The final installment of the PNW series is here! Phew, its been a writing whirlwind. There is just so much to share about this beautiful area of the country. There was also a trip to Vancouver, BC but I will leave that one out, maybe for another time! A future Canada series?
So Bend is in the high desert of Oregon and its such a beautiful place. Its a mixture of dry desert-like landscape set against mountains, streams, and greenery. A beautiful contrast all found in one place or within an hour of this one place. With the Deschutes National Forest and several major snow-peaked mountains as its backdrop, its an outdoor lovers paradise! Once you throw in the craft beer, you just want to move there! We stayed in a lovely Air BnB in “Old Bend” and everything was so easily accessible. It didn’t feel like a town of 80,000+ people and there are tons of great restaurants and cafes. I am going to focus on my two favorite aspects though; hiking and beer 🙂
The Hiking
- Deschutes River Trail – I ran 6 miles on the river trail my first morning in Bend. It runs along the River, on both sides at certain points, and has gaps where it picks back up again, but I hopped on at the Old Mill District and ran South until the trail crosses a bridge and forces you to head back into the city. You run on paved paths for a while until leaving Farewell Bend park then it turns into high desert greenery on a rocky path. The entire route is gorgeous but the few miles on the dirt path are what its all about. You can catch views of Mount Bachelor in the distance. If not for a run, definitely worth a morning or evening walk!
- Tumalo Falls –
a powerful 97 foot waterfall in the Deschutes National Forest located about a 20 minute drive from Bend. You have to traverse a gravel road for about two miles and parking is scarce so I suggest going early. But, when you arrive its just a short jaunt, literally a 10th of a mile, to the lower viewing platform where I took this photo. You can then continue, another 10th of a mile or so, up to the upper viewing platform where you can feel the mist off the falls and watch the water as it transitions from a stream to cascading ove
r the edge. I caught this lovely rainbow in the mist! Multiple paths continue on from that platform but we found they just follow the stream and don’t really afford any spectacular vistas. Some people have also figured out how to get to the base of the waterfall and sneak behind it for sweet photos!
Pilot Butte – Pilot Butte is an old 500 foot tall cinder cone (aka once active but now extinct volcanic vent) literally in the middle of Bend! They actually shoot their 4th of July fireworks off the butte. Its also a State Park though and provides a fun strenuous hike that spirals the cone and leads to an insane 360 degree view of the city, surrounding land, and mountains that are hours away. In this shot you can see Sister’s mountains and Mount Bachelor in the distance. On the hike you’ll see ancient Juniper trees and birds soaring. Be prepared though, its a dusty a** path. But worth it, because after you kick your butt on the hike you are right in the city to head to a brewery to reward yourself!- Smith Rock State Park – This place is like a whole other world. Its a river oasis surrounded by rocky cliffs in the middle of farmland. Its popular for rock climbers because of the famous Monkeyface rock and has some great hiking routes. I think the best was going straight up Misery Ridge! A 700 foot ascent on switchbacks leading to insane views for miles and the perfect angle to see why Monkeyface got its name! It is a must-see while in Bend, but wear sunscreen and pack water because there is no shade on this hike! You can go back down Misery Ridge if short on time or continue around the long way for a full 3.5-4 mile hike. I am just going to share a few photos below.
View of the canyon from the parking lot. You’ll continue down into the canyon and cross a footbridge to start on the Misery Ridge Trail. 
A color-filtered shot from about half-way up Misery Ridge showing the contrast in greenery. The river clearly has an effect on the lushness of the grass around it! 
The view looking west after summiting. Mounts Bachelor and Sisters in the distance. There are wineries down there too! 
Turn the corner and you’ll see the famous Monkeyface! I am sure you can see how it gets its name. And there are climbers out too, can you see them? 
If not, you can now! These guys are fearless. Right in the monkey’s mouth!
The Beer
Deschutes – Good food and a delicious porter. Nothing else there really struck me as spectacular but I really liked the elk burger I had!
Bend Brewing – Honorable mention. Not amazing beer or food but its a nice little spot down on the river and felt pretty cozy on a weekday evening. I did enjoy the Pilsner.
10 Barrel – We didn’t get to try it but I’ve heard from a reputable source, my brother, that its good!
Crux Fermentation Project – I saved the best for last. Crux has, by far, some of the best craft beer I’ve ever tasted. I was so impressed with their brews that I actually took down notes on each of the 12 beers I tried! And the food is spectacular to top it off, like mouth-watering delicious. They have an amazing set-up with a dining room and table-service inside and then a yard with food trucks and lawn games outside. Such a fun vibe. I actually bought a t-shirt. I haven’t done that at a brewery since Wicked Weed in Asheville, NC a year ago. I am going to give you the run-down of what I think were their best beers. And they don’t distribute to very many places, especially anywhere on the east coast, so you will just have to try for yourself! Since they do flights of 6, here are my 6 faves from light to dark:
Off Leash IPA – I don’t even typically like IPAs and this one was, quote, “Off the chain”.
Crystal Blonde Ale – a perfect crisp refreshing summertime beer.
Porter – Delicious with strong notes and flavors of chocolate.
X Bock – This beer blew my mind. I took one sip and said “I f**king love this beer.” A delicious weiss bock (dark German wheat beer) that smelled strongly of banana and clove but had a strong bock finish with complex flavors.
Bert Scotch Ale – Strong and full-bodied. I think my husband would love this one as a lover of red and brown ales.
Imperial Farmhouse – as a lover of the saisson/farmhouse I really liked this one. It was my favorite after the X Bock. Good spiciness!
Thats my take on Bend, I hope you enjoy the photos and go see it for yourself one day! If you already have, then like me, I am sure you want to go back!
