Planning a summer vacation to Bend and Central Oregon? If so, you’ll find an embarrassment of outdoor riches that show why the region is an outdoor-lover’s paradise and unlike anywhere else in the world.
When you visit Bend, you’ll be treated to raging waterfalls in the Cascade Range foothills, thoughtfully designed mountain bike trails crafted by some of the sport’s pioneers, and plenty of opportunities to spend a night under the stars—whether at an acclaimed outdoor concert venue or at one of our many forested campgrounds.
To help inspire your next trip, we’ve put together a look at some of the region’s top warm-weather activities, along with advice for making the most of each adventure. Here’s a rundown:
- Float the Deschutes River
- Hike to Tumalo Falls
- Explore the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
- Paddleboard or Kayak Central Oregon’s Waters
- Mt. Bachelor Scenic Chairlift Ride & Sunset Dinner
- Go Mountain Biking at Phil’s Trail Complex
- Attend an Outdoor Concert at Hayden Homes Amphitheater
- Play a Round of Golf at a Central Oregon Golf Course
- Go Whitewater Rafting on the Deschutes River
- Camp Under the Stars
- Plan Your Summer Adventure to Bend & Central Oregon
Keep reading for more on the top summer activities in Bend, Oregon, and beyond.
1. Float the Deschutes River
When the weather warms up, one of the absolute best things to do in Bend is floating and tubing the river. And around town, that means getting on the Deschutes River for a laid-back day under the sun.
Easily the most popular float—made popular by shuttle services and summertime tube rentals from Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe—begins by putting in at Riverbend Park, floating past the bustling Old Mill District, navigating the thrilling Bend Whitewater Park, and taking out in Drake Park near downtown Bend. You’ll also find floats and shuttle services that begin at Sunriver Resort, as well as more DIY options around LaPine State Park and around Tumalo State Park around its namesake community.
Wherever you go, be sure to check conditions ahead of time, wear a personal floatation device (children 12 and younger are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket), and wear plenty of sunscreen. If you’re tackling one of the floats where shuttles aren’t available, be sure to bring two vehicles so you have a ride back to where you began.
2. Hike to Tumalo Falls
Tumalo Falls is an iconic site just outside of Bend—where, mere steps from your vehicle, a 97-foot waterfall tumbles before a dramatic curtain of rock and in the midst of a thriving forest of fir and pine.
A viewpoint at the Tumalo Falls Day Use Area makes it easy to see without much effort, but several miles of trails head beyond the top of the falls and deeper into the surrounding Deschutes National Forest. The paths, gently graded and shared by mountain bikers, hug the banks of Tumalo Creek and afford views of several smaller cascades in the waterway.
3. Explore the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Every summer, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway opens just south of Bend—taking drivers, hikers, paddlers, stargazers, and eager sightseers out of town and into the heart of the Cascade Range.
There, along the curvy roadway, drivers can turn off at numerous mountain lakes, day-use sites, side roads, and viewpoints that show off snow-capped peaks in every direction. Highlights are numerous but include Todd Lake (featuring views of Mount Bachelor beyond the lakeshore), Sparks Lake (where South Sister looms overhead), and the shallow Devils Lake (whose turquoise waters draw stand-up paddleboards and kayakers all summer long). Check out our Local’s Guide to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway to start planning your summer escape.
4. Paddleboard or Kayak Central Oregon’s Waters
We might have just mentioned the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, but that’s the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in Central Oregon.
Getting on the water makes it easy to beat the heat, with easy options all over the region and memorable landscapes aplenty. In addition to the destinations we’ve covered so far, the Deschutes River is popular with paddlers in Bend (especially since gear rentals are available from Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe); Paulina Lake and East Lake invite paddlers to hit the water inside an active volcano within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument; and the shallow Wickiup Reservoir hosts a healthy migratory bird population and offers fruitful wildlife-watching opportunities.
5. Mt. Bachelor Scenic Chairlift Ride & Sunset Dinner
Mt. Bachelor is the seventh-largest ski resort in North America and is beloved for a long season that can run from late November to Memorial Day Weekend—but the fun doesn’t stop when the fresh powder melts. In summer, the ski resort transforms into an adrenaline-fueled outpost with mountain biking, ziplines, hiking trails, and other fun attractions.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back way to enjoy the mountain’s splendor, consider taking a Mt. Bachelor Scenic Chairlift as it travels 1,500 feet to the alpine-inspired Pine Marten Lodge. There, you can enjoy a Mt. Bachelor Sunset Dinner with a prix-fixe menu that might include wild-caught king salmon, locally sourced ribeye, and a dish of sautéed wild mushrooms. Wide-open Cascade peak views come free with your meal.
