Bordered by mountainous pine forests on the west and high desert on the east, Bend is a hub of Central Oregon activity, minutes away from an endless list of recreational pursuits:
When it's time to catch your breath, relax in one of the many restaurants, browse through the unique galleries and shop or learn about the region's setters in the Des Chutes Historical Center. Stop at the Welcome Center at the north end of town for information about the entire region.
HIGH DESERT MUSUEM - 59800 South Highway 97, Bend Oregon 97702. Phone: 1-541-382-4754. Heading south, don't miss The High Desert Museum, nationally recognized for its up-close look at high-desert history, cultures and creatures. In the Earle A. Chiles Center on the Spirit of the West, you'll experience what life was like for Native Americans, explorers and pioneers. You'll also see what it's like today for flora and fauna in the Desertarium and on 20 acres of natural trails.
Many other attractions along Highway 97 are close by:
Destination Wilderness - PO Box 1965 Sisters, OR 97759. 800-423-8868/541-549-1336 or Fax: 541-549-1297...Wilderness Web Site
- Parks -
La Pine State Park - Off US 97, 27 miles Southwest of Bend on Deschutes River. 95 full hookup, 50 electrical; maximum site 85'. Camping, showers, dumping station, picnicking, fishing, boating. Special features: .5 mile hiking trail. Unique features: Oregon largest Ponderosa pine (Big Tree).
Ochoco Lake State Park - US 26, 7 miles East of Prineville. 22 primitive sites; maximum site 30'. Camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking. Hiker/biker camp.
Prineville Reservoir State Park - Off US 26, 17 miles Southeast of Prineville. (541)447-4363. 22 full hookup, 48 tent; maximum site 40'. Camping, reservations available, showers, picnicking, fishing, boating, swimming. Special facilities: boat ramp and docks.
Smith Rock State Park - "Walk-in Camping". Off US 97, 9 miles Northeast of Redmond on Crooked River. Showers, picnicking, fishing, hiking, viewpoints, wildlife viewing, Fee. Special facilities: 7 miles of hiking trails/routes, access for rock climbers, walk-in bivouac camp area (open year-round). Unique features: unusual rock formations.
The Cove Palisades State Park - Off US 97, 15 miles Southwest of Madras. (541)546-3412. 87 Full hookup, 91 electrical, 94 tent; maximum site 60'. Camping, reservations available, showers, dumping station, picnicking, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, vewpoints. Special facilities: marina, genera store. Unique facilities: outstanding views.
Tumalo State Park - Off US 20, 5 miles Northwest of Bend on Deschutes River. (541)388-6055. 21 full hookup, 67 tent; maximum site 44'. Hiker/biker camp.
Cline Falls - OR 126, 4 miles West of Redmond on Deschutes River. Picnicking, fishing.
E.R. Corbett - Off US 20, 14 miles West of Sisters. picnicking, hiking. .5 mile hiking access only. Requires Snow-Park Permit in Winter.
Peter Skene Ogden - US 97, 9 miles Northeast of Redmond. Picnicking, viewpoint. Unique features: spectacular view of Crooked River Gorge.
Pilot Butte - No Water. US 20, Bend. Viewpoint. Unique features: overlook with panoramic view.
- Visitor Contact Information -
K-TWINS (FM) - 1375 SE WILSON AVE #200. BEND, OR 97702. (541)389-9500 KBND (AM) - 711 NE BUTLER MARKET. BEND, OR 97701. (541)382-5263 KICE (FM) - 969 SW COLORADO AVE. BEND, OR 97702. (541)388-3300 KLRR (FM) - 711 NE BUTLER MARKET. BEND, OR 97701. (541)382-5263 KNLR (FM) - 30 SE BRIDGEFORD BLVD. BEND, OR 97702. (541)389-8873 KQAK (FM) - 854 NE 4TH ST. BEND, OR 97701. (541)383-3825 KXIX (FM) - 1500 NE BUTLER MARKET. BEND, OR 97701. (541)382-5611