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The Best of Bend: Insider Tips for Hiking, Skiing, Dining and Downtown Fun

Here’s What We Love to Do in Beautiful Bend, Oregon

Bend truly has a lot to offer. From exploring the great outdoors behind the wheel of an ATV to grabbing a beer with friends, something can fill your calendar every day. From summer to winter, spring to fall, below are some of our favorite activities that make Bend, Bend.

Octane Adventures ATV Trip — Octane Adventures | Photo by Cody Rheault

Hiking and Backpacking

Let’s start small, and then expand to the surrounding area. In Bend, we’re fortunate that trails literally touch the edges of town. Many Bendites can even walk to these trails from home.

The Deschutes River Trail

Stretching from the north end of Bend to Sunriver, the Deschutes River Trail (DRT) is a hometown favorite. Linking the nearly 20 miles of the trail can be tricky. Different segments leave you on one side of the river or the other. But, with proper maps and the occasional walk through a neighborhood, it can be done.

Most of us have our favorite “reaches” of the DRT. Several of them cut through spectacular sections of Bend, following the river as it winds through the city. Others are on the edges, such as the South Canyon Reach, which feels like you left the city entirely and entered the forest.

Hiking in the Cascade Range

In Bend, it feels like we can reach out and touch the mountains. The neighboring Cascade Range to the west offers both spectacular views and phenomenal hiking.

Perhaps the most popular mountain in the Central Oregon Cascades is Bend’s Mt. Bachelor. Aside from winter skiing and the summer mountain bike park, Bachelor offers a few hiking trails, including the new Evergreen trail. Evergreen climbs just over 1,300 feet in 4.5 miles with a consistent grade, easy terrain, and striking viewpoints.

If you are looking for a bit more of a challenge, there are miles of trails in the Three Sisters Wilderness area. Whether you are just looking for an out-and-back or want to summit South Sister or Broken Top, the endless options create a “choose your own adventure” scenario.

Three hikers exploring three sisters wilderness — Photo Benjamin Krause

Backpacking

Turn a day hike into an overnighter or even a multi-day adventure! Countless loops between lakes are found throughout the surrounding forest. The Pacific Crest Trail is also nearby, just make sure you have proper permits when required.

The Deschutes River

Bend wouldn’t exist without the Deschutes River. It cuts through the middle of town and once upon a time, the Deschutes was a crucial part of Bend’s logging industry. Beyond some of the best fishing in the state, the river is still vital for life in Bend.

The river’s whitewater welcomes many kayakers and rafting enthusiasts. For a mellower option, try the perfect river float. From just south of the Old Mill to Bend’s Whitewater Park. Just past the Colorado Bridge, the currents pick up for a moment. Stay to the left side of the river to float through the easier rapids and avoid river surfers, then you’ll be cruising.

Mountain Biking

Central Oregon has roughly 700 miles of singletrack, with the lion’s share in Bend. The majority of these trails fall on the west side, where the city bleeds into the Cascade slopes. Trailheads like Phil’s and Wanoga are summer launching points, but mountain bikers head east to Maston or Horse Ridge Trailheads when the snow flies.

Bend is also very fortunate to have a bike park less than 30 minutes from town. Mt. Bachelor Bike Park runs from early summer to early fall. It offers some of the best gravity riding for professionals and beginners.

New Evergreen Trail at Mt. Bachelor — Photo courtesy of Mt. Bachelor

Skiing and Snowboarding

We can’t mention Mt. Bachelor without talking about the world-class skiing and snowboarding. The 7th largest resort in North America, Mt. Bachelor has 101 different runs spread out across 4,300 skiable acres. Twelve different lifts are scattered around the mountain, including a summit lift that allows skiers and snowboarders to descend a tremendous 3,300 feet.

A thriving Nordic skiing community is also found on the mountain. Many choose to ditch the lifts and “skin” up the hill to tackle the mountain’s backcountry terrain on the way down.

Photo credit: Max Rhulen, Skier: Cody Winters

Food and Beer

After getting off the trails or a day on the river, locals head to one of their favorite spots for beer and a bite.

El Sancho and Parrilla Grill have authentic Mexican street food and margaritas that may change your life. Check out Salute in downtown Bend for classic Italian dishes. For the traditional burger and beer combo, visit one of the countless breweries around town. Time it right, and stop in during happy hour.

Food Truck Pods

The easiest way to feed everyone is to head to one of Bend’s many food truck pods. Enjoy dishes from around the world. Nearly every food truck pod in Bend surrounds a taphouse where you can try different beers, both local and from abroad. Some taphouses feature 40 beers, ciders, CBD drinks, and wines, with constantly rotating taps. Check out our online dining guide for the best dining options Central Oregon has to offer.

Downtown Bend, Oregon

With food, shopping, and festivals, downtown Bend constantly has something going on. Every Wednesday during the summer hosts the Farmer’s Market, followed by Saturday’s Artisans Market, which runs year-round. There is also the First Friday Art Walk every month.

Walk the streets of downtown during summer and fall festivals. Eat delicious food, drink beer, and listen to live music. What could be better? Bend’s Munch & Music series happens each summer in neighboring Drake Park and is a must-visit.

Man with dog walking at Bend Farmers Market — Bend Farmers Market | Photo by Marvin Walder

The Old Mill District

More shopping and incredible restaurants can be found in the historic Old Mill District. After you’re done shopping, walk or ride the paved Deschutes River Trail. Heading in either direction will take you to either Farewell Bend Park or McKay Park, both of which have excellent river access. If you have kiddos, Farewell Bend Park has a play structure and rock climbing.

