Bend, Oregon
Taking the drive south out of Hood River or The Dalles, you’ll weave along a two-lane blacktop with the magnificent Columbia River receding in your rearview mirror as you climb out of the river’s gorge. The three-hour-plus drive is filled with beautiful scenery. As you make your way towards Bend, you'll encounter the ponderosa pine forests of the Cascades meeting the high desert at a little over 3,600 feet above sea level.
A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Located in the heart of Central Oregon, Bend is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and vibrant culinary scenes. Whether you enjoy cycling, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, paddling, skiing, or snowboarding, Bend has something for everyone. The town also values creativity, with arts showcased in downtown galleries and even in restaurants.
Winter Wonderland: Mt. Bachelor
For winter sports enthusiasts, Mt. Bachelor's is a must-visit. Located just a half-hour drive from Bend, this ski area offers a fantastic experience for skiers and snowboarders. Lift tickets range from $99 to $152 for a full day, with discounts for half days. While night skiing isn’t available, Mt. Bachelor provides RV overnight parking options, making for an incredible ski-in-ski-out weekend.
Summer Fun: Floating the Deschutes River
If snow isn't your thing, Bend's summer activities won't disappoint. Spend a lazy day floating down the Deschutes River. Many operators offer shuttle services and float rentals. Tumalo Creek Outfitters is a great option for renting canoes and stand-up paddleboards, complete with shuttle services.
Hiking Heaven: Smith Rock State Park
Just 30 minutes north of Bend, Smith Rock State Park offers iconic rock formations and breathtaking vistas. The Misery Ridge Trail provides panoramic views of the Crooked River Canyon. Whether you choose the 3.7-mile round trip from the visitor center or the more challenging 6.2-mile Misery Ridge and Summit Loop Trail, you'll find hikes to suit all levels. You can learn about the hikes in this area over on All Trails.
Exploring Geological Wonders: Newberry National Volcanic Monument
About 20 minutes south of Bend, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument offers unique geological wonders like lava tubes, obsidian flows, and pristine lakes. Don’t miss the breathtaking views from the summit of Paulina Peak.
Mountain Biking in Bend
Bend is a renowned destination for mountain biking, with numerous trails for all skill levels. For detailed information on the best trails, visit bendtrails.org.
Craft Breweries: A Beer Lover’s Paradise
Bend boasts 26 craft breweries in a town of only about 100,000 people. One standout is Crux Fermentation Project, known for its exceptional IPAs and this is my favorite brewery in the area. Deschutes Brewery, a giant in the craft beer industry, also has a brewpub in Bend. For those seeking smaller, unique spots, Boneyard Brewery and Humm Kombucha offer great alternatives.
Culinary Delights
Bend’s food scene is as impressive as its craft beer offerings. Enjoy mouthwatering burgers at McKay Cottage Restaurant or creative small plates at 10 Barrel Brewing Co. For a vibrant food truck experience, visit The Lot, featuring a rotating selection of gourmet eats from around the world.
Where to Stay: RV Parks and State Parks
Bend offers a variety of RV parks and state parks for every type of camper:
Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort: Located 22 miles outside of Bend, this resort offers spacious RV sites surrounded by lush gardens and stunning mountain views.
Crown Villa RV Resort: Just 11 minutes from downtown Bend, Crown Villa offers luxurious accommodations with top-notch amenities.
Tumalo State Park: Only 15 minutes from Bend, this state park offers 23 full hookup RV campsites along the Deschutes River.
Bend Awaits Your Adventure
With its stunning natural landscapes, endless outdoor adventures, and thriving culinary scene, Bend, Oregon, is the perfect destination for your next RV adventure. Whether you're hiking scenic trails, paddling down the Deschutes River, or savoring delicious craft brews, Bend offers a truly unforgettable experience for RVers of all ages. Add Bend to your travel itinerary and discover all that this amazing town has to offer.
