Need some help with ideas and things to do in Bend? Delve into informative brochures about activities and events in the area. Discover everything from outdoor guided adventures with Wanderlust Tours to cultural experiences at The High Desert Museum, recreational maps, and so much more. 

Dive deeper into the wonders of Bend with our curated selection of guidebooks. Ready to explore the scenic hikes along the Cascade Lake Scenic Byway or family-friendly mountain bike trails? Or maybe you’re intrigued by the prospect of unearthing hidden treasures through rockhounding. Whatever your adventure, find your perfect guide among our selection of local guidebooks full of insider tips, itineraries, and must-see spots.

Make your Bend adventures seamless with the following passes and permits, which are available at the Bend Visitor Center:

Northwest Forest Pass: This year-round pass is required at many forest trailheads around Bend. You can purchase an annual permit for $30 or daily for $5. It’s also valid in Washington, so it’s perfect for those traveling between the two states. If you already have an Annual Interagency Pass, that will work as your Northwest Forest Pass.

Oregon Sno-Park Permits: From November 1 – April 30, a sno-park permit is required to park at any sno-park in Oregon. You can purchase a seasonal or daily pass and it must be displayed on your vehicle’s windshield. You can also use California and Idaho Sno-Park permits in Oregon and vice versa.

Christmas Tree Permits: Starting mid-November, you can pick up a $5 permit to cut down a pine tree in the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests. Click here for the rules and regs. 

Oregon State Park Passes: If you plan on visiting a state park like Tumalo or Smith Rock, you’ll need a $5 day pass or a $30 annual State Park Pass. You can also purchase a 24-month pass for $50. 

Discover unique, locally-made gifts and souvenirs at the Bend Visitor Center. From postcards and stickers to beautiful works of art crafted by Bend artists, it’s easy to find keepsakes to commemorate your visit. 

Looking for a unique souvenir that’s luggage-friendly? Look no further than the Penny Press! This nostalgic machine transforms an ordinary penny into a treasured Bend memento with four designs to choose from. 

At the Bend Visitor Center, Old Mill Gift Cards are available to purchase in convenient $10 and $25 increments. For those exploring the Old Mill District, the Old Mill Gift Cards are perfect to use while shopping and dining at its numerous stores and eateries. You can also purchase larger amounts at the Ticket Mill in the Old Mill District. 

Downtown Dollars, usable at various businesses in Downtown, including retail stores and restaurants, come in digital versions or as an e-gift card via the Downtown Bend Business Association website.

In 2023, we became Oregon’s first destination organization to partner with Leave No Trace. Stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about practicing the seven Bend-specific Leave No Trace principles and how to responsibly recreate in our natural places. You can also pick up a sweet Leave No Trace sticker sheet.

The Bend Ale Trail is the best way to discover and sample 30+ breweries in Bend and Central Oregon. The whole trail is comprised of seven territories — complete a territory and you win a prize! Stop by the visitor center to pick up a souvenir passport for collecting brewery stamps, or use the free web-based app. Complete the territories at your leisure, and we’ll have your well-earned prizes ready for you at the Visitor Center. November is Bend Ale Trail Month, featuring extra prizes and giveaways.

The Visitor Center showcases the work of a local Bend artist each month and participates in the First Friday Art Walk. Stop by to meet local artists and enjoy a beverage on us. We’re open from 4 – 8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Local artists interested in participating may fill out this form to be considered. 

You know those hard plastic can carriers that hold together your four- and six-packs of beer and cider? It’s called PakTech and you can recycle it but not in the Deschutes County recycling program. Crux Fermentation Project and the Bend Visitor Center are the only places in Bend where you can drop those puppies off for recycling.