North of Bend — Conquering the Big Rock 🪨

Don’t waste a single day on your trip back to Portland from Bend! The following route is perfectly aligned for a smooth and enjoyable journey. (Addresses are in the comments for easy copy-paste 📝) 🍳 McKay Cottage Restaurant We started with brunch here. Even though we had to wait, it wasn’t long, and the waiting area offered coffee and ice water ☕❄️. We ordered the Classic Benedict and McKay Cottage Potatoes—both a bit heavy on the potato side, but the potatoes were delicious! The service was exceptional 🥰: they served complimentary fruit bread and coffee, and even gave our little one crayons and toys. The vibe was totally cozy American countryside 🏡. 🦚 Petersen Rock Garden & Museum A great spot for kids to take a break and interact with peacocks and hens 🐓! Parents can relax in the shade while the little ones explore. The rock-built castles here are quirky and fun 🏰. Don’t expect too much, but it’s a pleasant stop. Admission is $10 per adult (cash-only, honor system 💵). We even found three peacock feathers! 🦙 Crescent Moon Ranch A large alpaca farm with plenty of fluffy friends to see 🦙❤️. 🏞️ Smith Rock Parking This volcanic rock formation is absolutely stunning 🌋. Since we had our toddler with us, we skipped the hiking and drove directly to this address. A 5-minute walk to the viewpoint offered breathtaking views of the unique rock structures—including the famous Monkey Face Rock on the way out 🐒🧱. Highly rewarding for the effort! The drive from Portland to Bend and back offers two distinct experiences 🚗💨. The return trip treats you to vast plains, snow-capped mountains, and peaceful farms 🏔️🌾. Even on a short holiday, every day counts—especially when you’re making memories with your little ones! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨ #RoadTripExplorers #TravelingWithKids #Portland #SmithRock #BrunchGoals #Bend #OffTheBeatenPath #HiddenGemsForFamilies #SelfDriveTravel 🌍🧭🚙