The Perfect 3-Day Fall Itinerary

Whether you’re arriving midweek or on the weekend, and regardless if this is your first trip to Central Oregon or your 15th, there’s always something special about arriving at Tetherow. Settle into your hotel room or private vacation home before taking a quick tour around the resort to see the amenities, views, and easy access to the great outdoors. You’ll quickly recognize why Tetherow was ranked the No. 1 Resort in the Pacific Northwest (and No. 28 in the world!) in the 2023 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

With so much to do and see, you’ll want to properly fuel for the adventures ahead. Make your way over to The Row – one of Tetherow’s three on-site restaurants – for elevated pub fare served in a casual, family-friendly setting overlooking the golf course and the neighboring mountains. With 12 taps and a full bar, The Row is a great place to indulge in a famous Bleu Diamond Burger, or a hand-crafted cocktail and the signature Tetherow Tacos. 

As the evening winds down and you prepare yourself for the coming adventure, be sure to spend a few extra minutes outside; Where the crisp fall air, starry night sky, and unmistakable fragrance of the high desert will tantalize your senses. But don’t stay out too late, tomorrow will be a busy day.

After you rise to greet the day, head downtown, and be sure to take a stroll along the Deschutes River as it passes through iconic Drake Park. Once downtown, you’ll find an upbeat and welcoming atmosphere, with local retailers and one-of-a-kind treasures, interspersed with plenty of dining and drinking establishments.

Ready to Ride? With several miles of paved and dirt trails on property, plus direct access to literally hundreds of miles of singletrack in and around the Phil’s Trail complex, you don’t have to venture far from Tetherow to meet your goals for miles or minutes on any given day. Bring your bikes or rent from Sagebrush Cycles, and check out the endless miles of dirt trails that run through the resort and into the Deschutes National Forest. For a more leisurely experience, take your bikes around the 3-mile loop of the resort grounds.

If walking or running are your passions, the nearby Deschutes River Trail has numerous access points and is a popular area to explore and view wildlife. One stretch in particular – the 3-mile Old Mill District loop – leads path users through the site of what was once the largest pine sawmill in the world. Today, The Old Mill District is a hub for shopping and entertainment, with restaurants, boutiques, national brands, and the Hayden Homes Amphitheater.

To ease any tired or sore muscles, visit Tetherow Sport, our full-service fitness center offering exercise equipment and classes, steam rooms, saunas, a heated outdoor pool, two outdoor hot tubs, and cozy fire pits for relaxing. As your appetite beckons, end the day with a fine dining meal at Solomon’s — a delicious farm-to-table experience.

Watch the sun rise over Pilot Butte from the comfort of your room before starting your last day in Bend at Thump, a locally-owned café and coffee roaster with several locations around town. If scrumptious baked goods are your scene, you’ll enjoy a taste of OG Bend at Nancy P’s Cafe & Bakery, which has been open on the west side for more than 20 years. Grab a savory pocket, a slice of quiche, or other delicious treats before heading out to your next stop.

Bend (and Tetherow) are dog-friendly — woof! Just be sure to let us know about your furry friends when making your reservation. Your pooch will love the short hike to Tumalo Falls, where the vibrant aspens are in full glory this time of year, casting a golden glow across the landscape. With so much easily accessed natural beauty, this area attracts beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. Take photos from the viewpoint overlooking the falls, or continue up the North Fork trail and discover a series of other, smaller waterfalls further upstream. Local’s advice: The parking area can fill up fast, so get out early.

For a more relaxed afternoon, or if Tumalo Falls parking is full, head to Shevlin Park, a tranquil haven adorned with the mesmerizing hues of fall aspens and brilliant larch trees. Take a stroll amidst the colorful foliage, allowing the peaceful ambiance of the forest and Tumalo Creek to rejuvenate your senses. Bend, Oregon, truly offers a perfect blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

While Bend is appealing in any season, fall is truly a magical experience, and is widely regarded as our “secret season” for the weather, activities, and uncrowded vibe. And whether you choose to fly or load up the car for a roadtrip, make Tetherow your fall vacation destination — autumn in Bend is not to be missed!

If you still need more convincing, take a look at recent Fall blog articles here and get ready for an incredible getaway!