Deschutes County, Oregon Travel Guide

Discover Deschutes County: A blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and endless outdoor adventures in the heart of Oregon.

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Deschutes County

Deschutes County, located in the heart of Oregon, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, the county offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. From hiking and mountain biking in the Deschutes National Forest to fishing and kayaking in the pristine waters of the Deschutes River, there's something for everyone. The area is also famous for its stunning volcanic formations, including the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which provides a unique glimpse into the region's geological past. Bend, the largest city in Deschutes County, is a vibrant hub for culture and cuisine. The city's lively downtown area is filled with charming shops, local breweries, and top-notch restaurants. Bend is also a gateway to numerous outdoor adventures, with easy access to the Cascade Mountains and the Smith Rock State Park. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors or enjoy a relaxing day in the city, Bend offers the perfect balance of both. For those interested in history and culture, Deschutes County has plenty to offer. The High Desert Museum in Bend provides fascinating exhibits on the region's natural and cultural history. Meanwhile, the Old Mill District, once a bustling hub of the timber industry, has been transformed into a modern shopping and entertainment district. Visitors can also explore the area's rich Native American heritage by visiting nearby sites and learning about the traditions and history of the indigenous peoples who have called this region home for thousands of years.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Deschutes County.

Visit during the spring or fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Try the local craft beers in Bend; the city is known for its breweries.
Spend a day exploring the Newberry National Volcanic Monument for unique geological sights.
Check out the High Desert Museum to learn about local history and wildlife.
Pack layers; weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Top City Travel Guides in Deschutes County

The cities of Deschutes County, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Bend

Destinations in Deschutes County

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Smith Rock State Park

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Explore Deschutes County: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Deschutes County

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Crater Lake National Park

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, a stunning natural wonder with deep blue waters and diverse outdoor adventures.

4.9

Smith Rock State Park

Explore Smith Rock State Park, a stunning natural wonder in Oregon, perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and enjoying breathtaking landscapes.

4.9

Deschutes National Forest

Discover the stunning landscapes and diverse outdoor activities at Deschutes National Forest, Oregon's premier natural wonder for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

4.8

High Desert Museum

Discover the High Desert Museum: A captivating journey through art, history, and nature in Bend, Oregon, perfect for travelers of all ages.

4.8

Best landmarks in Deschutes County

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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High Desert Museum

Explore the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon—where art, history, and nature come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.8

Lava River Cave

Discover the wonders of the Lava River Cave, an awe-inspiring volcanic formation near Bend, Oregon, perfect for adventurous tourists seeking geological marvels.

4.7

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Explore the breathtaking volcanic landscapes and rich geological history at Newberry National Volcanic Monument near Bend, Oregon.

4.7

Three Sisters Viewpoint

Experience the stunning beauty of the Three Sisters Viewpoint in Bend, Oregon, a must-visit scenic spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

4.8

Best restaurants in Deschutes County

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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Old Mill District

Discover shopping, dining, art galleries, and outdoor fun in Bend's beautiful Old Mill District along the Deschutes River.

4.5

McMenamins Old St. Francis School

Experience the unique blend of history and modern comfort at McMenamins Old St. Francis School in Bend, Oregon – where every corner tells a story.

4.6

Spork

Discover Spork in Bend - where eclectic flavors meet creative comfort food in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.6

Black Bear Diner Bend

Discover hearty American comfort food at Black Bear Diner in Bend—perfect for families and food lovers alike.

3.9

Best bars in Deschutes County

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Best Bars

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Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House

Discover the vibrant craft beer scene at Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House, where every sip and bite celebrates local flavors.

4.5

Bangers & Brews - Westside

Explore the diverse flavors of Argentinian, British, and German cuisine at Bangers & Brews in Bend, Oregon, a family-friendly gastropub.

4.9

McMenamins Pub at Old St. Francis School

Experience the charm of McMenamins Pub at Old St. Francis School in Bend, Oregon, where history meets delicious American cuisine and craft brews.

4.6

Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails

Discover the best of Cajun and American cuisine at Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails, a must-visit restaurant in Bend, Oregon.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Deschutes County

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San Simón

Experience the vibrant underground bar culture at San Simón in Bend, Oregon, featuring unique cocktails and a lively ambiance perfect for socializing.

4.8

Peppertree Pub (located inside Best Western)

Discover the lively Peppertree Pub in Bend, Oregon - a perfect place to unwind with delicious food and drinks inside the Best Western Premier.

3.9

SEVEN

Discover the electrifying nightlife at SEVEN, Bend's top night club featuring live music, comedy acts, and a chic lounge atmosphere for unforgettable evenings.

3.0

Best shops in Deschutes County

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Old Mill District

Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and culture at Bend's Old Mill District along the scenic Deschutes River.

4.5

Cascade Village Shopping Center

Discover a vibrant shopping experience at Cascade Village Shopping Center in Bend, Oregon, with unique shops, diverse dining options, and a charming village atmosphere.

4.2

Bend River Promenade

Discover the Bend River Promenade - your ultimate shopping and dining destination in the heart of Bend, Oregon, with scenic views and local charm.

4.2

Bend Factory Outlet Stores

Discover unbeatable deals and a variety of brand-name stores at Bend Factory Outlet Stores, the ultimate shopping destination in Bend, Oregon.

4.1

Explore Deschutes County on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Deschutes County, mapped for you.

