I’m always on the hunt for things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter because my family has a tradition of going there to ski each February. This hip town has a ton going for it: breweries, winter activities, food carts a la PDX, shopping…there’s a little something for everyone no matter their age or interest.
Winter is a great time to visit because it’s not too hot and there are less crowds, but you still have access to all that makes Bend great year round (cough, beer and food, cough). So if you’ve been curious about this central Oregon city about 6 hours from Seattle and 3 hours from Portland, read on to find all the best things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter.
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Things to Do in Bend, Oregon in Winter
Save this list to Pinterest for later, as I’ll update it as I discover more winter activities in Bend, Oregon!
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I’m a licensed travel planner and would love to create you a custom trip itinerary.
Ready to plan your own trip? Here are my favorite things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter!
Go nordic skiing or snowshoeing
Cross-country skiing is the reason my family and I go to Bend every year. There are a bunch of different snow parks that offer both nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails, so it’s one of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter.
There are options for all skill levels, but in general I find most of the trails in Bend are geared towards intermediate to advanced skiers compared to the cross-country skiing in Washington. That’s because the majority of them are ungroomed and many have hills.
However, I count myself as a solid beginner-intermediate skier, so I know which ones are best for newbies. Plus, all of them have options for advanced folks if you’re rolling in a group of different experience levels.
Here are my favorite spots to go nordic skiing in Bend. Be prepared to pay ~$4 per car for a permit to park at the various snow parks. You can’t purchase these at the parking lot, but rather need to visit local sporting good stores like Sunnyside Sports, Gear Fix, Mountain Supply, and WebSkis.
Virginia Meissner Sno-Park
website | get directions | cost: ~$4 per car (purchased at local retailers) | best for: beginners and experts alike
In my opinion, this is the best area for beginners to go cross-country skiing in Bend. You’ll find about 30 miles of trails, most of which are groomed. There’s a large area of beginner trails, and a few of the blue trails aren’t too steep. There are also a bunch of snowshoe trails that weave between the trees.
If you get cold or need to wait up for others in your group, there’s a warming hut at the parking lot. Like most of the snow parks in Bend, there are only vault toilets so prepare accordingly!
Swampy Lakes Sno-Park
website | get directions | cost: ~$4 per car (purchased at local retailers) | best for: intermediate to advanced
Swampy Lakes Sno-Park has its own parking lot, but it actually connects to Meissner. So quick skiers can do the whole Tangent Loop Trail between the two parks in one day. However, this trail has a bunch of hills so it will scare true beginners.
Another option from the parking lot is taking the trail toward Swampy Lake into the woods. This isn’t groomed, but it’s flatter than the other trail option. It’s perfect for a workout while enjoying scenic views whether you’re on skis or snowshoes.
Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center
website | get directions | cost: $15-$30 pp entrance fee | best for: all levels, but skews intermediate
This is the only nordic skiing area that you have to pay to enter, but unlike the others it doesn’t require a parking permit. It’s about the same size as Meissner with around 35 miles of trails, but it feels bigger because it’s surrounded by large trees and many of the trails are wider.
While there is a section of green trails for beginners, I’d say this area is more for intermediate to advance skiers because the majority of the trails are blue. Just about all of them have a ton of big hills, so expect a workout. This is especially true to get back to the entrance, as you need to duck climb a quite long and steep hill that’s brutal when you’re tired.
I’ve been after it snowed, where the fresh powder makes the hills less scary and a ton of fun. But if the conditions are more packed, or worse icy, I would hate the blue trails.
There are also a few snowshoeing trails, one of which is a long loop. You can take a snowshoe tour with a ranger from Mt. Bachelor if you want to experience one of the more unique things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter. They provide snowshoes, or you can wear your own. You don’t need to pay more on top of the entrance fee for the tour, but they suggest a donation.
Edison Sno-Park
website | get directions | cost: ~$4 per car (purchased at local retailers) | best for: intermediate skiing or snowshoeing with dogs
Edison Sno-Park is another ungroomed trail network that weaves into the woods. It’s shared with skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers. The scenery is peaceful, but it can be difficult for beginners since there aren’t any tracks. Luckily it’s not too hilly!
Visit the popular Tumalo Falls
website | get directions | best for: seeing a popular attraction sans crowds
Tumalo Falls is a popular 97-foot waterfall that people love to hike and bike to during warmer seasons. The result is throngs of people on a sunny weekend trying to vie for the same photo angle.
