From Wikitravel
Bend as seen from the top of Pilot Butte. Cascade Mountains in the
background.
Bend [1] is the county seat of
Deschutes County in Central Oregon, located between the
Cascade and Maury Mountains. Bend is a tourist destination in both
the summer and winter.
- Redmond Airport [2] is
about 15 minutes from Bend and served by four air carriers;
Allegiant Airlines,Delta Airlines, Horizon Air, and United Express
with daily direct flights to Portland, San Francisco, Salt Lake City and Seattle(Los Angeles) (Las Vegas)
- Bend Airport
- Madras Airport- which is also home to the Central Oregon Air
show.
Get around
To fully enjoy the city of Bend, your best mode of
transportation is the car. Bend has extensive bike paths and lanes
and walking paths. When visiting downtown Bend, you can park for
free for the first two hours during business hours and unlimited
hours after 5PM. Downtown is best explored by foot. Parking can be
difficult at times but a spacious parking garage is located at the
corner of Bond and Oregon Streets. Limited bus service is
available.
- High Desert Museum, [3]. The High Desert
Museum is Located just south of Bend on Highway 97. The High Desert
Museum is a great way to gain educational experience about some of
the animals and habitat that go along with Central Oregon. The High
Desert Museum is open on weekdays from 9AM-5PM.
- Historic Tower Theatre
- Smith Rock Smith Rock State Park encompasses
651 acres on the Oregon high desert plateau which hovers around
3000 feet in elevation. The park and campground are open
year-round. A $3 day use permit or a current state park camp
receipt is needed for each vehicle. A yearly permit is available
for $25. Hiking trails offer spectacular views of the surrounding
area. You can spend 30 minutes walking along the river or a half
day making a loop on the entire trail system that extends outside
of the park. The major rock faces are composed of welded tuff
(compressed volcanic ash) reaching a height of up to 550 feet. The
picnic and campground areas sit on top of the rimrock which is made
up of columnar basalt. There are over 1400 climbing routes in and
around the park ranging from some of the best sport climbs in the
world to... “Why would anyone want to climb that pile of choss”.
People climb year-round, but summer temperatures can reach 100+
degrees (f), and in the dead of winter the thermometer stays close
to the freezing mark (32f) during the day. Spring and fall are the
most popular climbing months.
- Deschutes River The Deschutes features
ruggedly beautiful scenery, outstanding whitewater boating, and a
renowned sport fishery for steelhead, brown trout, and native
rainbow trout. The Upper Deschutes features primarily flatwater
boating with limited whitewater and excellent trout fishing
opportunities. The Middle Deschutes has excellent hiking
opportunities with spectacular geologic formations and waterfalls,
but boating is limited. The Lower Deschutes offers the greatest
opportunities for whitewater rafting and is one of Oregon's premier
steelhead and trout fisheries
- Newberry National Volcanic Monument
[4] South of Bend, See lava flows, explore lava caves and ice
caves, fishing for trophy rainbow and brown trout in the two alpine
lakes at the Newberry caldera (East Lake & Paulina Lake) and
explore the massive Obsidian Flow. There are hiking trails, camping
and resorts. Also snow parks, winter cross-country skiing and
snowmobiling. Visit the Lava Lands Visitor Center for
information.
- Cascade lakes and Mountains These areas are
spectacular. Take a drive on the Cascade Lakes Highway and you can
go to Sparks Lake, which is ideal for canoing and kayaking, the
Twin Lakes, Elk Lake and more while taking in some beautiful
mountain scenery at the same time. Many of these lakes offer
fishing, camping, and trailheads for hiking up into the mountains.
Along the Cascade Lakes Highway, you can access trailheads as well
as snow parks for snowmobiling in the winter.
- Cultus Lake is located about 45 minutes
outside of Bend, Oregon, on the cascades lake highway. At the lake
there are a number of activities and facilities available for
tourists, all centered around the crystal clear waters of the lake.
At Cultus Lake there are a number of activities available. The
resort's main attraction is its water sports. One can rent a number
of watercrafts including: Jet skis, Motorboats, Canoes, Kayaks,
Paddleboats, and party boats. Gas and oil can be purchased on site.
Another popular activity at Cultus is the fishing. The lake is
filled with Rainbows, Bass, Mackinaws and Browns. There are also
beaches where people can swim and enjoy the water from another
perspective. At the lodge there is a restaurant open to the public.
They serve a wide variety of food here and it is reasonably priced.
