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Oregon, Seasonal Activities, Travel Guides · March 19, 2023

19 Things to Do in Bend, Oregon in Winter

view of Mt Bachelor Nordic Center on a sunny day

I’m always on the hunt for things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter because my family has a tradition of going there to ski each February. This hip town has a ton going for it: breweries, winter activities, food carts a la PDX, shopping…there’s a little something for everyone no matter their age or interest.

Winter is a great time to visit because it’s not too hot and there are less crowds, but you still have access to all that makes Bend great year round (cough, beer and food, cough). So if you’ve been curious about this central Oregon city about 6 hours from Seattle and 3 hours from Portland, read on to find all the best things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter.

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Things to Do in Bend, Oregon in Winter

Save this list to Pinterest for later, as I’ll update it as I discover more winter activities in Bend, Oregon!

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Ready to plan your own trip? Here are my favorite things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter!

Go nordic skiing or snowshoeing

Cross-country skiing is the reason my family and I go to Bend every year. There are a bunch of different snow parks that offer both nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails, so it’s one of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter.

There are options for all skill levels, but in general I find most of the trails in Bend are geared towards intermediate to advanced skiers compared to the cross-country skiing in Washington. That’s because the majority of them are ungroomed and many have hills.

However, I count myself as a solid beginner-intermediate skier, so I know which ones are best for newbies. Plus, all of them have options for advanced folks if you’re rolling in a group of different experience levels.

Here are my favorite spots to go nordic skiing in Bend. Be prepared to pay ~$4 per car for a permit to park at the various snow parks. You can’t purchase these at the parking lot, but rather need to visit local sporting good stores like Sunnyside Sports, Gear Fix, Mountain Supply, and WebSkis.

woman nordic skiing at Mt Bachelor Nordic Center, one of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter
Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center

Virginia Meissner Sno-Park

website | get directions | cost: ~$4 per car (purchased at local retailers) | best for: beginners and experts alike

In my opinion, this is the best area for beginners to go cross-country skiing in Bend. You’ll find about 30 miles of trails, most of which are groomed. There’s a large area of beginner trails, and a few of the blue trails aren’t too steep. There are also a bunch of snowshoe trails that weave between the trees.

If you get cold or need to wait up for others in your group, there’s a warming hut at the parking lot. Like most of the snow parks in Bend, there are only vault toilets so prepare accordingly!

woman cross-country skiing between trees, one of the things in Bend Oregon in winter
Meissner Sno-Park

Swampy Lakes Sno-Park

website | get directions | cost: ~$4 per car (purchased at local retailers) | best for: intermediate to advanced

Swampy Lakes Sno-Park has its own parking lot, but it actually connects to Meissner. So quick skiers can do the whole Tangent Loop Trail between the two parks in one day. However, this trail has a bunch of hills so it will scare true beginners.

Another option from the parking lot is taking the trail toward Swampy Lake into the woods. This isn’t groomed, but it’s flatter than the other trail option. It’s perfect for a workout while enjoying scenic views whether you’re on skis or snowshoes.

Swampy Lakes Sno Park, one of the must do things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter
Swampy Lakes Sno-Park

Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center

website | get directions | cost: $31 pp entrance fee | best for: all levels, but skews intermediate

This is the only nordic skiing area that you have to pay to enter, but unlike the others it doesn’t require a parking permit. It’s about the same size as Meissner with around 35 miles of trails, but it feels bigger because it’s surrounded by large trees and many of the trails are wider.

While there is a section of green trails for beginners, I’d say this area is more for intermediate to advance skiers because the majority of the trails are blue. Just about all of them have a ton of big hills, so expect a workout. This is especially true to get back to the entrance, as you need to duck climb a quite long and steep hill that’s brutal when you’re tired.

person XC skiing in the distance on a groomed trail, one of the must do things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter
Intermediate trail at Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center

I’ve been after it snowed, where the fresh powder makes the hills less scary and a ton of fun. But if the conditions are more packed, or worse icy, I would hate the blue trails.

There are also a few snowshoeing trails, one of which is a long loop. You can take a snowshoe tour with a ranger from Mt. Bachelor if you want to experience one of the more unique things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter. They provide snowshoes, or you can wear your own. You don’t need to pay more on top of the entrance fee for the tour, but they suggest a donation.

