Things to Do in Bend and Central Oregon
Sunny high desert, a river through town, lava caves and climbing cliffs.
See top-rated activities »About Bend
On the dry eastern side of the Cascades, Central Oregon gets far more sun than Portland, and Bend has grown from a sawmill town into the state's outdoor recreation capital. The Deschutes River runs right through town, and on summer days people float it on tubes through the Old Mill District, where brick smokestacks from the old mills now stand over shops and restaurants. Bend's breweries are numerous enough to fill the Bend Ale Trail, a guide to tasting rooms around town.
South of Bend, the High Desert Museum combines indoor galleries with outdoor exhibits of raptors, otters and a homestead. Newberry National Volcanic Monument preserves a young landscape of lava flows and cinder cones; you can drive or ride a shuttle to the top of Lava Butte and walk with a lantern through the Lava River Cave, a lava tube about a mile long, open in season. In winter, Mt. Bachelor, about 20 miles west, has one of the largest ski areas in the Northwest, and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway loops past mountain lakes in summer.
North of Bend, Smith Rock State Park near Terrebonne has orange volcanic cliffs above a bend in the Crooked River and is often called the birthplace of American sport climbing. Hikers can climb the steep Misery Ridge trail for views of the spire called Monkey Face and the Cascade peaks. Sisters, a Western-themed town at the foot of the Three Sisters peaks, is a short drive away, and the area's clear, dry nights are some of the best for stargazing in the state.
Don’t Miss
Volcanic tuff cliffs above the Crooked River, famous for rock climbing and the Misery Ridge hike.
Indoor and outdoor exhibits on the wildlife, history and cultures of the high desert.
Lava Butte, the Lava River Cave and lava flows, with Paulina and East lakes in the caldera.
Shops and restaurants around restored mill buildings on the Deschutes, with river trails.
A large ski and snowboard area on a volcano, with summer sightseeing chairlift rides.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Bend
Viator
Viator
Viator
Viator
Viator
ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Best of Oregon may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your time in Bend
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Get free trip quotes »Bend — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Bend?
Summer for river floating, hiking and mountain biking, and winter for skiing at Mt. Bachelor. Spring and fall are quieter and often sunny, with cool nights.
How far is Smith Rock from Bend?
About 25 miles north, roughly a 35-minute drive. Arrive early on summer weekends, since parking fills up, and bring water, as there is little shade on the trails.
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