Few things match the thrill and charm of the beautiful outdoors. Connecting with nature has numerous benefits, including lowering cortisol levels, boosting mood, and elevating overall mental health. If you’re a nature enthusiast looking for an epic getaway, the majestic city of Bend in The Beaver State offers diverse, exhilarating outdoor adventures. Some activities allow you to tag your little ones or pets for a thrilling, inclusive family vacation. Here’s a compilation of five outdoor activities in Bend you and your loved ones can enjoy.
Hiking
Bend features hundreds of miles of hiking trails suitable for the whole family. If you’re vacationing with your kids or furry friend (or both), routes such as Tumalo Falls and Double Falls, Benham Falls Trail, Shevlin Loop Trail, and Good Dog Loop all take less than two hours to complete, covering a few miles. If you want to elevate your hiking experience, head to Tumalo Falls Loop, Riley Ranch to Tumalo State Park, and Horse Butte Loop. Bend’s most challenging trails include Bend Glacier & No Name Lake, Horse Ridge Loop Trail, and Mink Lake Loop Trail, which typically takes a whole day. The hiking routes take you across Bend’s picturesque landscape, giving you access to mountain meadows and pine forests.
Biking
If hiking isn’t up your alley, there’s the option of exploring on two wheels. Biking allows you to explore larger areas while making for an excellent cardio session. Bend’s best biking routes for kids and pets include Pilot Butte Extended Loop, Pine Nursery Park Trail, and Deschutes River Loop via Farewell Bend Park. The Twin Bridges Loop is a 34.8-mile route offering jaw-dropping views of the Cascades and is suitable if you’re an experienced biker looking to test your skills. Pine Mountain Sports is one of Bend’s most respected bike rental companies and offers affordable rentals, saving you the hassle of packing your own. Choose how long you’d like to rent your bike and enjoy a variety of options, including hardtails, fat tire bikes, carbon demo bikes, gravel bikes, and alloy-full suspension bikes.
Whitewater Rafting
Take to the water as you enjoy an adrenaline-inducing trip down the famous Deschutes River. The best part about whitewater rafting is that it accommodates kids and adults, allowing for an epic, wholesome aquatic family adventure. Sun Country Tours has been a mainstay in the whitewater rafting space since 1978 and offers four epic tours on Umpque, McKenzie, and Deschutes. Enjoy all-day tours, including McKenzie Magic and Lower Deschutes, each featuring over three hours of rafting, lunch, and transport. Other renowned whitewater rafting companies include RiverStone Adventures, Sage Canyon Rafting, and Ouzel Outfitters. Rafting remains open all year round, but the best time to hit the water is in late Spring to early Fall, thanks to ideal air temperatures.
Jeep Tours
Bend’s Deschutes National Forest stretches nearly 2,500 square miles, offering unparalleled scenic views of Oregon’s sublime landscape. Bend Jeep Tours offers three-hour excursions of the area, taking you and your loved ones past waterfalls, lava flows, and the impressive Cascade mountain range. The Jeeps can ferry up to five passengers, making the tour ideal for small to medium-sized families. The tours allow you to tag your family pooch and explore Bend with your furry friend. Experienced and certified tour guides take you around as they explain the area’s natural features and animal and plant species. The tours run from 6 AM to 6 PM, and each excursion takes about two and a half hours, giving you ample time to see the sights.
Horseback Riding
Picture a warm, sunny afternoon as you ride on horseback along a beautiful trail with the sound of rushing streams in the background. That’s what Bend’s thrilling horseback riding tours deliver as you and your family explore the Deschutes National Forest on four legs. Enjoy the sights of volcanic formations and get an idea of what life must have been like for the pioneers. An experienced guide leads each tour, ensuring the safety of everyone in the group. Along the way, you may spot several wildlife species, including elk, beavers, antelope, or minks. The forest also houses over 100 bird species, making it a bird lover’s paradise. The tours often last an hour and a half to two hours, offering enough time to enjoy the scenery.
Outdoor Activities in Bend for Your Next Vacation
Enjoy an expansive collection of Bend outdoor activities and attractions, making Bend one of Oregon’s most-visited spots. Whether you want to head out and conquer the trails on foot, horseback, or two wheels, Bend has it all. One of the most significant considerations before your holiday is securing quality accommodation. As you plan your Oregon getaway, Bend Vacation Rentals offers impressive holiday properties, including condos, cabins, and downtown rentals, with numerous amenities for a comfortable stay. Contact us today to book your Bend rental and enjoy convenience and peace of mind.
