Activities

The high desert climate of Central Oregon allows for so many fun experiences, indoor and outdoor, all year round for every level of adventure. Anchor your trip with these popular group activities:

• Old Mill District and Downtown Bend: Enjoy the walkable downtown of Bend while browsing boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and unique artisan shops. Make sure to visit Drake Park next to the river right downtown. The Old Mill District offers upscale, chain shops with an outdoor mall and a movie theatre with IMAX. It is also right on the river and easily accessible. Both areas have many restaurants that can accommodate big groups for lunch and dinner - make sure to call and reserve!

• The Bend Ale Trail: [21+ only] Bend is known for having over two dozen local breweries, featuring world-class craft beer. Many tours are offered: walking, beer-cycling, or with a shuttle service. This is a great group activity for socializing and getting a taste of the area! (Yes, Uber & Lyft will deliver you to Risa Lodge.)

• High Desert Museum: An all ages favorite, the High Desert Museum offers a medley of mediums to learn about the history and culture of the area. There are engaging exhibits, live animal displays, and historical reenactments, which let your group learn about the natural and cultural history of the High Desert region.

• Outdoor Recreation: The Deschutes River Trail is a favorite path for walking, jogging, or easy cycling. It’s relatively flat and smooth - paved in some areas, natural, or gravel in others, and is accessible for older guests and young children. 

• Indoor Recreation: If your group prefers indoor activities, the Sun Mountain Fun Center has an arcade and bowling, while Lava Lanes is only Bowling. For more active activities, there are several Indoor Rock Climbing/Bouldering gyms offering routes for all skill levels. There is also an indoor ice skating rink next to Old Mill. We also love the downtown vintage style arcade: Vector Volcano.

It’s called high season for a reason. Summer is when Bend is teeming with events and activity. Highlights include water activities, concerts, and mountain trails.

• Floating the Deschutes River: This is perhaps the most quintessential Bend summer experience, enjoyed by both tourists and locals. Start in the Old Mill District, and end in downtown. Tube and paddleboard rentals are available at the start point. Admire Bend as you float through the middle of town. It’s an easy, group-friendly activity for almost all ages. (If you take our boats, please wash them thoroughly when you get back so our pristine lake isn’t contaminated with anything from the outside world.)

• Hiking, Waterfalls, and Mountain Biking: Active groups will love the alpine trails the area is touted for. Mountain bike on Phil’s trail or on Mount Bachelor. Hike where waterfalls abound, often a way to lure indoorsy folks out to a trail. Some of our favorite waterfalls in and around Bend include: 

  • Benham Falls: 1.5 mile, easy out-and-back hike (these look like more of a rapid).

  • Tumalo Falls: Moderate 7-mile round-trip hike or a shorter walk to the viewpoint.

  • Steelhead Falls: Moderate 2 miles out-and-back hike.

  • Cline Falls: Easy 1.2-mile out-and-back hike, very little altitude gain.

• Cascade Lakes Water Activities: If you love kayaking or paddleboarding, spend the day on the pristine alpine lakes west of Bend, like Elk Lake or Sparks Lake. These calm waters are perfect for families and groups looking for scenic relaxation. Faster rapids can be explored on the Deschutes River with a guide. (If you take our boats, please wash them thoroughly when you get back so our pristine lake isn’t contaminated with anything from the outside world).

• Evening Entertainment and Sports: Check for outdoor concerts and festivals at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater at the Old Mill District, or Drake Park. For a casual group activity, try Disc Golf at one of the area's public courses. Guests can also enjoy Fly Fishing on the Deschutes River with a guided or unguided trip. Golf is another draw for many - check for local courses open to the public.

• Lava Lands Visitor Center: Learn about the fascinating natural history of ancient lava flows and cinder cones in the area. This visitor center offers a look at the area's volcanic past and the views from the top of the caldera are uniquely fabulous. Check for seasonal hours. Even if closed, the landscape itself is still a year-round sight.

Central Oregon is a snowy playground during the winter. Mt. Bachelor offers many outdoor activities, but you’ll also find an abundance of cozy activities around Bend during the winter

• Mt. Bachelor Snow Sports: Mt. Bachelor, which offers cross country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding, with terrain suitable for every level. There is also tubing for the non-skiers.

• Sled Dog Rides: For those looking for a different adventure, Sled Dog Rides are also offered at Mt. Bachelor. 

• Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, and Tubing: Miles of groomed trails are available near Mt. Bachelor and throughout the Deschutes National Forest for Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing. For easy fun, check out designated parks for Sledding/Tubing.

• Ice Skating and Hot Springs: Ice Skating rinks are available in the Old Mill District. (And don't forget to check the conditions at the lake at Risa Lodge if the ice is safe!) Finally, for a relaxing cooldown, consider a trip to nearby Natural Hot Springs for a restorative soak.