Outdoor Paradise: Food and Fun Recommendations in Bend, Oregon 🏕️

We took advantage of the long weekend 🎆 and visited the small town of Bend, Oregon. In three days, we checked out the major attractions and sampled local cuisine. Here are some recommendations. Attractions 🏕️ 📍Newberry National Volcanic Monument This park is located south of Bend, with its main attractions concentrated near the visitor center. I recommend visiting Lava River Cave, a two-mile round-trip hike through a volcanic cave. Parking spots require advance reservations. If you’re interested in seeing black volcanic rock, take the Trail of the Molten Land. The visitor center offers a bus to Lava Butte Lookout for $5 per person. Heading further south, you can reach Paulina Peak, a mountaintop lookout offering views of two lakes and a volcanic crater. The National Parks annual pass is accepted here, but note that the park is not managed by the NPS, so drones are allowed. 📍Tumalo Falls If you only have time for one waterfall, this is the one to visit. It’s a short hike to the top of the falls, and the National Parks annual pass is accepted. 📍Pilot Butte The highest point in Bend, offering a panoramic view of the city. It’s also where the Fourth of July fireworks are launched. 📍High Desert Museum The museum has both indoor and outdoor sections. The indoor exhibits focus on history, while the outdoor area features many animals. Great for families with kids. 📍Deschutes River You can go rafting here! We booked a 1.5-hour Class 1-3 rafting tour with Seventh Mtn Rafting for about $70 per person. You can also rent kayaks or inflatable rafts on your own. 📍Old Mill District A shopping district—how can you not buy something in a tax-free state? 📍Smith Rock Park A state park to the north with beautiful scenery. For hiking, I recommend the Misery Ridge and River Trail. The first half goes uphill, and the second half follows the river, offering diverse views. 📍Crescent Moon Ranch A llama ranch where you can get up close and feed the animals. 📍Blockbuster The last remaining store in the world. Restaurants 🍴 🍲Wild Rose Authentic Thai cuisine. Reservations are recommended for dinner. 🥯Bo’s Excellent bagel sandwiches. 🌮Hola! A mix of Mexican and Peruvian dishes, all delicious. 🍦Bonta Gelato The most famous local ice cream spot. 🍜A New Tropical Tasty food with generous portions. #Oregon #Bend #Oregon #OffTheBeatenPath #Rafting #Skiing