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Our Top 13 Underrated Bend Activities
There are plenty of things to do in Bend beyond craft breweries, downtown strolls, and the city’s most popular attractions. While we love the Old Mill District, Drake Park, and all the classic Bend experiences, some of the area’s best adventures are the ones that don’t make every travel itinerary.
From quiet riverside trails and hidden swimming spots to public art, fascinating museums, and scenic viewpoints, these lesser-known experiences offer a different perspective on Central Oregon. If you’re looking for hidden gems in Bend, Oregon, we’ve rounded up 13 underrated activities that deserve a spot on your next visit.
Explore a Different Side of Bend
Bend’s most popular attractions earn their reputation for a reason, but some of the most memorable experiences happen away from the busiest trails, breweries, and viewpoints. Taking time to explore beyond the usual visitor hotspots can lead to unexpected discoveries, whether that’s a quiet stretch of the Deschutes River, a locally loved coffee shop, or an adventure that most travelers overlook.
For visitors searching for unique things to do in Bend, these local favorites offer a chance to experience the destination from a different perspective.
Our Top 13 Activities to Try in Bend
1. Dillon Falls
Just 20 minutes from Tetherow, Dillon Falls is one of the most rewarding hidden gems in Bend, Oregon. Located along the Deschutes River, the falls offer dramatic views of rushing rapids, lava rock formations, and peaceful hiking trails without the crowds found at some of Bend’s better-known outdoor attractions.
Address: Dillon Falls Day Use Area, Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway
Getting There From Tetherow: Approximately 20 minutes by car via Century Drive and Forest Road 41.
Why Visit: Waterfall views, riverside hiking, photography, and a quieter outdoor experience.
2. Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Many visitors never realize that one of Oregon’s most fascinating volcanic landscapes sits less than 40 minutes from Bend. Explore ancient lava flows, volcanic craters, obsidian fields, and scenic viewpoints throughout this remarkable geological area.
Address: 58201 Highway 97, Bend, OR 97707
Getting There From Tetherow: Approximately 35–40 minutes by car.
Why Visit: Volcanic landscapes, hiking, geological history, and incredible photography opportunities.
3. Oregon Badlands Wilderness
For travelers looking for truly off-the-beaten-path Bend experiences, the Oregon Badlands Wilderness delivers. Ancient juniper forests, unique rock formations, and expansive desert scenery create an entirely different side of Central Oregon.
Address: Oregon Badlands Wilderness Trailhead
Getting There From Tetherow: Approximately 35 minutes by car.
Why Visit: Solitude, hiking, stargazing, and high-desert scenery.
4. Good Dog Loop
Located just minutes from the resort, the Good Dog Loop offers one of the most scenic and peaceful ways to experience the Deschutes River. It’s an excellent choice for guests seeking non-touristy things to do in Bend.
Getting There From Tetherow: Approximately 10 minutes by car.
Why Visit: River views, easy hiking, dog-friendly trails, and fewer crowds.
5. Lone Pine Coffee Roasters
Bend has no shortage of great coffee, but Lone Pine remains a local favorite. Their downtown café serves expertly roasted coffee in a relaxed setting that reflects Bend’s independent spirit.
Address: 910 NW Harriman Street, Suite 150, Bend, OR 97703
Hours: Daily 7am–5pm.
Getting There From Tetherow: Approximately 15 minutes by car.
Why Visit: Locally roasted coffee, pastries, and a true Bend community atmosphere.
6. Riddle Routes
Part scavenger hunt, part walking tour, and part puzzle adventure, Riddle Routes is one of the most unique things to do in Bend. Participants solve clues while exploring local landmarks, public art, and hidden corners of the city. Routes are available year-round and can be completed at your own pace.
Getting There From Tetherow: Most routes begin in downtown Bend, approximately 15 minutes away.
Why Visit: Family-friendly fun, sightseeing, and interactive exploration.
7. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Few drives showcase Central Oregon’s natural beauty quite like the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, forests, and hiking opportunities make this one of the region’s most memorable adventures.
