Oregon's Underrated City Offers A Fun Outdoor Getaway With Small-Town Charm

Central Oregon is a place of great natural beauty. This high desert region features rocky spires, breathtaking river canyons, pine forests, crystalline lakes, and volcanic landscapes, such as the Oregon Badlands Wilderness. It's also home to some terrific towns, including Bend, an underrated little city that combines small-town splendor with a hip, rugged sensibility.

Much of Bend's outdoor vibe stems from the fact that it sits in an area with nearly endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits. The town's proximity to some of Central Oregon's sweetest natural gems makes it the perfect launchpad for exploring what the region has to offer. The town also has all of your gear needs: From fly-fishing rods to new tents, you'll be able to stock up on anything you need to enjoy the natural landscape surrounding it.

That said, you don't have to be a rock climber, whitewater rafter, or mountain bike enthusiast to enjoy Bend. The town itself is more than worth your time, with plenty of boutiques and eateries to keep you occupied and full. It should also come as no surprise that Bend has one of the most exciting craft beer scenes in the country — this is Oregon, after all — so any aficionado of suds will find themselves in heaven.

Bend is named for a bend in the Deschutes River, which becomes the local playground in the summer, when both visitors and locals hop on tubes and float along its cool, lazy flow. Tubes, as well as kayak and paddleboards, are available to rent at Tumalo Creek in the town's Old Mill district. Just know that it's impossible to float the whole of the river in and around town, as some sections can be dangerous, so have a plan on where to put in and out and stick to it.

Whitewater rafting is also a fun way to discover the Deschutes, with Sun Country Tours offering excursions along Bend's "Big Eddy," a 3-mile stretch of rapids that makes a great morning or afternoon trip. Anglers will find world-class waters that offer some of the best fly-fishing in the region. The area around town is also great for hiking, with at least 70 miles of urban trails — many of which follow the Deschutes — along with other jaunts that take you into the hills. These include the 2-mile out-and-back climb up Pilot Butte; the Tumalo Mountain Trail, a 4-mile round trip route with stunning views of the Cascades; and the South Sister ascent, a challenging but rewarding climb up Oregon's third-highest peak.

Mountain bikers will find more than 600 miles of trails in the area, and Bend is also a great place for birdwatchers. There are over 300 species to spot — including raptors such as golden eagles and ospreys, as well as waterfowl, songbirds, and more. And climbers will find no shortage of walls and pinnacles in the area, especially at nearby Smith Rock State Park, which features at least 1,800 climbing routes for people of all experience levels.

Bend has grown immensely over the past few decades, and despite the fact that it is now home to over 100,000 people, it hasn't lost its small-town charm. For shopping, head to the Old Mill District. Built around the three smokestacks and brick structure that was once the town's vital lumber mill, the historic waterfront neighborhood features over 40 shops to satisfy your itch. And if you feel like saving money, you can just wander around and take in the vibrant murals that grace the neighborhood for free.

When it comes time to eat in Bend, there is no shortage of good options. Dear Irene offers upscale, modern takes on seasonal dishes, while Rancher Butcher Chef is the place to go for steaks. Americana on Bond whips up what may be the best burgers in town, and the Pine Tavern oozes down-home, woodsy ambience with hearty entrees and locally caught fish.

Beer however, is the name of the game in Bend — so much so that it can be hard to know where to start. The Cellar, Funky Fauna Artisan Ales, Crux Fermentation Project, and GoodLife Brewing are all top-notch spots to sip some locally brewed suds. However, the Deschutes Brewery is the grandaddy of them all. In operation since 1988, this local institution is going at it as strong as ever and offers samples of all of its ales, lagers, sours and more at the brewery's tasting room. To get to Bend from cities around the country, fly into Portland International Airport and drive southeast for just over three hours. And once you're back in Portland, why not take a tour inside a jaw-dropping military submarine?