Bend, Oregon

[SHRED]

We're going to spend about 2.5 weeks camping and visiting the Bend area in May.
Any "must see" places we shouldn't miss?

[EveHammond13]

1. Brasada Ranch, Newberry National Volcanic Monument and High Desert Museum

[nilram]

13. +10 to the latter two; haven't been to the first

I'll add it to my list

[CentralMass]

2. 25 Best Things to Do in Bend, Oregon

https://vacationidea.com/destinations/best-things-to-do-in-bend-or.html

[ZZenith]

3. If you've never been to Crater Lake that is a MUST see.

Bit of a drive, but 2.5 weeks, yeah?

[flying rabbit]

4. Second this one.

Don't miss it.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. Yes to Crater Lake.

On a trip to Oregon a decade or so ago, I made a day trip to Crater Lake and it was a highlight of a truly wonderful visit to that great state.

Oh, and the best part about being in Oregon is that you are NEVER out of range of an NPR station. If you're driving in mountains and one station fades out, trust me, another one is already in range.

[ZZenith]

8. Wasn't all that excited about seeing it on a trip down to the redwoods

but it turned out to be the highlight of the trip. I will never forget the experience of cresting the hill when we got our first sight of the lake and every jaw in the car hit the floor. No photo can ever do it justice - it is a singular color of blue that seems to be unreproduceable. And then, when you are down at the water you can toss a rock into it and see it until it disappears, as though you’d dropped it into thin air, so crystal clear is the water. It’s truly one of the wonders of the world.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

11. So true.

I spent an hour or so on the patio of the one hotel on the lake. Someday I'd like to spend a day or two there. Then I drove the entire circumference of the lake, and I'm very glad I did so.

[jalan48]

5. Take the old highway, #242, toward Eugene and there are some amazing lava flows.

[cilla4progress]

7. Little town of

Sisters nearby. And yes, Dee Wright Observatory in McKenzie Pass!!

[marble falls]

16. Really great quilt shop in Sisters.

[mommymarine2003]

9. Smith Rock State Park

This park is not too far from Bend. It is beautiful and has nice hiking trails.

[Farmgirl1961]

10. Things to do and see in Bend

In addition to everyone else's excellent suggestions, there's a good chance that there will be plenty of snow in the mountains (this winter has been a wopper!). You might consider renting some snowshoes, some nordic skis, or alpine ski at either Mt. Bachelor or Hoodoo. Sometime in May, after the McKenzie highway is plowed, it is closed to vehicles, but opened for bicyclists. You can rent a bicycle in Sisters and make the uphill ride to the Dee Wright Observatory.

Smith Rock (must see!). Warms Springs has a really interestering museum. There are always lots of music events and all sorts of activities, so pick yourself up a Source and see what's going on. Catching a movie at McMenamins is fun. Tons of breweries; take a tour of Deschutes Brewery!

We have a vintage travel trailer that we Airbnb (1956 El Rey).

[WhiteTara]

12. There are som ewonderful hot springs there

and you shouldn't miss them.
https://thatoregonlife.com/2015/05/soak-it-up-5-amazing-hot-springs-in-oregon/

[akraven]

14. Columbia Gorge.

and go north - to Dry Falls! Enjoy.

[Thunderbeast]

15. Go hiking at Smith Rocks.

Take the trail over the top and return via the Crooked River. TAKE WATER!

https://goo.gl/images/GJRnH3