The High Desert’s Crown Jewel: Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon, nestled in the heart of the high desert, is something of a paradox. With Cascade Mountain snow still visible even in the heat of summer, hiking trails that wind through pine forests thick enough to make you forget you’re technically in a desert, and a volcanic landscape that has shaped and challenged this region since time immemorial, this place is a true testament to Oregon’s wild and diverse beauty.
Driving into Bend, Mt. Bachelor looms large, hinting at the outdoor opportunities that await. No need to hurry though, because in Bend, it’s all about enjoying the journey. Whether one is traversing the scenic Cascade Lakes Highway or biking along the Deschutes River, embracing the “Bend way of life,” which is slower and more observant, is an essential part of the local ethos.
Yet, for all its laid-back charm, Bend packs the proverbial punch in the adventure department. Just take a gander at Smith Rock State Park and its sea of climbers scaling the sheer cliffs. Then there’s the Phil’s Trail Complex, with miles upon miles of mountain biking trails that leave even the most grizzled of riders grinning like school children. And let’s not forget about Deschutes River, a local favorite for a good old fashioned float on a hot day, or the renowned fly fishing that lures anglers from around the globe to its shores.
Quenching the High Desert Thirst
They say that the best place to build a brewery is where your customers can work up a good thirst. On that front, Bend delivers in spades. The Bend Ale Trail serves as a sudsy treasure map, leading locals and tourists alike to 22 breweries and counting. Some swear by the classic Deschutes Brewery, while others are partial to the tart temptations at The Ale Apothecary. It’s is an effervescent journey, suited for those who’ve earned their brew with a robust day of outdoor adventuring.
If beer isn’t your ballgame, Bend also boasts a lively arts scene. The Old Mill District, once a hub of the town’s logging industry, has been transformed into a vibrant nexus of art studios, boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The Tower Theatre, Bend’s historical performing arts nucleus, hosts headlining acts that run the gamut from local performances to internationally acclaimed artists.
Beyond Bend: Madras and Sisters
Exploring beyond Bend, you’ll find Oregon’s high desert cradled in the arms of the Cascades. The small towns, each offering their unique charm and character, that dot this region contribute just as much to its intrinsic allure.
Madras, about an hour north of Bend, woos visitors with reflections of a bygone era. With its Main Street layout, thrift stores, and the historic Krazy Kow Ice Cream Parlor, it’s like stepping back in time. Make sure to visit the Erickson Aircraft Collection while there, home to one of the largest private collections of World War II-era aircraft in the world.
Meanwhile, Sisters, located just west of Bend, tempts with its frontier charm and grand views of the Three Sisters volcanic peaks. The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, a local tradition every July, finds quilts of every color and pattern imaginable displayed throughout town. And if you’re in the mood for some boot-stomping fun, Sisters Saloon and Ranch Grill is the Saturday night spot for local song and dance.
Finding Magic in the High Desert
As the sun sets, look toward the eastern horizon and you’ll catch a celestial sight that only Oregon’s high desert can offer – a wide-open sky aflame with hues of fiery orange and deep purple. It’s just the desert waving goodnight, reminding you that no photo can ever truly capture the full breadth and depth of this place.
It’s a whole other world out here on the high desert, one that resists any hasty categorization. Whether it’s the rugged beauty of the landscape, the energy of adventurous sports enthusiasts, or the contagious, laid-back culture, there’s something to seize the heart of every visitor. It’s a bit of magic that only Oregon can concoct — simultaneously grand and humbly content. So, don your hiking boots or grab your beer mug and immerse yourself in this vibrant corner of the Beaver State. It has plenty of stories to share; you simply have to take the time to listen.