The vast outdoor haven of Bend, Oregon is full of a wide variety of terrain ready to be explored by you! This one day Bend, Oregon itinerary only scratches the surface of Bend. There is so much to see and do here that you’ll be dying to come back and explore so much more of Bend and the rest of the Pacific Northwest. I know I am.
Fun fact, Bend is home to the last remaining Blockbuster in the world and you can still rent movies and games there. Talk about a blast from the past, that was almost every Friday night of my childhood.
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One Day Bend, Oregon Itinerary
Morning
First off, a great way to start the day is with a short but rewarding sunrise hike. Hiking to the top of Pilot Butte won’t take long. This popular spot is an easy 1.8 mile out and back trail that brings you to the top of the butte in Bend. It offers an amazing view of the town and the surrounding Cascade mountain peaks.
Once you’re done taking in the views and you hike down, head into Downtown Bend to grab breakfast. We ate cinnamon rolls at Great Harvest Bread Company which were delicious but I would love to find something more locally owned next time! When I visit Bend again I plan on eating at McKay Cottage Restaurant. However, I do recommend grabbing some bread for a picnic lunch while you are at Great Harvest Bread Company.
When breakfast is over, drive to Tumalo Falls about 30 minutes from Bend. The view point for the water fall is just a short walk from the parking lot on a paved road. If you have the time though I recommend hiking to the top of the falls for the great views. It is another short, easy trail, great for kids and inexperienced hikers.
Afternoon
Next, drive to the Lava River Cave in Newberry Volcanic National Monument. You can eat your picnic lunch at the visitors center picnic area or sometimes, due to limited parking, there is a wait to park at the Lava River Cave so you could get your car in line and eat while you wait.
The Lava River Cave is popular for good reason, it is a one mile hike through an underground lava tube. It stays a brisk 40 degrees Fahrenheit even in the summer so bring a jacket! The cave tours are self-guided tour with only a handful of signs to read. It is also pitch black so you can bring your own lantern or rent one for $5. A phone light will not be enough light. The ground is uneven and the tubes are huge, so a cell phone flashlight is just not powerful enough.
This is another kid friendly hike, we saw lots of young kids making the short trek and I had my baby in a carrier where he fell asleep thanks to the cool temperature and darkness!
After the cave, scooch on over to the visitors center and take the bus to the top of Lava Butte Cinder Cone. This is another great spot to get amazing views of the surrounding lava fields and the nearby mountain ranges. You can even see Mt Bachelor in the distance. The bus costs $3 per person and you need exact change which you can get inside the gift shop.
After visiting the volcano crater, and to get a complete experience of the volcanic remains. I recommend going on the Molten Lava Field trail. This trail takes you through the lava rock left from the lava flow. It is fascinating to see how little has grown after over 7,000 years. You can do the whole trail or just head out a little ways but I think it is a must.
Evening
After all the hiking it is time to head back into town and relax for the evening. You can eat dinner at one of the best restaurants in Bend Pine Taverns. Pine Taverns an old classic with delicious scones and mac & cheese. Or you could hit up one of the many, MANY breweries in town such as Deschutes Brewery.
Lastly,there is no better way to end this one day Bend Oregon itinerary than by grabbing dessert from Goody’s Chocolate & Ice Cream. It is delicious and refreshing and you earned it! While you eat dessert or afterwards take some time to walk around the city of Bend and enjoy the downtown area.
More North West USA Fun:
Got More Time? – Things To Do in Bend
Float the Deschutes: On a hot summer day there is no better way to cool off than by spending it floating in a tube down the Deschutes River. The Deschutes River flows right through Bend and the peaceful atmosphere is a popular one!
Mountain Biking: The nearby trails aren’t just good for hiking, many of them are open to mountain bikers as well. And if you’re looking for an even bigger adrenaline rush you could go ATVing. There really is something for everyone in Bend, OR.