However, if you visit during winter you’ll see way less people. There are dog-friendly nordic and snowshoeing trails from Skyliner Sno-Park that take you to the falls, and you don’t need a permit to park.
The approximately 5-mile roundtrip Nordic Road Trail is the one we took. It’s gradually uphill on the way to the falls, but fairly easy. There’s also a loop trail that goes along the creek if you want to have different views the entirety of your trip.
Try your hand at downhill skiing
website | get directions | cost: $100-$145 pp lift tickets (advanced purchase recommended) | best for: all skill levels
Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort is probably Bend’s most popular winter attraction. It’s the 6th most popular ski area in North America with 110 runs spanning more than 4,300 acres of skiable terrain.
There are two bases that you can park at. You’ll come across Sunrise first, followed by the larger West Village. What’s interesting is that the ski rental and lesson area is at the West Village base, but the majority of beginner trails on the mountain are at Sunrise. However, you can get between the two easily once skiing.
Intermediate skiers who want to partake in a quirky experience can ride for free with a park ranger (lift tickets required). You’ll get breaks to learn about the forest and natural landscape. I haven’t done it, but it looks like one of the more fun things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter!
Enjoy snow tubing
Even as an adult, there’s no better feeling than the wind whipping your face as you fly down a hill giggling. There are a few options for sledding and snow tubing in the Bend area.
Wanoga Sno-Park
website | get directions | cost: ~$4 per car (purchased at local retailers) | best for: tubing on a random hill like when you were a kid
Wanoga Sno-Park is a small area best known for being dog-friendly and having a popular sledding hill. Just like when you were a kid, you bring your own tube or sled and hike up the hill repeatedly for the thrill of flying back down. You can get tube rentals at many area sporting goods stores.
Pro tip: You can also nordic ski here, but there’s only about one mile of trail, so the other areas are better for cross-country.
Autobahn Tubing Park
website | get directions | cost: ~$17-$34 pp | best for: a bigger hill
If you want a more robust snow tubing operation with multiple groomed lanes and a rope tow to get up the hill, your best bet is to drive about an hour north of Bend to Sisters, Oregon and the popular Hoodoo Ski Area. Tickets get you 10 rides and you don’t have to worry about securing a tube since they don’t allow you to bring one.
Pro tip: You can nordic and downhill ski here, but it’s smaller than Mt. Bachelor and the surrounding snow parks.
Go ice skating
Funny story, I’ve never actually been ice skating. And now that I’m older the thought of doing so scares me. However, I know this is one of the quintessential things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter (and anywhere really), so give it a try if you’re more experienced or braver than me!
The Pavilion
website | get directions | cost: ~$7-$12 pp | best for: lessons and location
This seasonal ice skating rink (mid-October through mid-April) is conveniently located right in Bend. You can visit for open skate, or come for lessons, curling, and ice hockey. Skate rentals are available, or you can bring your own. Fun fact: During the warmer months this is a popular spot for skating and roller hockey!
Seventh Mountain River Company
website | get directions | cost: ~$15 pp (it costs less to book in advance) | best for: cosmic skate
This quaint resort sits on the highway that takes you to Mt. Bachelor and the snow parks. Similar to The Pavilion, they offer open skate sessions with rentals included with your ticket. Sessions are 90 minutes long and start at the top of the hour every two hours starting at 10 am until 8 pm.
One fun reason to come to this spot for ice skating is that they have a cosmic skate where they turn on the black lights and play fun music. There’s also an onsite bar with live music on Saturdays, making it a perfect stop for aprés ski.
Sunriver Village
website | get directions | cost: ~$12-$16 pp (less if you bring your own skates) | best for: those staying south of Bend
If you’re staying in Sunriver south of Bend, this ice skating rink is for you. It’s also a good choice if you need the flexibility of just dropping in, as advanced tickets aren’t require and you don’t have to plan your visit around other activities like ice hockey since this location doesn’t offer anything but open skate.
Redmond Outdoor Rink
website | get directions | cost: ~$6 pp ($2 with your own skates) | best for: affordability
One of the cheapest skating options is north of Bend in the town of Redmond (not to be confused with the Eastside city east of Seattle!). They set up a rink right in a plaza downtown and offer family skating rates.