One can also purchase groceries, although the selection is limited
and prices higher than a supermarket. Cabins are available to rent
at Cultus Lake. The cabins are near the lake, and have fireplaces,
kitchens and appliances. There are a number of campsites available
on and near the lake. They are operated by the National Forest
Service, and have a small per night fee. There is running water,
toilets and parking available to campers, however there are no R.V.
hook ups.
- Elk Lake is located about 11 miles past Mount
Bachelor and just a short drive out of Bend, Oregon. It is known
for its mountain scenery and relaxed atmosphere. It has clear
water, making it popular to people seeking water activities. The
Lake is 405 acres in size, with a depths ranging from 25'-75. The
elevation of the resort is about 4884'. At Elk lake fishing is a
popular activity. The lake is filled with Kokanee and brook trout.
In the summer months the lake is planted with brook trout. Popular
fishing techniques include: still-fishing, trolling and fly
fishing. Boating is also permitted at Elk Lake. At the resort there
are paddle boat, canoes, and sail boats available to rent. Prices
for these boats are fairly reasonable and can be checked out by the
hour or by the day. Larger motor boats are not allowed to help
maintain the peacefulness on the lake. There are a number of boat
docks that surround the lake to make launching a boat relatively
easy. Swimming is easily accessible at the sunset and beach areas
of the lake. If hiking is your choice there are miles of trails
that circle the lake. At the resort there is a restaurant open to
the public. It serves a wide variety of food, specializing in their
hamburgers. For dessert they have a small ice cream parlor with
about a dozen different flavors. There is also a small store where
groceries can be purchased. Cabins are available to rent, and can
be checked out at the main resort. They vary in size and location.
Camping can be done at a number of different sites in the area. The
different sites include: Little Fawn Campground, Little Fawn Group
Camp, Point Campground, and Elk Lake Campground. There are also
areas reserved specifically for day use.
- Mt. Bachelor [5] Bachelor is Central
Oregon's best Ski/Snowboard mountain. It was home to the Olympic
snowboard trials years back as well. When the summit is open
(depending on weather) it is some of the best skiing you will find
in Oregon. The northwest territory is also great with lots of black
diamond runs. It's probably not a bad idea to take some 2-way
radios for the other members of your party. The mountain is quite
big and keeping track of everyone is sometimes difficult.
- Whitewater rafting Bend offers some great
Whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River. Sun Country Tours [6] offers some deals
for those of you that would like to tackle the Deschutes for some
whitewater fun.
- Mountain Bike [7]
Bend and Central Oregon have hundreds of miles of singletrack
perfect for riders of all levels. There are trails for families and
beginners and trails for serious mountain bikers wanting to get
their ride in. Most of the trails in the Bend area are in the cross
country category - great for front and full suspension bikes. The
trails are pretty buff with some roots and rocks. There are some
steep climbs, but mainly the trails climb for days from town 20+
miles to Mt. Bachelor and beyond. This means there are great routes
for downhill and shuttling. Popular trails include Whoops, Funner,
Phil's Canyon, Flagline and Mrazek. Recently more and more
progressive, downhill and freeride styles of trail have been built
in Bend including the Lair and ODP (Old Dirty Pirate). All the
trails, new and old are thanks to COTA[8], Central Oregon Trail
Alliance who maintain the trails as well as work on building new
ones. All riders who live or visit Central Oregon are recommended
to become members and support the trail alliance! Mountain biking
in Bend is a great summer activity and with multiple bike shops in
town renting bikes (Hutchs, Pine Mountain Sports, Webcyclery &
Sunnyside Sports), we recommend all visitors get out on bikes. Cog
Wild Mountain Bike tours also offers tours and shuttles for riders
of all levels. Contact them to be taken out on a great ride.
Adventure Maps [9]
also sells great maps of the trails of Central Oregon. You can find
their maps online or at each bike shop in Bend.
- Golf [10]
There are golf courses in Bend for both high and low handicappers.
Bend offers several great golf courses that share amazing scenery.
At 3600 feet, the ball always travels higher and longer in
Bend!
- Pine Mountain Observatory, [11]. Great place to go see
the stars. Camping available.
