Beat the Winter Blues with a Trip to This Oregon City

Winter is a hard season for me. The chilly, gloomy days impact my mood and make me feel sluggish and drained. Fortunately, I’ve discovered that a change of scenery can do wonders when battling my winter blues, and here in Oregon, I’ve found the perfect snowy escape — the city of Bend. This gorgeous destination sits right along the Deschutes River and near the Cascade Range. It’s beautiful here, especially in the winter, and an incredible place to explore.

I love Oregon’s coast. It holds a very special place in my heart. However, in the winter, Bend is where you’ll find me. This city is located at 3,600 feet in elevation, resulting in plenty of snow. In fact, the average snowfall in Bend is approximately 33 inches, and in some winters, don't be surprised to see even more.

If you want to experience the city during your winter visit, you'll find something for everyone. Foodies will love the many local restaurants and breweries throughout town, and artists can dive into the incredible art scene by visiting one of the many galleries. Museums like the High Desert Museum and the Deschutes Historical Museum are educational and engaging, and the locally-owned shops are where you can find unique souvenirs and one-of-a-kind gifts.

However, one of the things I love most about winter in Bend, Oregon, is the long list of outdoor activities available in the area. For example, you can head to Mt. Bachelor for a day on the slopes. This destination offers incredible ski and snowboard opportunities, as well as snowshoe tours and sled dog rides. It's one of our favorite winter day trip destinations.

You’ll also find several bucket-list-worthy winter hiking trails near Bend, including the Deschutes River Trail. For some breathtaking snowshoe adventures, I recommend heading to a nearby Sno-Park like the Virginia Meissner Sno-Park and the Swampy Lakes Sno-Park. Both areas feature snowshoe-only trails that take you through some of the Beaver State’s natural beauty. Keep in mind that you will need an Oregon Sno-Park Permit to access these areas, and I’d recommend you arrive early, as the parking lots will fill up.

Of course, there are sledding, snowmobiling, and even fat biking opportunities around Bend as well. Just make sure that no matter what winter activity you choose, you pack the appropriate cold-weather gear for your upcoming adventures. You may also want to bring items like sleds and snowshoes so you don’t have to worry about tracking down rentals.

And, if you need someplace cozy to set up camp, Bend has many cozy vacation rentals to consider. There are options ranging from unique homes and cabins to this yurt-style Airbnb just a short drive outside town. Plus, you can bring your entire family along during a stay at this rental — it offers plenty of space for up to six guests.

A change of scenery may be what you need to beat the winter blues. Plan a snowy escape to Bend, Oregon, and see just how much better you feel. For even more things to do in Bend, Oregon, during the winter, check out the Visit Bend website. And if you need personalized suggestions on how to make your trip even more fun, head on over to our itinerary planner.