Try snowmobiling
There are a bunch of snow parks with snowmobiling trails if you’re traveling with your own vehicle. Dutchman Flats Sno-Park near Mt. Bachelor is a popular one, as is Wanoga Sno-Park.
If you need to rent, Central Oregon Rentals is the go to spot. You can also take guided tours with Central Oregon Adventures if you’d prefer to not go at it alone.
Ride on a dogsled
website | get directions | cost: ~$110-$270 pp (reservations required) | best for: getting up close with cute pups
Oregon Trail of Dreams has a partnership with Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort to offer scenic dogsled rides. It’s owned by Rachael Scdoris, her husband Nick, and her father Jerry. She competed in the famous Iditarod dogsled race, and she helps you live that experience in a more cozy and mellow environment with dogsled rides.
The most popular option is to take an approximately one-hour ride, with the option to help care for the dogs before setting out. However, you can also go on a longer 26-mile marathon ride to Elks Lake that includes lunch. This is a perfect option for couples looking for one of the more unique things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter.
Bike on the snow
Biking is huge in Bend, so locals don’t let some snow stop them. Rather than ride on the road, they take fat tire bikes into snow parks for some winter fun!
Wanoga Sno-Park is probably the most popular are for fat tire biking, but there are a bunch of other trails to explore. You can rent fat bikes at many Bend sports stores like Hutch’s Bicycles. Don’t want to go it alone? Cogwild offers guided fat bike tours.
If it’s not too snowy when you visit, you can also bike the paved trails around downtown Bend. You can get rental bikes delivered to you with Ride 2 You.
Sample Bend’s many breweries
There are so many breweries in Bend. In fact, there are 30 breweries and even more taprooms that make up the Bend Ale Trail. Since it’s impossible to fit them all into one trip, here are some of my favorites to add to your itinerary of things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter.
Monkless Belgian Ales
website | get directions | best for: Belgian ales and food
Monkless is my favorite brewery in Bend. Yes, I’m biased because Belgian beers are my favorite style, but the other reason is that they serve great food. My go-to order is a beer sampler, mussels with frites, pretzel, and poutine. If it’s not too cold, I try to snag a table on their large outdoor patio that overlooks the river.
Crux Fermentation
website | get directions | best for: kids and non-beer drinkers
Crux is another go-to brewery in Bend. It has a huge indoor and outdoor space perfect for large groups. You’ll find food carts on site, plus they make their own food (the pretzel is great!). What makes Crux special, though, is that they love tinkering. So their offerings extend beyond just experimental beers to wine, cider, whiskey, and fermented foods like sauerkraut.
Boss Rambler Beer Club
website | get directions | best for: coffee-loving aesthetes
Boss Rambler is arguably the most beautiful brewery in Bend. It has a cool Scandinavian with white walls, pops of color, and beautifully-designed packaging. I mean, I’d move in solely for their dope white mid century fireplace! The beers are as good as the place looks, with a ton of varieties and fun drinks like boozie slushies for non-beer drinkers.
Love coffee? They also have their own onsite coffee shop selling Bend Breakfast Burritos.
Bevel Brewing
website | get directions | best for: food carts and events
Bevel Brewing feels like a locals-only brewery. It’s off the beaten path compared to other breweries and looks a bit like a warehouse from outside. However, there’s a huge outdoor space out back with 4-5 food carts and fire pits. Inside is smaller than other breweries, but it’s a fun vibe thanks to a ton of events like Monday night bingo (which I highly recommend doing).
Fun fact: Bevel is owned by two professional disc golf players! You’ll see paraphernalia from this quirky sport throughout the brewery.
The Brown Owl
website | get directions | best for: a bunch of local brews under one roof
I stumbled upon The Brown Owl while waiting for our dinner reservation around the corner. It’s a super cool lofted bar with wood walls, a ton of plants, great music, and good vibes. You’ll find beers from local breweries like Monkless, Crux, and Goodlife alongside Oregon cult favorites like Pfreim out of Hood River.
Pro tip: This is in the same complex as Immersion Brewing, so you can hit up two spots in one (or three with Monkless, as they’re across the street).
Shop around downtown Bend
Downtown Bend spans about a 2×4 block area and has a bunch of cute shops, coffee spots, and restaurants to explore. Start at Drake Park to explore the waterfront, then weave the streets east of it between Franklin and Wall Ave.
