I have heard so many great things about Bend, Oregon over the years, so I had to include it on my career break itinerary. Bailey and I spent three days in Bend Oregon camping, hiking and trying some pretty good food! In addition to being an outdoor adventure hub, this part of Central Oregon is a super dog-friendly destination. I was a bit surprised at how large Bend is, but overall I really enjoyed it and would love to visit again.
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Bend Oregon Camping
We camped at Tumalo State Park for this visit and it remains one of my favorite campsites of the trip. It is practically right in town, but you would never know it when you’re at the park. The lower loop, which did not have hookups, is right along the river and very quiet. The upper loops featured drinking water, clean shower houses and you can also rent yurts here! A tent site is just $21 per night, while a yurt is $46.
Other places for camping near Bend Oregon include:
- Paulina Lake Campground in the Deschutes National Forest
- Elk Lake Campground in the Deschutes National Forest
- Crane Prairie Campground on the Crane Prairie Reservoir
- Camp Sherman Campground on the Wild and Scenic Metolius River
- Crooked River Campground in nearby Culver
Bend Oregon Outdoor Activities
The Bend area offers tons of outdoor adventure activities, including hiking, mountain biking, climbing, paddling and winter sports. For a scenic drive, check out the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, a half-day tour departing from Bend.
Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is located just outside of Bend and is an icon of outdoor adventure in the Bend area. The park is popular with rock climbers and slackliners, and there are several hiking trails to explore. We hiked part of the Misery Ridge Trail, although we turned around when it got too hot. There was no water on the trail, so I didn’t want to push it with Bailey. Instead, we headed back and I let her splash in the river.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
The Painted Hills unit is almost two full hours from Bend, but well worth the trip. I can’t say that I’ve seen any place like this in the US! I only learned about it when I was looking into a trip to the Painted Mountains in Peru. There isn’t much hiking here, just a short trail up to some overlooks, but it’s a great spot for photography. It’s also a beautiful drive from Bend.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Bend Oregon
There is no shortage of dog-friendly food stops in Bend! We enjoyed several al fresco meals, where Bailey was treated like a valued guest.
Currents at the Riverhouse
I enjoyed a birthday dinner on the patio at Currents at the Riverhouse. Everything, including the service, the setting, and the food, was top-notch! I started with a pomegranate coconut cider and the Rogue Smokey Bleu Cheesecake. It sounded weird, but I took the server’s recommendation and it was delicious! I would come back and just order this again!
I chose steak for dinner and savored every bite along with this amazing view of the Deschutes River. Bailey lucked out and got a leftover steak from the couple sitting next to us! We both had a filet for my birthday!
McKay Cottage
The McKay Cottage is located very close to the campground we were staying at, so I stopped in for a yummy breakfast on the patio. The outdoor area is really large, but it was full when I visited, including several dogs and families enjoying the fall weather in Bend. Bailey was happy to receive a bowl of water and a dog treat!
Broken Top Bottle Shop
The Broken Top Bottle Shop is a “brew hub” and mostly serves bottled beer, although they do offer a food menu with counter service and outdoor seating. I had a tasty iceberg wedge salad. No beer for me!
Bend Oregon Hotels
If camping isn’t your jam, check out the Riverhouse Hotel for dog-friendly digs. They were full when I visited, but we were given a tour of the property before dinner at the restaurant. My first impression of the hotel was the scent – the lobby and common areas smell like Westin’s White Tea scent, which is one of my favorites. I was already sold. The location along the river can’t be beaten!
Browse Bend Oregon hotels at Booking.com
The hotel recently underwent a major renovation, which you can see in the guest rooms. The pet fee at the Riverhouse is a bit high at $75, but if you’re staying more than a few nights, it’s not bad averaged out over the stay. Only 2 of the buildings are pet-friendly, so be sure to reserve early!
I was provided with a complimentary dinner and a tour at the Riverhouse Hotel. These are solely my personal opinions and I was not financially compensated for this post.
I’m obsessed with your dog and selfishly wish said dog was in every picture, but your pictures are so gorgeous anyway, it’s ok! This is such a helpful post too 🙂
Your photos are gorgeous and I am absolutely in love with your dog! Oregon is such a beautiful state! I haven’t been to bend yet, but I can’t wait to!
These look like great places!! Even though I don’t have a dog, I’d still go to the Riverside hotel, what a beautiful location.
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Sounds like you guys had a great time. The photos of your dog are so cute. Does he like to pose for photographs? I haven’t had much of a chance to explore Oregon but the area looks beautiful and I would love to stay in a yurt. The food looks so good too. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
I love your dog! He is such a great model. Oregon is beautiful, I’d love to stay at the Riverside hotel, perfect location!
These are some gorgeous spots! Our home base is Seattle and we just invested in a rooftop tent, so we’re storing up places to explore within driving distance. Of course our pup will be with us, so these are perfect 🙂
We visited the area last summer and really liked it. We tried to camp at Tumalo but it was full, so we found a nice forest service campground just north of there. Sisters is a really cute little tourist town. We hiked a tiny portion of the Pacific Crest trail. The whole area is beautiful and not crowded.
Oh, I’ll have to check out Sisters next time I’m up that way, thanks!
Bend is so amazing, I’ve been there just once, hope to go again…LOVE The pic of the dog and the pancakes..so darn cute!
Valerie
I was in Bend recently and don’t think I visited any of these spots except Smith Rock. Will add these to my list for next time!
Oh I love this! I’m a dog owner and lover myself so this is great! My husband and I always talk about all the places we’d love to bring our pup with us! Gorgeous photos too, I haven’t been to Bend yet, but it’s on the list of course!
This looks amazing. Unfortunately we can’t take our dogs to a lot of places in Australia but things are slowing improving .
Awwww! I’m allergic to dogs (sob), but I love them so much! One day, I hope to find a breed that doesn’t make me come out in hives and then we’ll be best travel buddies and go on adventures like this!
I’m all about that dog friendly destination, since I have a furry sidekick myself. If I ever roadtrip it out to Oregon from Texas, I’m def coming here with my dog!
Hello to Bailey! I wish there were more pet friendly places around the world like these ones in Bend. Some would label their property as pet friendly but don’t really give pets equal importance. Great post!
This is such a nifty post! I love seeing all the accommodation and eatery options on offer and this covers so much! Bend looks so cute and has been on my list for some time. I am sure pet owners appreciate being able to take their best friend along on the vacay!
This is a great guide for anyone with a dog looking to visit Oregon! Your dog must have had such a great time. I think travelling with my dog would be so fun, but short-term international travel with pets is really tricky and my country isn’t too dog-friendly, so we’ll have to settle for parks and dog runs.