Best Things to do in Bend Oregon in the Spring
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for a unique adventure this spring, Bend Oregon is the perfect destination. Nestled in the Cascade mountains along the high-desert plateau of Central Oregon, Bend has earned its reputation as one of the best cities to experience awe-inspiring natural beauty and thrilling outdoor activities. From wildflower hikes to ATV tours to world-class climbing, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Bend Oregon this spring. So grab your pack and get ready—Bend awaits!
Please note: This post was sponsored by Visit Bend. However all opinions and recommendations reflected in this post are my own.
How to Get to Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon is accessible by both plane and car. The closest airport is Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) which is 24 minutes from downtown Bend. Additionally, you could fly into Portland (PDX) and drive 3 hours to Bend. Either way, having a rental car is helpful to navigate to all of the beset things to do in Bend, Oregon in the spring. However, once you make it to Bend itself, there are many places where you can walk or bike.
Where to Stay in Bend, Oregon
The best place to stay in Bend, Oregon is as close to the city as possible. This Airbnb is very well located if you are looking for a specific recommendation. It is walking distance to Drake Park and several amazing restaurants. And as an added bonus it is right on the river and equipped with bikes and paddleboards for your enjoyment.
Where to Eat in Bend, Oregon
There are many exceptional places to eat while you are in Bend, Oregon. This is not the trip to bring your own food. Instead come hungry! Here are a few favorites:
- The Podski (food carts)
- On Tap Beer Garden & Food Trucks
- Wild Rose Thai
- BOSA Food & Drink
- The Victorian Cafe
- Ladybird
- Spork
- El Sancho Taco Shop
Packing List for your Trip to Bend
The specifics may change a bit depending on the activities that you plan, however here is a list of some of the most important things that you should pack:
- America The Beautiful Annual Pass or Northwest Forest Pass
- Oregon State Parks Pass
- Hiking boots
- Hiking pack
- Rain Jacket
- Camera
- Bathing Suit
- Towel
- Clothing Layers
Taking the Bend Pledge
You will notice very quickly when you get to Bend that the entire area is beautiful. In order to preserve this beauty for the future generations, the town has created The Bend Pledge. When planning a trip it is important to commit to leaving Bend better than you found it. This includes, among other things, being a kind human and following the principles of Leave No Trace.
Learn more about the Bend Pledge here.
Best Things to do in Bend, Oregon in the Spring
Bend, Oregon is a breathtaking destination that offers a plethora of outdoor activities for all adventure seekers. During the spring season, the town transforms into a hub of outdoor activities for all ages. Here are the top things to do in Bend, Oregon in the spring:
1. Take an ATV Tour: Starting off with a bang and sure to be the highlight of your trip – take a guided ATV tour to explore the stunning natural beauty of Central Oregon’s high desert landscapes. The tours will take you through challenging trails, rocky terrains, and picturesque forests. Your guide at Outriders Northwest will ensure you have an incredible time.
2. Go for a Hike: Bend is blessed with some of the best hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest. Go for a hike and explore various trails like Misery Ridge, Tam-a-Lau, Lava Butte and Crooked River Canyon Overlook. Be sure to check trail conditions prior to setting out, be prepared with the ten essentials, and always remember to leave no trace when you explore in Bend. If you are new to hiking, be sure to check out this hiking 101 guide before heading out on the trail.
3. Hit the Slopes: While you might not be thinking about skiing with a spring trip, springtime skiing is possible in Bend. The nearby Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort offers a thrilling skiing experience, with their well-groomed slopes and stunning views. Check out this site for opening and closing dates.
4. Stand Up Paddle Board: The Deschutes River flows right through Bend (and right by the Airbnb) and it offers the perfect setting for a stand-up paddleboard adventure. The river is perfect for beginners and experts alike. You can get great views of the Sisters right from the river.
5. Chase Waterfalls: Central Oregon is home to some of the most magnificent waterfalls like the Tumalo Falls, Proxy Falls, Steelhead Falls and Paulina Falls. Be sure to check trail conditions prior to setting out, be prepared with the ten essentials, and always remember to leave no trace when you explore in Bend.
6. Take a Brewery Tour: One of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon in the spring is to go to one (or several) of the many breweries in Bend. Enjoy a tour of the local breweries and sample some of the best craft beers in the region. Breweries often have other selections if beer itself is not your thing, including non-alcoholic options. A few favorites include Crux Fermentation Project and Deschutes.
7. Have a Picnic: Enjoy a picnic with your family or loved ones at one of the many beautiful parks around town, like Pioneer Park, Drake Park or Shevlin Park.
8. Go Rock Climbing: Smith Rock State Park is a mecca for rock climbers, located just a few miles north of Bend. The park has over 2000 climbing routes of varying difficulty levels and is world-renowned. If you are a new climber, or if you want some coaching to polish your skills, consider booking a guided climb with Chockstone Climbing Guides.
9. Explore a cave: The Lava River Cave opens in the spring (check dates before planning you trip) and is a really cool cave to explore. Make your timed-entry reservation on recreation.gov and pack layers that have never been in another cave, sturdy shoes, and a strong headlamp.
10. Visit the Nearby National Monuments: Bend is right in the middle of several beautiful national monuments including Newberry Volcanic National Monument and the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Depending on the precise timing of your trip will help determine how open each of these national monuments is for your exploration. Be sure to check road and trail conditions prior to heading out. Here are the best Painted Hills trails for your trip to John Day.
11. Take a Scenic Drive: There is so much beauty surrounding Bend and not all of it requires physical effort. While you should certainly spend time on two feet or wheels, consider taking a drive on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (usually opens in June) for stunning views of Mount Bachelor, Broken Top, and several alpine lakes.
12. Explore Downtown: Spend your mornings strolling through downtown Bend, window shopping at the unique boutiques and galleries and grabbing lunch or snacks at one of its many restaurants or cafes. After you are done exploring downtown, don’t miss the last remaining Blockbuster is located in Bend and can offer a great opportunity to take you back a few decades.
13. Go for a Walk or Bike Ride: The Deschutes River Trail is a great place to go for a walk or bike ride right along the river.
14. Other fun activities: A few other activities (that are still on my list to try) include kayaking, fishing, golfing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and taking an aerial tour.
Best Things to do in Bend, Oregon in the Spring
With its picturesque surroundings, relaxed community vibes, endless outdoor activities, welcoming atmosphere, and thriving food and beer scene, it’s no wonder that travelers from all over the world come to visit Bend. Hopefully this list of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon in spring helps you plan an epic trip. Have you visited Bend, Oregon in the spring? Let me know what you are doing first in the comments.
You May Also Enjoy These Posts…
- 10 Best Weekend Getaways from Portland, Oregon
- Best Waterfalls in Oregon
- Top 10 Places to Visit in Oregon
- The Perfect Oregon Road Trip Itinerary
Andrea Cannon is a pharmacist, triathlete, gratitude practicer, and avid traveler. For both business and pleasure, she has taken more than 250 flights yearly for the past 3 years. In addition to being a travel hacking enthusiast, Andrea enjoys hiking and spending time with her husband (Austin) and dog (Dex). You can connect with her via her blog www.beaUTAHfulworld.com or on Instagram @andreafcannon .