If you’re moving to Bend, and want to know more about all the things to do here, read on! We’ve got the thrilling, adventurous, and delicious things to do in Bend, Oregon, below! After reading this, you’ll get a solid head-start on what to do for fun and adventure!
As a charming mountain town at the base of the magnificent Cascade Mountains, Bend, Oregon, is a delight! With just under 102,000 souls, Bend isn’t small, but it’s not huge either. In terms of the adventure you can find in Bend, though, it’s huge! From the sparkling Deschutes River to pristine trails and gorgeous lakes, Bend, OR, begs you to enjoy the outdoors! In town, craft brewers and restaurateurs lure you in with their tasty treats and delicious drinks.
Hike To Tumalo Falls
One of the most thrilling things to do in Bend, Oregon, is the hike to Tumalo Falls. About 20 miles outside of the city, this 89-foot waterfall is simply breathtaking! You can drive to the base of the falls, but there’s a 7-mile trail that takes you there for the more adventurous. We recommend the trail for the incredible views you’ll see along the way! Also, you can take your furry friends, and mountain bikers are also welcome.
Tip: The last 3 miles to get to the falls aren’t paved. So it pays to have a vehicle with 4-wheel drive. Also, there’s a $5 parking fee per car.
See a Show Outside at Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Are you a fan of sitting in the grass under the stars, drinking wine, and watching a show? Then, the Hayden Homes (Les Schwab) Amphitheater is perfect! They host a variety of awesome events from spring through fall. It’s BYOB, but there are food and beer carts on hand just in case. Some of the fantastic artists and groups coming to the amphitheater include:
- Sarah McLachlan
- ZZ Top
- Tenacious D
- Weird Al Yankovic
- An Evening with Ween
- Jason Mraz
- Goo Goo Dolls
- Kenny Chesney
Enjoy Fun, Adventurous, and Delicious Local Events
There always seems to be something exciting happening in Bend, Oregon! In addition to festivals and fairs there are also challenging sporting events, Overall, there’s something for everyone here!
For example, is the first Friday Art Walk in downtown Bend. Hosted on, you guessed it, the first Friday of every month, all the galleries in downtown Bend open their doors. Not only are the galleries and shops cute as a button, but they also offer beverages and snacks to everyone who drops by.
As you’ll see below, beer is big here in Bend, Oregon! As a result, every August, you’ll want to attend the Bend Brewfest. It’s a celebration of all things hoppy, with dozens of beers from local breweries. (Free craft beer samples with friends in a lively, fun outdoor atmosphere? Yes, please, and thanks a bunch!) Over 65 breweries make the scene, with 100+ craft beers on delicious display!
However, if challenging sporting events are more your style, don’t miss the Pole Pedal Paddle! It’s a massive, multi-sport event with kayaking, skiing, cycling, and running. (Poles, pedals, and paddles, get it?) Thousands of people show up for this world-class, thrilling, and super competitive event. It’s also a blast to watch, even if you don’t compete! Some say it’s the most thrilling thing to do in Bend, Oregon! (We’d have to agree!)
Hike Gorgeous, Breathtaking Trails in Bend, Oregon
To say there are a lot of hiking trails in Bend, Oregon, would be an understatement. There are over 60 miles of trails with wildly different dramatic scenery. For example, the 11-mile South Sister Trail is great for serious hikers. At the top, you’ll find a spectacular view of several other mountains. They include Three Fingered Jack, Mount Bachelor, and Broken Top. (Plus the other two Sisters!)
The Deschutes River Trail is 12 miles and takes you through some of the most amazing scenery in Central Oregon. Meanwhile, three beautiful footbridges take you across the Deschutes River as you hike. They make it perfect for hiking, walking, and cycling. In addition, the trail is ideal for children with scooters as it’s nicely paved, level, and wide.
Then there’s the Tumalo Mountain Trail, a bit shorter at just under 4 miles. As one of the more popular trails, it’s moderately challenging and takes about two and a half hours. It also provides a breathtaking view of Broken Top Mountain and its beautiful alpine scenery. There are several more excellent trails in Bend, OR, to enjoy, so you’ll always have something exciting to do next!
Enjoy a Plethora of Craft Beers
Amazingly, you’ll find 22 breweries in Bend, Oregon, crafting a wide variety of delicious beers. There are tasting rooms throughout the city featuring exciting events and fun times. Beer experts will gladly teach you about the different types and styles of beers while you happily imbibe.
You can’t miss the Bend Ale Trail if you’re a huge beer fanatic. It’s 18 different breweries with specials, events, and some of the best beer you’ve ever tasted! (Do yourself a favor, though, and take an Uber. You’ll thank us later!) Here are a few of the best breweries in bend, OR, to get you started. (All are open for business!)
- Crux Fermentation Project
- Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House
- Atlas Cider Co
- Boneyard Beer
- Monkless Belgian Ales
- 10 Barrel Brewery
- Boss Rambler Beer Club
Additional Bend, Oregon Things to Do
There are so many exciting things to do in Bend, Oregon; we couldn’t fit them all! But here are some of the honorable mentions:
- Skiing and snowboarding on Mount Bachelor
- Mountain biking on the dozens of trails in Bend, Oregon
- Floating down the Deschutes River
- Smith Rock State Park
- Spelunking in Lava River Cave
- Driving the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Bend, Oregon Activities From Northwest Self Storage
If you’re moving here soon and need to store your things in Bend, Northwest Self Storage can help. We have 5 self-storage centers in Bend, Oregon, with safe, clean storage units where you can store almost anything. (No flammables, please.) You can even store your boat or RV in Bend, Oregon, with us!
Questions about storing things in Bend? Then chat with us online or, even better, visit one of our five locations around the city. Also, there’s an onsite manager at each location keeping an eye on things. They can answer your questions and steer you towards the best storage units in Bend, Oregon, for your specific needs.
Before you arrive, you can also reserve a storage unit in Bend, OR. It’s easy, and since there’s no deposit, you don’t need a credit card! So from everyone at Northwest Self Storage, have a fantastic time and enjoy everything our amazing city offers. And if you’ve just arrived, welcome to your new home, Bend, Oregon!
This post was originally published on 07/28/2020. It was updated on 06/29/2022.
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