As you explore, don’t miss some of my favorite shops like The Bend Store and Moro Moro! If you like art galleries, here’s a self-guided walking tour.
Eat your way through Bend’s restaurant scene
I love how Bend is similar to PDX in that it has a bunch of food cart pods. There’s also just a great restaurant scene in general. Obviously you need to eat no matter the time of year, so here are my favorite spots to fit into your itinerary of things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter.
A Broken Angel
website | get directions | cuisine: American comfort foods | best for: vegans
Bend has a surprisingly large vegan food scene, and I’d argue A Broken Angel is one of the best. It’s a tiny food cart that knows how to manipulate veggies and other non-animal products into comfort foods that would rival the meat version.
For example, I’m obsessed with their biscuits and mushroom gravy. It’s earthy and has that deep umami flavor meat provides, but with less of the bloat. The griddle cakes are also somehow the same consistency as pancakes with eggs and oh so delicious.
Bo’s Falafel Bar
website | get directions | cuisine: Middle Eastern | best for: veg-forward eats
I think Bo’s is making the best Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food in the Bend area. It’s a takeout window, but they have a larger covered patio for eating onsite.
You can get one of their pita or bowl creations, or make your own. I always make my own with falafels, pink tahini, hummus, pickled beets, and garlic sauce. It’s the perfect medley of flavors to complement their amazing falafel.
Big Ski’s Pierogis
website | get directions | cuisine: Polish | best for: sampler of pierogis
I grew up eating pierogis so I always prioritize restaurants known for them. I’m so happy I read about Big Ski’s, as I was surprised to learn when I visited that it’s located in one of Bend’s best food cart pod with about 9 other carts.
You can get a sampler of different pan-fried pierogis topped with caramelized onions and sour cream, which I absolutely love. I always try a few different flavors, but the bacon, cheese, and beef one is always prioritized.
Bangers & Brews
website | Westside (get directions) & Eastside (get directions) | cuisine: Argentinian | best for: creative sausages
If you love that Bavarian pub vibe, then make your way to Bangers & Brews for excellent sausages and pretzels. However, in true Argentinian spirit, expect more unique varieties like veggie, elk, alligator, duck, and reindeer.
My go-to order is the Seattle Special with wild boar jalapeño cheddar sausage, caramelized onion, cream cheese, and their addictive chimichurri. The mustard cheese sauce is also divine. After you order at the counter, find a seat and they’ll bring it to you. The Westside location has some overflow seating in the storefront next door.
The Lemon Tree
website | get directions | cuisine: American | best for: breakfast
This little gem is tucked on the edge of downtown Bend near Drake Park, so it’s great for a bite after a stroll. It’s owned by two women who used to sail the world providing dining expertise on luxury yachts. Their restaurant is anything but stuffy, though. Rather it feels like a kitchen you’d find in a Sicilian or Greek nonna’s home.
They’re only open for breakfast and lunch, so expect crowd favorites like Benedicts, frittatas, and baked goods. The menu can change slightly with what’s in season, but definitely get one of their scones if it’s on the menu. I had a blueberry one smothered in a lemon glaze that was heaven. I also really enjoyed the pork salsa verde Benedict, which was a unique spin on the classic.
Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails
website | get directions | cuisine: Creole inspired | best for: elevated comfort food
Zydeco is named after the blues-like music genre created by Louisiana Creoles and Indigenous people. As such, you can expect Creole and Southern food classics like shrimp and grits, red fish, and jambalaya. The space and dishes are fancy, but they’re not above putting a salt shaker on the table.
My go-to order is the jambalaya and grilled red fish. The jambalaya isn’t too spicy, but has a slow and mellow burn that adds a ton of flavor. It’s also served with the most irresistible corn bread. The red fish is a nice and light contrast to the stew, with a garlicky lemon sauce that cuts beautifully into the fatty components of the dish.
Toasty
website | get directions | cuisine: Californian-Mexican fusion | best for: vegan food
Toasty is another vegan food cart in Bend. You’ll find California classics like avocado toast and bowls, but my favorite items on the menu skew Mexican. There are burritos, tacos, and a taco bowl salad, but the cheeseburger crunch wrap is the must get. You’d never know it’s vegan, and it has a lot of yummy zing from the salsa.
