Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1079232
I 've never had the urge to struggle my way up a granite face, fingers clutching for a hold in a crevice, praying not to surprise a sunning snake. But I love to watch people fluidly climbing a giant rock, fading to neon pinpoints as they reach the top. And Smith Rock State Park in Central Oregon, America's birthplace of sport climbing, offers plenty of opportunities to climb, or to hike along the Crooked River while other people do the more strenuous work. Smith Rock is just one of the many outdoor activities that draw people to Bend, Oregon, and its environs. In a state with a reputation for forests and rain, the high desert and smell of sagebrush is a surprise. The open space of Central Oregon is home to elk, black bear, bobcats, antelope, river otters, and more than 100 kinds of birds. It's far from big cities and traffic jams. In fact, Bend isn't even on a major highway. For people who enjoy an uncrowded trip into nature, it's the perfect getaway. Exploring Bend Visitors who want to climb Smith Rock and hike the trails of Deschutes National Forest find Bend a convenient Central Oregon headquarters. The city of 95,000 caters to tourists, with all categories of lodging and plenty of restaurants. Walking around downtown Bend is perfect for people who want to visit an old-fashioned American downtown, but have no wish to time travel to pre-espresso-on-every-corner days. Bend retains many century-old buildings, now repurposed as boutiques, cafes, and outdoor stores. The Tower Theater, built in 1940, now features concerts, comedy, and live theater. Bend has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, as evidenced by the many dedicated and hopeful startups that storm the Tower Theater for the annual Bend Venture Conference. Evidence of entrepreneurship and collaboration is everywhere, with a Bend flavor. The 9th Street Village complex mixes coworking space for makers and artisans with retail, food carts, classes, and entertainment. Crow's Feet Commons is a haven for outdoorsy types, where you can get your ski boots fitted, check out custom mountain and road bikes, and taste Oregon beers. Bend is home to outdoor gear companies like Metolius Climbing and Ruffwear, which makes backpacks for dogs. If you want to live the Bend lifestyle wherever you call home, the Bend-based Cairn subscription box for outdoor enthusiasts delivers a monthly surprise box of energy bars, first aid supplies, and camping gear to your door. Outdoor Living When my husband and I visit Bend, our activities focus on things we can do with Rudy, our beloved Keeshond. Fortunately, Bend loves dogs, so it's easy to find places that welcome canines. Walking along river trails is a family favorite — beautiful, not usually too steep, and we don't have to carry extra water for a thirsty dog. It's hard to find a more beautiful river than the Deschutes, which starts in the Cascades and flows north to Bend before emptying into the Columbia. For thousands of years, Native Americans used the river as an important route. In the 1800s, pioneers on the Oregon Trail followed the river. We walked a few miles along the Deschutes on our most recent trip in November, starting at Riverbend Park. A giant flower- shaped sculpture rises from the parking lot, made of red, orange, and yellow kayaks for the petals and paddles for the stamen. Like all notable works of public art, "Yakaya" by Seattle artist Troy Pillow has stirred debate among locals since it was erected in 2010. Is it ugly? Is it cool? I like it. And it certainly makes it easy to remember where you parked your car. This nationally recognized Wild and Scenic River is a real treasure to have running through your town. It's popular with kayakers and tubers in warmer months, and trail runners year-round. Outside magazine dubbed Bend "America's Best Trail Running Town," thanks to 51 miles of in-town trails. Left Photo & Right Top Photo: Pete Alport/Visit Bend; Right Bottom Photo: Byron Roe Photography/Bend Ale Trail