- Go Fishing Bend is situated in the Heart of
the Cascades, and due to this location Bend is surrounded by
numerous Cascade lakes and the well known Deschutes River. Some of
the Cascade lakes hold monster trout exceeding 10 lbs, Crane Praire
is one of these lakes, and it is south of Bend near Sun River. The
avid fisherman can experience almost everything when fishing around
Bend. The lakes hold a variety of species of fish from Trout,
Kokanee, Atlantic Salmon, Bass and other fish. While the famous
Deshcutes holds an abundance of fish. The Deschutes flows right
through the city of Bend. Some of the better fishing can actually
be right in front of the Riverhouse right on the Deschutes off of
3rd St. If getting away from the crowds is what you like the
Deschutes offers miles and miles of peaceful fishing spots. Lastly,
if you are new to fishing, Fly and Field [12] are recommended
outfitters as a guide service. They are great at what they do and
are top notch professionals.
- Les Schwab Amphitheater [13] In the summer time Bend
offers many Sunday concerts that are performed at the Les Schwab
Amphitheater. In the past artists such as Cold Play, Keith Urban,
Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and Jack Johnson have performed there. This
summer Ben Harper will be performing at the Les Schwab
Amphitheater.
- River Drifters [14] River Drifters offers
rafting in Oregon in the Deschutes River and many more!
Buy
There are numerous shopping opportunities in Bend. Downtown Bend
has all different kinds of shops from outdoor gear to clothes.
Secondly, the Old Mill District [15] has great shops
including REI, Pac Sun, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, Gap and
other great stores. Also, a few good restaurants including
Anthony's and Red Robin.
Eat
Bend has a great selection of restaurants located all over town.
Ranging from cheap and easy to expensive and ritzy, you are
guaranteed to get a great meal almost anywhere you go.
- Shoji's (**NOTE** - as of Fall, 2009, Shoji's
is no longer open in Bend) 62929 N Hwy 97 Ste B. Best teriyaki
chicken in town cooked on an open grill right in front of you. Its
fun environment is perfect for group outings. Enjoy their excellent
sushi bar while you're there!
- The Original Pancake House [16] Located on the
West Side of Bend on the way up to Mt. Bachelor, the Pancake House
has excellent food and great service.
- Deschutes Brewery [17] Known for its
world renowned dark brews, the Deschutes Brewery offers excellent
burgers and sandwiches (and the best hot wings in town) with a
great atmosphere in the heart of downtown Bend visitors really
shouldn't leave town without experiencing.
- Longboard Louie's is a great burrito shack on
the westside of Bend that offers great food at prices college kids
can afford. Louie's has all of the character of the locals and it
is located just a couple hundred yards from Drake Park and the
Deschutes River running through Bend.
- Pizza Mondo, located on Main St. in downtown
Bend, has great pizza at cheap prices and large quantities. With
great lunchtime deals and is a great place to hit up after a day on
the slopes.
- Cibelli's New York Pizza Two locations in Bend
(East & West). Eastside - 2095 NE Highway 20, +1 541
385-8646. Westside - 64670 Strickler Ave # 101B, +1 541
318-2800. This is very good New York Pizza. They also have a 24"
pizza that is huge. No delivery.
- SOBA - Downtown, 945 NW Bond St., +1
541 318-1535. [18]
A blend of Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese and Japanese. The
Spicy Shrimp Noodle Soup is very good. Under $7. (Also locations in
South Bend across from Albertsons, Sisters and Salem.)
- Super Burrito, Not the fanciest place in Bend,
but arguably the best Mexican food. It is on Minnesota and is
easily the best taqueria around.
- Toomies Thai Cuisine, 119 NW Minnesota Ave.,
Tel: +1 541 388-5590. Very reasonable priced Thai food
with a good selection. Lunch under $6, dinner $6 to $18.
- Yoko's Sushi Bar Located on Bend's eastside,
Yoko's has great sushi with the ability to have a quick meal before
catching a movie, or the potential to be made into a great
dinner.
- Mangia Pasta Mangia Pasta is also located on
Bend's eastside. This quaint, romantic restaurant has great pasta
and Italian food that is perfect for a dinner-date at affordable
prices.
- Broken Top Restaurant Broken Top's famous golf
course also has a great restaurant with excellent food. Although
its meals are on the pricey side, every meal is definitely worth
its price. Located on Bend's westide.
- Anthony's Homeporter is in Bend's newly (and
continually) developed Old Mill district, it is a chain that is
located in Seattle, Washington and offers excellent seafood at
affordable prices. It has a nice full service bar with about six of
the Oregon microbrews on tap. It also has a nice patio area that
overlooks the Deschutes River
- Goodies Candy Shop Goodies is a delightful
little candy shop in downtown Bend that offers an array of
different sorts of chocolates, candies, milkshakes, ice creams, and
popcorn that is perfect for topping off a great meal.