Deschutes County Essentials

Deschutes County is located in central Oregon. The nearest major airport is Roberts Field (RDM) in Redmond, which is roughly 20 miles north of Bend, the county seat. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use ride-sharing services to reach your destination. Alternatively, you can drive to Deschutes County from Portland, a trip of approximately 3.5 hours via US-26 E and US-97 S.
Public transportation within Deschutes County is primarily serviced by Cascades East Transit (CET), offering bus routes connecting major towns like Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. For more flexibility, renting a car is recommended, especially if you plan to explore the scenic areas like the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway or Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Biking is also popular, with numerous bike-friendly trails and lanes.
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or in remote areas. ATMs are readily available in towns like Bend and Redmond.
Deschutes County is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it's advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables in your car, especially in remote parking areas. Bend and Redmond have low crime rates, but like any area, it's wise to stay alert, especially at night.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. St. Charles Medical Center in Bend is the largest medical facility in the area. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies and urgent care centers throughout the county. It's also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress in layers as the weather can change quickly. Outdoor wear is common, especially hiking boots and jackets. Religion: Do respect the diverse religious practices if you visit places of worship. Public Transport: Do have exact change or a bus pass for CET buses. Don't expect public transport to run late into the night. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local craft beers and regional wines. Don't forget to tip, generally 15-20% in restaurants.
To experience Deschutes County like a local, visit the farmers' markets in Bend or Redmond for fresh produce and local crafts. Explore the numerous craft breweries on the Bend Ale Trail. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Deschutes River Trail offers fantastic hiking and biking opportunities. If you're visiting in winter, Mt. Bachelor is a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding.

When is the best time to visit Deschutes County?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Deschutes County

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Deschutes County. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey there
  [hey thair]
- GoodbyeCatch you later
  [kach yoo layter]
- YesYep
  [yehp]
- NoNah
  [nah]
- Please/You're welcomeNo worries
  [no wurries]
- Thank youThanks a bunch
  [thangs a bunch]
- Excuse me/SorryMy bad
  [my bad]
- How are you?How's it going?
  [hows it goin?]
- Fine. And you?Doing good, you?
  [dooing good, yoo?]
- Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [yoo speak English?]
- I don't understandI’m not getting it
  [im not getting it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?
  [can I see the menu?]
- I don't eat meatI'm a vegetarian
  [im a vege-tair-ee-an]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
- I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?
  [can I get the check?]
- Help!Help!
  [help]
- Go away!Leave me alone!
  [leave me alone]
- Call the Police!Call 911!
  [call nine-one-one]
- Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
  [get a doctor]
- I'm lostI'm turned around
  [im turned around]
- I'm illI’m not feeling well
  [im not feeling well]
- I'd like to buy...I want to buy...
  [I want to buy...]
- I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [just browsing]
- How much is it?What’s the price?
  [whats the price?]
- That's too expensiveThat’s a bit pricey
  [thats a bit pricy]
- Can you lower the price?Can you make it cheaper?
  [can you make it cheaper?]
- What time is it?What’s the time?
  [whats the time?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
- Half past (10)Half past ten
  [half past ten]
- MorningMorning
  [morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [afternoon]
- EveningEvening
  [evening]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [yesterday]
- TodayToday
  [today]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [tomorrow]
- 1One
  [one]
- 2Two
  [two]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [seven]
- 8Eight
  [eight]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres the?]
- What's the address?What’s the address?
  [whats the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?
  [can you point it out?]
- When's the next (bus)?When’s the next bus?
  [whens the next bus?]
- A ticket (to ....)One ticket to...
  [one ticket to...]

History of Deschutes County

Before European settlers arrived, the area now known as Deschutes County was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Northern Paiute, Wasco, and Warm Springs tribes. These tribes lived off the land, fishing in the Deschutes River, hunting in the forests, and gathering roots and berries.
In the early 19th century, fur trappers from the Hudson's Bay Company and other trading enterprises began to explore the region. These trappers were among the first Europeans to make contact with the native tribes and navigate the Deschutes River, which they named 'Riviere des Chutes' or 'River of the Falls'.
During the mid-19th century, the Oregon Trail brought thousands of settlers through the area. While Deschutes County wasn't a primary stop, many pioneers passed by on their way to the fertile Willamette Valley, leaving behind trails and settlements that shaped the region's development.
Bend, the county seat of Deschutes County, was founded in 1905. Initially a small logging town, Bend quickly grew due to its strategic location near the Deschutes River, which provided a steady flow of water necessary for mill operations and other industries.
In the early 20th century, the timber industry boomed in Deschutes County. Large mills, such as Shevlin-Hixon and Brooks-Scanlon, were established, drawing thousands of workers to the area and greatly contributing to the local economy. The industry played a significant role in shaping the county’s infrastructure and community.
During World War II, Camp Abbot was established near Sunriver as a training center for combat engineers. The camp operated from 1942 to 1944, training thousands of soldiers in skills necessary for constructing bridges, roads, and other military infrastructure. Today, remnants of Camp Abbot can still be seen, and the area has been transformed into the Sunriver Resort.
In the latter half of the 20th century, Deschutes County began to transform into a hub for tourism and outdoor recreation. The region's natural beauty, including the Cascade Mountains, Deschutes River, and numerous lakes and forests, attracted visitors for activities such as skiing, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. This shift significantly boosted the local economy and shaped the county's modern identity.
In recent years, Bend and the surrounding areas have gained recognition for their vibrant craft beer scene. The Bend Ale Trail, a self-guided tour of local breweries, has become a major attraction. The craft beer industry has flourished, adding a unique cultural element to Deschutes County and drawing beer enthusiasts from around the world.