Best Outdoor Activities in Bend

Right near the main city of Bend, lies the sprawling and breathtakingly beautiful Shevlin Park. Blessed with natural splendor, the park has trails ideal for hiking and biking right alongside a serene stream, making it a perfect place for a quick hike and rejuvenation.

The Deschutes National Forest is a vast stretch of wilderness that is spread across several counties in central Oregon. The Newberry National Volcanic Monument, various wilderness areas, scenic rivers and the Oregon Cascade Recreation Area are few of the many on-site attractions that draw adventure enthusiasts and wildlife explorers to its picturesque landscapes. Relax or rejuvenate as you spend a day at the forest and experience exciting outdoor activities like biking, fishing, hiking, hunting, horse riding, and also try your hand at fossil collecting. If you wish to spend the night, the forest also offers campgrounds, cabin rentals, and RV camping options.

Unique to the city of Bend, the Pilot Butte is a volcanic rock formation in the form of a cone. This small hill can be hiked upon thanks to the three spiraling trails on its surface. From the summit, one can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Open all throughout the year, a visit to this place is a must when in Bend.

Tumalo Falls is a picturesque waterfall located on Tumalo Creek within the Deschutes National Forest. With a drop of 97 feet (29.56 meters), the waterfall cascades down a steep cliff into a large pool below. The trail to Tumalo Falls is a moderate hike that takes you through beautiful forests and along 2.5 miles (4.02 kilometers). The trail offers stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, the surrounding landscape, and of course, the waterfall itself. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it makes for a great spot for hiking, picnicking, and swimming during the summer months.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument is a part of the Deschutes National Forest and is a massive region comprising of trails, paved paths, lakes, lava fields and much more. Hiking and exploring the entire region can take even days, so the area draws in a lot of campers. So if you love the outdoors then you will be mesmerized with this unique geographic region which was shaped due to volcanic activity.