- Staccato at the Firehall, 5 NW Minnesota,
+1 541 312-3100, Fax: +1 541 312-3191. [19] This fine dining
restaurant is in the old firehouse in Bend. During good weather the
big truck door open onto the patio. The original fire pole is
behind the bar.
- Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails, 1085 SE 3rd,
+1 541 312-2899. Award winning restaurant. Try the Acadian
Flatbread from the starter list. Good wine list and full service
bar.
- Pilot Butte Located along Greenwood Avenue,
this restaurant has some of the best burgers in Bend! It is the
home of the Pilot Butte Burger (one of them is enough to feed about
3 people) and is open only for lunch seven days a week.
- 28, 920 NW Bond, +1 541 385-0828.
Premium cocktails and good bistro food. This is one of the many hot
spots in downtown Bend.
- Astro Lounge, 147 NW Minnesota, +1
541 388-0116. Singles bar in downtown area. This is a late
night hot spot in Bend.
- Bendistillery Martini Bar, 850 NW Brooks St.,
+1 541 338-6868. [21] Another hot spot and
favorite. Serving handcrafted small-batch distilled spirits. Tu-Sa
4:30PM-Midnight.
- Bend is home to Deschutes Brewery. [22] If your in town be
sure to stop by there. They have some great seasonal brews as well
as six others that are regularly on tap. The facility is in the
heart of downtown Bend, which is next to the Deschutes River.
Deschutes Brewery's "Mirror Pond Pale Ale" was voted the number one
microbrew in the United States by Men's Journal.
- The Bend Brewery [23] is another great
place to grab a drink. Not only is it a pub but a well known
restaurant that over looks Mirror Pond in Bend.
- El
Rodeo, 3rd
St (South of Wilson on
the west side of 3rd St.). Friendly Staff, Family friendly, consistently
fast meal preparation & a local favorite. 6-16. edit
- Eagle Crest Resort, [24]. Located between Bend
and Redmond, Eagle Crest is known for its three golf courses and
wonderful mountain views. The resort has a number of different
amenities including, two recreation facilities including
racquetball courts, basketball courts, indoor and outdoor tennis
courts, weight and cardio center, three pools, two hot tubs (with
adult hours only) indoor game room, day spa, café, a mini golf
course-that will challenge even the most experienced golfers and a
wonderful restaurant Niblick and Greenes. [25] But for travelers
who are looking to get outside of the city and relax either rent a
room in the hotel, or if you really want to have some fun, rent a
condo for a week of fun!
- The Inn of the Seventh Mountain, [26]. Great resort
located just 15 minutes from ski resort Mt. Bachelor. The resort
has two swimming pools, one complete with waterslide and volleyball
net. The pool area is accompanied by large hot tubs, a sauna, and
dressing rooms. The Inn has lots of activities including white
water rafting, hay rides, mountain biking, shuttles to the
mountain, ice skating, and lots more.
- Mt. Bachelor Village Resort, [27]. Mt. Bachelor
Village is on the way up to Mt. Bachelor and just outside of the
city. Located close to the Old Mill District and minutes from
downtown. Mt. Bachelor Village has rooms for all from business
suits to family condos; during the winter season they have special
packages for the winter enthusiast, which could include a ski trip
or a snowshoes adventure. Almost all of the rooms face the wild
Deschutes River. If you need some exercise, take a walk or run
along the river trails, which run right along the river.
- Phoenix Inn Suites [28] -
300 NW Franklin Ave, Tel: (541) 317-9292 -- All suite
accommodations with complimentary breakfast buffet, high speed
Internet, and 24 hr. business center
- Shilo Inns Bend Hotel, 3105 O.B. Riley
Road, ☎ (541)
389-9600. Four
stars. edit
- Red Lion Hotel Bend, 1415 NE 3rd Street, ☎ 541-382-7011, [29]. checkin: 3:00 PM; checkout: 12:00 PM. Centrally located to downtown Bend and Highway
97. Pet-friendly, complimentary hot deluxe continental breakfast,
complimentary wireless internet access, business center, room
service and Black Bear Diner on property. edit
| This is a usable article. It has
information for getting in as well as some complete entries for
restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this
article, but please plunge forward and help it grow! |
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