A vibrant city like Bend, the largest city east of the Cascades, has abundant recreational opportunities, from golfing, fishing, rock climbing, camping, mountain biking, hiking, rafting, sightseeing, snowmobiling, downhill and cross country skiing, plus many others.
Blending natural and historic attractions unique in the United States, Bend enjoys the typical predominately-dry climate of the Great Basin, with sunny days, cool nights and low humidity, as the common weather pattern at an elevation of 3,628 feet. Some of the most remarkable attraction includes the following:
The Deschutes County Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., phone (541) 389-1813
A museum located downtown with exhibits that depict the regional history of Bend and Deschutes County, including an exhibit with prehistoric and pioneer artifacts, such as wagon roads, logging, and irrigation devices. This museum also features educational programs, and technology.
The High Desert Museum, 59800 S Hwy 97, phone (541) 382-4754
Featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits including live animal habitats and natural trails, this museum is considered as one of Oregon’s star attractions. In addition, there are different presentations on Bend’s history, culture, arts, and wildlife, excursions, school programs, lectures and seminars.
High Desert is also known as the Intermountain west due to its location, bordered on the west by Cascades and Sierras, and the Rockies on the east. The region includes the Great Basin to the south and the Columbia and Snake River plateaus to the north.
For those people who prefer the natural settings, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway Tour is a 66 mile (105.6 km) route surrounded by lakes, forests and mountains, offering to bicyclists, hikers, and motorists the opportunity to explore the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains.
Benham Falls (phone (541) 383-5300) is located 14.8 miles south on Highway 97, then 4 miles west on Forest Service, taking Road 9702 from Lava Lands Visitor Center, being a recreational space with activities such as picnics and fishing, granting access to Benham Falls Trail.
Lava Lands Visitor Center and Lava Butte are 13 miles south of Bend, off Highway 97, offering nature walks and cultural history of Central Oregon with interpretive programs and displays on volcanology and geology, besides general visitor information. Opened late April through early October, phone (541) 593-2421
The Lava River Cave (phone (541) 383-5300) is 14 miles south of Bend, off the same Highway 97, and part of Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Lava River Cave is a one-mile cave, the longest lava tubes in Oregon, open daily from mid May to early October, however, visitors are advised to wear warm clothing due to a cave temperature of 42ยบ F.
Newberry Caldera (phone (541) 383-5300) is 25 miles south of Bend on U.S. Hwy. 97, and then 12 miles east on Forest Service Road 21, a region providing a large number of attractions, including sightseeing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, and fishing, with many recreational opportunities and spectacular views from Paulina Peak.
This national monument is one of the newest in America, established by Congress in 1990, and featuring unique geologic landforms in a 55,500-acre area, including a horse camp with equestrian trails, 2 alpine lakes and 7 campgrounds in the Crater with boat ramps, sanitary facilities. The Crater is also a popular winter destination for cross-country skiing and snowmobile activities.
One of the most amazing city’s attraction, and remarkable in all Oregon, is the Pilot Butte State Park, located off Highway 20, on the east side of Bend. Pilot Butte is a scenic old cinder cone and panoramic viewpoint of the Cascade Range to the west and the High Desert to the east at the top.
The area invites a hike up and around on one of 3 trails, one a mile long and another of them paved. All of the trails wind through stands of sage and juniper, leading to the summit. At sunset, go to the west to enjoy the glow of snow-capped Cascade Mountains, put on a natural spectacular show.
Pilot Butte State Park is a spectacular attraction with no fee to use the park, featuring Mount Jefferson, Three Sisters, Black Butte and Mount Hood as its most remarkable highlights. For information, call 1-800-551-6949 and take with you something to quench your thirst, because there is no drinking water at the park.
Other popular attractions include tours and diverse recreational indoor and outdoor activities in the nature or featured venues. The Petersen Rock Gardens and Museum, located at 7930 SW 77th St., Redmond, phone (541) 382-5574, offering 4 acres of ponds, bridges, and miniature castles, all made of various Central Oregon rocks in a park-like setting.
Optionally, if you are interested in specialized tours in Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and Newberry National Volcanic Monument, the High Desert Limo Scenic Tours, may help you out. Further information calling phone (541) 536-2875
