The city of Bend in the American State of Oregon is a great getaway destination known for its scenic views. This jewel of a city is almost an aura of paradise, with its strategic location on the Deschutes River, and at the edge of its snow-capped Cascade Range. Bend is the perfect destination for adrenaline junkies and people who love to revel in the outdoors.
Bend, Oregon – Points of Interest
Mount Bachelor ski area
For skiers and snowboarders, there is nothing like Mount Bachelor. Characterized by the clear, deep, powder-blue skies and snow white-mountains, Mount Bachelor is a ski area with 3,683 acres of terrains which can be accessed using 10 lifts. The Mountain receives 380 inches of snowfall every year, and has the longest ski-season in the state, lasting almost eight months and has been attracting Olympic athletes for years. Mount Bachelor is the sixth largest mountain in the North of the country, and the largest within the state and has terrains that suit beginners, amateurs and professional skiers alike.
The Deschutes National Forest
The Deschutes National Forest is Located in Central Oregon. It encompasses a total area of 1.6 million acres and extends for more than 100 miles on the east-side of the Cascade Mountains. The scenery of the forest includes alpine and dense evergreen forests, mountain lakes, volcanic attractions, caves and desert areas and the very beautiful alpine meadows, all in the back-drop of the Cascade Mountains. The forest is a hot-spot for wilderness with five wilderness areas within the vicinity. Recreational activities in the Forest include fishing, boating and wildlife watching. Adventure enthusiasts can go hiking, and mountain biking on the extensive trails of the forest.
Lava River Cave
The longest known lava tube in the state of Oregan, the Lava River Cave is part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, within Deschutes National Forest, located at a distance of 10 miles to the south of Bend. The Lava River Cave makes for an off-beat place to see in your itinerary; in that you need to be mentally prepared for the adventure that unfolds once you are here. It is truly something you must see if you are interested in natural beauty. It is highly recommended that you be dressed in warm clothes and wear a jacket while exploring the cave.
Tumalo State Park
In the heart of Central Oregon, the Tumalo State park rests along the state’s spectacular Deschutes River. The park was established in 1954 and is a site-home for various species of birds. It is also a popular picnic spot with activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming and camping and is open to the public throughout the year. It is an ideal location for any outdoor activity that one could possibly think of; whether you want to go golfing or admire the pristine alpine lakes. You could also go hiking and mountain biking, or climb the Cascade Mountains if you please.
High Desert Museum
Established in 1982, the High Desert museum is a unique museum that reveals the natural habitat and the cultural history of the High Desert in the West through its many artful exhibits, fascinating animals, engaging programs and significant history. It has been rated as the topmost attraction to visit in the city. The museum offers an enriching experience of viewing the native wild-life in its natural habitat; the bobcat, river otters, badgers and porcupines and even owls, hawks, falcons and vultures if you prefer to see birds. You can also listen to stories about early explorers and settlers of Oregan. Among other important thing to see is the 1904 sawmill and authentic homestead.
The Deschutes Historical Museum
Located in Bend’s historic Reed School, the The Deschutes Historical Museum is a museum dedicated to history of Central Oregon. The museum is operated by the Deschutes County Historical Society and was opened in the year 1980. Most of the exhibits in the museum focus on the pre-history of the area with exhibits about pioneers, explorers, the early years of transportation, the logging industry and of course America’s Forest Services. There are displays of antiques and historic items showcasing the life of the locals in their homes and school through different periods in history.
Drake Park
Named after Alexander M. Drake, Drake Park is a 13 acre park in the city. It is a popular community gathering place and the best spot in Bend that hosts the July 4th celebrations among other major events in the city. Other important features of the park are the enchanting Mirror Pond, a huge open land and an outdoor stage. This beautiful park is also home to Great Horned Owls who are seen nesting actively with their owlet. The park is a great spot for relaxing, taking a stroll in the evenings or just enjoying the outdoors.
Through every step of the way, you will realize that Bend is a city that must be preserved and conserved well. On the one hand, Bend is a natural playground for adventure lovers, on the other it is a great place to visit with family on vacations. You can spend hours fishing or hiking along the River Deschutes or go mountain biking or skiing on Mt. Bachelor. Bend is a great combination of the rural and the up and coming. Whenever you are in Bend, make sure you do all the things listed above.
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