Experiencing the Charm of Oregon’s High Desert: Bend and Beyond
Oregon is a state host to a thriving wilderness, bubbling craft beers, the scent of pines, and the allure of the slightly unexpected — all wrapped into one awe-inspiring package. Today, we’re setting our sights on the eastern part of the state, a place of stark beauty and rugger charm — Oregon’s high desert, and the jewel in its crown, Bend.
Situated in the ‘rain shadow’ of the Cascade Mountains, Bend is as unique as Oregon cities come. Famous for its sunny disposition, it receives more than 300 days of sunshine annually, a distinct contrast to Oregon’s more temperate western region. Bend
Bend: A City of Natural Wonder
Bend, Oregon’s outdoor playground, is home to stunning crystal-clear rivers, majestic mountains, and a vibrant downtown area, affectionately known as ‘The Old Mill District.’ The locals know it as the best spot in town for a bite to eat and for shopping local crafts.
Bend is refreshing in its authenticity, short on pretense and lavish with small-town charm. Quirky public art installations stud the town, and it’s not unusual to bump into “Art in Public Places,” where sculptural displays like ‘Roundabout Art’ never fails to capture the heart and imagination of locals and visitors alike.
The Deschutes River is as synonymous with Bend as beer brewing – and that is saying something! If you’re not paddling in its sparkling waters, you’re strolling along the Deschutes River Trail, which winds gracefully through this evergreen city, providing both tranquil strolls and adrenaline-charged mountain biking experiences.
Quenching Thirst the Bend Way
Many say a trip to Bend is incomplete without swinging by a tap house. And as locals commonly joke, you can’t chuck a pinecone without hitting a brewery in Bend. For the craft connoisseurs, the town offers the ‘Bend Ale Trail,’ a self-guided tour of 18 different breweries. By hitting all the stops, you don’t just quench your thirst, but you also earn yourself some bragging rights and a Bend Ale Trail ‘Silipint.’ They do say the journey is more important than the destination, but in this case, the destination’s not too shabby!
Beyond Bend: High Desert Wonderland
Death Trap, Black Rock, Marsupial — these unique names might sound like comic book characters, but they’re actually famous climbing routes at Smith Rock State Park, a testament to Oregonians’ knack for inventive naming. Here the high desert region truly impresses, with stunning rock formations that tower dramatically over the Crooked River. Smith Rock isn’t just a local hotspot; it’s recognized globally as the birthplace of American sport climbing.
A quiet drive from Smith Rock is the Oregon Badlands Wilderness, an untouched expanse of volcanic rock formations, sand dunes, and ancient juniper trees with a tranquillity that tells tales of the time when Native American tribes used the land. The Flatiron Rock Trail weaves through this landscape and lets you closely experience its historical lure, especially in the spring when the wildflowers come alive.
And then there’s Painted Hills, one of the three units of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The hills ripple with layers of color that change with the light, a rich canvas reflecting Oregon’s geological tale. With trails like the Carroll Rim Trail and Painted Cove Trail providing excellent viewpoints, this masterpiece of nature is a feast for the eyes.
Embracing the High Desert Night Skies
What’s the cherry on top of exploring Oregon’s high desert? The night sky! Far from city lights, spots like Pine Mountain Observatory offer crystal clear sights of the Milky Way, making it a stellar spot for stargazing. It’s quite a sight when that dark desert sky twinkles to life as the sun dips behind the peaks. Oregonians refer to it as their ‘own private light show.’
And so, you see, Oregon’s high desert is as diverse as it is distinct. It weaves the tale of a state that basks in its differences, delights in its authenticity, and beams with rich landscapes. It’s a place that invites you to explore your sense of wonder and immerse yourself in its captivating beauty. So, whether it’s a cool craft beer in Bend, a heart-pumping climb at Smith Rock, or a tranquil night under the stars in the vast desert, one thing is clear: the high desert region of Oregon beckons you to venture out, to experience and to explore – and most importantly, to simply enjoy being here.