Across the bridge from the Old Mill is the Hayden Homes Amphitheater. If you didn’t know, Bend brings in phenomenal live music from some of the biggest bands in the world. 2024 saw some of the biggest names yet.

Artists such as Anderson Paak., The Beach Boys, Cage the Elephant, Dave Matthews Band, and Jason Aldean visited in 2024, just to name a few. The amphitheater had shows on 58 nights from May through September in 2024.

Cake performing at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend Oregon — Cake | Photo courtesy of Hayden Homes Amphitheater by Michelle Adams

In Bend, you can catch views from the top of Pilot Butte, one of the only city-dwelling volcanoes in the United States, or take in the Cascade Range. With over 300 days of annual sunshine and over 200 perfect adventure days per year, the high desert is full of possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts and culture lovers.

Bend is a place where you can enjoy the powder at Mt. Bachelor in the morning, take on world-class mountain bike trails in the afternoon, and finish your evening with craft beers and live music. Culture shines through year-round. Catch the Winter PrideFest, new restaurant openings, and festivals that add to Central Oregon’s vibrant community. This “Best of Bend” list could go on, and we’d love to hear what you think we missed. Let us know your “Best of Bend” by tagging us @bendmagazine on social media. New to Bend, read our First Timer’s Guide to Bend, here.

Live Music at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in 2025

Who’s Ready for Live Music at Hayden Homes Amphitheater?

With summer right around the corner in Central Oregon, the Hayden Homes Amphitheater concert series is well underway. Last year’s season delivered some unforgettable live music performances, with many more exciting shows to come this year. The complete lineup for this summer features an impressive array of artists across various genres. Take a look at what is scheduled for the Hayden Homes Amphitheater this summer, mark your calendar for your favorite acts, and don’t forget to purchase tickets before they sell out.

2025 Lineup at Hayden Homes Amphitheater

Discover the Hayden Home Amphitheater

Nestled in Bend’s Old Mill District right alongside the Deschutes River, Hayden Homes Amphitheater is a cultural hub for Central Oregon’s growing arts scene. With a capacity of 8,000, it hosts diverse concerts, comedy shows, and community events all summer long. Recent upgrades, like an expanded stage, solidify its status as a premier destination for unforgettable live entertainment. Visit bendconcerts.com to learn more about the history of HHA.

Concert goers at Flume at Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Flume | Photo by Gwen Shoemaker

Described as one of “America’s coolest venues” by Travel + Leisure, the amphitheater regularly draws music’s biggest acts, including everyone from Kenny Chesney to Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews Band to ODESZA, and plenty more in-between. The summer concert lineup usually starts in May and continues into mid-October.

The amphitheater, which hosted just over 50 shows in 2024, is putting Central Oregon on the map for big-name music tours. There’s not a bad seat in the house within the HHA’s intimate riverfront venue. With complimentary parking, a diverse selection of Central Oregon’s finest food carts, and an impressive assortment of craft beer, cocktails, and wine from Bend’s top establishments, a concert here feels like a top-notch party in the park with a few thousand of your best friends.

Stick Figure on stage at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend — Photo by Nate Wyeth

Don’t miss Ticket Drop Tuesday Giveaways every Tuesday for 8 weeks (March 25 – May 13) for a chance to win two FREE tickets to upcoming concerts at Hayden Homes Amphitheater!

My Morning Jacket bend concert goers — My Morning Jacket | Photo by Matthew Lasala

Click to read about more THINGS TO DO around Central Oregon or upcoming EVENTS on our calendar.

Big Ponderoo Music Festival: Intimate Music Experience in Sisters, Oregon

Kick off summer and kick up your heels at the third annual Big Ponderoo Music and Art Festival. SFF Presents newest music event will take place on June 28 and 29, 2025, in the heart of Sisters, Oregon. Big Ponderoo brings fresh energy to SFF Presents’ mission of “strengthening community and transforming lives through music and art.” With an impressive 16-act lineup performing at two outdoor stages, a free community art walk and celebration, plus room for camping, Big Ponderoo has all the ingredients for a true festival experience. Bring your picnic blankets, dancing boots, or bare feet and get ready for an intimate music experience filled with an incredible lineup of Americana, alt-country, blues, and bluegrass talent with the soul of Sisters.

How Big Ponderoo Was Born

The creation of Big Ponderoo has been a long-time dream at SFF Presents (producers of the long-running Sisters Folk Festival). It was born out of a collective vision and desire to create something new and fresh early in the summer that would widen the festival’s audience base, Communication Manager Erin Pihl explained. The light-hearted name reflects the energy that inspired the creation of the festival. Ponderoo is a play on the word ponderosa, said Pihl.

“Our creative director Brad Tisdel wanted to celebrate the massive ponderosas that characterize Central Oregon, as well as a sense of place, and the fun, fresh feel we envisioned for the festival,” she said.

At Big Ponderoo, taking place under the sun, moon, and stars, music lovers are invited to bring their tarps and chairs, tents and sandwiches, and camp out. Big Ponderoo camping reservations are now open at three convenient locations in Sisters. Additional camping for the festival can be found at Indian Ford Campground, Cold Spring Campground and dispersed camping on the plentiful National Forest land surrounding Sisters.

