Situated along the ruggedly stunning Deschutes River, the city of Bend in Central Oregon has been renowned as a recreational hub attracting outdoor enthusiasts and adventurous tourists. It also boasts a very diverse landscape rich in culture and history. Bend has become a popular tourist destination because of the surrounding snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains, desert terrain and an ideal weather. Most of the time, the days are quite sunny and the nights are cool.
During winter, Bend becomes a playground perfect for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. The mountains al around Bend receives an average snowfall of 30 feet. Among these mountains is Mt. Bachelor, which has its own ski resort that has become a favorite among families, especially because kids who are 12 and under get to ski for free! The resort offers plenty of opportunities when it comes to skiing and snowboarding. You can also sign up for a snowshoeing guided tour into the stunning forests near Bend. There are many local tour companies that are happy to organize such adventures for you.
Summer is equally fun in Oregon, including the months of August through September. There are many activities to choose from; Cycling, golfing, kayaking, fly-fishing, rafting, and more. It is difficult to get bored in a place like Bend. The outskirts of the city is a hiking mecca. Hiking enthusiasts from all over make their way to this American city to complete the Bend Ale Trail, dubbed by many as the biggest beer trail in the west. This distinct trail showcases 14 of the best breweries in the region. Tackling the Bend Ale Trail means adhering to a set of rules. Some of them are quite fun such as getting a trail passport that will be shown and stamped at each brewery you visit.
There are also multitudes of more traditional hiking trails in and around Bend. One of them is the 3-mile loop Deschutes River Trail that starts at Farewell Bend Park. This trail promises to be quite scenic leading you to waterfalls and whitewater rapids. Other equally picturesque trails are the ones at Century Drive, Shevlin Park, Smith Rock State Park, as well as the Green Lakes Trail.
Hardcore nature lovers test their limits by climbing Smith Rock, and they are greatly rewarded by the spectacular panorama when they reach its top. Smith Rock is located within a state park that was named after it. The park covers a land area of over 600 acres, and is set on the high desert plateau with an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet. Even if rock climbing is not your cup of tea, you can still visit the park year round for picnics, camping and hiking.
But make no mistake about it, despite being like a certified playground, the actual city of Bend exudes a cosmopolitan appeal. Teeming with various hotels and resorts. It is a place where you can relax and vacation in style. For your dining pleasure, there are many restaurants in the city center equipped with an outdoor patio and a fantastic view. Indoor attractions like the High Desert Museum and Sun Mountain Fun Center will keep the entire family entertained.
