Experiencing the Spirit of Oregon’s High Desert: Bend and Beyond
Nestled amidst the towering pines and shady junipers, and the gentle embrace of the Cascade Range, you’ll find the heart of Oregon’s high desert – Bend. It’s a city where the coffee is as smooth as the famously navigable Deschutes River, and the craft beer is as heady as the breathtaking mountain air.
People from all corners come to visit Bend for the promise of adventure, embellished by the allure of cycling championships, ski resort thrills, and rock-climbing exploits. Yet, what truly encapsulates the charm of Bend is the intimate and unraveled connection with nature and the authentic Oregonian lifestyle.
Adventure Awaits: Bend’s Outdoor Playground
Bend area’s diverse landscape is like an artist’s palette, lush and teeming with various shades. From the sparkling emerald waters of Tumalo Falls to the snow-dusted pinnacle of Mount Bachelor, you’ll discover a spectrum of colors and experiences year-round. During summer, nothing beats a kayak ride down the Deschutes River or exploring the wildflowers-laiden trails of the Three Sisters Wilderness.
In winter, locals swap out their hiking boots for ski gear at the coveted Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, boasting the highest ski-able terrain in the Cascades. But don’t be fooled to think Bend is solely for adrenaline junkies. The peaceful serenity of Shevlin Park, with its network of serene trails along Tumalo Creek, is a preferred retreat for bird watchers, artists, and soul searchers alike.
A Taste of Bend’s Unmistakable Vibes
Bend isn’t just about its natural wonders. Deep within town, you’ll unearth a jocular liveliness that resonates around food and drink. While here, do as the locals do and grab a cuppa from Strictly Organic Coffee, Bend’s very first organic coffee roastery. For the beer enthusiasts, you’ve got some wetting your whistle to do at Deschutes Brewery and the 20-plus other craft breweries dotting the Bend Ale Trail.
And when your stomach starts to rumble louder than the Bend’s summer thunderstorms, you can count on the mouthwatering menus of places like Sparrow Bakery for a warm, buttery Ocean Roll or Zydeco Kitchen for their celebrated Northwestern cuisine.
Culture, Art and a Slice of History
Bend’s cultural landscape matches the mountains in its magnificence. The High Desert Museum offers an engaging plunge into the region’s history and natural wonders. Here, local wildlife such as otters and birds of prey share a home with captivating exhibits of Indigenous communities and pioneer-era artifacts.
Moreover, Bend’s art scene is as vibrant as the city’s sunsets over the Old Mill District. The Tin Pan Alley Art Collection is a fabulous outdoor display, injecting color and creativity into the streets. Every year, blocks are filled with art, music, and camaraderie during the Bend Fall Festival and the beloved First Friday Art Walk.
Bend and Beyond
Beyond Bend’s city limits, the high desert unfolds into a panorama of diverse landscapes. To the East, the Painted Hills, one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon, offer a stunning showcase of geologic time. For an off-the-beaten-path type of experience, Smith Rock State Park presents a Mars-like landscape housing golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer and river otters.
Adventurous souls head towards the Alvord Desert, a dried-up lake as wide as the eye can see. Surrounded by scenic mountains and a favored spot for stargazing, it makes you feel like you’ve traveled far away onto some alien land.
Homeward Bound
Returning to Bend after an adventurous journey, one cannot miss feeling a sense of calm descend. The city lights twinkle like stars in the inky black night, mirroring the Oregon night sky. The intoxicating scent of fresh pine from Deschutes National Forest lingers in the air while the distant coyote’s howl lends a soundtrack to the silent desert.
Exploring Bend and the surrounding high desert is more than just sight-seeing; it’s about immersing oneself in the Oregonian spirit, brimming with natural beauty, diverse culture, and, most importantly, the warmhearted communities.
As you leave Bend, a piece of your heart remains, eagerly looking upon the familiarity of the Cascade Range and waiting for your return to further explore the natural treasures of Oregon’s high desert. After all, there’s so much more to Oregon than meets the eye. Who knows what new discovery awaits just around the river bend? Rain or shine, you’ll soon realize, there’s no such thing as bad weather in Oregon, only different types of good weather. So come, put on your rain boots, or sun hat, and join us as we explore the beautiful tapestry of Bend and beyond.