Edison Sno-Park

website | get directions | cost: ~$4 per car (purchased at local retailers) | best for: intermediate skiing or snowshoeing with dogs

Edison Sno-Park is another ungroomed trail network that weaves into the woods. It’s shared with skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers. The scenery is peaceful, but it can be difficult for beginners since there aren’t any tracks. Luckily it’s not too hilly!

woman laughing cross country skiing at Edison Sno Park in Bend, Oregon
Edison Sno-Park

Visit the popular Tumalo Falls

website | get directions | best for: seeing a popular attraction sans crowds

Tumalo Falls is a popular 97-foot waterfall that people love to hike and bike to during warmer seasons. The result is throngs of people on a sunny weekend trying to vie for the same photo angle.

However, if you visit during winter you’ll see way less people. There are dog-friendly nordic and snowshoeing trails from Skyliner Sno-Park that take you to the falls, and you don’t need a permit to park.

The approximately 5-mile roundtrip Nordic Road Trail is the one we took. It’s gradually uphill on the way to the falls, but fairly easy. There’s also a loop trail that goes along the creek if you want to have different views the entirety of your trip.

Tumalo Falls in winter, one of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter

Try your hand at downhill skiing

website | get directions | cost: $100-$160 pp lift tickets (advanced purchase recommended) | best for: all skill levels

Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort is probably Bend’s most popular winter attraction. It’s the 6th most popular ski area in North America with 110 runs spanning more than 4,300 acres of skiable terrain.

There are two bases that you can park at. You’ll come across Sunrise first, followed by the larger West Village. The majority of beginner trails on the mountain are at Sunrise. However, you can get between the two easily once skiing.

woman taking a break from snowboarding to look out at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
Mt. Bachelor

Intermediate skiers who want to partake in a quirky experience can ride for free with a park ranger (lift tickets required). You’ll get breaks to learn about the forest and natural landscape. I haven’t done it, but it looks like one of the more fun things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter!

Pro tip: Want a quieter downhill ski experience? Drive ~45 minutes to Hoodoo Ski Area near Sisters, OR for a smaller, more chill downhill and nordic skiing experience. They do ~$35 per person Thursday lift tickets!

woman sitting on a bench overlooking Hoodoo Ski Area, one of the best things to do in winter in bend
Hoodoo Ski Area

Enjoy snow tubing

Even as an adult, there’s no better feeling than the wind whipping your face as you fly down a hill giggling. There are a few options for sledding and snow tubing in the Bend area.

Wanoga Sno-Park

website | get directions | cost: ~$4 per car (purchased at local retailers) | best for: tubing on a random hill like when you were a kid

Wanoga Sno-Park is a small area best known for being dog-friendly and having a popular sledding hill. Just like when you were a kid, you bring your own tube or sled and hike up the hill repeatedly for the thrill of flying back down. You can get tube rentals at many area sporting goods stores.

Pro tip: You can also nordic ski here, but there’s only about one mile of trail, so the other areas are better for cross-country.

Autobahn Tubing Park

website | get directions | cost: ~$25-$35 pp | best for: a bigger hill

If you want a more robust snow tubing operation with multiple groomed lanes and a rope tow to get up the hill, your best bet is to drive about 45 minutes northwest of Bend to Sisters, Oregon and the popular Hoodoo Ski Area. Tickets get you 10 rides and you don’t have to worry about securing a tube since they don’t allow you to bring one.

Go ice skating

Funny story, I’ve never actually been ice skating. And now that I’m older the thought of doing so scares me. However, I know this is one of the quintessential things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter, so give it a try if you’re more experienced or braver than me!

The Pavilion

website | get directions | cost: ~$7-$12 pp | best for: lessons and location

This seasonal ice skating rink (mid-October through mid-April) is conveniently located right in Bend. You can visit for open skate, or come for lessons, curling, and ice hockey. Skate rentals are available, or you can bring your own. Fun fact: During the warmer months this is a popular spot for skating and roller hockey!

