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.