Things to do in Deschutes County, Oregon

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!)

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. ** Please note: These are wild caves. During the tour, we will encounter uneven, rocky terrain, rock features that will involve stepping up and over, and a very short crawl. We rate our Lava Tube Cave Tour as Moderate but also understand that everyone has different ability and comfort levels. If you have questions about the cave's difficulty, it is best to contact us directly!

The 12 miles of the half day trip on the Deschutes Rivers contains numerous exciting class II-III + rapids. Soon after launching onto the river, you’re sure to get wet paddling through Wapinitia & Boxcar rapids (Class III). You’ll float a mild section of the river before running several fast and fun back-to-back rapids, including Surf City, Oak Springs, White River Rapid, and The Elevators. The half day Deschutes River trip will last just under 3 hours on the water with a 15 minute shuttle to and from the river back to our office.

Imagine taking in the stunning views of Bend and the Deschutes River with snow-capped mountains in the background – all while pedaling effortlessly on a quality electric bike. Your safety is our top priority. Before the tour begins, we will go over how to operate the bikes in great detail as well as take a practice lap to make sure every client is completely comfortable on an electric bike. We will hit some incredibly scenic spots while staying on multi-use paths so cars will not be present. We will learn a bit about the town, the river and the Old Mill area while casually exploring on e-bikes and hopefully encounter some river otter and other such wildlife. This will be an intimate group (limit 6 people) so that we can maximize our time in these incredible surroundings.

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!)

Drive the landscapes of central Oregon on an exciting ATV adventure. Explore the ever-changing terrain and head through the backcountry. View spectacular lava flows and spot wild life along the winding roads with amazing geologic features. Breathe in the fresh air of The Deschutes National Forest. Meet your guide at the trailhead, located just a 15-minute drive from downtown Bend. Enjoy the freedom, fun, and scenery in your very own 2024 four-seater Polaris RZR ATV. Go it alone, with the one you love, or your whole family on this exhilarating tour. See breathtaking views of the eastern slope of the Cascades and High Desert panorama. Take in vistas of Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, The Three Sisters, Mr. Washington, Mt. Jefferson, Black Butte, and Pilot Butte in Bend. Find your way under the brush and explore an ancient lava flow hidden among the inner-forest. Encounter the perfect mix of adventure and education and create lasting memories with your group. Take advantage of the opportunity to safely thrill your senses.

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.

Spring in Bend is stunning. The wildflowers are starting to bloom, there is still snow in the mountains but sun on our backs and wildlife are beginning to scamper around! Join us as we explore a beautiful stretch of the incredible Deschutes River on Kayak! The paddle is a flatwater (no rapids) stretch of the Deschutes where we will be able to immerse ourselves in the stunning surroundings, teeming wildlife & more! Our renowned naturalist guides will highlight the sweet spots on these stunning waterways that might not initially meet the eye. During our 2 hours on the water, along with the fun and sun, we may impart an understanding of the area’s hydrology and how water sustains all living things. Departure Times: 9:00am - 1:00pm & 1:30pm - 5:30pm Tour Includes: Professional guide & award-winning naturalist interpretation Transportation: departing from our office, 30-45 minutes each way Gear: kayaks, paddles, Pfd's Please bring: Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen Layers: warm clothing including a shell jacket for variable weather Miscellaneous Gear: Water bottle, snacks, camera, swimsuit (optional), waterproof storage for electronics Great for all ages!

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.

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. ** Please note: These are wild caves. During the tour, we will encounter uneven, rocky terrain, rock features that will involve stepping up and over, and a very short crawl. We rate our Lava Tube Cave Tour as Moderate but also understand that everyone has different ability and comfort levels. If you have questions about the cave's difficulty, it is best to contact us directly!