Things to Do in Bend, OR - Bend Attractions
Things to Do in Bend
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Monuments & Statues • Geologic Formations
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
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- John FAustralia190 contributionsOne word - OUTSTANDING and is a must-see if visiting Bend,Oregon. The museum is set off highway I 97 just outside Bend and is easy to get too with free parking on site and a short walk to the entrance amongst the Ponderosa Pines. It’s a combination of history- Indian culture and the coming of settlers, gold mining, transport infrastructure and the environment, complete with animals - Otters, bird life including talks and other native critters. We spent almost 4 hours there and the time went quickly.The volunteer staff were proactive and freely gave information which was informative and easy to understand. The impact of the white man’s coming upon the Indian nations in the area was significant and sadly was typical of colonisation in many countries at the time.Written February 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Previa1994Chicago, IL6,054 contributionsWhat a wonderful place; so many types of different and unique things to do and see. One day is not sufficient to see all the attractions. The Lava River Cave is a timed entry tour that takes some preplanning. The visit to Lava Butte requires a ticketed shuttle ride from the visitor center. Paulina Peak and Paulina Falls require some driving but are worth a visit. Benjamin Falls is another waterfall after a half mile beautiful hike along the Deschutes River. Do not miss the Molten Land paved trail near the Lava Lands visitor center.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument is an absolutely gorgeous place.Written December 21, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LinC449Klamath Falls, OR63 contributionsAbsolutely stunning waterfall among the fall colors. Easy directions. The 2.5 mile graded dirt road was a bit rough the first mile but was much nicer the closer I got. The pay kiosk is just onto the start of the unpaved road and you need to pay for the pass there as there is no kiosk at the trailhead. ( cards only at kiosk) Parking is limited at the trailhead, and if you have to park on the road it’s a bit of a hike up. Easy walk to the lower viewpoint. The .25 mile hike to the upper viewpoint is steeply uphill, but the path is wide and smooth and easy to stop and catch your breath.Written October 29, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JetfiretravelerOregon97 contributionsThe most beautiful hike in the most beautiful spot. So many mosquitos, but if you keep moving (or come at a better time of year), then you'll be okay.Written September 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Previa1994Chicago, IL6,054 contributionsI visited Lava River Cave as part of my trip to Newberry National Volcanic Monument in Bend. Being formed by lava flow, this cave is an unusual attraction compared to other caves & caverns. There is no lighted path inside the river cave, but for the metal stairs in the beginning part of the cave. I rented the $5 flash light at the entrance to the cave. After the safety talk at the entrance, the group is allowed in the cave, it is not a guided visit; each is on their own. And, one can tour the cave at their own pace and go as far deep as one wants till the end which is about one mile into the cave. I was amazed at the humongous size (wide and high) of the cave. The cave floor is not paved; it was sandy/dusty and pretty uneven. So one has to be careful with their steps.
In summary, visiting the lava cave was a novel experience, though there are no formations or colorful lights. It is one of the prime features in Newberry National Volcanic Monument.Written November 3, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ed ALittle Rock, AR39 contributionsPilot Butte is an interesting landmark right in the middle of Bend. The view from the top is spectacular and there are displays that identify surrounding mountains off in the distance. The trail to the top is paved and safe. There's also a road so you can drive to the top if someone isn't able to hike uphill. It is definitely worth experiencing.Written October 3, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Previa1994Chicago, IL6,054 contributionsLava Lands Visitor Center should be the first place on a visit to Newberry National Volcanic Monument in Bend. The view of lava lands from inside the visitor center is breathtaking. The visitor center has interesting exhibits and is an excellent source of information about the wonderful attractions in the National Monument. I got very timely information for the Lava River Cave tour. There are also a number of good hikes right out the back door. The Trail of the Molten Land is a must do trail at the visitor center. It is a paved one mile trail though some of the far sections are pretty steep. But the experience of being surrounded by lava is awesome. The shuttle bus to the top of Lava Butte operates from the visitor center ($3 fee for the bus in 2022); driving to Lava Butte is not permitted. The short hike at the top of the crater at Lava Butte looks over the breadth of the solidified lava flow providing for a memorable experience.
