Bend Oregon is a popular spot to visit during the winter months with its abundance of outdoor activities. Located in central Oregon and surrounded by acres of forest it’s a great spot with no shortage of things to do and anytime is the perfect time to visit.
If this is your first time visiting it can be a bit overwhelming and with year-round activities and plenty of options, it will have you coming back over and over again. Here are my top outdoor adventures to have near Bend.
Ski or go mountain biking at Mount Bachelor
In my opinion, this is one of the best things to do in Bend. There is an awesome scenic drive surrounded by natural beauty on the way. Mount Bachelor is such an underrated mountain when compared to its cousins in the west, but it is the largest ski resort in Oregon and one of the largest in the United States.
This was the one location where it seemed like there were more snowboarders than skiers and it was glorious. There’s lots of acres of skiable terrain for all skill levels with unreal powder, though if you are inexperienced it can really kick your ass (as it did mine).
For a full rundown of Mount Bachelor check the full post on Riding the Slopes at Mount Bachelor.
Hike or snowshoe along the Deschutes River trail
Address: 63095 Deschutes Market Rd., Bend OR 97701
The Deschutes National Forest is right outside of downtown Bend. Located on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Region is 1.6 million acres of glorious nature. You also have access to 80 different campgrounds, five different wilderness areas, 3 scenic byways and more outdoor adventure options that you can count.
There is, no joke, literally something for everyone. With biking, hiking, fishing, caving, horseback riding, hunting, water activities in the summer months and plenty of winter sports too. I mean what more could you want for one of the best outdoor adventures near Bend?
For those of us into the hiking side of things, you have the option of backpacking or day hiking, and the options are absolutely endless.
To plan your trip head to the Deschutes National Forest USDA Forest Service website.
Cross country ski at the Nordic Center
Also located at Mount Bachelor and covered in my post on Riding the Slopes at Mount Bachelor is the Nordic Center. If the mountain isn’t for you, how about cross-country skiing, or snow shoeing instead?
The Nordic Center has 56km of groomed trails for both classic and skate style skiing and 10 km of snowshoe trails, full rentals, and lessons.
It’s one of the best ways to spend a “day off from the mountain” spot to still get out in the snow but at a relaxed and slower pace. Go for a full day and bring some hot chocolate and some lunch or head out for a morning before heading into Bend to visit one of the many craft breweries along the Bend Ale Trail or stop at one of the many food trucks for a late lunch.
Soak in a natural hot spring
Hot springs are always a unique experience, because they are all very different from one another and visiting a hot spring is always one of the best things to do in the winter. Oregon has a lot to offer with hot springs and checking them all out is one of the top outdoor adventures to have near Bend. These are just a couple to consider that are within driving distance of Bend.
Terwilliger Hot Springs
Located in Willamette National Forest you have to hike a short trail to reach the hot springs and is closed from sunset to sunrise. Also, known as Cougar Hot Springs these hot springs are about a 2-hour drive from Bend.
Day passes are $7 and you will have access to four pools ranging in temperatures from 85°F (29.4°C) to 112°F (44.4°C). Make sure to check the website before you go as these areas have been impacted by forest fires in the past and may not be accessible depending on the time of year.
Umpqua Hot Springs
These are the most popular and probably the most Instagrammed hot springs in Oregon. There is a $5 day pass per car and your vehicle will need to be able to hand a bit of a rough road, otherwise you will need to walk that extra bit. In the winter on occasion the gates will be closed to the road so vehicles don’t get stuck, so check the website before you go.
The hike is a steep 0.4-mile walk up to multiple cascading pools and a wooden shelter and are some of the warmest in the state (up to 115°F (46.1°C)).
Visit Tumalo Falls
Open May-October and December-February
Parking fee of $5 per car. Restrooms are available on site.
Amazingly, still within the Deschutes National Forest is Tumalo Falls. Just a less than 30-minute drive outside of Bend is the 97-foot waterfall on Tumalo Creek. Take the 6.5 mile out and back hiking trail and if you want to go further you can see some additional, albeit smaller, waterfalls.
Winter? No problem. Bring your snowshoes!
Don’t want to walk the 6.5 miles out and back? Just a short distance from the main parking lot is a viewpoint where you can see the falls in all its grandeur.
Concluding Thoughts
It’s no surprise why outdoor enthusiasts move to Bend, it’s a great place. The town is very cool, and the outdoor adventures are quite literally endless. The best time to visit is anytime because there is always something to do near Bend.