Where to Watch

Musical performances will take place at Village Green Park, conveniently located in the center of town under Central Oregon’s trademark ponderosa pines. The lineup for Big Ponderoo is filled with vibrant talent sure to get you grooving. See bands like Quattlebaum, a harmony-driven bluegrass band with a hypnotic blend of vintage folk and raw, gritty vocals. Portland, Oregon-based John Craigie rallies a closeness around music anchored by his expressive and stirring songcraft and emotionally charged vocals. Be sure to also check out the Fireside Collective, a newgrass turned eclectic jam band on stage on Sunday. Enhancing the festival’s music scene, Big Ponderoo is also hosting the Ponderoo Arts Experience throughout the week, exploring self-expression through the visual arts, including a dynamic Art Stroll complete with more live music at 13 galleries around Sisters.

War and Treaty performing at Big Ponderoo — The War and Treaty at Big Ponderoo 2023 | Photo by Rob Kerr

Why Attend Big Ponderoo

Big Ponderoo brings a different energy to the myriad music festivals in Central Oregon. Since it is an independent, nonprofit event, attending Big Ponderoo is an investment in the community, and festival goers will feel that friendly, close-knit community energy.

“We are offering something very intimate where you’re up close and personal with the artists,” said Pihl. “Going to Sisters makes you feel transported back in time, to a quieter pace. The festival will have that laid back, getaway feeling.”

The Weekend Lineup

SUNDAY, June 29

Visit BigPonderoo.com for all the details.

A Guide to Seriously Fantastic Fish and Sushi in Bend

Off the Hook

Yep, Central Oregon is undeniably landlocked. There are no docks, no tides, no anglers staring pensively out to sea. And yet, defying all expectations, sushi is flourishing in the high desert thanks to a motley crew of fish whisperers and flavor explorers who refuse to let geography define greatness.

Before we start, let’s clear up some confusion about sushi: It’s not simply raw fish. Sushi begins where plain rice ends—with vinegar and precision—whether shaped into hand-pressed nigiri, wrapped around fillings in a roll or anchoring a chef’s wildest ideas. Technically, those beautiful slices of raw seafood known as sashimi aren’t sushi at all (there’s no rice in sight), but that doesn’t stop us from giving it the love it deserves.

The Catch is In at Sebastian’s

Athena and Sebastian Galletti, Sebastian’s Seafood & Specialty Market

The most crucial ingredient in sushi isn’t fish—it’s trust. You have to know that everything you’re eating has been handled with care, precision and zero shortcuts. Founded in 2021 by Sebastian Galletti, Sebastian’s Seafood & Specialty Market at The Grove in NorthWest Crossing sources fish directly from his family’s seafood distribution business in California, ensuring Central Oregon gets nothing but the best.

The Sebastian’s seafood case brims with fresh catches, including buttery salmon and ruby-hued yellowfin plus rotating stars such as Chilean sea bass and Hawaiian bigeye tuna. While availability shifts with the tides, every fish is handpicked by people who take seafood personally. Ambitious home sushi enthusiasts can even snag a perfectly rectangular saku block of tuna, ensuring beautifully geometric slices land on the plate. Friendly fishmongers are also happy to answer questions or track down special requests.

While seafood is the showstopper, Sebastian’s shelves are packed with must-haves for a proper sushi night: nori sheets, sushi rice, premium soy sauces, togarashi spice blends and chili crunch oil for an extra kick. As Galletti joked, “The only thing missing is the rice maker.”

Raw Talent at Kusshi & Kanpai

Sashimi may not check the official sushi box, but Kusshi is far too busy crafting beautiful plates to argue semantics. In Japanese, the word kusshi translates to “precious,” a deliberate nod to the deep respect chefs Ian Skomski and Marcus Mitchell have for the ocean’s bounty. Their evolving menu at its location tucked off of Century Drive, confidently explores Nikkei cuisine and its inspired union of Japanese precision and punchy Peruvian flavors. “Our dishes feel accessible even if you’re new to sashimi,” Skomski explained. “It’s not just a slab of raw fish—we surround it with bright sauces and exciting flavors that didn’t exist in Bend until now.”

Chef Take the Tuna Tiradito, with delicate slices of Hawaiian tuna swimming in a fruity-spicy aji amarillo sauce that practically begs diners to consider drinking directly from the bowl. Or the Causa Limeña that reimagines Peru’s mashed potato dish as a neatly stacked one-bite wonder topped with tuna, avocado purée and a salty hit of tobiko (flying fish roe). Even Hokkaido scallops get special treatment with delightfully acidic Leche de Tigre sauce and Peruvian salsa.

Longtime locals know Kanpai as the place that started Bend’s love affair with sushi. Its standout nigiri—hand-pressed mounds of rice topped with a perfect slice of fresh fish—features classics such as maguro (bluefin tuna) and uni (sea urchin), as well as inventive specialties like Sunrise, featuring tuna crowned with tobiko and luxurious quail egg yolk. See our original article on Chef Ian Skomski from 2017.

Ryoshi Sushi & Izakaya

At Ryoshi Sushi & Izakaya, the izakaya part is less about late-night revelry and more about the joyful chaos of passing plates, swapping stories and not caring about who double-dipped. It’s the kind of place where local chefs gather after their shifts to sip sake and share fresh-off-the-blade sashimi.