Tacos Pihuamo
get directions | cuisine: Mexican | best for: authentic street tacos
I brought my family to this food truck in a parking lot on a busy road and their reaction was, “WTF.” However, they stopped hemming and hawing real quick after we tried the tacos. They’re serving some of the juiciest carnitas I’ve ever had in my life, and the birria and carne asada are light years ahead of others I’ve had. If you want an off-the-beaten spot to eat in Bend, this is it.
Alebrije Oaxaca
website | get directions | cuisine: Mexican | best for: quesa birria tacos
I brought my family to Alebrije after Tacos Pihuamo and it got a similar reaction. It’s tucked away down an alley in the back of a hostel. It feels as if it’s only for guests given there are a few food carts surrounding a fire pit with tables scattered around. However, anyone can drop by to meet new friends and get some yummy food.
Don’t miss the quesa birria taco at Alebrije. It’s crunchy thanks to the hard taco and has bits of charred cheese. Inside, though, the cheese is gooey and goes beautifully with the extra flavorful beef.
Sparrow Bakery
website | get directions | cuisine: American | best for: pastries
Sparrow Bakery is arguably the most famous place to eat in Bend. People flock for their coffee, baked goods, and cafe lunch fare. I’ve eaten the savory salads and sandwiches a few times, and they’re solid, but I prioritize the baked goods whenever I visit.
Their most famous menu item that sells out regularly is the ocean roll. It’s a cardamom bun that doesn’t look like much, but it has the most perfect texture and floral notes. I also really enjoy their croissants, which are buttery and not too flaky with a thick, soft interior. Get the ham and cheese one if it’s available!
Pro tip: Sparrow Bakery is near West Coast Provisions and Root Adorned, two great little shops you should pop into before heading elsewhere.
Planker Sandwiches
website | get directions | cuisine: American | best for: lunch
This tiny downtown Bend eatery serves a bunch of creative sandwiches, soups, and salads. I love their roasted turkey sandwich with thick-cut meat piled high, avocado, pickled onions, and bacon on a Kaiser roll.
But my absolute favorite is the Italian with different meats, olive spread, parmesan, provolone, and Mama Lil’s peppers. I was disappointed when I first saw it because I wasn’t expecting it to have so much melted cheese, but it was so flavorful with the zing and acid from the pickled peppers.
Mimi’s Bagel Deli
website | get directions | cuisine: bagels | best for: east coast-style bagel sandwiches
There is nothing I miss more from growing up in New Jersey than taylor ham, egg, and cheese bagels. You don’t often seem them in the Pacific Northwest, so when I heard Mimi’s had them I beelined to their food truck. And now I can confirm, they make a damn good version. You’ll also find breakfast sandwiches and schmears with lox, bacon, sausage, egg, and more.
McKay Cottage
website | get directions | cuisine: American | best for: breakfast
One of the quintessential things to do in Bend Oregon in winter or any season is get brunch at McKay Cottage. There’s often a line out the door, but they serve free coffee while you wait for an indoor or outdoor table. Once seated, make sure to order the strawberry crepes. They’re divine!
Jackson’s Corner
website | get directions | cuisine: American | best for: brunch
This cool cafe is another popular spot for breakfast, but they also serve dinner. I’ve never been in the evening, but I can’t get enough of their huevos rancheros. The salsa has a nice mix of acid and heat without being too spicy.
Miyagi Ramen
website | get directions | cuisine: Japanese | best for: a quick dinner
This takeout and walk-in only restaurant has a fun urban vibe. The space is industrial with high ceilings, a huge colorful mural, and cool music playing. If there’s a wait, you’ll need to order and pay in advance of getting your table. I’ve never done this before, but it was nice that your food came out shortly after you were seated. We ended up waiting for 40 minutes on a Friday night, but it was the perfect excuse to go to The Brown Owl around the corner for a beer!
Food wise, don’t miss the karaage bao appetizer, brisket ramen, and spicy miso ramen. I usually always get tonkotsu ramen, so I was surprised to find I liked these spicier soups better!
Elly’s Ice Cream
website | get directions | cuisine: ice cream | best for: chocolate dip cone
Another food item I sorely miss from the east coast is soft serve ice cream. So when I heard Elly’s has not only soft serve ice cream, but chocolate dip cones, I absolutely had to try it. The dip shell was just as I remembered and the inside nice and creamy. They also make good hard serve ice cream if that’s more your thing.
Pro tip: Elly’s is inside The Grove Market Hall, a cool modern food hall with a few different restaurants, brewery, coffee shop, and larder.
