Edition 101   |   4:08 read time

Bend, Oregon | @richbacon Bend has long been a hub for outdoor adventure, no matter what time of year. And while it’s remained a stunning secret for those in the know, this small town is starting to break out of its shell. So stop by for an IPA and a backdrop of rushing rivers and towering mountains. We promise you’ll have a hard time finding a better view.

Fun Fact: Between 1964 and 1966, astronauts trained on Bend’s volcanic terrain in preparation for the moon. Astronaut Jim Irwin of Apollo 15 even brought a piece of volcanic rock from the area to space.

Bend, OR, USA N 44.05° / W 121.31°

@life_of_adbenture Winter or Summer Bend’s many outdoor activities are seasonal — think skiing and snowshoeing in the winter and kayaking and hiking in the summer. Travel depends on your activity of choice. Snow blankets the mountains from December through March, and summer fun starts as soon as the weather warms up in June. You can’t really go wrong, though, so find a time that works for you and go for it.

Mt. Bachelor | @brockoli6 Back in the Backcountry Bend’s dramatic landscape boasts sharp mountain peaks, dense forests and gushing rivers. There’s nothing understated about this wilderness, and your time is best spent in the great outdoors greeting Mother Nature at her finest. The town is surrounded by the Cascade mountain range, which includes the volcanic peaks of Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters. In the summer, it’s all about getting out on the trail, whether that’s hiking, mountain biking or slipping over to nearby Smith Rock State Park for some rock climbing. But in the winter, when the mountains are covered in thick snow, you’ll want to head straight for the slopes of Mt. Bachelor for some of the best (and highest-elevation) skiing in all the PNW. #visitbend | @danpricephoto Cry Me a River If you find yourself in Bend when the weather’s warm, turn to the water to cool down. First up is kayaking, and whether you’re looking for waterfalls and rapids on the Deschutes River or more of a lazy float, you’ll find what you’re after. We’re partial to the Brews and Views Canoe Tour, which caps off your float with some beer tasting. If you need more, take a drive on Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway through Deschutes National Forest, stopping for waterfall hikes and lake views. Explore the turquoise waters of Devil’s Lake, rent a paddleboard at Elk Lake or cast a line at Hosmer Lake. The choices are endless. #thebestofbend | @photoadventurejunkie About Town The city of Bend is small but growing to accommodate those who have discovered its magic. The flourishing Old Mill District is buzzing with shops and restaurants, not to mention a thriving craft brewery scene. Art isn’t neglected either, and you can discover Bend’s quirky public art scene on the Roundabout Art Route, which includes stops by the outdoor Tin Pan Alley Art Collection. Three Sisters Wilderness | @jessepolay Bend Over Backwards Thought we were done talking about adventure? Thought wrong. Besides your standard hiking and kayaking, Bend’s unique terrain makes it perfect for some extraordinary adventures. Discover volcanic landscapes used by the astronauts for training, including Lava River Cave, a mile-long lava tube. Or, if myths are more your thing, go searching for Bigfoot on Big Mountain’s Sasquatch Helicopter Tour. And for a wild afternoon, drive up to Crescent Moon Ranch, home to Oregon’s very own alpaca herd. @emilylesterphotography   Emily’s Discovery @emilylesterphotography "Bend is an outdoor mecca. In the winter you can ski at Mt. Bachelor, snowshoe, snowmobile, dogsled but also drive 40 minutes outside of Bend and be in the desert. Smith Rock State Park is 40 minutes from Bend and is known for its rock climbing and gorgeous hikes. In the summer, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and rock climbing are all activities you can do!"

Jackson's Corner | @jenlikestoeat Hold My Beer Bend is packed with delicious eateries for all tastes. Start your day with an ocean roll from Sparrow Bakery or a full spread from Jackson’s Corner. Then for lunch, head to Spork for some delicious tacos or small plates. Dinner should find you at Wild Rose for Thai or Drake for some classic comfort food. Cap off your night with a tour of some of Bend’s finest breweries on the Ale Trail, from 10 Barrel Brewing to Crux.

FivePine Lodge and Conference Center | @forever.a.dreamer Back to Bed Bend is home to its fair share of resorts and ski lodges, from Sunriver Resort and the romantic cabins of FivePine Lodge. But some of the hottest rooms in town can be found in the Airbnbs and rental cottages scattered around the Old Mill District. Check out Cottage Bend for cozy places to stay and feel like a local. If all else fails, grab your sleeping bag and find a campground to sleep under the stars and wake up to gorgeous sunrises.

Tag Responsibly, Keep Bend Beautiful | @williamtechler Cheers to Adventure "Come prepared for outdoor adventures during the day and nights sampling the plethora of beers available." – @life_of_adbenture Stay a While "Whether it’s your first time or not visiting Bend Oregon, taking in what the city really has to offer is the best way to get the full experience. In order to do that, my recommendation would be up to a week stay minimum! So plan your trip there now as summer is right around the corner!" – @dreadhead_derek SUBMIT TO UPCOMING DESTINATIONS!

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