Here, rice is treated with reverence, crafted exclusively by the sushi chef to achieve a perfect texture and balance, subtly vinegared, slightly sweet, structured yet soft enough to hold everything together. Great rice may not win awards, but it’s the quiet hero of every great sushi roll.

The daily specials at Ryoshi showcase seasonal fish flown in from Japan. Those seeking adventure can opt for omakase—a multicourse meal left entirely to the sushi chef’s imagination. There are also dependable sides like garlic edamame, tangy seaweed salad and comforting miso soup to round things out.

Chef But it’s the rolls that bring everyone to the table.

Sushi rolls come in two main varieties: maki (seaweed wrapped neatly on the outside) and uramaki (an inside-out approach that hides the seaweed beneath perfectly sticky rice). Within these humble parameters lies limitless creative potential. Ryoshi’s signature roll exemplifies controlled elegance with salmon, avocado, tiny beads of masago (capelin fish roe) and rice neatly pressed into a compact and deceptively simple rectangle. A thin slice of torched salmon and a sliver of jalapeño take it from subtle to sublime.

While the Ryoshi Roll plays with form, the Sunset Roll plays with crunch. Sushi rice is fried into crispy, golden slabs and piled high with spicy tuna, creamy avocado, tempura flakes and masago. The aptly named Dynamite Roll dares to combine tempura shrimp, smoky grilled eel and…yes… melted cheese. “People see cheese on a sushi roll and hesitate,” said manager Yuki Li. “But one bite, and they get it.”

Grab Ingredients & Go Fishin’ at Home

Ginger 101: Not a garnish or topping—just a reset button for your palate.
Hands vs. Chopsticks: Nigiri gets a pass, rolls get the sticks—but it’s always your call.
One and Done: Sushi is designed for one perfect bite. Don’t overthink it.
Soy Sauce Strategy: A quick dip, fish-side first. No dunking, no drowning.

Pacific Northwest-Inspired Patterns from Ash Cascade Designs

Artist Ashley Paggi Finds Inspiration in the Rugged Landscapes of Central Oregon

It wasn’t too long ago that Ashley Paggi of Ash Cascade Designs began to consider herself a fine artist. Even after working as a graphic designer for 15 years, licensing her artwork for companies such as Cotton and Steal Fabrics, and selling her mostly digitally created art prints and products locally at The Workhouse and at nationwide boutiques, Paggi was hesitant to use that word to describe herself.

With a simple daily commitment to work in her sketchbook, she found the conviction to look at her art in a more elevated and tactile way, giving light to a new approach. “I was never a very confident painter. I would always paint in black and then add color and texture on the computer,” said Paggi. “But in January [2025], I thought, I’m just going to play. And I started painting quilts in my sketchbook everyday.” The experimentation, which turned into the start of a 100-day project, allowed Paggi to test her skills away from the computer, playing with acrylics and watercolors, which gave her enough self-assuredness to move from the comfort of her sketchbook and onto painting quilt patterns on canvas and wood.

Beauty in the Grit

Eventually, she found a rhythm to this mode of creation and realized that painting can actually be more forgiving than she had believed. “I’m not creating shapes as much as I’m laying down color. If something isn’t right, I can put more color over it,” said Paggi. “And I don’t want it to be perfect. Something I’m aiming for, and have even with my fabrics, is a sense of grit.”

Paggi’s interpretation of grit is seen in the artwork lining the walls of her backyard studio. The quilts that once lived in her sketchbook have come alive, painted on wood panels. On canvases of varying sizes are images of desert flowers, moths and rugged mountainscapes reflecting western Cascade landscapes. “We have flowers [here] that are teeny tiny, because they’re living on the side of a mountain, and they have to survive a snowstorm…When I’m painting, I want there to be an element of soul. Yes, it’s beautiful, but it’s not necessarily fragile.”

The vision of these hearty florals and landscapes comes from the experience of simply living in the high desert. “When I’m on a walk, I’m constantly looking at the shape of the plants and flowers,” said Paggi. “I’m looking at the color and how it’s attached to the ground. I’m looking at how I can interpret this thing that nature made and make it my own.”

It’s the story within these elements that Paggi is looking to preserve with her art. “When you go to a museum, you’re not looking at tax records. You’re looking at the art people made, you’re reading the passages that people wrote. And those are the things that tell the story of history,” Paggi said. Her current art documents what it means to live in Central Oregon and the importance the natural world plays: the subtle green that shows up in sagebrush as spring arrives, the difference between a ponderosa and a juniper, the reprieve that the first cool days of fall bring after a hot and dry summer. “It’s common for us to see spiny flowers and more rugged foliage, but it’s new to people in other areas,” Paggi said.

When Paggi reflects on her art, where she started and where she is now, she feels pride in the transformation of her work. Putting paint to canvas—or wood—has allowed her to explore dynamics within herself that she sees in the natural world: a kind of beauty that is raw, real and sometimes a little messy. With that comes a desire to keep learning, to keep finding new ways to create.

“Because what would life be like without beautiful things?”

Read more about Pacific Northwest-Inspired Patterns from Ash Cascade Designs here, or visit Ash Cascade’s website.

Original article published May 2022, written by Lee Lewis Husk | Photography by Julia Duke

When Ashley Cascade Paggi graduated in 2006 with a graphic design and communications degree from California State University, Chico, she landed in-house graphic design positions with Pottery Barn and Weather Underground, both in San Francisco. Seven years later, she and her husband moved to Bend, and she went to work as the lead graphic designer at Oregon State University-Cascades. Her successful graphic design career was full steam ahead, but nevertheless, change was coming. In 2015, Paggi took maternity leave and never went back.

