Weekend in Bend, Oregon Itinerary- 3 Days
Planning a long weekend away in Bend, Oregon? This is the perfect destination for an outdoor getaway on a two or three-day trip! It is within only a few hours of Portland and offers a unique variety of adventurous activities. Read below to find out what to do and how to make the most of your three-day itinerary in Bend!
This trip was hosted and sponsored by Visit Bend. However, all opinions are my own.
When to Visit Bend
There really is no bad time to visit Bend! You can find something to do year-round. That being said if you want the most variety of outdoor activities, I would recommend visiting in the Summer from May to September. Many things are also accessible in the shoulder seasons of April and October with the added benefit of no crowds. This time of year you can hike, kayak, camp, and participate in just about any outdoor activity you can think of near Bend.
In the Winter, Bend becomes a skier’s paradise with Mount Bachelor being the most prominent draw. There are also many snowshoe trails nearby, making it a great winter getaway.
How to Get to Bend
Bend is within a short drive of most major cities in Oregon like Portland, Salem, and Eugene. It is a slightly longer trip from Seattle, but still well worth the drive for a long weekend!
Portland to Bend, Oregon
It is around a 3-4 hour drive to Bend from Portland, depending on traffic and which route you take. The fastest route will take you on I-84 before getting on US-26 East around Mount Hood, later merging with US-97 the rest of the way to Bend.
Keep in mind that in the winter, this may not be the fastest or safest route if the roads are snowy near Mount Hood, and tire chains may be required.
Eugene to Bend, Oregon
Driving from Eugene, Oregon to Bend is slightly shorter, taking around 2 hours and 30 minutes in ideal conditions. Take OR-126 up to US-20 and then over the mountain pass. This drive is beautiful in the Summer, passing by Mount Washington and Three-Fingered Jack.
Like near Mount Hood, the mountain pass may become dangerous or impassible in winter so make sure to always check conditions.
Bend, Oregon Packing List
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
When visiting Bend, make sure you pack the right gear! The Bend itinerary below has lots of adventurous activities, so prepare for lots of hiking and time spent in the great outdoors!
- Fleece- A fleece or mid-layer is great to have when hiking so you can easily take it off to cool down- Soft REI Fleece
- Heavy Jacket– The desert can be cool in the morning and evening, so you will want to pack layers if you plan on doing any sunrise or sunset hikes- My absolute favorite puffy coat
- Day Pack– If you plan on doing a decent amount of hiking a day pack is always great to bring- Recommended Osprey Day Pack
- Beanie or Hat- You never know when the wind may pick up, so it is a good idea to always hike with a hat- Warm Beanie
- Hiking Boots Boots– Properly protect your feet and ankles when hiking with proper hiking boots- My Favorite Hiking Boots
- Hiking Pants– This itinerary calls for a lot of outdoor activities, so you will want a pair of pants that’s easy to move around in when hiking and climbing- Comfortable Women’s Hiking Pants
- Sandals– In the summer there are a lot of water activities to do around Bend! Bring a good pair of sandals for paddle boarding or hot springs- Teva Sandals
- Water Bottle– If hiking, bring a water bottle to hydrate- Water Bottle
- Sunscreen– Bend is in the desert so make sure to protect your skin from the sun- SPF 50 Sunscreen
- Camera- Bring a camera to capture your memories!- Beginner Travel Camera
3-Day Long Weekend Itinerary in Bend
From rock climbing to ATV riding, below is an adventure-filled three-day Bend, Oregon itinerary! Obviously, you can move these activities around as you choose or substitute some out, but no matter what you are sure to have a great weekend in Bend!
Day 1 in Bend
Day 1 of your weekend Bend itinerary is spent exploring the beautiful Smith Rock State Park! You can explore through hiking, climbing, or horseback riding. Read below for how to make the most of this iconic Bend location.
Go Rock Climbing at Smith Rock
Smith Rock State Park is well known for being one of the best climbing spots in the United States and is considered the birthplace of sport climbing. There is no better place to try out climbing if you’ve never gone before or spend the day if you’re experienced!
If you have never climbed before, book a session through Chockstone Climbing Guides! We booked through them and our guide was extremely knowledgeable and made sure we were comfortable the whole time, which was very appreciated as someone afraid of heights.
Horseback Riding at Smith Rock
If rock climbing is not your thing, you can explore Smith Rock a different way through horseback riding! Smith Rock Trail Rides offers small group 2-hour trail rides with spectacular views of Smith Rock State Park and the Crooked River Canyon.
Day 2 in Bend
Spend your second day in Bend with a morning hike, followed by a refreshing float down the Deschutes River!
Go for a Hike Near Bend
It wouldn’t be a proper Bend itinerary without hiking! Bend is a hiker’s dream with trails open year-round due to the high desert environment, and in the summer the Deschutes National Forest and Sisters Mountains offer some of the best mountain hiking in the Pacific Northwest
Best Hikes Near Bend
Below are just a few of the best hikes located within a short drive of Bend, Oregon.
- Misery Ridge– 2.2 miles, 1115 feet, Difficult– Misery Ridge in Smith Rock State Park is a well-named trail due to its difficult elevation gain in a short distance, but the views can’t be beaten! You can extend this into a 3.5-mile loop going back down and along the Crooked River.
