40. Bend, Oregon

By now you have probably gleaned that I am a fan of the Northwest.  I grew up in Idaho, my wife grew up in Washington and now my parents live in Oregon so I’m familiar with all those states. I lived in Eastern Idaho for years so to get back North I had to travel through Montana and, of course, I was close to Wyoming so I went there often as well.

            One particular small town that I have watched boom into a small city is Bend, Oregon. The growing pains of the city have removed much of the typical small town friendliness of the Northwest and I do regret that. But one thing about the place that has not been destroyed and that I love about Bend is its proximity to the mountains and desert. It’s definitely a desert city, but it sits in a Juniper forest that gradually gives way to Ponderosa Pines right within the city limits. If you travel a few miles north or east (I mean like Redmond or the east side of the city) you are in Great Basin sage brush desert. If you drive a few miles west you are in the Cascades and able to ski down Mt. Bachelor.

            It is this vast array of landscapes, constant sunny dry weather and complete four seasons that has lead the town to grow into the little city it is. Dot-commers have moved here from the east, people tired of the coastal drizzle have moved over the hill and, like all the Northwest, Californians have moved north for the quieter, slow paced life.

            The place abounds in outdoor activities from skiing and hiking to white water rafting. The city has a variety of micro breweries and an array of shopping.  And it isn’t far from Crater Lake either. While I don’t spend a lot of time in Bend, I do enjoy my trips there and the surrounding areas. While I wouldn’t want to jump ship and move there, I am thankful that communities like Bend are around. I’m thankful for Bend and if you get the time I’d recommend a visit.