Summer Information For Bend In Oregon






Oct 7, 08

Bend
Oregon

Historic and Scenic

Bend is a wonderful mix of history and nature. Bordered by the Cascade Mountains and the Deschutes National Forest, the town boasts many historic homes and buildings. A heritage walk features 45 sites and two different tours.

Bend's scenic surroundings afford ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Hundreds of miles of trails await hikers and mountain bikers. Travel through forests, up mountains, into canyons and across deserts.

Benham Falls, to the south, provides hikers and rafters a route to breathtaking untamed white water. All endurance levels can be accommodated.

Bikers will marvel at the countless miles of single track. Ride the lifts up to the 9,065-foot summit for access to even more trails and take in views of the Central Oregon Cascades and three states.

Wonderful Waters

Fishing is an absolute must here. The more than 500 miles of rivers and streams stocked with trout and steelhead makes for awesome fly-fishing. It is said this is some of the best trout fishing in the Pacific Northwest. Popular spots include Blue, Cultus, Crescent, East, Lava, Odell, South Twin and Sparks lakes. Many reservoirs in the area offer great fishing, including Crane Prairie and Wichiup. If river fishing is what you're looking for, try the Big and Little Deschutes rivers.

The rivers in the region also provide opportunities for rafting and kayaking. The Deschutes River has rapids ranging from class I to class V. Canoeing also is popular on the local waterways, including Blue and Irish lakes and the Deschutes River.

Many of the lakes offer water-skiing, but it is restricted to those particular waters. Some water-skiing lakes include Cultus and Suttle lakes, Lake Billy Chinook and Prineville Reservoir.

Rock climbers won't want to miss Smith Rock State Park, 25 miles north of Bend. The park is known worldwide for its challenging climbs and beautiful igneous rock formations.

The Cascade Lakes Highway, which runs through Deschutes National Forest, is an 87-mile paved loop. This picturesque drive is designated a Corridor 97 Association Highway of the Cascades tour route and is registered as a National Scenic Byway.

Golfers will find plenty of challenges with 20 top rated courses in the area. All offer spectacular views.

Arts and Dining

There is no lack of cultural entertainment here either. The Cascade Festival of Music gives listeners a taste of jazz, pop, rock and blues right along the river in Drake Park. The High Desert Museum affords visitors a look at the region's history and culture.

More than 88 restaurants offer everything from fine dining to fast food. Bend has more restaurants per capita than any other place in Oregon.