Outdoors and recreation in Bend
Bend's setting is a large part of why people move here. This page gives facts from official and reference sources and points to the agencies that keep the current details.
Deschutes River and the park district
The Deschutes River runs through the city. It is dammed to form Mirror Pond, created in 1910, according to Wikipedia. The Bend Park and Recreation District runs the city's parks, trails, recreation facilities and programs. Its site includes a park locator, a trail locator and information on floating the river and the Bend Whitewater Park. The Deschutes River Conservancy is a separate organization that works on river flows and watershed health.
Deschutes National Forest
The Forest Service describes Deschutes National Forest as nearly 1.6 million acres in Central Oregon, with its Supervisor's Office in Bend. It offers year-round recreation, camping and cabins. The Newberry National Volcanic Monument, with Lava Lands Visitor Center, Lava Butte and Lava River Cave, is part of it. Some sites charge day-use fees, and the Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington and Three Sisters wilderness areas require permits through the Central Cascades Wilderness Permits program. Check the Forest Service for current conditions and closures.
Mt. Bachelor
Mt. Bachelor is a ski resort reached from Bend by Century Drive (Highway 372). Wikipedia notes that POWDR Corp acquired it in 2001. The resort's own site, mtbachelor.com, posts season dates, hours and conditions, which change each year.
Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is a 641-acre Oregon state park in the High Desert near Terrebonne, north of Bend. According to Wikipedia, the cliffs rise about 600 feet above the Crooked River and the park is generally considered the birthplace of modern American sport climbing. The day-use area is open year-round, dawn to dusk, and camping is tent-only. Fees and conditions are posted by Oregon State Parks.