After five years as a stay-at-home mom, she searched for a way to reenter the workforce with flexibility and no requirement to clock into an office. When the world shut down in early 2020, Paggi found her answer in an online course. “It was an intensive eight-week immersion class on surface pattern design (fabric design) that quickly became my passion,” she said. Instead of using her creativity for someone else’s vision, she could now explore her own projects. Eventually, that led to her artwork appearing on children’s clothing, handmade quilts, wallpaper, silk scarfs, stationery, dinnerware and much more.

Paggi named her company Ash Cascade Designs and began sketching simple drawings inspired by adventures in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two daughters. The sketches became patterns created through Adobe Illustrator, which grew to an extensive digital library. The course taught her to protect her designs with copyrights and how to earn royalties from licensing agreements.

Her big break came when Rachael Stipanov, the creative director at Cotton+Steel Fabrics, a California-based wholesaler and manufacturer of Japanese fabrics, saw Paggi’s hashtag on Instagram. “I review a lot of art and was drawn to Ashley’s unique layouts, color palette and the balance of her designs,” she said. “We connected, and I decided she was someone I wanted to work with. She’s the perfect package of great design and personality.”

Since that phone call, Paggi has licensed three collections for Cotton+Steel, which the company distributes to boutique quilt shops, including two in Central Oregon. The collections, “Camp Creek,” “Canyon Springs” and “South Sister,” pay tribute to the color palette of Central Oregon.

She also has licenses with Alice + Ames, an online retailer of high-end children’s clothes, and eight designs with Bend-based ski clothing company, BlackStrap, which makes base layers and face gear for their signature artist series. Other recent clients include Geometry House, which has chosen six towel designs, and Kinder Cloth Diaper Co., which will make cloth diapers in Paggi’s patterns.

“Licensing art is a good revenue stream for artists,” she said. Her home studio is packed with cards, stationery, Japanese rolls of decorative sticky tape, holiday wrapping paper and calendars printed with her designs. In the two years since its creation, Ash Cascade Designs has evolved into a business that can license anything printed with an image.

“When I finally got the confidence and drive to start creating the artwork that I wanted to make, I started enjoying my art practice so much more,” she stated in Origin, a lifestyle magazine that featured Paggi as a female creative leader, describing her work as “bohemian artwork (that) evokes a polished yet gritty sense of place.”

As a successful entrepreneur with an active social media presence, the 38-year-old is busy courting new clients, mentoring other artists and is part of a team of mentors for thousands of students enrolled worldwide in the same class she took two years ago. “It’s fun to have a career that I’m passionate about,” she said. See ashcascade.com.

S’more Business

School’s almost out, and Central Oregon’s summer camps are gearing up for another season of adventure. From rugged backcountry excursions to classic campfire sing-alongs, these programs don’t just create happy campers, they fuel local businesses, support jobs and turn the region’s incomparable outdoors into an immersive experience for leadership, resilience and tons of fun. [Photo above courtesy of C.A.M.P. Bend]

By drawing on the area’s mountains, rivers, forests and deserts, these programs are evolving in new ways to deepen connections to nature and expand access to more campers—an invaluable benefit to families. But as funding sources shift, organizations are adapting with strategic partnerships and diversified revenue streams to stay competitive, and to continue creating lanyards and lifelong memories.

A Tradition of Outdoor Adventure

Summer camps in Bend have been a tradition dating back to its logging-camp days and today, they need to adapt and evolve to remain vital. Camp Fire Central Oregon, for example, began in 1916 when newcomers flocking to the timber industry wanted their girls to learn outdoors skills for life in their new environs. The camp thrives today, and is open to all. Since 1935, Camp Tamarack taps into the power of the Deschutes National Forest in Sisters to inspire campers and offers counselor-in-training programs that develop leadership. The sight of teepees dotting Shevlin Park signals another year of Cougar Camp. Beginning in the early 1980s, Bend Park and Recreation has offered a classic experience, from the creation of camp names, songs and skits to a family barbecue before kids overnight in the teepees as a Bend rite of passage.

Three campers — Photo courtesy of R.A.D. Camps

The Path to Camp Ownership

Summer camps provide leadership development to counselors, and Chance Caruso’s outdoor-education career began while he was a camper at R.A.D. Camps. The camp was founded in 2008, and Caruso took the reins in 2021. He has maintained its focus on true wilderness experiences, offering adventures in more than 50 backcountry locations within a two-hour radius of Bend, from desert to rivers, creeks, mountain lakes and forests.

As a child, the young entrepreneur had unknowingly absorbed business skills by overhearing his mother, a real estate agent, on speaker phone as she sold houses and negotiated deals.

“I just slowly took things in over years and years and years, so it’s always been natural for me to be able to do that type of thing,” he said.

The company has the advantage of possessing rare, highly sought-after special-use permits for the Deschutes and Willamette national forests. Caruso continues the camp’s focus on free play, while developing ease in nature, with leave-no-trace practices and no electronics.

