A 10-Day Adventure Itinerary in Bend, Oregon

  • Day 1: Hiking and Biking in Smith Rock State Park
    Start your adventure by discovering Smith Rock State Park, the Jewel of the High Desert. Hike up the Misery Ridge Trail and enjoy the stunning view of the Cascades, and then bike along the Crooked River Trail.
  • Day 2: Whitewater Rafting on Deschutes River
    Experience an adrenaline rush with a full-day whitewater rafting trip down the Deschutes River. Take in the sceneries of the canyon while conquering rapids like Wapinitia, Boxcar, and Oak Springs.
  • Day 3: Caving and Rock Climbing in Newberry National Volcanic Monument
    Explore the remarkable underground world of Lava River Cave, and then challenge yourself with climbing to the top of Lava Butte for scenic views of the caldera of Newberry Volcano.
  • Day 4: Beer Tasting in Bend Ale Trail
    Visit some of the 22 breweries along the Bend Ale Trail, and taste the local craft beer while enjoying the bustling atmosphere in the city's trendy neighborhoods.
  • Day 5: Kayaking and Paddleboarding on Mirror Pond
    Enjoy a relaxing day on the clear waters of Mirror Pond by kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply lounging on the beach while taking in the iconic view of the Three Sisters Mountains.
  • Day 6: Horseback Riding in Smith Rock State Park
    Experience the thrill of horseback riding while exploring the gorgeous canyons and rock formations of Smith Rock State Park.
  • Day 7: Helicopter Tour over Crater Lake
    Take your adventure to the next level with a scenic helicopter tour over stunning Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, and the surrounding Cascade Mountains.
  • Day 8: Snowshoeing and Skiing at Mount Bachelor
    Hit the slopes at Mount Bachelor, and spend the day snowshoeing or skiing on some of the best snow terrains in the country, complete with stunning views of Cascades.
  • Day 9: Snowboarding and Tubing at Hoodoo Ski Area
    Head to the Hoodoo Ski Area and snowboard or tube on some of the best snow in Oregon. Afterward, take a relaxing dip in the nearby hot springs to soothe your muscles.
  • Day 10: Rock Hounding and Camping at Prineville Reservoir State Park
    Finish your adventure by rock hounding at the world-renowned Richardson’s Rock Ranch and camping at the peaceful Prineville Reservoir State Park.

Time and Costs Estimations

  • Smith Rock State Park (6 hours, free)
  • Whitewater Rafting on Deschutes River (8 hours, $139/person)
  • Newberry National Volcanic Monument (8 hours, $5/person)
  • Beer Tasting in Bend Ale Trail (4 hours, $ varies)
  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding on Mirror Pond (4 hours, $ varies)
  • Horseback Riding (2 hours, $125/person)
  • Helicopter Tour over Crater Lake (2 hours, $369/person)
  • Snowshoeing and Skiing at Mount Bachelor (6 hours, $ varies)
  • Snowboarding and Tubing at Hoodoo Ski Area (6 hours, $ varies)
  • Rock Hounding and Camping at Prineville Reservoir State Park (24 hours, $10/night)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $ varies depending on activity choices and group sizes.

Transportation

While traveling within the city center is manageable on foot and bike, renting a car is essential to reach attractions outside the city. The cost of car rentals is around $50-100 per day. It is also recommended to use the convenient shuttle service offered by the snow resorts for hassle-free transportation between the mountains.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the stunning waterfalls in the nearby Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, or hiking the South Sister, the third-highest peak in Oregon. For a shorter trip, you can skip some activities and focus on the ones that interest you the most. Also, make sure to pack and dress appropriately for the weather and activities you plan to do.

Airports

Bend Airport (RDM), also known as Redmond Municipal Airport, is the closest airport to Bend City Center, located about 16 miles northeast. Other nearby airports include Eugene Airport (EUG) and Portland International Airport (PDX), both approximately 120 miles away.

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