The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has reopened the gate to the summit of Pilot Butte for the season. ⏰ The summit road gate will be open from 10 am – 9 pm daily! (Be sure to plan enough time to exit before the gate closes each night) ⚠️ Be cautious of other users! Drive slow and leave room for others—cyclists and pedestrians may be in the roadway or along the shoulder. 🚮 As always, be sure to follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace as you recreate.

🌎 In celebration of #EarthDay, we are grateful for the natural beauty that surrounds us. From the Cascades’ snow-capped peaks to the Deschutes River’s sparkling waters, each day we are reminded of the important role we all have in protecting and preserving our environment for future generations. 🤝 Our commitment to sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do. We strive to promote responsible recreation and encourage all to minimize their environmental impact. From our partnership with Leave No Trace to supporting local businesses and organizations that prioritize sustainability, we are dedicated to preserving the natural resources that make Bend such a special place to live and visit.

Set sail for brunch at The Lemon Tree this weekend! ⚓️🍋✨ The Lemon Tree was created by two chefs who honed their skills while working aboard MegaYachts. Now, they bring their expertise to Bend, offering a unique dining experience inspired by their adventures across the seven seas. 🍋: @lemontreebendor 🎥: @hownowstudios + @heronhouse.studio

📢 Hey adventurers, explorers, and weekend warriors! Get ready for an EPIC weekend ahead with weather that’s as perfect as it gets! ☀️ 🎿 Time to hit the slopes at @mtbachelor for some bluebird spring skiing 🎣 Spend your day fly fishing along the Deschutes River 🪨 Reach new heights rock climbing 🍺 Trek the @bendaletrail and discover the finest brews in town 🥾 Lace up those hiking boots and explore the Oregon Badlands Wilderness 🛍️ Shop the charming small businesses in @visitdowntownbend and the bustling @oldmilldistrict 🏔️ Soak in the breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains

Counting down the days ‘til float the river season 🗓️🛶☀️

Why wait for relaxation? 💆 @thenowmassage in Bend welcomes walk-ins and last-minute bookings, so you can indulge in some much-needed “me time” whenever you want. From deep tissue to herbal heat therapy, they offer a wide range of treatments to choose from. Their airy atmosphere will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, it’s the perfect spot for some well-deserved pampering. 🌿

Sometimes you just need a day in the park with your best friend.🌲🐾🎾 Psssst—Good Dog! off-leash area is pretty great 😉 🦴 Remember to follow leash laws—always carry a leash and use it when required. 🦴 We all get cranky sometimes and so can your dog. Be sure you know your dog’s behavior and limits. 🦴 Scoop their poop. Bag it up and drop it in the trash—never leave it sitting on the side of the trail.

While the pros compete for the green jacket, you can tee off with panoramic views and challenging holes at one of Bend’s stunning courses. 🏌️⛳️ With over 20 golf courses to choose from, including five within Bend city limits and several more just a short drive away, you’re guaranteed to find one that suits your needs.

Pack the essentials ✔️ Load up the pup ✔️ Hit the road to Bend ✔️

Here, mornings aren’t just mornings — they’re little moments of pure magic 😍☀️

Otters, foxes and porcupines, oh my! Get up close to wild animals at the @highdesertmuseum! 🦦 Watch resident river otters Brook, Pitch and Wesley as they scamper on land, use their slide or go for a swim at the Autzen Otter Exhibit. 🦅 Every afternoon during the Bird of Prey Encounter, wildlife staff will introduce you to one of the birds in the museum’s care and shed light on their way of life in the High Desert. 🦊 Meet Gert the sprightly gray fox. She came to live at the Museum in 2020 and has become quite the superstar! Fun Fact: the sprightly canid fox is the only species in the Canidae family that can climb trees with her strong, hooked claws.  🐢 Visit the Desertarium, for the opportunity to view native wildlife up close including turtles, tortoises, snakes, lizards, frogs, fish, and more!

Unwind in style at @viaggio_wine, where every bottle tells a story🍷🍇 Located on Bend’s west side, their independent shop is more than just a place to buy wine — it’s an experience artfully crafted by Advanced Sommelier and owner, Benjamin Richardson. Visit their stunning tasting room and find your next favorite wine! 🎥: @hownowstudios + @heronhouse.studio

Didn’t make it to the eclipse totality zone? Shift your gaze to the night skies for a celestial experience like no other! 🌌 Central Oregon’s high elevation, clear nights, and low light pollution, make it an ideal location for stargazing! Plus, Bend is the perfect basecamp as you explore the newly named Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary—2.5 million acres of pristine high desert where starry skies are protected for humans and wildlife alike.

Dreaming of a weekend getaway to Bend, Oregon? 💭 Find your perfect retreat among charming rentals—from cozy cottages to rustic cabins. You are sure to find your perfect home away from home. 🎥: @hownowstudios + @heronhouse.studio

Cough, cough…sorry boss, can’t make it today…too busy making fresh tracks on the mountain this morning! 🏔️🎿 ❄️ From @mtbachelor’s 4/4 snow report: “We accumulated 2” of new snow overnight and we’re still receiving a steady stream of big, fluffy flakes. Most of the overnight snowfall came in the early am, while temps were in the low 20’s, making for some true blower pow as hoped. Today’s forecast calls for temps in the 20’s with moderate winds and another 2-4” of snow expected, which could be just what it takes to get free refills out there today.”

Whether you’ve been yearning for a place to fill your cup or some storied place to feed your soul, you’ll find it here. #ThisIsBend Find what you’ve been looking for and enter for the chance to win the ultimate Bend vacation sweepstakes at the 🔗 link in our bio.

Get ready to be starstruck! 🌌 It’s time to celebrate International Dark Sky Week—and Bend, Oregon makes the perfect basecamp! Explore the newly designated Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary or join us for a mesmerizing night of stargazing at Pine Mountain Observatory. 💫 Learn more about the stargazing opportunities in and around the area at VisitBend.com

SAVE THE DATE: Central Cascade Wilderness Overnight Permit reservations start April 2, 2024 at 7:00am! ⏰ The Central Cascades Wilderness Areas of Oregon are home to iconic volcanic mountain peaks, high alpine meadows, streams, and lakes, and old-growth forests. 🌎 The wilderness permit system was established to ensure the protection of these landscapes now and into the future.

📢 Your chance to win the ultimate Bend vacation is here! You could win a 2-night stay at LOGE, your basecamp for adventure, and embark on an unforgettable guided experience with Wanderlust Tours. Get your adrenaline pumping with mountain bike rentals at Mt. Bachelor and unwind with river float rentals from Tumalo Creek. Plus, indulge in Bend’s vibrant food and shopping scene with gift cards to the Old Mill District, Bevel Brewing, Somewhere That’s Green, and Mud Lake Studio. With a $500 VISA gift card, Visit Bend swag bag, and Northwest Forest Pass, your Bend vacation dreams could be a sweepstakes entry away! 👉 Enter the ultimate Bend vacation sweepstakes at the 🔗 link in our bio.

🎬 Introducing ‘The Real Reel’ 🎬 Bend’s a magical place where the sunsets knock your socks off and lakefront vistas take your breath away—that’s the beauty of this place. Where everyday people and everyday moments weave a tapestry that’s bright and wild and wonderful. Forget sterile postcard pictures you touch but can’t feel. Bend stirs up feelings so fierce you’ll find yourself staring at snow-capped mountains wondering “is that real?” It’s all good here — and so are you. 👉 Watch the full video at the 🔗 link in our bio. #ThisIsBend #VisitBend #RoamBetterBend

Skinny skis, belly laughs, and breathtaking scenery—could there be a better combination? That’s the cross-country skiing experience in Bend! ⛷️❄️

Rise and shine, Bend! ☀️ Fuel up for your next adventure with a quick and delicious breakfast from The Pantry! 🥐 📍 @thepantrybend is a mercantile that serves coffee and pastries, offers an apothecary-style refill counter, and sells books to inspire your creativity.

Weekend Plans: ✔️ Head to the mountains (They say Bend is pretty great this time of year 😉) ✔️ Enjoy that crisp mountain air ✔️ Ski @mtbachelor and kayak the Deschutes River in the same day

Did you know that beneath the pristine slopes of Mt. Bachelor lies a dormant volcano? Once a fiery force, it is now a peaceful giant in the Cascade Range. 🌋❄️ 📸: @richbacon

Happy first day of Spring! 🌱 Keep your eyes peeled for those first pops of color! Bitterroot, sand lilies, and dime-sized goldfields steal the show in Bend. ⚠️ Tread lightly around wildflower fields and always practice Leave No Trace to help protect these areas for future enjoyment.