GPS Coordinates: 44.0611151, -121.3846843

​REGIONS > CENTRAL OREGON

Located on the east side of the Cascade Mountains along the banks of the Deschutes River, native people used this area for fishing and hunting long before the arrival of Euro-Americans. Pioneers and survey parties from the eastern United States first entered the region in the early 1800s, but the town of Bend wouldn't be formally established for almost another century. In those early days, the town (with a population of only 300), was a primarily a way-station for travelers heading to the Willamette Valley.

Today, Bend is the largest city in Central Oregon. It is often referred to as the gateway to Oregon's High Desert, but in fact Bend is uniquely situated to provide access to mountains, riparian areas, deserts, badlands, woodlands and forests. The weather is mild for most of the year with cool nights and warm, sunny days. Snow is common during the winter, particularly in the nearby mountains. For these reasons, Bend is a popular destination point for outdoor enthusiasts and tourism is the area's number one industry.

Related Features:

Landmark Place: High Desert Museum: The High Desert Museum uses elements of both the natural and cultural history to provide a holistic examination of what the area looked like in the past and what challenges are ahead for a sustainable future.

​Let's Skateboard: Join Gordon Boehm and his students at the Bearings Skateboarding Academy in Bend, Oregon, for this look at getting started with skateboarding.

Exploring the Bend Area:

Representative Species for the Bend Area:

Suggested Activities for Bend: