What makes Bend, Oregon popular?

Why is Bend Oregon so Popular?

One of the most unique cities in Oregon to visit is Bend, located in Central Oregon. Bend was a place where those settlers traveling west could see Pilot Butte from the desert valley and take refuge. The area was originally called Farewell Bend because most families would eventually keep moving westward from this location. For the 300 or so settlers who decided to stay, Bend was incorporated as a city in 1904 and with the addition of railroad tracks, the town turned to logging.

Fast forward to today, Bend is a small city (not to big, but not too small) where you can enjoy year-around outdoor activities in a stunning landscape, enjoy a nice pint of craft brew with a thriving food culture and a work to life balance that provides a healthy and vibrant environment.

Bend is an outdoor enthusiast’s mecca when it comes to activities and adventures. The high desert climate with an elevation at 3,623 provides the area with low humidity with sunny skies and cool nights. The outdoor appeal and natural beauty can be attributed to Bend’s four-season year. With beautiful foliage in the fall, long winters (perfect for ski season), mild spring days and dry-sunny summers, there’s an activity to match every season. With Bend’s location nestled between the Deschutes River and the Cascade Mountain Range, you can go skiing, hiking, running, mountain biking, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking and even explore lava caves. The number of hiking trails alone tops out at over 157 different trail in 70+ parks, the adventures are endless and are immersed in a remarkable natural landscape.

As with the number of activities, there is a craft brew to match. Bend Oregon has the most microbreweries per capita in the state of Oregon. Bend is home to Deschutes Brewery, a macro-brew founded in 1988 and is now the fifth-largest company of its type in the world today. Bend is home to over 30 craft breweries and most are located along the Bend Ale Trail, the longest beer trail in the West and a fun adventure for ages 21 and up!

The culinary scene is exploding with flavor in Bend; from food carts to fine dining. Trekking around town trying all the food options is an adventure itself. Food trucks aren’t just a trend, they have become a fixed venue with the creation of food truck pods. Downtown Bend and The Old Mill District have a plethora of restaurant options with a taste of global cuisine. The Galveston Business district is an up-and-coming area of locally owned businesses with a creative flair to its food options. With so many spots offering a variety of foods and a unique atmosphere to boot, it may be hard to choose where to start.

With an endless variety of activities surrounded in an amazing natural backdrop, Bend provides a setting like no other. This environment creates a work to life balance that gives the community a vibrant and healthy atmosphere. During the year, there are an endless array of events ranging from marathons, art-walks, concerts, beer-fest and so much more. There’s always something going on in Bend. The locals take the time to enjoy nature around them to pursue their interests and hobbies, creating a relaxed energy to a small growing city.  

Bend Oregon has immensely developed from that small logging town to a tourist destination that continues to thrive today. With amazing weather and breathless beauty, Oregon offers a little of something for everyone!