Seventh Mountain River Company

website | get directions | cost: ~$14 pp | best for: cosmic skate

This quaint resort sits on the highway that takes you to Mt. Bachelor and the snow parks. Similar to The Pavilion, they offer open skate sessions with rentals included with your ticket. Sessions are 90 minutes long and start at the top of the hour every two hours starting at 10 am until 10 pm.

One fun reason to come to this spot for ice skating is that they have a cosmic skate where they turn on the black lights and play fun music. There’s also an onsite bar with live music on Saturdays, making it a perfect stop for aprés ski.

Sunriver Village

website | get directions | cost: ~$14-$18 pp (less if you bring your own skates) | best for: those staying south of Bend

If you’re staying in Sunriver south of Bend, this ice skating rink is for you. It’s also a good choice if you need the flexibility of just dropping in, as advanced tickets aren’t require and you don’t have to plan your visit around other activities like ice hockey since this location doesn’t offer anything but open skate.

Try snowmobiling

There are a bunch of snow parks with snowmobiling trails if you’re traveling with your own vehicle. Dutchman Flats Sno-Park near Mt. Bachelor is a popular one, as is Wanoga Sno-Park.

If you need to rent, Central Oregon Rentals is the go-to spot. You can also take guided tours with Central Oregon Adventures if you’d prefer to not go at it alone.

dogsledding
Photo courtesy of Rawpixel

Ride on a dogsled

website | get directions | cost: ~$235 pp (reservations required) | best for: getting up close with cute pups

Oregon Trail of Dreams has a partnership with Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort to offer scenic dogsled rides. It’s owned by Rachael Scdoris, her husband Nick, and her father Jerry. She competed in the famous Iditarod dogsled race, and she helps you live that experience in a more cozy and mellow environment with dogsled rides.

The most popular option is to take an approximately one-hour ride, with the option to help care for the dogs before setting out. However, you can also go on a longer 26-mile marathon ride to Elks Lake that includes lunch. This is a perfect option for couples looking for one of the more unique things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter.

Bike on the snow

Biking is huge in Bend, so locals don’t let some snow stop them. Rather than ride on the road, they take fat tire bikes into snow parks for some winter fun!

Wanoga Sno-Park is probably the most popular are for fat tire biking, but there are a bunch of other trails to explore. You can rent fat bikes at many Bend sports stores like Hutch’s Bicycles. Don’t want to go it alone? Cogwild offers guided fat bike tours.

If it’s not too snowy when you visit, you can also bike the paved trails around downtown Bend. You can get rental bikes delivered to you with Ride 2 You.

beer tasting flight

Sample Bend’s many breweries

There are so many breweries in Bend. In fact, there are 30 breweries and even more taprooms that make up the Bend Ale Trail. Since it’s impossible to fit them all into one trip, here are some of my favorites to add to your itinerary of things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter.

Monkless Belgian Ales

website | Brasserie (get directions) & Abbey (get directions) | best for: Belgian ales and food

Monkless is my favorite brewery in Bend. Yes, I’m biased because Belgian beers are my favorite style, but the other reason is that they serve great food. My go-to order is a beer sampler, mussels with frites, pretzel, and poutine. If it’s not too cold, I try to snag a table on their large outdoor patio that overlooks the river.

Note, only the Brasserie offers a full food menu and allows minors. The Abbey is a 21+ spot focused mostly on just beer (though you can get their pretzel there!).

mussels, frites, and beer tasting flight from Monkless Ales in Bend, OR

Crux Fermentation

website | get directions | best for: kids and non-beer drinkers

Crux is another go-to brewery in Bend. It has a huge indoor and outdoor space perfect for large groups. You’ll find food carts on site, plus they make their own food (the pretzel is great!). What makes Crux special, though, is that they love tinkering. So their offerings extend beyond just experimental beers to wine, cider, whiskey, and fermented foods like sauerkraut.

beer sampler from Crux Fermentation

Boss Rambler Beer Club

website | get directions | best for: coffee-loving aesthetes

Boss Rambler is arguably the most beautiful brewery in Bend. It has a cool Scandinavian with white walls, pops of color, and beautifully-designed packaging. I mean, I’d move in solely for their dope white mid century fireplace! The beers are as good as the place looks, with a ton of varieties and fun drinks like boozie slushies for non-beer drinkers.

