Bend

Bend is a city and county seat in Central Oregon, lying beside the Deschutes River at an elevation of 3622 feet (1104 meters), with the Cascade Range rising to the west. Trails and parks spread throughout town and connect the riverbanks with nearby forests, offering paths for walking and cycling.

The town formed in 1905 as a logging camp and took its name from the river bend where pioneers forded the Deschutes on their westward route. Over the following decades the small settlement grew into a regional center for timber and later for outdoor tourism.

Across town, breweries connect as part of the Bend Ale Trail, where visitors can watch how local beer is made and sample freshly tapped kegs. Many taprooms welcome families during daytime hours and the brewers themselves often chat with guests about ingredients and methods.

Roberts Field Airport links the town with larger West Coast cities, while U.S. Route 97 runs directly north to Portland and south into California. Most trails and natural areas sit within a short drive from downtown and remain easiest to reach during summer months.

Mount Bachelor ski area nearby keeps one of the longest ski seasons in North America, opening from November through May. Even in late spring, upper slopes often hold several feet of snow while trees down in the valley have already turned green.

Location: Deschutes County

Inception: 1905

Elevation above the sea: 1,104 m

Website: http://ci.bend.or.us

GPS coordinates: 44.05639,-121.30806

Latest update: December 15, 2025 07:40