack. The cozy dining areas provide a perfect spot for family meals, and most of our Bend property rentals include outdoor spaces where you can unwind.
Our Bend properties also come with a range of amenities that cater to both relaxation and entertainment. Spacious living rooms with plush seating and flat-screen TVs are perfect for winding down after a day of festivities. Most of our homes in Bend also include game rooms or outdoor fire pits, offering a cozy environment for gathering with loved ones and sharing stories of your Halloween adventures.
For those who seek a touch of luxury, several of our Bend rentals feature private hot tubs and stunning mountain views, providing a tranquil retreat after your Halloween escapades. Imagine soaking in a hot tub under the stars, reflecting on a day filled with joy and excitement. Our vacation rentals ensure that your stay in Bend is not only memorable but also incredibly comfortable.
Book Your Bend Halloween Getaway Stay at Our Breathtaking Vacation Rentals
As you prepare for a Halloween adventure in Bend, you’ll discover that this charming town offers an array of magical trick-or-treating spots. From festive neighborhoods to exciting local events, Bend promises a Halloween experience to remember. You can make your stay even more special by reaching out to book one of our stunning vacation rentals in Bend, where comfort and luxury await.
Located right in central Oregon, the town of Bend has become a favorite destination for those looking to explore everything the great outdoors have to offer. From beautiful mountain ranges filled with trails to sparkling rivers, there is truly something for everyone in Bend. If you’re looking to vacation in Oregon this spring, here are the top five outdoor activities in Bend you won’t want to miss.
Experience the Thrill of Mountain Biking
The first outdoor activity that we would recommend that can be fun for the entire family is some good old-fashioned mountain biking! Whether you’re a beginner just looking to get out and explore the majestic forests that surround Bend or are a grizzled veteran of the trail, there’s truly something for everyone. According to MTB Project, there are a total of 67 different bike trails in Bend of varying length and difficulty, so whether you’re looking for just a scenic view or the workout of a lifetime, Bend has you covered.
ATV & Motocross Outdoor Activities in Bend
Does hitting the trail sound fun, but you want something with a little more excitement? Rent an ATV or go motocross track riding! There are a number of places throughout Bend that offer motocross, ATV, and biking, and one place in particular we would recommend is the Central Oregon Adventure Park.
Hit the River for Some Thrills…
Whether you’re a traditional thrill seeker or just looking to get started, there are few better activities in the great outdoors than river rafting, and luckily for you, Bend is perfect for this! There are few things better to do on a warm spring day in Bend than take a wild ride down the Deschutes River, and there are a number of great local businesses that you can book a trip with, such as Sun Country Tours and Big Eddy Thriller.
Or Just Relax and Take It Easy
If getting out on the water sounds good to you, but you’re not ready to tackle something as fast as river rafting, why not check-out stand up paddle boarding? Fun and easy to learn, stand up paddle boarding has become one of the most popular outdoor activities in Bend. Experience the beautiful Deschutes River at your own speed, soak up the sun, and have a great time!
Wanderlust Tours
All of these outdoor activities might sound absolutely incredible, but we know what you’re thinking-you’re a little overwhelmed. After all, there’s a lot of amazing options! Our last recommendation is to check out a company that specializes in all things outdoors and will help you and your family in finding the perfect activities: Wanderlust Tours. From cave tours to kayaking, exploring the Cascades to breweries, Wanderlust Tours are experts in everything that the great outdoors of Bend has to offer! They will point you and your family in the right direction and guide you to the perfect spring vacation this year!
So come and see why Bend has become the ultimate playground for those looking to get outside and experience the great outdoors! These are just a few of the incredible options that open up to you once you decide to stay in Bend in one of our amazing vacation rentals!
Traditionally, “putt-putt” golf courses have been all AstroTurf and populated by absurd obstacles like giant plastic elephants that you have to aim a ball through. This is so much better: Bend Wide Open will transform Downtown Bend on Friday, June 20, into a mini-golf course, where you can “putt-putt” your way through the various watering “holes.” Cost is $20 per player, limited to 300 players, and players must be 21 or older. Costumes are highly recommended. Event Registration runs from 2 to 6 p.m., and players may begin to putt immediately after registering. Last tee time is 6 p.m. Rodney Dangerfield would love this! Click here for more information.
It’s official. The Mt. Bachelor Downhill Bike Park is to open September 13, 2013.
Upper Lava Flow to Rattlesnake and Blade Runner will be ready for top-to-bottom riding. For an easier, alternate route in avoidance of the black diamond Rattlesnake trail, riders can take Lava Flow to Cone Run, which connects to Blade Runner. For experts, the upper portion of Last Chance trail will be finished down to the 21 Road. From there, riders can use 21 Road and lower Red Road to return to the base area. The West Village Getback, 21 Road and Red Road are service roads that will not be a part of the finished Bike Park trail network, but will be used this fall and early next summer as connector trails until other permanent bike trails are complete.
Tickets for opening day on September 13, 2013, will be available online. Tickets for other days will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis at the ticket office on the mountain.