Love coffee? They also have their own onsite coffee shop selling Bend Breakfast Burritos.

Boss Rambler brewery in Bend, Oregon

Bevel Brewing

website | get directions | best for: food carts and events

Bevel Brewing feels like a locals-only brewery. It’s off the beaten path compared to other breweries and looks a bit like a warehouse from outside. However, there’s a huge outdoor space out back with about 5 food carts and fire pits. Inside is smaller than other breweries, but it’s a fun vibe thanks to a ton of events like Monday night bingo (which I highly recommend doing).

Fun fact: Bevel is owned by two professional disc golf players! You’ll see paraphernalia from this quirky sport throughout the brewery.

art down an alley in downtown Bend, OR

Shop around downtown Bend

Downtown Bend spans about a 2×4 block area and has a bunch of cute shops, coffee spots, and restaurants to explore. Start at Drake Park to explore the waterfront, then weave the streets east of it between Franklin and Wall Ave.

As you explore, don’t miss some of my favorite shops like The Bend Store, Lark Mountain Modern, and BrownBag Popcorn! If you like art galleries, here’s a self-guided walking tour.

Historic buildings in downtown Bend

Eat your way through Bend’s restaurant scene

I love how Bend is similar to PDX in that it has a bunch of food cart pods. There’s also just a great restaurant scene in general.

Obviously you need to eat no matter the time of year, so here are my favorite spots to fit into your itinerary of things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter. You can find even more in my guide to Bend’s best restaurants.

Bo’s Falafel Bar

website | get directions | cuisine: Middle Eastern | best for: veg-forward eats

I think Bo’s is making the best Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food in the Bend area. It’s a takeout window, but they have a larger covered patio for eating onsite.

You can get one of their pita or bowl creations, or make your own. I always make my own with falafels, pink tahini, hummus, pickled beets, and garlic sauce. It’s the perfect medley of flavors to complement their amazing falafel.

person holding a falafel pita from Bend, OR

Big Ski’s Pierogis

website | get directions | cuisine: Polish | best for: sampler of pierogis

I grew up eating pierogis so I always prioritize restaurants known for them. I’m so happy I read about Big Ski’s, as I was surprised to learn when I visited that it’s located in one of Bend’s best food cart pod with about 9 other carts.

You can get a sampler of different pan-fried pierogis topped with caramelized onions and sour cream, which I absolutely love. I always try a few different flavors, but the bacon, cheese, and beef one is always prioritized.

person picking up a pierogi out of takeout containers, one of the best things in Bend Oregon in winter

Bangers & Brews

website | Westside (get directions) & Eastside (get directions) | cuisine: Argentinian | best for: creative sausages

If you love that Bavarian pub vibe, then make your way to Bangers & Brews for excellent sausages and pretzels. However, in true Argentinian spirit, expect more unique varieties like veggie, elk, alligator, duck, and reindeer.

My go-to order is the Seattle Special with wild boar jalapeño cheddar sausage, caramelized onion, cream cheese, and their addictive chimichurri. The mustard cheese sauce is also divine. After you order at the counter, find a seat and they’ll bring it to you. The Westside location has some overflow seating in the storefront next door.

sausage in a bun topped with chimichurri

Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails

website | get directions | cuisine: Creole inspired | best for: elevated comfort food

Zydeco is named after the blues-like music genre created by Louisiana Creoles and Indigenous people. As such, you can expect Creole and Southern food classics like shrimp and grits, red fish, and jambalaya. The space and dishes are fancy, but they’re not above putting a salt shaker on the table.

