The secret has been out for awhile; Bend is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise. We hope that you get a chance to get out and enjoy the playground that is Central Oregon during your trip to Bend.
We've compiled a list of some of our favorite outdoor adventures.
Rock Climbing
Smith Rock State Park
Things to know:
- Guide Book: Rock Climbing Smith Rock State Park: A Comprehensive Guide To More Than 1,800 Routes, Alan Watts
- Guide Services
- Bend Endurance Academy: Private and small group guiding only for youth from USAC climbing coaches and AMGA trained guides.
- Smith Rock Climbing School: Private and group guiding at Smith since 1983. AMGA Accredited
- Chockstone Climbing Guides: Private and group guiding. AMGA Accredited guide service
- Mountain Project Info
- After climbing food
- The Terrebonne Depot: Amazing local food from local climbers.
Central Oregon Bouldering
There are plenty of little bouldering spots right in town and within a short drive. Here are a couple easy spots to check out. If you want more information you can contact Bend Endurance Academy coach and Regional Coordinator Mike Rougeux: mike@bendenduranceacademy.org
Widgi Creek Boulders: Decent amount of bouldering with good quality rock.
Take Century Drive from Bend towards Mt. Bachelor. You'll see Widgi Creek Golf Course on your left. Once you see the golf course, take your first right onto the dirt road right across the way of the course directly after a blue sign that reads "Widgi Creek Golf Course next Left". As you drive the dirt road stay right at any Y until you reach a green gate that may or may not be open. Parking is on your left and you should see the cliff band from there.
Take Century Drive from Bend towards Mt. Bachelor. You'll see Widgi Creek Golf Course on your left. Once you see the golf course, take your first right onto the dirt road right across the way of the course directly after a blue sign that reads "Widgi Creek Golf Course next Left". As you drive the dirt road stay right at any Y until you reach a green gate that may or may not be open. Parking is on your left and you should see the cliff band from there.
Meadow Camp Top Roping: Take Century Drive from Bend towards Mt. Bachelor. Take a left onto a dirt road directly before the first golf fairway you see. There is a brown Forest Service sign on the right that says "Meadow Camp Picnic and Day Use Area". Walk down river and you will see the cliffs for TR'ing. Most climbs can be setup with a double length runner or cordelette. There are a couple established boulder problems right off the trail and more further down river as the cliff band peters out. More TR'ing than boulders .
Bachelor Boulders: Park at Fairwell Bend Park off Reed Market Road and cross either the foot bridge or the Bill Healy bridge to the west side of the river. Walk upriver until the trail starts to go away from the river. Keep a look out for a small trail that heads left towards the river. Lots of rimrock traversing and a handful of establish problems.
The Depot: Park at Fairwell Bend Park off Reed Market Road. Walk upriver on the east side of the river going under the Bill Healy Bridge. Walk past the raised wooden walkway and irrigation outlet. After the trail climbs a short hill be on the lookout for a climbers trail on the left. High boulder problems that are some of the best quality in Bend.
Mountain Biking
Hundreds of miles of single track in and around town make Bend a mountain bikers dream. Pick up a trail map at one of the bike shops and head to trail heads like Phils, Wanoga, or Skyliners. By June it is possible that the Mt. Bachelor Bike Park will also be open for lift serve downhill biking.
- Bike Rentals and Maps: Pine Mountain Sports
- Guided trips and Shuttles: Cog Wild
Fishing, Boating, Hiking, Brewery Tours, Golf and More
There are plenty of options in Bend for trail runs, exploring lava tubes, golfing, and brewery tours. For a complete list of activities and suggested hikes and trails check out the Visit Bend Website
