Bend, the largest city in central Oregon, is a mountain town bursting with possibilities for outdoor recreation that also has a touch of sophistication. Located on the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountains along the Deschutes River, this high desert country is a destination for many outdoor sports enthusiasts. Only 22 miles from downtown Bend, Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort is one of the Northwest’s top ski resorts.
Bend Winter Festival
WinterFest, held each Presidents’ Day holiday weekend in February, features the largest off-mountain rail jam west of the Mississippi River. The competitions bring more than 50 national and regional snowboarders and skiers to Bend. Nordic Sprinterfest Races allow individuals, high school teams and open relay teams to complete for prizes. The ice carving and snow sculpting contests attract individuals and groups from around the Northwest.
A European-style market features handcrafted Northwest food, wine and fine art. The WinterFest Wine Walk offers tastings of premium Northwest and California wines. Live music performances and street performers provide entertainment throughout the festival. A kids’ play area offers performances, exhibits and crafts geared for children. Winterfest tickets are economical and include family pricing.
Bend Oregon Hotels and Lodging
Accommodations in Bend include hotels, motels, resorts, vacation rentals and bed and breakfast establishments. Bend hotels and motels range from national chains (such as Best Western, Fairfield Inn and Holiday Inn) and the boutique Oxford Hotel to an Oregon McMenamins hotel and local motels. Bend resorts include Riverhouse Resort, Sunriver Resort and Seventh Mountain Resort.
Ski and stay free packages at Mt. Bachelor are available. Accommodations at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort include resort rooms, homes and condos. Bed and breakfast accommodations are located in downtown Bend and in the surrounding countryside. Vacation rentals offer space and seclusion in downtown Bend and near Mt. Bachelor.
Travel to Bend Oregon
Bend is located in central Oregon southeast of Portland and near Eugene. The nearest airport is in Redmond, 20 minutes from Bend, offering service to Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Phoenix. Amtrak trains stop at the nearby town of Chemult, 65 miles south of Bend, with the Coast Starlight Route.
Drive to Bend via State Highway 20 in central Oregon. Bend is located at the intersection of SR 20 and U.S. Highway 97. Bend is a three-hour drive southeast of Portland. While in the Bend area, visit Crater Lake National Park, known for its brilliant blue water, 119 miles from Bend.
Travel to Bend, a town in central Oregon’s high desert that offers many outdoor activities. Bend’s WinterFest celebrates the season with skiing and snowboarding competitions, arts, and Northwest food and wine. Stay in hotels, motels, resorts, vacation rentals and bed and breakfast accommodations in Bend. Take a flight, train or drive to Bend for an adventure vacation.
Susan Lynne Hamilton - Award-winning writer Susan Lynne Hamilton is the Topic Editor of Suite 101's Northwest U.S. travel section, showcasing its rich ...
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