Sip on locally-roasted coffee
Would Bend be in Oregon if it didn’t specialize in the trifecta of biking, beer, and coffee? There are a bunch of awesome locally-owned coffee roasters in the city. Here’s where I always grab some coffee between things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter.
Thump
website | few locations (get directions) | best for: locally-roasted coffee
Thump has three locations in Bend, but became so popular they opened up in Denver, Colorado too. You’ll find exceptional coffee that leans light to medium roast. This is my preferred way to enjoy coffee, as it highlights the fruitiness of the beans and makes for an exciting cup of coffee.
Still Vibrato
website | get directions | best for: taking home beans in bulk
It’s unlikely that you’ll just stumble upon Still Vibrato because it’s located in the lobby of an apartment building. However, it’s worth seeking out because they make an exceptional cup of joe. I also love how you can buy their beans to take home in bulk, meaning you can mix and match flavors rather than committing to a whole bag of one style.
Backporch Coffee Roasters
website | few locations (get directions) | best for: direct-trade coffee
Backporch is another great coffee roaster in Bend. They work directly with farmers to ensure fair wages and quality crops. I rarely leave without taking a bag home, as I always love the flavors their able to coax out of their beans.
Sisters Coffee Company
website | get directions | best for: a wide range of roast options
This coffee roaster originated in Sisters, Oregon about an hour northwest of Bend, but they have a location in the Old Mill District. They roast a bunch of different styles so it’s a great place to stop if some people in your group prefer dark roast while others like medium to light. They also have a PDX location if you want to stop there on the way back home.
Spoken Moto
website | TBD, they’re moving | best for: coffee among a cool hangout space
Spoken Moto is temporarily closed while it moves locations.
Spoken Moto is a cool shop that marries a love of motorcycles with coffee. It’s located inside a long-forgotten mechanic shop that they call “The Shed”. You’d literally be drinking at tables with motorcycles strewn across the back area in case you were on the market to purchase one. They also had a dope outdoor area with food carts and a fire pit.
However, they’re moving as of February 2023. They said their bringing their shed though, so it sounds like the old mechanic shop and vibe is coming along to the new location.
Visit the last Blockbuster
website | get directions | best for: a nostalgic movie rental experience
If, like me, you grew up going to Blockbuster every Friday to grab movies and video games for the weekend, listen up. There is only one Blockbuster left in the world, and it’s in Bend. So add it to your list of things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter!
When I walked in it literally smelled the same. Everything looks the same too, with rows upon rows of DVDs and snacks. The only difference is that there is a mini museum in the back with entertainment paraphernalia telling the story of Blockbuster’s past. Come in, snap some photos, and consider taking home a few movies to enjoy during your trip!
Walk the Deschutes River Trail
website | get directions | best for: a scenic stroll
The Deschutes River is a popular spot for tubing, kayaking, and SUPing during warmer weather, but you can still enjoy the scenic views in winter from the paved trail that lines both sides of the water. It’s about 2.7 miles spanning from the Old Mill District down to the southwest Bend neighborhoods. Riverbend Park is a great starting point for a leisurely walk, bike, or skate. Just know e-bikes aren’t allowed on the trail.
Hike Smith Rock State Park
website | get directions | cost: ~$5 per car | best for: pretty walking and hiking trails
No list of things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter would be complete without mentioning Smith Rock State Park. This ~650-acre park is about 30 minutes north of Bend. It has stunning canyon rock formations with a river flowing between them. Given the basalt cliffs, this is a popular spot for mountain climbers, but it’s also a fun destination for walkers and hikers who want to watch them from afar.
Pro tip: There are a few other attractions nearby worth seeking out. Ogden Scenic Viewpoint and the lesser known Cove Palisades State Park both have beautiful canyon views and walking trails.
Discover a lava tube cave
There’s a network of caves near Bend created by lava thousands of years ago. Wanderlust Tours is the only tour company allowed to bring guests into some of the more delicate ones.
You can visit Lava River Cave on your own without a tour. However it’s inside Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which is often difficult to visit due to snow (though not impossible during a less snowy year).
Another option is Boyd Cave a little east of Newberry National Volcanic Monument. It’s in the high desert, so chances are you can find a winter day without snow on the ground. It’s only accessible via the cave’s ceiling, so to access it you need to walk down sturdy, but steep steel stairs that’s missing the first step. Once inside, you’ll have about 0.7 miles to explore. Don’t forget to bring flashlights or headlamps!