- Lava Butte Lookout– 3.8 miles, 593 feet, Moderate– This hike leads up to an active fire lookout with 360 views of the area. In the summer, you can take a shuttle up to the lookout, but in the off-season (Labor Day to June) you can hike along the road up to the lookout.
- Pilot Butte– 1.8 miles, 452 feet, Easy– Pilot Butte is located in the center of Bend and is an amazing spot for sunrise or sunset. You can either hike or drive to the top of the butte.
- Lava River Cave– 1 mile, 16 feet, Easy– Lava River Cave has timed reservations from early May to mid-September. You can make a reservation on Recreation.gov.
- Deschutes River Trail– The Deschutes River winds through the town of Bend, and the Deschutes River Trail follows much of it. You can hike on it for as long or as little as you want, and there are several starting points around town.
Paddleboard or Kayak Down the Deschutes River
Floating down the Deschutes River is a must-do in Bend during the summer! You can bring your own water device or rent one. Tumalo Creek rents out paddleboards, kayaks, and tube floats for a few hours or all day, and is located right on the river. There is even a whitewater park on the river for those experienced!
Day 3 in Bend
Day 3 of your Bend Itinerary is full of adventure! Start your day with an ATV ride through the desert near Bend, followed by a trip to one of the nearby waterfalls.
Go on an ATV Tour
Looking for something adventurous to do near Bend? Add an ATV ride to your Bend itinerary! Outriders Northwest offers 2 hour ATV tours near Bend. We did the Badlands Tour and it was so much fun to drive to different overlooks with fantastic views of the Sisters and surrounding mountains.
Visit a Waterfall Near Bend
If you are looking for a way to cool off in the summer, or want to see a raging winter waterfall, hike to one of Bend’s nearby waterfalls!
- Tumalo Falls– 6.4 miles, 557 feet, Moderate– In the summer, you can drive very close to the falls, but in the off-season, it is a moderate hike down to the road to the stunning 100-foot waterfall.
- Steelhead Falls– 2 miles, 226 feet, Easy– Steelhead Falls is 32 miles from Bend. It flows down the Deschutes River and you can hike to a great view of the horseshoe-shaped falls.
- Cline Falls– 1.2 miles, 49 feet, Easy– There is a viewpoint of Cline Falls, or you can walk a short distance to see it closer.
Other Things to Do in Bend
If you have more time or want to substitute one of the activities above, check out these additional things to do on your visit to Bend, Oregon.
Visit the High Desert Museum
The High Desert Museum is one of the best things to do near Bend! The museum is full of information on the history of the area and the wildlife and ecology of the desert. You can get a feel for what life was like hundreds of years ago in the high desert, and see the many animal exhibits including rescued birds of prey, otters, and porcupines.
See the Last Blockbuster
For a quick additional stop on your Bend itinerary, visit the last remaining Blockbuster. Take your picture with the sign or pick up a souvenir for some 90s nostalgia!
Visit the Soaking Pools
For something a little different (and relaxing) visit McMenamin’s Soaking Pools at Old St. Francis School. You must make a reservation before visiting and it is $8 per person for an hour in the European-inspired warm soaking pools.
Where to Eat in Bend
Coffee in Bend
Bend is well known for its many coffee roasters. Don’t visit without trying a few!
Restaurants in Bend
Bend has a variety of restaurants to choose from. Below are just a few that I have loved on my visits there
- Victorian Cafe– One of the best brunch spots in Bend!
- Spork– Mexican and Asian Fusion, great for lunch or dinner.
- Wild Rose Thai– An adorable eatery with some of the best Thai food I’ve ever had
- Bosa– A fantastic Italian restaurant. I highly recommend this spot for a date night or to treat yourself in Bend.
Breweries in Bend
Over 30 breweries are located in Bend, making it one of the highest breweries per capita in the United States. Visit some of the Bend ale trail to try one or several.
How to Recreate Responsibly in Bend
When recreating outdoors in Bend, and anywhere, it is important to always follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace summarized below:
- Do research before heading to a trail
- Camp and travel responsibly
- Pack out what you bring in
- Leave what you find
- Minimize your campfire impact
- Don’t disturb the wildlife
- Be respectful of others
You can help do your part by taking the Bend Pledge that enters you into a drawing for a Bend vacation!
Where to Stay Near Bend
Rentals Near Bend
- Riverfront Retreat– A larger home on the river is perfect for a group trip or family get together
- Cabin Near Bend– This adorable cabin was perfect to be near Bend but still in nature
Hotels Near Bend
- Campfire Hotel– This cute hotel is perfectly themed for your nature getaway in Bend
Extend Your Trip- Day Trips from Bend
Have even more time in Bend? Extend your three days and add one of these day trips to your Bend itinerary!
Painted Hills
Painted Hills is one of 3 units that make up the John Day Fossil Beds National Monuments. This site is 87 miles away from Bend and can be visited in one day. Some of the best hikes include Painted Cove Trail, Red Scar Knoll Trail, and Painted Hills Overlook.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is 90 miles from Bend and is the only National Park in Oregon. Depending on the time of year, you can drive or bike around the lake, and hike or snowshoe on the trails. Always check conditions before going, as the lake remains snow-covered for much of the year.
McKenzie River
The McKenzie River area is across the mountains to the West of Bend and the perfect day trip from Bend. This area is full of waterfalls such as Proxy Falls, Sahalie Falls, and Koosah Falls. Other hikes include the Tamolitch Blue Pool Trail and Clear Lake Trail.
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