A Weekend in Bend, Oregon

A weekend in Bend is not entirely improbable if you’re from the Bay Area. With daily flights from SFO to Redmond, it’s easy to escape to Oregon’s high desert for a few days.

Here’s how to spend a weekend in Bend.

Hike Koosah and Sahalie Falls

This family friendly hike takes you to two majestic waterfalls. Hike it as a loop or an easy out and back.

The Sahalie Falls lot is ADA accessible and has a bathroom.

Hike Tamolitch Pool

This is THE famous blue pool in Oregon. Once a waterfall, the water was diverted. Now water bubbles up through the rocks. This crystal clear water stays a cool 37° year round. Jump in if you dare.

The McKenzie River Trail from Koosah and Sahalie Falls connects to Tamolitch Pool for a longer time out.

Climb at Smith Rock

Smith Rock is, to say the very least, a sport climber’s paradise, and if you’re going to go to Bend for one thing and one thing alone, go to Smith Rock. It’s a climber’s paradise, really. Here, you can find airy, well-bolted multipitches, sweet hand jams, and everything in between.

My personal favorite route to do is Wherever I May Roam (5.9 sport), followed by Spiderman (5.7 trad).

Not a climber? Hiking here is equally gorgeous!

Go Mountain Biking in Bend

Bend is also a mountain biker’s dream come true! I’m not really a mountain biker, so I did a drop off trip with Cog Wild. The trails range from easy to hard and you can ride straight to town (beer).

Paddle the Deschutes River

When it’s hot out, rent some paddle boards from Stand On Liquid and paddle the Deschutes. Take a dip in the river if it’s scorching; it’s absolutely refreshing.

Stay at the Sunriver Resort

Escape the hustle and bustle of town with a stay at the Sunriver Resort. The rooms are more condo and less hotel, making it feel kind of like home away from home.

This resort sits on the Deschutes River and has kayaks and paddle boards available for rent. If you’re a golfer, go golfing here.

Breakfast at Sparrow Bakery

Sparrow Bakery is a must stop breakfast stop in Bend, Oregon. Their breakfast sandwiches are to die for. Their pastries are the perfect hike snack. Bonus, they have pretty delicious coffee.

Happy Hour at 10 Barrel

I’m not a big fan of brew pubs because the food is usually all pretty terrible. This is not the case with 10 Barrel.

But first, the drinks! They have their full line of beers on tap, plus a couple extra items they’re tinkering with. If hard coconut water is on the menu, get it. It’s so good and doesn’t even taste like alcohol.

They have a fun and interesting menu as well. This is not your average pub food.

(Disclaimer: I’m working with them this summer, but that doesn’t change my opinion!)

Okay, that might be a bit much for a weekend in Bend, so you’ll just have to come back! I probably missed a bunch of stuff. What would you do for a weekend in Bend, Oregon?

For other weekend guides, check out a weekend in Shasta, Carmel,  or Joshua Tree!