Enjoy the warmth of indoor activities
Maybe it’s rainy or you want to take a break from the outdoor things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter. If that’s the case, here are some ideas for indoor activities perfect for passing a few hours.
McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School
website | get directions | cost: ~$8 pp for a 2-hour soak, free for bars | best for: speakeasy & soaking in a gorgeous pool
My jaw dropped the first time I saw the indoor soaking pool at this Bend McMenamin’s location. It has a ton of tile and looks like a Turkish bathhouse. You can book a soak and soothe away sore muscles from all the winter activities in Bend you partook in. A bonus is that you can take kids if you have little ones in tow, then grab a drink at one of the onsite restaurants or bars.
Whether or not you decide to soak, don’t miss The Broom Closet. This speakeasy is on the third floor of the Arts District Building. It’s marked by a small placard and when you walk inside it indeed looks like a closet meant only for hotel staff. Find the door and you’ll be rewarded with a cozy room and killer cocktails. It’s 21+, but you can bring your drinks anywhere on the property.
High Desert Museum
website | get directions | cost: ~$17 pp | best for: history and culture buffs
Museum enthusiasts will love the High Desert Museum. It has over 100,000 square feet of exhibits exploring wildlife, Indigenous peoples, and the history of the land. Expect virtual experiences, animal encounters, reenactments, events, and more.
Mountain Air Trampoline Park
website | get directions | cost: ~$16 pp | best for: kids and kids at heart
If you’re traveling to Bend with kids, they’ll absolutely love this place. It’s a huge indoor trampoline center with 26 different apparatuses to bounce on. There’s also a court where guests can play basketball, dodgeball, soccer, tag, and more. Toddlers get reduced tickets and a safer area away from the mayhem of older kids.
Check out WinterFest
website | get directions | cost: ~$20 pp | best for: fun family activities
One of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter is the Oregon WinterFest. This annual event happens in February during President’s Day Weekend and has a ton of activities like concerts, a craft market, light installations, a bouncy house, amusement rides, a hot cocoa run, and more.
Take a day trip to Crater Lake
website | get directions | distance: ~2 hours | best for: nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling
South of Bend is Crater Lake, the only national park in the state and the 5th in the country. It’s open year round, but you need to check road conditions and closures before you go. If it’s clear, though, fair game!
Fat biking is prohibited in the park. You can downhill ski and snowboard, but it’s backcountry style since there aren’t any chairlifts or official resorts. Snowmobiles are allowed, but only when the conditions are right. Therefore I think the best way to experience the park is via cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
You can get a map of the trails in the park’s newsletter. The ski trails are ungroomed, so nordic skiing is best for beginners. If that’s not your thing, you can take guided ranger snoeshoe walks with an advanced reservation to learn more about the area and explore off the trails. Rentals are not available in the park, so bring them with you!
More to do in Bend, Oregon
Looking to customize your trip? Here’s my Google Map where I save all the things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter or summer. Check out the notes in the pins, as only my favorite experiences made it into this article!
Other places near Bend to explore
Since you’ll likely pass by some amazing destinations in Oregon, consider tacking on another area to your Bend trip! Use these guides to plan your itinerary.
- A Comparison of all the Mt. Hood Ski Areas
- The Ultimate Columbia River Gorge Itinerary
- Map of All the Best Columbia Gorge Waterfalls
- Must-Visit Columbia Gorge Wineries
- Everything You Need for Visiting Columbia Gorge
- The Perfect Portland Itinerary
- Fun Places to Eat in PDX
- My Favorite Portland Gift Shops
- Stellar Antique Shops in PDX
- Best Eugene, Oregon Wineries
- Boutique Hotels in Eugene
- Exploring Eugene’s 5th Street Public Market
- Willamette Valley’s Best Wineries
- Where to Eat in Willamette Valley
- Non-Drinking Activities in Oregon Wine Country
- Everything to Eat, See, and Do on the Oregon Coast
- Most Unique Places to Stay in Oregon
- Unique Glamping Spots in Oregon
- Dreamy Winter Cabins in Oregon
Overwhelmed by trip planning?
Remember, I can plan you a custom trip itinerary so all you have to do is show up. No stressing for 15+ hours trying to figure out what to do…I’ll do all the hard work for you.