R.A.D. Camp has wide appeal, including for families relocating from urban areas that want their children to develop outdoor skills, not unlike Bend’s timber industry families a century ago. Clients have expanded from locals to visitors from across the country and some from abroad. Caruso cites the camp’s flexible, single-day trips which appeal to vacationing families.

foraging kids — Photo courtesy of R.A.D. Camps

Meeting Growing Demand

As Bend continues to grow, so does the demand for diverse and enriching youth programs. Luckily, new camps are stepping in to meet that need. Cascade Adventure Mountain Programs (C.A.M.P.) Bend is one example, launched last year by Drew Hornbeck who drew on decades of experience in adventure and wilderness therapy to create a summer camp focused on leadership and personal growth through outdoor experiences. The focus also underscores how offering a niche program can be essential for standing out and gaining traction when launching a new business.

“Whether it’s paddleboarding, hiking, caving, mountain biking or camping, we’re there for a purpose—to create more insight, awareness, resiliency and personal growth within the context of becoming a leader,” said Hornbeck.

He requires staff to have related degrees or significant outdoor education experience to achieve a high-quality, safe, inclusive environment, emphasizing both physical and emotional well-being. As a result, personnel is the largest business expense. To sustain the camp year-round, he is expanding into after-school and business team-building programs.

Accessibility is key to the financial models for camps such as Camp Fire, C.A.M.P. Bend and R.A.D. Camps, with tuition and business sponsorships generating funds to subsidize enrollment for underserved kids.

slackline kid — Photo courtesy of Cougar Camp, Bend Park & Recreation District

Camps Innovate to Thrive

As summer camps face evolving financial pressures, some are seeking commercial partnerships or offering specialized programs to stay viable and fulfill their mission to serve local children and families. Camp Fire Central Oregon, for example, is addressing federal budget cuts by seeking alternative funding sources.

To adapt, Executive Director Kecia Kubota is focusing on diversifying revenue through business sponsorships and individual donations. A recent grant enabled the hiring of a marketing and development director to strengthen outreach and secure corporate partnerships, particularly with businesses that depend on and prioritize outdoor spaces. These efforts aim to sustain programming and expand scholarship opportunities for summer campers.

Camp Fire Central Oregon, a local affiliate of the national nonprofit, hosts about 120 summer campers each week at Tumalo Day Camp, a traditional outdoor experience with optional overnight stays for older kids and a nine-week, elementary school-based day camp with themed activities, catering to working families. The emphasis is on fostering stewardship of the natural world and preparing campers for becoming valuable employees and contributing citizens.

Another example of creative funding and marketing partnerships is from C.A.M.P. Bend, which has leaned on strategic partnerships to build momentum. A key collaboration with Bend Park and Recreation District played a pivotal role in boosting enrollment this year, generating 50 signups the first day it was posted, Hornbeck said. He also relies on a mix of digital and grassroots efforts, from boosted social media ads to old-school methods such as posting flyers in local businesses and hosting booths at community events. Hornbeck’s personal networks helped with inaugural trips last year—families that knew him through his two teenage daughters trusted his expertise.

The trust and tradition of Central Oregon summer camps offer more than play. With another summer comes a new wave of kids ready to grow under open skies with camps working to create something bigger—for families, the community and the wild places that make it all possible.

More Camp Fun

Summer Skate Camp 2025 is open for registration, offering a week-long skateboarding experience for all levels from June 16 to August 29 in Central Oregon. The camp will provide opportunities to learn and improve skateboarding skills, design tech deck skate parks, create art, and more. Learn more about Board House and their summer camps here.

Meet April Lawyer – The Founder of Vanilla Boutique in Bend

April Lawyer is a professional athlete and founder of Vanilla boutique, celebrating 20 years in Bend.

Recipe for Success

Start with an industrious child growing up in the sports-centric culture of Big Bear Lake, California, during the ‘80s. Fold in raw athletic talent, tenacity and grit. Add hefty doses of style and community support. That only begins to describe April Lawyer: professional athlete—the first woman to compete in both downhill mountain biking and snowboarding in the first X Games of 1997, and founder of the Old Mill District boutique Vanilla, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025. Lawyer was one of the first retailers in the Old Mill District when it was a sparkle in Bill Smith’s eye. Similarly, Lawyer saw a new niche for her shop with its melding of the snowboard and fashion worlds. She recently talked with Adam Short of Bend Magazine’s The Circling Podcast.

A lemonade stand and a bedroom window candy drive-through were a start for the young entrepreneur:

We lived in an old house and I was on the lower floor, so I had a little pop-out window. I got some milk crates and lined them up so kids could step up to the window. I made a little sign, and I created a little store out of my bedroom window. Kids would knock on the window, I’d slide it open and they would ask, “What do you have today?”

I don’t know that my dad completely loved having kids constantly knocking on the windows, but it was really fun, and it created such a great opportunity to understand how to put my profits [from selling candy] into overhead. It was my first introduction into how retail works, but also to customer service and talking to people and just sort of figuring out what people want.

It was an important step to advocate for herself, and being authentic was the best form of marketing:

At one point in time I did bring on a manager [as a professional athlete], but I felt like just being my own authentic self was my best marketing. Having somebody on the outside trying to do that just didn’t sit well with me. I really learned a lot about marketing because I negotiated all my own contracts, and I think that to this day it was the best education I could have given myself—to be an advocate for myself.

