An Invitation to Adventure: Oregon’s High Desert
In the heart of the state, nestled between the snow-capped Cascades and the sun-scorched hills of eastern Oregon, lies a unique landscape that offers an adventurous respite from the Pacific Northwest rain. This is where you’ll find Bend, a thriving hub of Oregon’s high desert, and its surrounding untamed beauty waiting to be explored.
In the Pioneer Footsteps of Bend
Bend has a rustic, ol’ frontier appeal that’s deeply etched into its DNA. Our ancestors hailed from adventurous spirits forging westward, and that wilderness wanderlust is still palpable here. Quaint brick storefronts downtown, like the revered Dudley’s Bookshop Café, seem to whisper stories of past pioneers seeking respite and community around the hearth.
Deschutes Brewery, the venerable grand dame of Oregon’s craft beer scene, and Bend’s wealth of micro-breweries, are living legends of Oregon’s innovative spirit with their ever-evolving menu of hop forward IPAs, fruity ales, and coffee-infused stouts.
Such nods to the past have earned Bend the affectionate nickname of “Beertown, USA”. Like its bustling beer scene, Bend’s food offerings are no slouch. For a very laid-back but luxurious experience, try the mouthwatering salmon fish and chips from the Sparrow Bakery van at Les Schwab Amphitheater. Nothing says Bend-life quite like enjoying live music while feasting riverside on a summer day.
A Desert Playground
Bend’s doorstep is a gateway to the outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. With the sun casting golden hues onto its high desert plains, looping trails through juniper groves and towering Ponderosa Pines, and its sky touching volcanic peaks, surrounding Bend is a playground ready to be explored.
Smith Rock State Park, with its majestic, jutting cliffs and peaceful river running through its belly, attracts rock climbers worldwide. Not a climber? No problem. There are trails for every fitness level, including the gentle River Trail that invites contemplative strolls.
Meanwhile, Pilot Butte rises like a silent guardian over Bend. Locals often test their mettle by scrambling up its slopes for a rewarding panoramic view of the town and its surrounding natural splendor. For those who fancy winter sports, you are welcome to swap shorts for ski boots and make the short, scenic drive over to Mt. Bachelor. World-class skiing and snowboarding await you there.
The High Desert Museum and Beyond
For those drawn to Bend by the lure of its high desert, a visit to the High Desert Museum is a must. Interact with rescued wildlife, delve into the region’s history, and learn about its incredible geology. It’s here you’ll understand why the locals are so fiercely proud of their desert home.
But, Bend is just the beginning. Venture beyond and let the desert roll under your tires while roads weave between sagebrush and hardy desert wildflowers. Peer into Crack-in-the-Ground, a jaw-dropping, two-mile-long, volcanic fissure. Or, take a dip in the deep turquoise waters of Paulina Lake, cradled within the Newberry Volcanic National Monument’s caldera. And for those seeking the truly quirky, east to the tiny desert town of Christmas Valley to check out the great “Oregon Outback” and its oddly fascinating desert sand dunes.
The Welcoming Embrace of the High Desert
To visit Bend and its neighboring desert is to step into a region of contrast and diversity, promising both relaxation and thrill. Whether seeking calm amid the whispers of meandering rivers or the adrenaline rush of white water, you’ll come to find there is a unique rhythm here in the high desert. You just need to take the time to tune into it.
There’s a saying we Oregonians love to pass around, “Oregon, we love you, but please don’t move here.” It’s a humorous nod to our appreciate for this slice of the wild west and our desire to keep it just as is, perfectly imperfect. As you venture back from your Oregon high desert odyssey, take the spirit of Bend and beyond with you – respecting the land, cherishing the memories, and taking a piece of the adventurous Oregon spirit back home. The high desert is more than just a place, it’s a state of mind, and once you’ve been, it stays with you, always inviting you back.