Bend is the outdoor recreation capitol of Oregon; with snow-capped peaks dominating the skyline. Bend is one of few places that visitors can literally ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon. Known as "the sunny side of Oregon", the Cascade mountains act as a protective buffer, giving Bend only 12 inches of precipitation per year.

Bend

Bend was originally called Farewell Bend and received its name because it was at this place that travellers over the pioneer roads had their last view of the river.

Bend is nearly the geographic center of the State and is also the most populated city in Central Oregon with a population of 62,900. To the east you will find high desert vegetation and to the west Bend is surrounded by U.S. Forest Service land. The recreational opportunities are abundant; everything from mountain biking, hiking, rafting, golfing, fishing, rock climbing, camping, downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, general sightseeing and much more.

At an elevation of 3,628 feet, Bend enjoys the predominately dry climate of the Great Basin. Sunny days, low humidity and cool nights provide the most common weather pattern.