Visiting Bend, Oregon: 8 tips for planning your trip

07.01.2025 - 21:35 / lonelyplanet.com

Jan 7, 2025 • 6 min read

Bendites have the saying: "show up and blow up," which means, come as you are, with no planning. Still, some things need a little planning ahead if you're heading to Bend, Oregon. Bend lures travelers with its low-key feel. It’s the citified equivalent of the coolest roadside motel that ever was – think ranch-style living, an emphasis on the outdoors and wide-open spaces, and a food scene that keeps one-upping itself with new offerings.

Insider tips, such as knowing where and how to get trail permits, properly selecting what to wear and understanding the art of blending in like a local, are key to a successful trip. Afraid you'll stick out like a sore out-of-town thumb when you get to Bend? Memorize this list, and you’ll be set for a crash landing in Oregon’s highest-profile outdoor vacation destination.

Permits are required for most of the fun outdoor stuff you'll want to do in Bend. If you're recreating on Deschutes National Forest land, you'll need a day or season recreation pass displayed on the dashboard of your vehicle. For highly trafficked areas like the Three Sisters Wilderness or the Central Cascades Wilderness, an additional permit is necessary. In the winter, a sno-park pass is required at many of the same sites that require a Deschutes National Forest pass. If you're thinking about visiting Smith Rock or any other state park, a separate pass is required.

Downtown Bend has metered parking paid by a smartphone app for all central areas.

Set yourself up for success by calling land managers ahead of your trip to clarify what passes are required. These rules are important to follow, and fines are issued to those who neglect the regulations.

Parking and driving can be quite congested in Bend during the high season. Though roundabouts instead of street lights keep the flow moving, some folks don’t know proper roundabout etiquette. Check out this tutorial from the City of Bend to be sure you're ready to tackle the turnstiles.

To avoid driving altogether, check out the Ride Bend Free Shuttle Service which picks up and drops patrons off within a couple of mile radius of downtown, the Cascades East Transit system, the Mount Bachelor Shuttle, the Ride the River Deschutes River float shuttle and the Central Oregon Breeze.

Other alternatives to driving include, but are not limited to, walking, biking, skateboarding, inline skating or scootering. The city is also easily navigated by electric bikes. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are available on demand.

You’ve heard that dressing for success is key for fitting in, right? In Bend, you can’t go wrong with Patagonia's casual outdoor wear, or as locals affectionately refer to the outdoor brand, "Patagucci" (a combination of Patagonia and