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: 75,290 people
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 Airport (RDM) is located in Redmond which is
15 miles/25km north of Bend. It is serviced by Horizon, United Express, Skywest,
and Allegiant airlines. There are direct flights from Portland, Seattle, San Francisco,
Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas. There are two private plane airports as
well, the Bend Municipal 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 updated ski conditions,
click here to visit the Mt. Bachelor Website.
Q: How far is Mt. Bachelor from Bend?
A: Mt Bachelor is approximately 22 miles/32km south west of Bend. It takes about 30-minutes to drive there depending on road conditions.
Q: Where can I snowshoe, nordic ski or snowmobile in Bend?
A: Click here for a Winter Trail Summary & Winter Recreation 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 15 and April 30. There are three types of permits: an annual permit for $15, a 3-day consecutive permit for $7, and a daily permit for $3. 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.) For a list of Sno-Parks and winter recreation maps in the Bend area, click here. Sno-Park permits are sold at the Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau, all Oregon DMV offices and various area resorts and sporting goods retailers.
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. Click here for Summer Trail & 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 & Convention Bureau. For information on the new Interagency Annual Pass, click here.
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 503-588-2941or click here for Trip Check.