Top 16 Things to Do in Bend, Oregon

Tap to Read ➤ Ishaan Govardhan

With the cascade mountains looming in its backdrop, the city of Bend emerges from the wilderness, where the lush ponderosa pines meet the dry, arid terrain of Central Oregon.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. From its humble origins as a small logging town, Bend has quickly emerged as the adventurer's paradise and has become much more than a retirement destination.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. With Bend as your basecamp, you can climb up the extinct volcano Pilot Butte, or set off on one of the many hiking trails of the Three Sisters Mountains.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. There's so many mountain biking trails here, that bikers have grouped trails to form epic biking loops that cover the entire area like: the Farewell Loop or the South Fork Loop.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. For a quick refreshing splash, you should swing by this 30m tall babbling cascade - Tumalo Falls - in the Cascade Range west of Bend.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Just 30 minutes from Bend lies the Smith Rock State Park, which is the Mecca of American rock climbing.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Looking for the thrill of your life? Strap yourself to a bungee chord and jump off into the 300 feet deep Crooked River Gorge in Bend.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. For the ultimate vantage point, you should take to the sky: go paragliding. Ride the high winds off Mt. Bachelor or Pine Mountain.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. To get in touch with nature, set up camp on the banks of Bend's Deschutes River.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. If you have your fishing rod with you, you should head to Bend's Shevlin Pond. Trouts bite all year round!

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Grab this chance to go standup paddleboarding on the Deschutes River, as it winds its way past Bend.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. There's a lot to explore under Bend. Check out the subterranean lava tubes of Lava River Cave, Boyd Cave and Skeleton Cave.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Away from the city lights, you'll find the starriest night sky if you drive to the Oregon Badlands Wilderness or just climb up Pilot Butte at night.

There's a reason why Bend is called the "Palm Springs of the North" - it has dozens of golf courses. So don't forget to pack your clubs!

For a taste of the local art, you can set off on the Roundabout Art Route tour of Bend's outdoor sculptures or visit one of Bend's art galleries.

Bend is the beer capital of Oregon. So you should set off on the Ale Trail (a tour of the area's best craft breweries).

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Spend your winter skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort - the second largest single mountain resort in America.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. There's a reason why Bend is called the "Palm Springs of the North" - it has dozens of golf courses. So don't forget to pack your clubs!