Adventure Journal

The Best of Bend

Since 2009, blogger Tawna Fenske has penned regular posts for the Bend Adventure Journal featuring insider tips and best-of-Bend spotlights. A fourth-generation Oregonian with more than two decades spent living in Bend, Tawna offers hints to help you make the most of a Bend vacation. Whether you’re looking for the city’s best biscuits and gravy, planning a family hike, or wondering how to safely float the river, you’ll get the scoop with a side order of silly humor. Smile…you’re in Bend.

Explore Our Journal

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Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint

Located on the banks of the Deschutes River near Redmond, Oregon, Cline Falls is a... https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=30

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Todd Lake

This very popular, scenic trail circles around the lake. Todd Lake is on the edge... 877.444.6777 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=39310

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Activities

Summer Activities at Brasada Ranch

Summer is the perfect time to spend time at The Ranch. Guests of The Ranch... 16986 SW Brasada Ranch Rd, Powell Butte, OR 97753 541.526.6869 https://www.brasada.com/?utm_source=visitbend.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=summer_fun

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Waterfalls

Steelhead Falls

In steps, it is only about .5 miles from the trailhead to Steelhead Falls. In... Steelhead Falls Trailhead, SW River Rd, Terrebonne, OR 97760 https://www.blm.gov/visit/steelhead-falls-trail

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Golf

Black Butte Ranch

For more than 40 years, Black Butte Ranch has drawn families and visitors to the... 13899 Bishops Cap, Sisters, OR 97759 541.595.1252 https://www.blackbutteranch.com/

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Boating

Cove Palisades Resort and Marina

Just a 45 minute scenic drive north of Bend lies the houseboating, water skiing and... 5700 SW Marina Dr, Culver, OR 97734 541.546.9999 http://www.covepalisadesresort.com/

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Activities

Deschutes National Forest

Celebrating more than a century of forest management, the Deschutes National Forest runs along Central... 541.383.5300 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/deschutes/recreation

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RV Campgrounds & Parks

East Lake Resort & RV Park

Located 45 miles southeast of Bend on the shores of East Lake in the caldera... 22430 Paulina Lake Rd, La Pine, OR 97739 541.536.2230 http://www.eastlakeresort.com/

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Canoe, Kayak & River Activities

Elk Lake Resort

Just 25 miles southwest from Bend, Elk Lake Resort provides lodging, dining, and seasonal rentals... 60000 Century Dr, Bend, OR 97701 541.480.7378 http://elklakeresort.net/

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Fitness & Gyms

Juniper Swim & Fitness Center

Owned and operated by Bend Park & Recreation District, Juniper Swim & Fitness Center is... 800 NE 6th St, Bend, OR 97701 541.389.7765 https://www.bendparksandrec.org/facility/juniper-swim-and-fitness-center/

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Swimming

Madras Aquatic Center

Opened in 2008, Madras Aquatic Center is a lovely oasis in the middle of the... 1195 SE Kemper Way, Madras, OR 97741 541.475.4253 http://www.macaquatic.com/

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Natural Attractions

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

There's a volcano the size of Rhode Island just south of Bend, and it's tough... Forest Service Rd 21, La Pine, OR 541.383.5300 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=66159

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Guided Tours

The Paulina Plunge

Gravity will be your friend as you descend deep into the Oregon back country being... 541.389.0562 http://www.paulinaplunge.com/

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Parks & Playgrounds

Riverbend Park and Off-Leash Dog Area

Completed in 2009, Riverbend Park is a special community gathering place that celebrates the Deschutes... 799 SW Columbia St, Bend OR 97702 541.389.7275 http://www.bendparksandrec.org/parks/riverbend-park/

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Swimming

Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center - SHARC

Sunriver Homeowners Association Recreation Center, better known as SHARC, is an all-season center that offers... 57250 Overlook Rd, Sunriver, OR 97707 541.585.5000 https://www.sunriversharc.com/

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Activities

Go Play at Sunriver Resort

Sunriver Resort will make any vacation or day outing unforgettable! There is something for everyone... 17600 Center Dr, Sunriver, OR 97707 https://www.sunriverresort.com/activities

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Swimming

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River, Lake & Water

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Visitor Guide

Planning your trip? Start with your award-winning visitor guide, available online or by mail.

Read the Guide

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Give Us A Call

Want to talk with a real human? We get that. Our visitor center is ready and waiting for your call.

Call : 877.245.8484

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The Bend Pledge

Join countless visitors before you and take the Pledge to leave Bend better than you found it.

Take the Pledge

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Bend Sustainability Fund

Investing in projects that create sustainable experiences in Bend’s community.

See the Projects