My go-to order is the jambalaya and grilled red fish. The jambalaya isn’t too spicy, but has a slow and mellow burn that adds a ton of flavor. It’s also served with the most irresistible corn bread. The red fish is a nice and light contrast to the stew, with a garlicky lemon sauce that cuts beautifully into the fatty components of the dish.

red fish over mashed potatoes with jambalaya in the background

Toasty

website | get directions | cuisine: Californian-Mexican fusion | best for: vegan food

Toasty is another vegan food cart in Bend. You’ll find California classics like avocado toast and bowls, but my favorite items on the menu skew Mexican. There are burritos, tacos, and a taco bowl salad, but the cheeseburger crunch wrap is the must get. You’d never know it’s vegan, and it has a lot of yummy zing from the salsa.

vegan crunchwrap, a great place to eat after winter activities in Bend, Oregon

Tacos Pihuamo

get directions | cuisine: Mexican | best for: authentic street tacos

I brought my family to this food truck in a parking lot on a busy road and their reaction was, “WTF.” However, they stopped hemming and hawing real quick after we tried the tacos. They’re serving some of the juiciest carnitas I’ve ever had in my life, and the birria and carne asada are light years ahead of others I’ve had. If you want an off-the-beaten spot to eat in Bend, this is it.

tacos in tin foil from a Bend food truck

Alebrije Oaxaca

website | get directions | cuisine: Mexican | best for: quesa birria tacos

I brought my family to Alebrije after Tacos Pihuamo and it got a similar reaction. It’s tucked away down an alley in the back of a hostel. It feels as if it’s only for guests given there are a few food carts surrounding a fire pit with tables scattered around. However, anyone can drop by to meet new friends and get some yummy food.

Don’t miss the quesa birria taco at Alebrije. It’s crunchy thanks to the hard taco and has bits of charred cheese. Inside, though, the cheese is gooey and goes beautifully with the extra flavorful beef.

basket of tacos in tin foil, one of the best things in Bend Oregon in winter

Sparrow Bakery

website | get directions | cuisine: American | best for: pastries

Sparrow Bakery is arguably the most famous place to eat in Bend. People flock for their coffee, baked goods, and cafe lunch fare. I’ve eaten the savory salads and sandwiches a few times, and they’re solid, but I prioritize the baked goods whenever I visit.

Their most famous menu item that sells out regularly is the ocean roll. It’s a cardamom bun that doesn’t look like much, but it has the most perfect texture and floral notes. I also really enjoy their croissants, which are buttery and not too flaky with a thick, soft interior. Get the ham and cheese one if it’s available!

Pro tip: Sparrow Bakery is near West Coast Provisions and Root Adorned, two great little shops you should pop into before heading elsewhere.

Sparrow Bakery ocean roll, one of the must do things in Bend Oregon in winter

Mimi’s Bagel Deli

website | get directions | cuisine: bagels | best for: east coast-style bagel sandwiches

There is nothing I miss more from growing up in New Jersey than taylor ham, egg, and cheese bagels. You don’t often seem them in the Pacific Northwest, so when I heard Mimi’s had them I beelined to their food truck. And now I can confirm, they make a damn good version. You’ll also find breakfast sandwiches and schmears with lox, bacon, sausage, egg, and more.

two halves of a bagel taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwich stacked on top of each other

McKay Cottage

website | get directions | cuisine: American | best for: breakfast

One of the quintessential things to do in Bend Oregon in winter or any season is get brunch at McKay Cottage. There’s often a line out the door, but they serve free coffee while you wait for an indoor or outdoor table. Once seated, make sure to order the strawberry crepes. They’re divine!

crepes topped with strawberries and whipped cream

Jackson’s Corner

website | get directions | cuisine: American | best for: brunch

This cool cafe is another popular spot for breakfast, but they also serve dinner. I’ve never been in the evening, but I can’t get enough of their huevos rancheros. The salsa has a nice mix of acid and heat without being too spicy.

huevos ranchero from a Bend restaurant

Sip on locally-roasted coffee

Would Bend be in Oregon if it didn’t specialize in the trifecta of biking, beer, and coffee? There are a bunch of awesome locally-owned coffee roasters in the city. Here’s where I always grab some coffee between things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter.

Thump

website | few locations (get directions) | best for: locally-roasted coffee

Thump has three locations in Bend, but became so popular they opened up in Denver, Colorado too. You’ll find exceptional coffee that leans light to medium roast. This is my preferred way to enjoy coffee, as it highlights the fruitiness of the beans and makes for an exciting cup of coffee.

Still Vibrato

website | get directions | best for: taking home beans in bulk

It’s unlikely that you’ll just stumble upon Still Vibrato because it’s located in the lobby of an apartment building. However, it’s worth seeking out because they make an exceptional cup of joe. I also love how you can buy their beans to take home in bulk, meaning you can mix and match flavors rather than committing to a whole bag of one style.

