MileHacker Logo
Bend Travel Resources

Bend Travel Resources

Bend Oregon, USA Travel Guide

Essential Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps

    Navigation for attractions, dining, and accommodations.

  • AllTrails

    Detailed trail info, maps, ratings for outdoor activities.

  • Weather App

    Accurate forecasts, important for outdoor activity planning.

  • Uber/Lyft

    Convenient ride-sharing services within Bend.

  • Passport Parking

    Mobile payment for metered parking in downtown Bend.

Useful Websites

  • Visit Bend

    Official tourism site for comprehensive local information.

  • Bend Parks & Recreation

    Information on local parks, trails, and community events.

  • TripCheck.com

    Oregon DOT's real-time road conditions and weather alerts.

  • High Desert Museum

    Detailed information on exhibits, events, and operating hours.

  • Mount Bachelor

    Official site for lift tickets, snow conditions, and winter activities.

Connect & Discover More

Visit Bend

Official social accounts for visual inspiration and event updates.

@visitbend on Instagram

Mount Bachelor

Follow for real-time snow conditions, lift status, and special events.

@mtbachelor on Instagram

Local Podcasts

Search for "Bend Oregon podcast" for local insights and stories.

Valuable Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks & Maps

  • National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map - Bend/Three Sisters.
  • Oregon Atlas & Gazetteer for detailed state road information.
  • Local Trail Guides at outdoor shops and bookstores.
  • Explore detailed route descriptions for hikers and bikers.

Books & Local Publications

  • "Oregon" by William L. Sullivan for historical context and insights.
  • Local history books at the Deschutes Historical Museum.
  • The Source Weekly for comprehensive event listings and reviews.
  • Bend Magazine for local culture, outdoor activities, and community profiles.

Deepen Your Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  • Search for films on Oregon's natural beauty and geology.
  • Discover movies highlighting mountain biking or climbing in the Pacific Northwest.
  • These visuals build anticipation for your trip.

Music & Art

  • Explore local Bend musicians playing at breweries and cafes.
  • Check online listings for upcoming live music performances.
  • Visit downtown Bend galleries featuring landscape art.

Online Communities

  • Reddit communities like r/Bend or r/Oregon for local tips.
  • Verify information from forums with official sources.
  • Ask specific questions about local life or activities.
  • English is the main language, no language learning needed.

Emergency & Medical Information

Important Contacts

Emergency Services

  • All Emergencies: Dial 911
  • St. Charles Bend Hospital (Main Line): +1-541-382-4321
  • Poison Control Center: +1-800-222-1222
  • Non-Emergency Police (Bend Police): +1-541-693-6911

Hospital & Clinics

  • St. Charles Bend: 2500 NE Neff Rd, Bend, OR 97701 (Main Hospital)
  • Urgent Care Centers: Search online for "urgent care Bend Oregon" for locations.

Embassy & Consulates

  • For international visitors, embassies in major U.S. Cities (Seattle, SF, LA, DC).
  • Keep their contact details handy for emergencies or passport issues.

Lost Document Procedures

Passport & ID

  • Report loss or theft to local police immediately.
  • Contact your country's embassy or consulate for assistance.
  • For driver's license/ID, contact your home state's DMV.

Credit Cards

  • Call your bank or credit card company immediately.
  • Report loss or theft and cancel cards promptly.
  • Monitor financial accounts for any unusual activity.

Action Steps

  1. Report the loss or theft to local police immediately for a report.
  2. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for passport issues.
  3. For driver's license/ID, contact your home state's DMV.
  4. Call banks/credit card companies to cancel lost cards.
  5. Monitor financial accounts for any suspicious activity.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Wildfires

  • Monitor local news and air quality reports (AirNow.gov).
  • Follow any evacuation orders issued by local authorities immediately.
  • Stay informed through official channels for updates.

Earthquakes & Winter Storms

  • Earthquakes: Remember "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" under sturdy furniture.
  • Winter Storms: Monitor road conditions via TripCheck.com.
  • Be prepared for potential power outages by having a charged phone.

Natural Disaster Safety:

  1. For wildfires, monitor local news and air quality (AirNow.gov).
  2. Always follow evacuation orders from local authorities.
  3. During earthquakes, "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" under sturdy furniture.
  4. In winter storms, check road conditions on TripCheck.com.
  5. Keep phones charged and flashlights ready for potential power outages.

General Safety Reminders

Emergency Services

Program 911 and St. Charles Bend main lines into your phone.

Device Power

Keep your phone charged, especially when venturing into remote areas.

Information Access

Familiarize yourself with local emergency protocols and resources.

Critical Safety Advice

Program emergency numbers into your phone. Also, make sure your phone is charged, especially when venturing into remote areas.

Further Exploration & Inspiration

Beyond Bend: Next Destinations

More Outdoor Adventure

  • Southern Oregon

    Crater Lake National Park or Rogue River whitewater rafting.

  • Northern California

    Mount Shasta for climbing or the Redwood Coast for ancient forests.

  • Idaho

    Boise for city amenities and outdoor access, or Sun Valley for skiing.

Urban Culture & Coastal Scenery

  • Seattle, Washington

    Discover a larger Pacific Northwest city with distinct neighborhoods and coffee culture.

  • Vancouver, British Columbia

    A diverse, scenic city with mountain and ocean access, and a rich cultural scene.

  • Oregon Coast

    Drive west to towns like Cannon Beach, experiencing rugged coastline and fresh seafood.

Regional Journeys

Oregon Loop

Combine Bend with a road trip through the Oregon Coast and a visit to Portland.

Cascade Mountains

Explore more of the Cascade Range, driving north into Washington or south into California.

Scenic Drives

Plan drives through Central Oregon's scenic byways and designated routes.

Seasonal Return Visits

Experience New Seasons

  • From summer hiking and water sports to winter skiing.
  • Enjoy snowshoeing and other snow activities at Mount Bachelor.
  • World-class skiing and snowboarding experiences.
  • Plan for winter holidays for a magical atmosphere.

Embrace the Warmth

  • From snow to lush trails and river floating.
  • Experience warmer mountain adventures and outdoor activities.
  • Plan around summer festivals like Bend Brewfest.
  • Discover the summer high desert landscape.

Focused Returns

Festival & Event Focus

  • Plan your visit around the lively Bend Brewfest.
  • Attend the unique Sisters Folk Festival for arts and music.
  • Explore other local events and seasonal celebrations.
  • Check event calendars for specific dates and ticket information.

Deep Dive into Interests

  • Dedicate a trip to mastering rock climbing skills.
  • Explore the region's renowned fly fishing spots.
  • Focus on capturing Bend's stunning landscapes and wildlife.
  • Explore Bend's diverse culinary scene.

Pre-Trip Anticipation

Before your trip, watch a documentary or listen to a podcast about Oregon. This familiarity builds anticipation for the region.

← Previous
Bend Travel Hacks
← Back to Bend
Next →
Bend Travel Checklist

Next Up: Bend Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Continue to Bend Travel Checklist