Our most recommended things to do in Bend

Bend: Half-Day Cascade Lakes Kayak Tour

1. Bend: Half-Day Cascade Lakes Kayak Tour

Experience a tandem kayak lake tour and enjoy the best mountainous views in Central Oregon. Meet your local guide in the heart of Bend, Oregon. Along with the rest of your group, make your way out of town and up into the Cascade mountain lakes where your kayaking adventure begins. Receive a lesson on kayaking safety measures before climbing into your tandem sit-on-top kayak.  Navigate your way through little-known caves, bays, and wetlands with the help of your naturalist guide. Keep a look out for the otters, mink, osprey and eagles that inhabit this area, and bring a camera for the best mountain views in Central Oregon. After around 2 hours of paddling and admiring your surroundings, you'll have time for a quick dip in the lakes to cool off. Prior to leaving, take in the views of mountains Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Paulina Peak. You’ll then head back to your kayaking starting point and be driven back to Bend. (During the month of October, our Kayak tours may take place on a flat stretch of the Deschutes River as temps drop and snow begins to fall on the high elevation lakes. If the sun is out, we will be on the lakes. But if there is precipitation, colder temps, or high winds in the mountains, we will head down to the river!)

Bend: Half-Day Brews & Views Canoe Tour on the Cascade Lakes

2. Bend: Half-Day Brews & Views Canoe Tour on the Cascade Lakes

Take in the stunning views of the Cascades Lakes while sampling some of Oregon’s most celebrated artisanal beverages. After getting all geared up, you’ll head off towards the lake with your naturalist guide and get to paddling through the pristine mountain waters. Gaze out across the crystal-clear lake, situated on the foot of snow-capped peaks. All the while, taste delicious local craft beers while learning about their production. Your guide will highlight the hidden spots on these beautiful lakes that might not initially meet the eye. You will spend over 2 hours on the water exploring areas accessible exclusively by boat, including fingers, coves, bays, and wetlands created by ancient volcanic activity and erosion. You can even pop into the lake for a dip if you get too toasty. After your excursion, you’ll be transferred back to the meeting point in Bend, having soaked up some of Oregon’s foremost natural beauty. (During the month of October, our canoe tours may take place on a flat stretch of the Deschutes River as temps drop and snow begins to fall on the high elevation lakes. When we transition down to the river, we will also transition to using kayaks as they are more maneuverable on the river! If the sun is out, we will be on the lakes. If there is precipitation, colder temps, or high winds in the mountains, we will head down to the river!)

Bend: Half-Day Lava Tube Cave Tour

3. Bend: Half-Day Lava Tube Cave Tour

Journey into subterranean cave's in Bend’s pine-studded high desert on this half-day tour. Follow your naturalist guide as they highlight features of these cool caverns for you. Meet your guide and board a comfortable vehicle. Sit back and relax as you take in the countryside on the way to the caves. Venture underground into the dark and quiet caves with a high quality headlamp, a protective helmet, and a local guide. Learn about the region’s geology as your guide explains how massive volcanoes created these caverns. Uncover the role that the caves play in the wider eco-system. Admire defining features in these caverns. Let your guide show you through the natural caves which have no lights or walk-ways. Enjoy the untouched beauty of this pristine environment before heading back to the meeting point in Bend.

Bend: Moonlight and Starlight Canoe Tour

4. Bend: Moonlight and Starlight Canoe Tour

Join in on this astounding paddle on the high elevation mountain lakes in the mighty Cascade Range. Your renowned naturalist guide will highlight the sweet spots on these stunning lakes that might not initially meet the eye. During your 2 hours on the water, along with the fun and intrigue, you can take in an understanding of heaven’s starlight illuminating the darkness. Your guide will explain age-old stories and myths mixed with astronomy. The silence of the evening hours provides a chance to hear companions of the forest going about their evening activities. On this tour, you can enjoy the peaceful pristine waters at night on the Cascade Lakes.

Bend: Half-Day Volcano Tour

5. Bend: Half-Day Volcano Tour

Explore the belly of an ancient volcano. At 6,300 feet, you’ll walk atop a mountain of pumice and obsidian — black volcanic glass. Explore the shores of the sparkling Paulina Lake, journey through the old-growth hemlock forest, and pass a towering lava flow. If you want to explore the lava fields near Bend, Oregon, this is the perfect tour for you. This tour highlights the amazing geological history of Central Oregon, and the natural and cultural history of the area Let your renowned naturalist guide bring this area to life for you in a way that you may never experience on your own. This volcano tour is the perfect outing for everyone in your group because it caters to all ability levels.

