June kickstarts the fun-filled summer season, ushering in a time of vacations and epic experiences with those nearest and dearest. Central Oregon’s scenic city of Bend is one of the state’s foremost summertime holiday destinations thanks to its robust variety of attractions and adventures. Explore our top June 2024 events in Bend, Oregon this summer. Here’s what to expect on your June getaway to Bend this year.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding offers a serene and laid-back excursion of Bend’s charming backcountry. Wilderness Horse Adventures is one of Bend’s most highly-rated horseback riding companies, delivering delightful rides across hundreds of trails. Their tours accommodate riders of all skill levels, allowing for casual rides with loved ones regardless of your experience. Wilderness Horse Adventures has over 15 years in the horseback riding space, promising exciting and memorable tours from licensed guides.
Mountain Biking Escapades
Bend is a biking haven thanks to numerous gorgeous trails in its extensive outback. The Twin Bridges Scenic Bikeway is one of the city’s finest biking routes, covering 35 miles with an elevation gain of 1,900 feet. The trail begins and ends in the iconic Drake Park in the city’s downtown area. Twin Bridges passes through beautiful terrain, offering jaw-dropping views of the neighboring Cascade Mountain Range. Bend City Bike Trails is another popular biking route, covering 16.4 miles with an elevation gain of roughly 1,000 feet, promising an exciting yet relaxing ride across picturesque scenery.
Hiking Experiences
Traverse Bend’s sweeping terrain on a riveting hike across tens of lovely trails. Tood Lake Loop covers 1.6 miles, offering a brief 34-minute trek, ideal for a short walk through Deschutes National Forest. The 5.7-mile Wickiup Plain Loop Trail in Three Sisters Wilderness features a three-hour hike, delivering a moderate trek with stunning landscapes and a tranquil lake detour. Mink Lake Loop Trail covers 19 miles, providing an arduous but rewarding eight-hour hike in Deschutes National Forest. Before heading out for your hike, ensure you have the proper footwear, select a comfy backpack with sufficient food and drink, and wear enough high-SPF sunscreen to shield you from Bend’s summer rays.
River Rafting Trips
Cool down with a rip-roaring river rafting escapade down the mighty Umpqua River with Sun Country Tours. Choose from three tour options – Big Eddy Thriller, Umpqua Two-Day Adventure, or Full-Day Trips. Big Eddy Thriller features a three-mile downstream tour on Class 3 rapids, ideal for all ages. The Umpqua Two-Day Adventure offers a two-day and two-night ten-mile rafting adventure on the Umpqua River with a luxury glamping experience at Umpqua’s Last Resort. The Full-Day Trips include a 13-mile trip on the Lower Deschutes or a 12-mile journey on the McKenzie River.
Stargazing
Bend’s high elevation and low light pollution allow for impressive clear nights, making it one of Oregon’s best stargazing spots. The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is 20 miles from Bend, delivering stunning night sky views from over 12 telescopes pointing at different parts of the heavens. The Pine Mountain Observatory lies 34 miles from Bend, offering impressive stargazing experiences in Deschutes National Forest. For an elevated experience, check out Wanderlust Tours and book a stargazing tour as award-winning guides lead you to secluded areas for unparalleled views of the majestic night sky.
High Desert Museum
Learn more about local art, history, and culture at High Desert Museum as you visit numerous exhibits. The museum lies on a massive 135-acre land with over 100,000 square feet of exhibition space featuring numerous galleries and interpretative paths. Explore five permanent indoor exhibits, including Spirit of the West, By Hand Through Memory, Desertarium, Porcupines, and Blanket Stories. The museum has several permanent outdoor exhibits, including the Autzen Otter Exhibit, 1904 High Desert Ranch, and Lazinka Sawmill.
McKay Cottage Restaurant
Enjoy sumptuous breakfast and lunch dishes at McKay Cottage Restaurant in a casual yet picturesque 1916 bungalow. The breakfast menu offers delicious egg servings, French toast, crepes, pancakes, grains, fresh fruits, and pastries, while the lunch menu features soups, salads, and chili with complementary grilled focaccia. Explore the beverage list and relish umpteen selections of fine wines by the glass, beer, and cocktails. If you have a sweet tooth, check out McKay Cottage Restaurant’s impressive bakery and sample delicious homemade baked items, including cinnamon rolls, muffins, pecan sticky buns, and scones.
Secure Your June Vacation Rental Today
Bend is a lovely holiday hub offering epic activities you and your loved ones will enjoy this June. As you plan your getaway to this Oregon gem, look to Bend Vacation Rentals for the city’s finest holiday lodging. We offer multiple high-quality vacation rentals, ranging from studios to six-bed properties, giving you and your travel group ample choice. Many properties feature excellent amenities, including fully stocked gourmet kitchens, flat-screen TVs, en-suite bathrooms, internet, and outdoor patios, promising comfort and convenience. Contact us today to secure your June vacation rental and enjoy a scintillating summer getaway in beautiful Bend.