Vanilla began as the “vanilla shell” of a space and an idea to blend the cultures of a snowboard shop with a boutique:

In 2005, you were either a snowboard shop or you were a boutique; there wasn’t any in between. And I thought, why can’t we just put the two worlds that I’ve now been exposed to and really love together? Nowadays, there are lots of those, but back then, there really wasn’t a whole lot of that. There was one space that was available in a brand new building that hadn’t been built out yet. It was what they called a “vanilla shell.” It was this huge 2,500-square-foot space, but it was beautiful. I guess I must’ve been crazy.

Bill Smith believed in her ideas—and the osprey out his window—in the rising Old Mill District of 20 years ago:

I didn’t know who Bill Smith was, and I didn’t know what I was walking into. Bill was just sitting there in his Old Mill office smiling at me. And I thought, “Okay, I have to make a pitch. This is the real deal.” I didn’t have a business plan. I just had to pitch [him and his team] on an idea.

Bill looked at me silently, and he had this funny look on his face and I thought, ”Oh, this isn’t going to go well.” He didn’t say anything. He just let me keep talking and talking. Then, finally, he looks at his window and he says, “Look out there. Do you like my osprey? Isn’t that beautiful?” He was so proud. He looked at me, smiled and said, “I like you, let’s do this.”

Vanilla was embraced by the community early on and it’s an honor to share a vision:

I am so fortunate that the community embraced what we were doing early on, and I think they saw its value. My goal with Vanilla from the beginning was for people to enjoy it because of what we had curated, but also the authenticity of what we were all about. I wanted people to enjoy what I created, and not because it was attached to whatever [sports-related] notoriety I had at that time. But I think to be able to tap into a little bit of who you are is very unique, and I’m very honored to be able to do this.

Learn more about April Lawyer’s world of professional athletics and entrepreneurship. Listen to Bend Magazine’s The Circling Podcast.

Jennifer and Kristen Hofer are the First Sisters to Row Across the Mid-Pacific Ocean

Rowing for a Record

Last summer, humpback whales spouted and breached around Bend natives Jennifer and Kristen Hofer’s 28-foot skiff during the first two days of the World’s Toughest Row competition from Monterey Bay, California, to Hanalei Bay, Kaua’i. It wasn’t all whales and rainbows, though. On the eighth day, a 20-foot wave capsized their boat. Their self-righting vessel flipped back over, with the rowers strapped onto the boat with harnesses. All were safe.

It could be assumed that the Hofer sisters had immense experience navigating open ocean. However, they grew up in land-locked Central Oregon, graduated from Bend High School and had no experience in deep ocean waters before the race. Jennifer, 30, was on a rowing team at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon; Kristen, 31, competed in outrigger canoe races when attending University of Hawaii at Hilo, but never away from coastal zones.

Despite growing up far from the ocean, their team, Hericane Rowing, finished the 2,800-mile race on July 19, 2024, in 40 days, 22 hours and 14 minutes, coming in sixth out of eight teams. Jennifer and Kristen became the first sisters to complete a mid-Pacific row together.

2800 miles to go — Photo courtesy of World’s Toughest Row

The Dream Begins

Jennifer was the first to get excited about the potential of racing. “In 2022, we watched the Lat 35 team break the women’s record crossing the Pacific,” said Jennifer, who quit her job as a data analyst in Portland to do the race. But she couldn’t do it alone. “I asked Kristen and Sierra Myers, my college rowing teammate, if I was crazy to consider doing this. They were both instantly interested. We connected to our skipper, Kelsey Pfender. through the race organization. She had the most open water experience.”

The women trained for two years, not just physically but also for sleep deprivation, stress and pressure. They prepared to row in teams of two—two hours on, two hours off. To go faster, sometimes the women did three-hour day shifts on the oars with 30-minute breaks.

“We averaged four hours of sleep per day across 40 days,” said Kristen, who is a rafting guide for Wanderlust Tours in Central Oregon. “We were so exhausted, we worried less about getting to sleep and more about going to sleep with unchewed goldfish in our mouths.”

Nighttime rowing was even more challenging. “Talking kept us from falling asleep at the oars, which sometimes happened,” said Jennifer. “Focusing on what a rowing partner needed helped distract us from our own struggles.”

Kristen added, “Talking at night, we learned everything about each other. Jenn and I really got to know each other as adults.”

Their two-hour breaks weren’t just for sleeping. They had chores. The women used a solar-powered desalinator for a limited amount of freshwater. Many times laundry meant a bucket of seawater and dish soap. They also concentrated on sunscreening, wound care, baby-wipe showering, teeth brushing, water boiling and, of course, eating.

“We had a bag of food each per day; our job was to eat a whole bag to get the calories we needed,” said Kristen, and Jennifer added: “Eating that amount of food was difficult because you had to sacrifice sleep to eat. You had to convince yourself to eat. People brought a surprise snack pack every 500 miles. One time, chocolate pudding changed our entire day.”

High points included an unexpected rest day when skipper Pfender was able to use the shape of the boat to sail, going faster than rowing. They paddled through a night of meteor showers and had a day being followed by a family of whales. They savored wearing shorts on the first sunny day and replaying the MP3 audio files from their family and friends.

Team Hericane Rowing: Left to Right: Kelsey Pfender, Jennifer Hofer, Sierra Myers, and Kristen Hofer

Challenges on Open Water

As for the scariest moment, it wasn’t capsizing. It wasn’t the shark that lurked under their boat. It wasn’t the pitch-black night when they could hear, but not see, humongous swells that had them wondering if these would be the waves that dumped them. It was the night they used a parachute-style anchor when a bad storm was shoving them the wrong way. Their satellite monitor’s alarm jolted them awake. They were on a collision course with a cargo ship—vessels that are huge, fast and can suck a boat under.