Bend: Half-Day Cascade Lakes Canoe Tour

6. Bend: Half-Day Cascade Lakes Canoe Tour

Our renowned naturalist guides highlight the sweet spots on these stunning lakes that might not initially meet the eye. During the journey on the water, learn about the area’s hydrology and how water sustains all living things. The guide will describe how insects, born in the lake’s waters, begin the cycle of life that is realized in this intact ecosystem. Become energized with revelations about natural and cultural history. Go for a refreshing dip along with eco-friendly sunscreen. See parts of these large lakes that are only accessible by paddling into the fingers, coves, bays, and wetlands created by ancient eruptions and erosion. Witness sweeping views of the local mountains in Bend, Oregon. (During the month of October, our canoe tours may take place on a flat stretch of the Deschutes River as temps drop and snow begins to fall on the high elevation lakes. When we transition down to the river, we will also transition to using kayaks as they are more maneuverable on the river! If the sun is out, we will be on the lakes. If there is precipitation, colder temps, or high winds in the mountains, we will head down to the river!)

Bend: Cascade Mountains Snowshoeing Tour and Bonfire

7. Bend: Cascade Mountains Snowshoeing Tour and Bonfire

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind snowshoe tour with a naturalist guide under the light of the night sky in Bend, Oregon. Cruising on snowshoes through the Cascade Mountains, wander to a hand-carved amphitheater in the snow where a crackling bonfire awaits. Your tour takes place in the area around Mt. Bachelor and the surrounding Deschutes National Forest of the Cascade Mountain Range of Oregon. Don't worry if you are new to off-trail snowshoeing as each tour starts with an introduction to the best techniques and tricks. Kicking through the snow-laden forest after dark, walk to a snow-built amphitheater. Breathe in the smell of fresh pine and sit down to a range of desserts with hazelnut espresso vodka-laced hot cocoa. Relax in the glow of the fire as your guide points out planets, stars, and constellations.

From Bend: Half-Day Limited Entry Lava Cave Tour

8. From Bend: Half-Day Limited Entry Lava Cave Tour

Join a professional naturalist guide on this epic subterranean tour on Bend’s ponderosa pine-studded high desert. Learn from renowned naturalist guides who will highlight interesting bits of these cool caverns that might not initially catch the eye. Experience private caverns not accessible to the public on this 2-hour underground tour in the darkest, quietest spot earth can provide, while gaining an understanding of the region’s geology and how massive volcanoes created these wonders. See how the cave habitat provides for the creatures who live in it and be energized with revelations about natural and cultural history that’ll keep the mind humming with delight long after returning home with fond memories of the tour. Explore Bend’s lava caves, with their delicate ecosystem that few have experienced to the fullest. Experience these special lava caves with the only tour company permitted to operate in them, so wild they do not have a paved path or lighting. Enjoy what Mother Nature has created, a wonderfully diverse array of caves that offer a variety of experiences, with no man-made improvements put into the caves, so guests can explore the caves in their unaltered natural state.

Bend: Half-Day Snowshoe Tour in the Cascade Mountain Range

9. Bend: Half-Day Snowshoe Tour in the Cascade Mountain Range

Venture into the wilderness areas around Mt. Bachelor and the surrounding Deschutes National Forest of the Cascade Mountain Range of Oregon. Experience the magic of the snow-laden trees, inspect animal tracks, and bask in the quiet of the winter forest. Enjoy a great opportunity for snow play suitable for a wide range of ages and ability levels. Snowshoe tours are customized for all adventure desires— stroll easily on flatter areas, or leap off powder-covered lava flows and get “air” like you never imagined. Let your guide do the driving and teach you fun snowshoeing techniques and tricks as all tours include instruction. Remember to wear winter boots and powder/ski pants to keep your feet and legs dry while snowshoeing.

Bend: Starlight Cave Walking Tour with Dessert and A Drink

10. Bend: Starlight Cave Walking Tour with Dessert and A Drink

Gain an understanding of the region’s geology during the 2-hour tour underground. how massive volcanoes created these wonders. Your crew will be energized with revelations about natural and cultural history that’ll keep your mind humming with delight long after the adventure ends. Bend’s lava caves have a delicate ecosystem that few have experienced to the fullest. Join the only guide company permitted in these special lava caves. These caves are also wild, meaning they do not have paved paths or lighting. After caving, emerge to be treated to delectable desserts and hot cocoa with hazelnut espresso vodka if you so choose. Your naturalist guides will point out planets, stars, and constellations.

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What people are saying about Bend

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 21 reviews

The lake was beautiful and the brews were perfectly suited to the vibes of the day. We had never piloted a canoe before, but under Josh's tutelage we were immediately tearing up Elk Lake.

Weather did not permit us going to the lake, so we did a kayak trip on the river and it was spectacular. The guide was excellent and the entire trip was well organized.

Jose was an informative and fun guide. Reviewed how to kayak, how to remain safe in the water and had a surprise for us half way thru the paddle. We highly recommend!

Super fun trip and great equipment. Guides were excellent and can drive to your own abilities.

Fabulous tour of unique lava tube cave, excellent guide with a wide depth of knowledge.