Getting There From Tetherow: Direct access via Century Drive.
Why Visit: Scenic drives, lake recreation, mountain views, and photography.
8. The Last Blockbuster
Bend is home to the world’s last remaining Blockbuster Video store. Equal parts nostalgia trip and pop-culture attraction, it’s become one of the city’s most unexpected landmarks.
Address: 211 NE Revere Avenue, Bend, OR 97701
Getting There From Tetherow: Approximately 15 minutes by car.
Why Visit: Retro nostalgia, unique photo opportunities, and local history.
9. Bend Rock Gym
Whether you’re visiting during winter, escaping a rainy day, or simply looking for something different, Bend Rock Gym offers indoor climbing experiences for all skill levels.
Address: 1182 SE Centennial Court, Bend, OR 97702
Getting There From Tetherow: Approximately 15 minutes by car.
Why Visit: Indoor adventure, family-friendly activities, and climbing lessons.
10. Tin Pan Alley Art Collection
Tucked away in downtown Bend, Tin Pan Alley features a collection of murals, sculptures, and artistic installations that many visitors walk right past. It’s a quick but worthwhile stop for anyone interested in local culture and public art.
Getting There From Tetherow: Approximately 15 minutes by car.
Why Visit: Public art, photography, and discovering a different side of Bend.
11. Explore Bend’s Roundabout Art Route
One of Bend’s most unique attractions isn’t tucked away in a museum, it’s woven throughout the city’s streets. Bend is home to an impressive collection of public sculptures displayed in its roundabouts, making it one of the largest roundabout art programs in the United States.
Download the Roundabout Art Route map from Visit Bend and create your own self-guided tour, stopping to admire works created by local and regional artists. It’s a fun way to discover different neighborhoods while appreciating Bend’s creative community.
Getting There From Tetherow: Many sculptures are located within a 10–15 minute drive of the resort.
Why Visit: Public art, photography, a self-guided sightseeing experience, and one of Bend’s most unique hidden gems.
12. Discover Central Oregon at the High Desert Museum
Just south of Bend, the High Desert Museum offers an immersive look at the wildlife, history, and cultures that have shaped the region. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, watch birds of prey demonstrations, meet native wildlife, and learn about the Indigenous communities and early settlers who helped shape Central Oregon.
Unlike a traditional museum, many exhibits extend outdoors, making it an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages throughout the year.
Address: 59800 US-97, Bend, OR 97702
Getting There From Tetherow: Approximately 10 minutes by car.
Why Visit: Wildlife encounters, regional history, family-friendly exhibits, and one of Central Oregon’s most educational attractions.
13. Step Back in Time at the Deschutes Historical Museum
For a different perspective on Bend, visit the Deschutes Historical Museum in downtown Bend. Housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings, the museum explores Bend’s fascinating history, from its logging roots and railroad expansion to the outdoor lifestyle that defines the region today.
The museum also offers seasonal Historic Downtown Walking Tours, giving visitors the opportunity to discover hidden stories, historic landmarks, and local architecture that are often overlooked.
Address: 129 NW Idaho Avenue, Bend, OR 97703
Getting There From Tetherow: Approximately 15 minutes by car.
Why Visit: Local history, guided walking tours, fascinating exhibits, and a deeper appreciation of Bend beyond its outdoor recreation.
Pair your day out in Bend with a relaxing stay at Tetherow
Whether you’re visiting Bend for the first time or returning to discover somewhere new, these lesser-known experiences showcase a side of the destination that many visitors miss. From scenic trails and local coffee shops to outdoor adventures away from the crowds, they’re proof that some of the best Bend Oregon activities can be found beyond the guidebooks.
Tetherow puts you close to both Bend’s iconic attractions and the hidden corners that make Central Oregon such a rewarding place to explore. After a day spent discovering local favorites and off-the-radar adventures, return to luxury accommodations, championship golf, exceptional dining, and sweeping Cascade Mountain views at Tetherow Resort.