Smile at Strangers
A funny thing happens to people in Bend. The corners of their mouths tug up and their eyes start sparkling like the Deschutes River on a sunny day. Give in to the urge to grin at random strangers. Not only will folks smile back, but they’ll take you for one of their own. When you’re in Bend, you pretty much are.
Let someone else do the driving
Upgrade Your Ride
Popular attractions can get crowded in Bend, but there’s an insider trick for avoiding the crunch. When you’re out for that summertime river float, skip the multi-car-shuffle and snag a seat on the Ride the River shuttle. Heading up the Cascade Lakes Highway? Try to carpool. You’ll also find plenty of bike rentals and shops if you prefer to pedal your way around BikeTown USA.
Give disposable the boot
Pack It In, Pack It Out
Good visitors know it’s courteous to pack out garbage at the end of a picnic, but why not take it to the next level? Tuck a small trash bag in your day pack and pick up bits of rubbish along the trail. Now your favorite spot is just a little nicer than you found it!
Fill. Swill. Refill.
It’s easy to get parched in the high desert climate, and Bend locals are picky about the vessel that transports the fluid to the face hole. Scrap those crappy plastic bottles and grab a refillable, insulated bottle or beer growler from locally-owned Hydro Flask or DrinkTanks. Your drink will be cooler, and so will you!
Wear Good River Shoes On the Water
Sure, you should save your tootsies from submerged rocks and hot pavement. But flip-flops can flop off in the water, leaving you barefoot and the river cluttered with junk. A better idea: opt for sneakers or sturdier water shoes like Chacos, Keens, or Tevas.
Happy trails to all
Show Some Tenderness to the Trails
Bend locals know we’ve got some of the top trails on earth, and we want to keep them that way. Skidding on corners or blowing out berms is sooooo not cool when you’re mountain biking, and smart cyclists keep off muddy trails so ruts don’t form. If you’re out for a hike, keep your boots moving on marked trails. Not only does it help with erosion, but it ensures you won’t end up on the six-o-clock news for getting lost in the woods.
