One of our favorite summer activities is floating on the Deschutes River. The drop-off and exit points are conveniently located just a five-minute drive from most areas of town.

Tube rentals and shuttle passes are available starting June 21, so we recommend just bringing your own tube (we have a ton you can borrow) and walking back — this is the local way, anyway!

Start at Riverbend Park, and end at Drake Park. This route typically takes about 1.5 hours and features a series of fun cascading rapids that you will giggle going down. STRONGLY recommend going down the rapids if you want to feel like a little kid again, but you do have the option to get out and walk around them if you are nervy.

It’s roughly a 20-minute walk back to Riverbend Park. On your way back, consider stopping at Active Culture for lunch; it’s one of our favorite spots. Just keep in mind that it serves vegan food, so plan accordingly if you’re in the mood for something heartier.

float the deschutes RIVER

CLIFF JUMP at STEELHEAD FALLS

One of Kathryn’s favorite swimming spots just outside of town, Steelhead Falls is a stunning natural destination not far from Bend. The drive typically takes around 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Once you arrive at Steelhead Falls, you'll find a picturesque landscape surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. The falls themselves create a beautiful display of cascading water, perfect for a scenic backdrop.

Activities at Steelhead Falls include hiking along the trails that wind through the area, offering opportunities to explore the nearby canyon and enjoy breathtaking views of the river below. The area is also popular for fishing, particularly steelhead trout, which can be found in abundance during the appropriate seasons. For those who prefer a more active experience, you can try your hand at cliff diving from designated spots or simply enjoy a leisurely day of swimming and appreciating the natural beauty of this unique location.

Perhaps one of the most stunning places we’ve ever visited, Crater Lake is a remarkable natural wonder located in Southern Oregon, renowned for its deep blue waters and dramatic cliff edges. Formed over 7,700 years ago, this lake is the deepest in the U.S. and the ninth deepest in the world. On a clear, low-wind day, the water resembles a mirror.

Rich in folklore and mystery, Native American stories depict the lake as a sacred place. You will undoubtedly feel a sense of serenity, reverence and perhaps even eeriness when you’re in its presence. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a short but steep downward hike for an opportunity to swim in its frigid, yet refreshing waters.

Traveling to Crater Lake from Bend takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. However, even in June, snowy roads may present challenges, so it's advisable to check current road conditions before making your trip.

visit crater lake

  • Broken Top & No NAME lAKE

    If you’re looking for a more adventurous hiking and rewarding experience, you must prioritize a hike up Broken Top mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with an immaculate glacier lake. Swim in it if you dare. This is a difficult, multiple-hour hike.

  • Smith Rock

    Smith Rock is a stunning destination known for its dramatic rock formations, making it a popular spot for climbing and hiking enthusiasts. Take a relaxing walk alongside the river weaving through the canyon, or hike to the top of the canyon for breathtaking views.

  • Deschutes River Trail

    A regular hiking and running trail for both of us. The trail is mostly flat and walks alongside the Deschutes River. It’s a beautiful, calm hike for those looking for something more mild.

  • River Lava Cave

    It’s all in the name. Visiting River Lava Cave allows you to walk through a mile-long cave created by flowing lava. Flashlights are provided and are essential, as it is completely dark inside (obviously: it’s a cave).

  • Tumalo Mountain

    Reaching the summit of Tumalo Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Cascade Mountains, their peaks dusted with snow and sprawling forests nestled in the valleys below. This is a semi-difficult, multiple-hour hike.