Bend, Oregon – May 29, 2023
On Memorial Day 2023, I ventured southeast in just under six hours to visit Bend, Oregon and its surroundings, an area that had been on my bucket list to visit. I began my trip at 6 a.m.; fortunately, I was heading toward Bend, not departing. About an hour after entering Oregon, the traffic in the opposite direction, after the holiday weekend, seemed relentless! On the way, I was treated to views of Mt. Hood, the highest peak in Oregon, and as I got closer to Bend, to westerly vistas of the Three Sisters, closely spaced volcanic peaks that are the third, fourth and fifth highest peaks in Oregon (see photo below).
We reached Bend just before noon. After a short stop at Safeway to pick up some provisions, Sophie and I headed for a picnic along the beach of the Deschutes River. The riverfront was delightful, with people and pets picnicking on the grass, paddling in the water, or traversing along the river path. After lunch, Sophie and I meandered along the river path to take in even more views.
About 2 p.m., I felt delighted to enter the air-conditioned condo I rented along the river. Below are views near our lodging along the river where Sophie and I enjoyed even more walks during our stay. I’d heard great things about Bend already and now could better understand why people chose to make Bend their home!
Newberry National Volcanic Monument – May 30, 2023
On day two of my trek to Bend, I left Sophie to relax at the condo and ventured about an hour south on Highway (HW) 97 to check out the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The monument, within the boundaries of the Deschutes National Forest, was dedicated in November 1990 and includes over 54,000 acres of incredible lava flows and other neat geological features.
My first stop was to explore Lava Land on the west side of HW 97. The relatively short trek along the Trail of the Molten Land to the Phil Brogan Viewpoint was utterly enjoyable on this clear spring day. After taking my time here, I headed south on HW 97 for a few minutes before heading east just a little way to visit Paulina Falls and the Big Obsidian Flow. I learned the Obsidian Flow is the youngest lava flow in Oregon, at about 1300 years old. It was a delight to view both the falls and the flow in such idyllic weather and to practically have them both to myself!
Mt. Bachelor and Scenic Lakes – May 30, 2023
After my adventure to the Newberry National Volcanic National Monument, I headed back to Bend for a couple hours to enjoy lunch and a river walk with Sophie. Feeling the urge to explore once more, I headed 22 miles southwest of Bend on Century Drive (part of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway) to discover the beautiful surroundings around Mt. Bachelor. This mountain, in the eastern segment of Oregon’s high Cascade Mountain Range, is an inactive volcano, and interestingly enough, received its name “Bachelor” because it stands separate from the Three Sisters. Neat!
Although closed for the season, the Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort lies on the northern side of Mt. Bachelor. What’s even more interesting about the area is the number of sparkling lakes to the west side of Mt. Bachelor that make this area a recreation paradise! It was truly enjoyable to stop along the highway (see photo below of mountain views) to view the crystal blue water of Sparks Lake (seven miles from Mt. Bachelor), along with Devils Lake, Elk Lake, Hosmer Lake and Lava Lake, each with their unique characteristics. I was particularly fond of the Lava Lake Resort with its wonderful camping and boating facilities (see beach photo below). I hope to return one summer day to explore the trails in this area and camp out at one of the lakes!
Have you been to Central Oregon or to Bend, or are you planning a first visit in your future? If so, I’d love to hear from you!
Don’t go yet! Check out day three (May 31, 2023) of my trek to Oregon in my post about Crater Lake National Park.