Miina McCown/The Broadside
The desert heat, the beer festivals, the exciting buzz about town signaling the end of a long school year… Summer is undeniably here, and although the traveling opportunities may still be limited this year, there are plenty of options to have a summer full of fun, here in Bend or another central Oregon area. Keep reading for some affordable and fun Central Oregon-based activities you can get involved in to make the most of the summer.
- Cycling, biking, hiking… oh my!
If you haven’t yet experienced all the trails and parks of Central Oregon (and believe us, there’s a lot), what better time than summer to go out and discover new locations to take your mountain bike or just your hiking boots and explore? Even if you aren’t the biggest fan of dusty trails, there are still plenty of parks around town with paths and routes to ride your street or mountain bike. This Tripadvisor page explores some popular trails for these activities around Central Oregon. There is also a multitude of bike trail maps available for those who prefer to go a more adventurous route.
- Explore the wilderness and go camping
The pacific northwest is known for its wide range of activities for any season due to its lush nature and climate. Camping is a great way to kick off the summer in Central Oregon, due to its large variety of spots and locations to choose from as well as the dry weather. While some of the most popular spots appear to be Tumalo State Park, Devils Lake and Lava Lake, there are also plenty of maps showing the more obscure camping locations, such as the Crane Prairie and Ochoco Divide. Whatever your preference, Central Oregon likely has the spot for you.
- Attend some beer and whiskey festivals
If there’s one thing unique about Bend, in particular, it’s the beer culture. Although the pandemic might not be fully over yet, that doesn’t mean that any of the beer events will be put on hold this year. From festivals to runs, there is a multitude of ways you can celebrate your love for beer culture. The Central Oregon BBQ, Brews and Whiskey Festival is taking place in both Bend and Redmond, and the Beer Run for the Crux Fermentation Project is hosting a running series as well as a Bite of Bend hosting a beer run. There are also additional events hosted by Crux Fermentation and General Duffy’s Waterhole that you can keep your eye out for.
- Go fishing
Fishing is a good activity for anyone looking for a bit of affordable family fun or a summer activity right here in town without having to go very far. Bend is practically a fishing paradise, offering a plethora of renowned rivers and lakes. It’s likely that wherever you are in Central Oregon, you won’t have to go very far embark on a fishing adventure. Some of the popular locations with fishing spots are Drake Park downtown, Shevlin Park, Riverbend Park and Shevlin Park. There are also plenty of local supply shops and businesses to fit all fishing needs.
