So you’ve finally managed to schedule a weekend getaway to Bend. Good for you! While your outside activities may depend on which season it is, there are plenty of things to do and see here in Bend, year round, snow or no snow. You’ll want to make the most of every second here in our western paradise. Here are a few suggestions to get you started on your Bend Oregon weekend trip.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
If there is snow on the ground, head to Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort or the Hoodoo Ski Area. From exhilarating downhill skiing and snowboarding to quieter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through the backcountry, it’s here. Plus, there are snowmobile trails, dog sled adventures, horse-drawn sleigh rides and nighttime backcountry snowshoe with bonfires guided tours too. Rent one of our ski-in/ski-out condos and you can be on the slopes in no time!
When the last bit of snow and ice have left, and those pretty spring wildflowers are starting to show up on the sides of the trail or in the meadows, it’s time for hiking and mountain biking on those mountain trails. Stay in town and hike along the Deschutes River Trail, or just wander through the trails in the Old Mill District, where you can stop for shopping and coffee breaks along the way. Hike around Sparks Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the state, then stay for an amazing sunset from one of the viewpoints.
Summer means it’s time for water sports! Kayak, canoe, and tube on the Deschutes River without really leaving town, or take a short trip to a nearby crystal clear mountain lake. Even better, just rent one of our lake-front vacation homes and cut your travel time to just minutes.
Want a little excitement on your weekend? Try bungee jumping at Crooked River Gorge or the zip line over Crater Lake National Park! Or combine your love of flying with your love of vino, and take a private Helicopter Wine Tour.
Sightseeing and More
Waterfall fans can hike to pretty Tumalo Falls or Steelhead Falls. And, if you’re running short on time, drive the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway for amazing views of Mt. Bachelor, The Three Sisters and the rest of the Cascades. It’s one of the prettiest views in the country.
You can’t leave town with hiking to the Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint for amazing views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains and downtown Bend. A hike to the summit of this dormant volcano, right downtown, is a great way to start your day.
The Newberry National Volcanic Monument offers a wide variety of hiking experiences. There are over 100 miles of hiking trails winding past cool lakes and waterfalls (don’t miss Paulina Falls), lava flows, and the Newberry Crater – the caldera stretching across the heart of the (still active) volcano. Lava Butte’s summit offers panoramic views of the Cascades, The Trail of Molten Lands holds the lava fields where NASA astronauts trained for their moon walk, and the Big Obsidian Flow with over 700 acres of black, shiny obsidian is something you just need to see.
After a morning of skiing or hiking, you can take a leisurely stroll through Historic Bend or the Old Mill District. Enjoy a delicious dinner and cocktails at one of the local eating establishments in downtown or grab some takeout to eat out on your deck as you watch the stars twinkle over the mountains.
The Bend Ale Trail is the largest beer trail in the area, with over twenty breweries on the tour. Take a guided tour (letting someone else worry about driving and parking), or do it on your own. A few craft beer breweries to hit as you wander the trail are Crux Fermentation Project (to enjoy a flight and tacos from the El Sancho Taco Truck), The Ale Apothecary, Silver Moon Brewery, Bend Brewing Company (downtown on the river!), and the Deschutes Brewery for a few tastes of their popular Black Butte Porter. If you’re more into spirits or wine, there’s are a few spots on the trail for you too. Crater Lake Spirits, Oregon Distillers, and the Bledsoe Family Winery (founded by the NFL’s Drew Bledsoe) are just a few to try.
Vacation Rentals for a Weekend in Bend Journey
After you’re finished with all your outdoor activities, you’re going to want to head back to your vacation rental for a relaxing evening in front of the fire, or snuggling out on the deck gazing at the bright stars. Or book one of our vacation rentals with a hot tub, and ease those tired muscles while you gaze out at the mountains you spent the day on.
There’s plenty to do in Bend, year-round, even if you’re only here for a quick getaway to Bend for an unforgettable weekend trip in Oregon. If you need help narrowing down all the great vacation rental choices, just give us a call!