Still Vibrato coffee shop in Bend, Oregon

Backporch Coffee Roasters

website | few locations (get directions) | best for: direct-trade coffee

Backporch is another great coffee roaster in Bend. They work directly with farmers to ensure fair wages and quality crops. I rarely leave without taking a bag home, as I always love the flavors their able to coax out of their beans.

Sisters Coffee Company

website | get directions | best for: a wide range of roast options

This coffee roaster originated in Sisters, Oregon about an hour northwest of Bend, but they have a location in the Old Mill District. They roast a bunch of different styles so it’s a great place to stop if some people in your group prefer dark roast while others like medium to light. They also have a PDX location if you want to stop there on the way back home.

Visit the last Blockbuster

website | get directions | best for: a nostalgic movie rental experience

If, like me, you grew up going to Blockbuster every Friday to grab movies and video games for the weekend, listen up. There is only one Blockbuster left in the world, and it’s in Bend. So add it to your list of things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter!

When I walked in it literally smelled the same. Everything looks the same too, with rows upon rows of DVDs and snacks. The only difference is that there is a mini museum in the back with entertainment paraphernalia telling the story of Blockbuster’s past. Come in, snap some photos, and consider taking home a few movies to enjoy during your trip!

woman cheering in front of the last Blockbuster movie rental store in Bend, Oregon

Walk the Deschutes River Trail

website | get directions | best for: a scenic stroll

The Deschutes River is a popular spot for tubing, kayaking, and SUPing during warmer weather, but you can still enjoy the scenic views in winter from the paved trail that lines both sides of the water. It’s about 2.7 miles spanning from the Old Mill District down to the southwest Bend neighborhoods. Riverbend Park is a great starting point for a leisurely walk, bike, or skate. Just know e-bikes aren’t allowed on the trail.

Deschutes River Trail in winter, one of the must do things in Bend Oregon in winter

Hike Smith Rock State Park

website | get directions | cost: ~$5 per car | best for: pretty walking and hiking trails

No list of things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter would be complete without mentioning Smith Rock State Park. This ~650-acre park is about 30 minutes north of Bend. It has stunning canyon rock formations with a river flowing between them. Given the basalt cliffs, this is a popular spot for mountain climbers, but it’s also a fun destination for walkers and hikers who want to watch them from afar.

Pro tip: There are a few other attractions nearby worth seeking out. Ogden Scenic Viewpoint and the lesser known Cove Palisades State Park both have beautiful canyon views and walking trails.

woman running in Smith Rock State Park, one of the must do things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter

Discover a lava tube cave

There’s a network of caves near Bend created by lava thousands of years ago. Wanderlust Tours is the only tour company allowed to bring guests into some of the more delicate ones.

You can visit Lava River Cave on your own without a tour. However it’s inside Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which is often difficult to visit due to snow (though not impossible during a less snowy year).

Woman walking outside a cave near Bend, OR

Another option is Boyd Cave a little east of Newberry National Volcanic Monument. It’s in the high desert, so chances are you can find a winter day without snow on the ground. It’s only accessible via the cave’s ceiling, so to access it you need to walk down sturdy, but steep steel stairs that’s missing the first step. Once inside, you’ll have about 0.7 miles to explore. Don’t forget to bring flashlights or headlamps!

Boyd Cave, one of the best things to do in winter in Bend Oregon
Boyd Cave

Lastly, Redmond Caves is another option about 30 minutes north of Bend. It’s a series of 5 connected caves, 3 of which you can go into. They require ducking and some light scrambling in some instances to get in and out, but you can stand upright once inside.

Two people exploring a cave, one of the best things to do in Bend in winter
Redmond Caves

Enjoy the warmth of indoor activities

Maybe it’s rainy or you want to take a break from the outdoor things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter. If that’s the case, here are some ideas for indoor activities perfect for passing a few hours.

McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School

website | get directions | cost: ~$10 pp / hour soak | best for: speakeasy & soaking in a gorgeous pool

My jaw dropped the first time I saw the indoor soaking pool at this Bend McMenamin’s location. It has a ton of tile and looks like a Turkish bathhouse. You can book a soak and soothe away sore muscles from all the winter activities in Bend you partook in. A bonus is that you can take kids if you have little ones in tow, then grab a drink at one of the onsite restaurants or bars.

indoor soaking pools at McMenamins Old School St. Francis in Bend, OR
Photo courtesy of McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School

Whether or not you decide to soak, don’t miss The Broom Closet. This speakeasy is on the third floor of the Arts District Building. It’s marked by a small placard and when you walk inside it indeed looks like a closet meant only for hotel staff. Find the door and you’ll be rewarded with a cozy room and killer cocktails. It’s 21+, but you can bring your drinks anywhere on the property.

High Desert Museum

website | get directions | cost: ~$17 pp | best for: history and culture buffs

Museum enthusiasts will love the High Desert Museum. It has over 100,000 square feet of exhibits exploring wildlife, Indigenous peoples, and the history of the land. Expect virtual experiences, animal encounters, reenactments, events, and more.

Mountain Air Trampoline Park

website | get directions | cost: ~$16 pp | best for: kids and kids at heart

If you’re traveling to Bend with kids, they’ll absolutely love this place. It’s a huge indoor trampoline center with 26 different apparatuses to bounce on. There’s also a court where guests can play basketball, dodgeball, soccer, tag, and more. Toddlers get reduced tickets and a safer area away from the mayhem of older kids.

Check out WinterFest

website | get directions | cost: ~$20 pp | best for: fun family activities

One of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter is the Oregon WinterFest. This annual event happens in February during President’s Day Weekend and has a ton of activities like concerts, a craft market, light installations, a bouncy house, amusement rides, a hot cocoa run, and more.

Crater Lake
Photo of Crater Lake courtesy of Wolfman SF

Take a day trip to Crater Lake

website | get directions | distance: ~2 hours | best for: nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling

South of Bend is Crater Lake, the only national park in the state and the 5th in the country. It’s open year round, but you need to check road conditions and closures before you go. If it’s clear, though, fair game!

Fat biking is prohibited in the park. You can downhill ski and snowboard, but it’s backcountry style since there aren’t any chairlifts or official resorts. Snowmobiles are allowed, but only when the conditions are right. Therefore I think the best way to experience the park is via cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

You can get a map of the trails in the park’s newsletter. The ski trails are ungroomed, so nordic skiing is best for those with experience. If that’s not your thing, you can take guided ranger snoeshoe walks with an advanced reservation to learn more about the area and explore off the trails. Rentals are not available in the park, so bring them with you!

More to do in Bend, Oregon

Looking to customize your trip? Here’s my Google Map where I save all the things to do in Bend, Oregon in winter or summer. Check out the notes in the pins, as only my favorite experiences made it into this article!

Other places near Bend to explore

Since you’ll likely pass by some amazing destinations in Oregon, consider tacking on another area to your Bend trip! Use these guides to plan your itinerary.

  • A Comparison of all the Mt. Hood Ski Areas
  • The Ultimate Columbia River Gorge Itinerary
  • Map of All the Best Columbia Gorge Waterfalls
  • Must-Visit Columbia Gorge Wineries
  • Everything You Need for Visiting Columbia Gorge
  • The Perfect Portland Itinerary
  • Fun Places to Eat in PDX
  • My Favorite Portland Gift Shops
  • Stellar Antique Shops in PDX
  • Best Eugene, Oregon Wineries
  • Boutique Hotels in Eugene
  • Exploring Eugene’s 5th Street Public Market
  • Willamette Valley’s Best Wineries
  • Where to Eat in Willamette Valley
  • Non-Drinking Activities in Oregon Wine Country
  • Everything to Eat, See, and Do on the Oregon Coast
  • Most Unique Places to Stay in Oregon
  • Unique Glamping Spots in Oregon
  • Dreamy Winter Cabins in Oregon

Overwhelmed by trip planning?

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All the magical things in Bend Oregon in winter, including cross-country skiing in Bend, downhill skiing in Bend, snowshoeing in Bend, and other winter activities in Bend, OR

In: Oregon, Seasonal Activities, Travel Guides

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