Bend, Oregon Wrap-Up [June 2023]

I confess, I created this blogsite for my own selfish reasons. I love to experience the joys of life over and over. Facebook scratched that itch for a while, but I decided that it would be better to store my memories on a platform that I have a little more control over.

Also, it recently occurred to me that compilation posts would be helpful because it would enable me to quickly review what Dale and I did over a complete month or in a particular location. I won’t include some of our smaller activities.

First Week

Explore Bend – We arrived on a Sunday so during the first week, after work, we explored the town and Deschutes River.

Second Week

Sisters, Oregon Parade & Rodeo – On the second Saturday of June we went to nearby town of Sisters to watch the Rodeo Parade and to walk around town. Later that day we went to the High Desert Museum. More.

On Sunday, after attending Joy Church, we went back to Sisters to attend the rodeo.

During the week we played disc golf at the Pine Nursery Disc Course and on Friday evening we had snacks at the Riverside Brew Pub.

Third Week

Tumalo Falls – The following Saturday we hiked the Tumalo Falls Trail. In a two-mile section we enjoyed three falls. Later that day we had pizza at Mondo on Wall Street, then played disc golf at Seventh Mountain Resort. More.

Lava Butte – After church on Sunday, we planned to hike Benham Falls Trail, but got sidetracked by the Lava Butte. We spent the rest of the afternoon there.

The following day we explored the Lava Cave and walked the Benham Falls Trail.

On Thursday we concluded our Newberry Volcanic Adventures by going to the Newberry Caldera, Paulina Peak and an obsidian field. More.

Fourth Week

Smith Rock State Park – On our third Saturday in Bend we headed about an hour north, near Terrebonne, to explore a very unique state park called Smith Rock. I think it is unique because of the extreme focus on it has on rock climbing. More.

Sahalie Falls – For our last Sunday in Bend, we headed to Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls, which are located an hour away, along the West Cascades National Scenic Byway. It was a short but very beautiful trail, with two waterfalls more stunning than any of the other falls we’ve seen. More.

Clear Lake – After Sahalie Falls we went to Clear Lake. Clear Lake is a mountain lake that is primarily fed by snow runoff from nearby Mount Washington and the surrounding areas.

Fifth Week

Crater Lake – The sheer beauty of the crystal-clear, intensely blue waters is a sight that must be seen to be believed.  More.

Mount Bachelor & Todd Lake – After a quick tour of Mount Bachelor, we ended up turning down a gravel road that had a sign declaring we’d find Todd Lake at the end. More.

Fort Rock State Park & Homestead Village – While many people headed to the lake or river, Dale and I spent Independence Day in the Desert! More.