Hot Springs: There are three beautiful hot spring all within a short drives distance of Bend, OR that are worth visiting. The travel time is a small cost to visit hot springs where you can relax in warm water surrounded by the forrest. Umpqua hot springs, Terwilliger hot springs or Crane hot springs are all great options to visit.
Bend Ale Trail: There are so many breweries in Bend they have what is called the Bend ale trail. This is the largest beer trail in the United States. The ale trail is made up of 16 pubs and breweries and you can get a “Bend ale trail passport” at the visitors center and after visiting 8 spots you get a prize. This could be fun if you’re a drinker.
Visit Sisters: Sisters is a nearby mountain town that is only 30 minutes away. It is cute, with lots of boutique shops and good eats. It is a fun place with even more nature trails to explore. If you head out this way I HIGHLY recommend eating at Tacos El Comal (don’t let its location in a gas station deter you) and grabbing ice cream at Sno Cap.
Take a Day Trip: There is a lot to do in Bend itself but it is also popular for its proximity to famous sights like Crater Lake National Park and Painted Hills. Crater Lake is two hours away from Bend Oregon and is Oregon’s only National Park. Painted Hills is two hours away from Bend as well. Painted hills are a set of hills with unique striations and color changes that make them look “painted”. You could also head over to the Oregon coast to see popular sites like Cannon Beach.
Travel Tips and Tricks
- 9 Hacks Travelers Use to Save Money on Travel
- 11 Best Baby Carriers for Travel and Sightseeing
- Essentials for a Smooth Road Trip
Bend Hiking Essentials For the Family
When to Visit Bend, Oregon
I visited in the summer and had a blast. During the summer months it is fairly hot though so visiting Bend in the late spring or early fall would be more ideal. However Bend has a lot to offer any time of year. The lava tubes and floating the river are perfect for summer. Hiking and biking would feel better in the spring and fall. And there is even skiing and snowboarding in the winter!
The Mount Bachelor ski resort is one of the top things to do in Bend in the winter.
What is Bend Known For? Is it Worth Visiting?
Bend, OR is known for being an outdoor mecca in Central Oregon full of adventure and beautiful hiking trails through the high desert landscape. That is why this Bend, Oregon itinerary focuses on outdoor activities so much.
It is 100% worth visiting if you even remotely enjoy being outside hiking, biking, fishing, seeing beautiful landscapes or having a good time. Bend has a lot to offer and offers a great jumping point to visiting the rest of Oregon thanks to its central location.
How to Get to Bend, Oregon
You can get to Bend either by flying or driving. Flying will most likely be easier if you are coming from a far distance.
If you are close enough to drive then you could save a little bit of money by bringing your own outdoor gear like kayaks or bikes. Either way Bend is easily accessible for anyone looking to visit.
Packing for Bend, Oregon
- Make sure you pack lots of outdoor clothing that fits the time of the year you’ll be visiting. You will most likely be doing lots of outdoor activities like hiking so wear clothes that are comfortable to move around in.
- Proper footwear is going to keep you comfortable and ready to hike and be outdoors multiple days in a row. Hiking boots or sturdy tennis shoes are what I would recommend.
- Make sure you are staying hydrated while out and about by bringing your own reusable water bottle. This way you won’t have to rely on water being available in some of the more remote locations you may visit.
Practical Information for Bend, OR
Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy your Oregon Travel Guide.
Bend Oregon Itinerary
Bend, Oregon has so much to offer from volcanos in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, rock climbing in the Cascade Mountains and hiking in Deschutes National Forest it is one of the best places in the U.S. for a good time in nature.
I hope you found this one day Bend, Oregon itinerary helpful in planning your next trip out west! Bend really is a fun place and there are so many fun things to do and see, you could visit half a dozen times and still not see it all. The opportunities for outdoor adventure are endless! I can not wait to visit again and see more.
Is there anything you would add in the area or any questions you need answered? Let me know in the comments!