6. Go Mountain Biking at Phil’s Trail Complex
When you think about mountain biking in Bend, chances are good you envision Phil’s Trail Complex: a sprawling network of singletrack trails that have welcomed riders of all skill levels for decades. It’s a signature destination in Central Oregon—and for good reason: Riders can reach the flowy, fast-riding trails either via a short ride or quick drive from Bend, obstacles and challenges entice riders from all backgrounds, and forests of ponderosa pine provide a scenic backdrop. Check out the Phil’s Trail Map to start planning your next ride.
7. Attend an Outdoor Concert at Hayden Homes Amphitheater
One of the surest signs of summer’s approach is the beginning of concert season at Hayden Homes Amphitheater. The open-air venue sits along the Deschutes River and, between May and mid-September, spotlights an eclectic lineup that offers something for everyone. On any given night, that might include the world’s top comedians, classic rock bands, modern hitmakers, and even beloved acts for kids. Check out events at Hayden Homes Amphitheater to see who’s playing this summer.
For a pre-show bite and drink, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, craft breweries, cocktail bars, and other fun stops in nearby downtown Bend; a few wine bars, bars, and brewpubs in the Box Factory shopping center; and nearly 20 bars and restaurants in the Old Mill District just across the Deschutes River.
8. Play a Round of Golf at a Central Oregon Golf Course
Sunny skies, warm afternoons, and dramatic landscapes collide at inventive golf courses across Central Oregon—making it an idyllic place to hit the links. Book tee times at award-winning courses from Sunriver to Redmond, play through juniper groves and lava flows, bask in Cascade peak views outside of Sisters, and improve your game on courses that draw inspiration from layouts and designs around the world. Get started with the Locals Guide to Golfing in Bend, Oregon, and start building your bucket list with our round-up of the top 5 golf resorts in Bend.
9. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Deschutes River
We’ve mentioned how to float the river, and we’ve discussed kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding—but adrenaline junkies find plenty to love about whitewater Rafting in Central Oregon.
Thrilling rapids course through forested canyons and the region’s rugged high desert, providing paddlers with plenty of chances to test their mettle and enjoy the soaking fun of a whitewater adventure. The Big Eddy Thriller entices paddlers between Bend and Sunriver, while Maupin is undeniably ground zero for class-III and class-IV rapids on the Lower Deschutes River. Wherever you wind up, book a tour through Sun Country Tours: Guided Whitewater Rafting Trips for easy transportation, all the necessary gear, and a knowledgeable guide who will steer your crew through the roaring rapids.
10. Camp Under the Stars
There are few better feelings than gathering around a crackling campfire, admiring the stars on a moonless night, listening to the forest come alive after dark, and breathing in the fresh mountain air. If that sounds like your cup of tea, make camping in Central Oregon a core part of the experience on your next trip.
Camping is one of the top things to do in Bend, Oregon, because of the sheer variety of experiences you may enjoy. Tumalo State Park offers tent and RV sites, as well as yurts, along the Deschutes River and a short drive from Bend. Prineville Reservoir State Park, meanwhile, resides along its namesake lake and delivers some of the region’s clearest night skies—the perfect setting for stargazing. Just outside Madras, The Cove Palisades State Park promises a high-desert experience where three rivers come together to form Lake Billy Chinook. And the forested Link Creek Campground in the Deschutes National Forest is a short walk from Suttle Lake in the Cascade foothills near Sisters. And the list goes on.
Reservations typically open six months in advance and fill quickly for summer weekends, so try to book at least four months out if you’re hoping to pitch a tent or park your RV in summer.
Plan Your Summer Adventure to Bend & Central Oregon
Are you feeling inspired and excited to visit? We’re happy to help you start researching so you can plan the trip of a lifetime.
For a look at some of the top things to do in Bend and beyond, check out our guide to summer activities in Central Oregon. There you’ll find suggestions for hiking, biking, climbing, camping, and more—enough for you to consider a second vacation.
And if you’re wondering where to stay in Central Oregon, we’ve put together a look at expansive resorts, family-friendly motels and hotels, cozy cabins, and homegrown bed-and-breakfasts.
Finally, check out our calendar of Central Oregon events to see what’s new and exciting around the region. The calendar includes farmers markets, art shows, live performances, guided tours, and more—with events for every interest and visitors from all walks of life.
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