The Allure of Oregon’s High Desert: Lost in the Bend and Beyond
Situated where the ponderosa pine forest transitions into the rolling expanse of the High Desert plateau, Bend is more than just a splash of city life in the radiant wilderness of Central Oregon. It’s a gateway to seemingly limitless opportunities for adventure, a sparkling jewel in the crown that is Oregon’s High Desert.
The Outlandish Charm of Bend
Stroll down the streets of Bend, and immerse yourself in the town’s eclectic mix of cowboy-meets-hipster ambiance. From snack shacks serving locally-sourced elk sausages to shops stocked with hand-spun wool from nearby ranches—there’s always something intriguingly Oregonian to discover. Sure, Bend might be known for epic skiing at Mt. Bachelor or classy summer concerts at Les Schwab Amphitheater, but ask any local and they’ll tell you: it’s the small town charm that truly makes Bend unbeatable.
And the beer! Good heavens, the beer. Just like the rest of the Beaver State, Bend has a hopping (pun intended) craft-beer scene. Head to Deschutes Brewery, the original Bend-based brewery that sparked an entire beer revolution. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, check out Crux Fermentation Project, where enjoying a frosty pint comes with panoramic views of the Cascades.
Exploring the Wilds of Bend
No matter the time of year, outdoor enthusiasts are sure to find their happy place in Bend. Miles of trail networks lace the surrounding landscape, making for some of the best mountain biking, trail running, and hiking in the state. The Deschutes River Trail is a local favorite for a leisurely stroll, where bird-watchers can glance river otters or ospreys on a lucky day.
During snowy winters, locals hang up their hiking boots and bring out the skis. Mount Bachelor, reigning tall and snow-clad in Deschutes National Forest, bids an irresistible call for winter sport enthusiasts.
Beyond Bend: Exploring the High Desert Back Country
While Bend might be a beacon for lovers of craft beer, music, and outdoor sports, venturing beyond the city perimeter is where the true magic of the High Desert unfolds. Vanish into the expanse of the Oregon Badlands Wilderness and let the stark beauty of gnarled juniper trees silhouetted against a vibrant sunset sky make you rethink your idea of solitude. Navigate the rocky labyrinth of Lava River Cave, Oregon’s longest volcanic cave, and feel the palpable thrill of being in the bowels of Earth.
Expect the unexpected in the desert country. Ghost towns like Shaniko stand as timeworn relics. Ride atop a camel at RimRock Ranch in Hampton, where Sunday brunch isn’t complete without a round of camel racing! Hike to picture-postcard views of Fort Rock, a volcanic landmark that juts out from the flat desert sands like an ancient fortress.
If you’re up for a bit of mystery, take a detour to Oregon Vortex in Gold Hill, where physics take a holiday and strange phenomena become the norm. Let’s just say, it’s classic Oregon quirkiness at its starkest.
Lands of Oases: High Desert Waterways
Life in the High Desert may seem arid, but don’t be fooled, where there is water, there is life, and it’s buzzing! Marked by a oxbow lake turning luminous at sundown, the Crooked River winds serenely past Smith Rock State Park, a rock climber’s paradise. Or, paddle across the glassy surface of Sparks Lake at a slow roll, savoring views of South Sister and Broken Top Mountain mirrored in its crystal-clear waters.
Sunset over the Sagebrush
As the day wanes into twilight, the desert colors bloom in a riotous palette under the setting sun — a scene worthy of the most die-hard romantic. The sky at dusk isn’t just a spectacle here, it’s an experience. Sprouting like oddball canvas sails from the sagebrush and rabbitbrush, the public sculptures in the High Desert’s unofficial ‘Sculpture Highway’ infuse that final lick of intrigue to an already pareidolic panorama that is the Oregon High Desert.
Like a hearty bowl of Dungeness crab bisque after a wet spring hike, the Bend and its surrounding High Desert is the kind of savory embrace every Oregon explorer craves — a paradox of gritty endurance and poetic calm, of bustling life and celestial isolation, of tight-knit communities and infinite wilderness. It’s pure, unadulterated Oregon, in all its high desert wonder. Happy exploring!