Frequently Asked Questions About Bend Oregon

Q: What is Bend's Elevation?
A: Bend is located at 3,623'/1104m above sea level

Q: What is the population of Bend Oregon?
A: Over 80,000 within Bend city limits.

Q: How did Bend get its name?
A: Until the winter of 1824, this area was known only to native Americans who hunted and fished here. Members of a fur trapping party led by Peter Skene Ogden were the earliest white men to visit. John Fremont and other army survey parties came next. Then the pioneers heading further west came through and forded the Deschutes River at “Farewell Bend”. A small community developed around the bend in the river and in 1905 a city was incorporated with approximately 300 citizens.

Q: Where is the closest airport?
A: Roberts Field (RDM) is located in Redmond, which is 15 miles/25km north of Bend. It is serviced by Horizon, United Express (United Airlines), Skywest (Delta airlines), and Allegiant airlines. There are direct flights from Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix. There are two private plane airports as well, the Bend Municpal Airport and the Sunriver Resort airport.

Q: When does Mt. Bachelor open for snowboarding and skiing?
A: Usually the mountain opens Thanksgiving weekend and is open until mid-May depending on snow levels. For information and ski conditions, visit Mt. Bachelor's ski resort website.

Q: How far is Mt. Bachelor from Bend?
A: Mt. Bachelor is approximately 22 miles/32km south west of Bend. It takes about 25 minutes to drive there depending on road conditions. For updated ski and road conditions, visit Mt. Bachelor's ski resort website

Q: Where can I snowshoe, nordic ski or snowmobile in Bend?
A: The Deschutes National Forest, which surrounds Bend, offers one of the most extensive trail systems for snowmobiling, nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Click here for a summary of all sno-parks and winter trail maps.

Q: Where and when do I need Sno-Park permits? Where may I purchase them?
A: You must have a valid Sno-Park permit displayed in the windshield of your vehicle if you park in designated winter recreation parking areas (Sno-Parks) between November 1 and April 30. There are three types of permits: an annual permit a 3-day consecutive permit, and a daily permit. Permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle. Sno-Park permits issued by Washington, California and Idaho are honored in Oregon and Oregon permits are honored in those states. (However, if your vehicle has Washington plates, you must have a Washington permit to park in a winter recreation area in Washington).

Q: When does hiking season begin?
A: The lower elevation trails (below 4000'/1219m) are open by late April/early May and remain open until late October depending on the snow pack. Trails in the high country (above 4000') may not be accessible until July. You can still hike during the winter months at Smith Rock State Park, Pilot Butte and east of Bend where snow pack is rare or minimal. Click here for summer Trail and Wilderness Information.

Q: Where and when do I need a National Forest Day Pass or Northwest Forest Pass? Where may I purchase them?
A: To find out what recreation sites require a pass, click here The Annual Northwest Forest Pass & National Forest Day Pass may be purchased at the Bend Visitor Center. Click here for information on the new Interagency Annual Pass.

Q: What are the road conditions like in the winter?
A: Road conditions vary due to snowfall. For an updated report, please call Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) at 503-588-2941 or 511 or visit Trip Check for the latest road conditions.