Get a great introduction to Newberry National Volcanic Monument and all the attractions in the monument at the Lava Lands Visitor Center.Written October 31, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Steve HKaty, TX46 contributionsWanderlust Tours took our group on an evening/sunset canoe trip on this lake. Can't recommend it enough! It's awesome. If you have the means to get on the water here, it is beautiful. Not sure about the hiking.Written August 1, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- H20girl08Charlotte, NC189 contributionsLoved floating on and strolling to town on this river! Easy access if you have your own float - we rented from Tumalo Creek.Written August 10, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KjayKlamath Falls, OR481 contributionsBundle up & bring your binoculars! The Deschutes River Trail offers wide, paved walkways right along the river, with great viewing for all sorts of birds – from green-headed Mallards & punk-crested Mergansers swimming nearshore, to dazzling blue Scrub Jays posing fearlessly in trees right along the pathway.
Who would think there would be such a variety of birds to see, just steps from Bend’s “Mill District” shopping area! We ventured out with friends on a blustery day in February. In just an hour’s leisurely stroll around the waterfront, we also saw Ring-necked Ducks, Scaups, Coots, Goldeneyes, Canada Geese, and even a Golden-crowned Sparrow almost at our feet.
The meandering walkway further charms with eye-catching art murals, bewitching tunnels, decorative bridges draped with fluttering flags, & historic interpretive signs along the way. When it warms up, there is outside dining at many restaurants bordering the walkway.
It’s a wonderfully scenic stroll, with plenty of room for passing joggers, dog-walkers, folks in wheelchairs, baby carriages, & bird-watcher/photographers like us! Public restrooms are nearby – adjacent to “Sisters Coffee” shop, and just down from Karen Eland’s most delightful “Greetings from Bend Oregon” mural which is immensely popular for selfie photos to send to family & friends! Nearby street parking is free – either off SW Reed Market Road, or in the shopping area.
Don’t miss the “Colorado Bridge Tunnel Mural” by Sandy Klein, with cheerfully painted birds on both sides! One side includes an osprey, with real osprey nest high on a pole just beyond. The other wall has one of my favorite birds – a Kingfisher with a fish. It is a female Kingfisher because she wears a reddish-brown belt (which the male doesn’t have).
Interestingly a few steps beyond that is a notable Kingfisher site by some divine little waterfalls, where you can see a sculptural kingfisher “hunting snag” (created by Andrew Wachs & Dylan Woock). Be sure to watch for kingfishers there!
For more on Kingfishers, check out the new award-winning book “Halcyon Journey – In Search of the Belted Kingfisher” by Bend birder/nature writer – Marina Richie. Her book won the 2022 National Outdoor Book Award, & celebrates the Belted Kingfisher as our “Ambassador for Saving Wild Waterways.”
Happy birding!Written March 3, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jan R1 contributionThe tour was fun, informative and interesting. Having a beer in hand to sip along the way was definitely an added bonus!Written January 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Shirley GSpringfield, OR1,871 contributionsThis National Forest is one of my favorites. Pine trees and the Deschutes River make for a great vacation.
To many hiking trails to count and a river that is home to all kinds of recreational activities. Hiking, biking, rafter, tubing, swimming and sight seeing. This river is so clear you can in some places see the rocks on the bottom.
A visit to this area of Oregon must include the Deschutes National Forest.Written May 21, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Elissa MEllijay, GA17 contributionsI am a season pass holder for the Nordic side of the mountain. My experiences are more than the snow and terrain, which are absolutely first class. They are about the employees. People like Maureen, Luke, Molly, and Greg who are so darned friendly. They immediately make you feel like a part of the 'family'. Each of them have gone out of their way to help me out. I want to give them a special shout out for their encouragement and assistance this season.Written March 6, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Noreen H6 contributionsBeautiful clean town - visit all sections of town. Hike, bike and float throughout Bend. Sit around Old Mill district enjoying one of their restaurants and enjoy concert music from across the river. This is a great family place!Written July 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Previa1994Chicago, IL6,054 contributionsI visited Old Mill District as a part of my walk along the Deschutes River in Bend from Farewell Bend Park to Bend Whitewater Park. The paved beautiful path (on both sides of the river) is also a part of the nearly 12 mile long Deschutes River Trail. The Old Mill District is a repurposed entertainment / shopping / eating venue from the old mill area. Bend has accomplished a magnificent conversion. Along the walk there is interesting and informative signage about the area's history. Also, several beautiful sculptures make for interesting stops. The calm but busy river is a nice accompaniment. The rainbow flags on the pedestrian bridge add to the beauty of the area.
One can spend any amount of time here; I visited the area twice during my 5-day stay in Bend. Old Mill District is certainly worth stopping by even if one is not shopping.Written November 24, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