Their radio communication wasn’t answered. They had to act fast, pull anchor and row as if their lives depended on it.“In those make or break moments, we learned we could pull through and trust each other,” said Jennifer.

Around 4 a.m. on day 40, they neared Kaua’i and their cheering family and friends. “We saw their tiny light in the distance; it seemed to take forever for it to grow closer,” said Mary Hofer, the sisters’ mother who had her two daughters and a son (deployed in the navy) all on open ocean at the same time during the trip.

Crossing the Finish Line

“Seeing the finish celebration flares from the pier was a moment I’ll never forget,” said Mary. “Seeing their faces was the most wonderful feeling in the world. I couldn’t wait to get my arms around them. When the four of them walked to shore, holding each other up because they could barely stand, I felt so much pride in this team of amazing young women.”

The team drank cold bubbly water to celebrate, except none of them could open a can themselves. Their fingers were seized up. They struggled with a common rowing injury called claw hand that limits the ability to extend fingers, as well as atrophied walking muscles.

They quickly recovered, but were forever changed. “I think about who I was when I started training, then who I was on the starting line and end of the race,” said Kristen. “You learn you are stronger than you think you are—physically, emotionally and mentally.” Jennifer added, “Gaining confidence, pushing through fear—that translates to everything else in life.”

Photos courtesy of World’s Toughest Row

Your Guide to Central Oregon Farmers Markets

Summer in Central Oregon means farmers markets overflowing with fresh produce—think juicy berries, crisp greens and sweet local honey, all making you wish you could bottle the season. There’s no better way to spend a summer afternoon than by strolling through stands, connecting with local farmers, ranchers, producers and your fellow Central Oregonians. Here’s your guide to making the most of the region’s array of bountiful farmers markets.

Farmers Markets in Bend, Oregon

Bend Farmers Market

Nestled in Brooks Alley in downtown Bend, the Bend Farmers Market is a Wednesday afternoon highlight. From May to October, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., rows of stands line the alley above Mirror Pond, the perfect midweek pick-me-up—just try not to eat all your purchases before you get home!

The Bend Farmers Market’s mission is to support local farmers and producers who utilize sustainable practices, enhancing the health and well-being of the Central Oregon community. Vendors include Boundless Farmstead, Dan’s Smoked Salmon, Farmhouse Pies, Fibonacci Farm, North 44 Farm, Rainshadow Organics, Royal Juice Company, and so many more; you’ll probably need a second basket!

Click here to see a full list of all the Bend Farmers Market vendors.

Strawberries, blueberries, cherries and raspberries in boxes at farmers market — Photo by Marvin Walder

NorthWest Crossing Saturday Farmers Market

Looking for a Saturday activity for the whole family? Want to stock up on fresh goodies before your weekend adventures or grab ingredients for Sunday night dinner? Head to the NorthWest Crossing Saturday Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and explore the plethora of stands lining the main strip.

This market features more than just produce; you’ll find artists, makers, jewelry stands, curated thrift items, local beer and wine, and more. A stellar lineup of local farmers and ranchers bring their fresh treats, including Deschutes Gourmet Mushrooms, DD Ranch, Central Oregon Wagyu, Wild Roots Spirits, Dear Mom Cafe and more.

Check the NorthWest Crossing Saturday Farmers Market Instagram page for the latest market updates.

Worthy Farmers Market

A fresh addition to Bend’s local food scene, the Worthy Farmers Market invites the community to gather each Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the lawn of Worthy Brewing. Running from April 27 through September, this new market offers a lively mix of farm-fresh produce, handmade artisan goods, live music, and of course, craft beer.

In addition to shopping for locally grown food and artisan products, visitors can unwind with a pint and enjoy performances from regional musicians. The market also features a free community booth, spotlighting local nonprofits and initiatives, making it more than just a place to shop—it’s a space to connect.

Click here to learn more about the Worthy Farmers Market.

Pedestrians at the NW Farmers Market — Photo by Marvin Walder

Sisters Farmers Market

Head to the welcoming town of Sisters for the charming market that pops up every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fir Street Park in downtown. The square is filled with local producers who offer the community fresh, healthy, and delicious food. Running from June to October, this market is the perfect spot to stock up on veggies, fruits, meats, eggs, and artisanal goods.

Managed by Seed to Table since 2020, the market is part of a mission to nurture Central Oregon’s agricultural community. Enjoy live music while visiting vendors such as Abe & Oley Farms, Zodiac Farms, Happy Hounds Alpaca Ranch, Rawmona’s Artisan Kitchen, Broadus Bees, Smith Rock Nut Roasters and many others.

Click here to see a full list of all the Sisters Farmers Market vendors.

Redmond Farmers Market

Redmond Farmers Market Downtown Redmond comes alive with a streetful of stands offering a wide range of goods on Fridays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. A peaceful way to end the work week, connect with local producers and stock up on some fresh goodies for the weekend. From May to August, patrons can find local farmers and ranchers, as well as artists and makers, with live music playing at the center of it all.

This year the Redmond Farmers Market is getting a refresh with new management and a novel market plan in order to continue bringing fresh, local goods to the community. Stop by vendors like 4 Acre Farm, Black Goat Winery, McTrimble Preserves, Marquam Hill Berries and more.

Click here to learn more about the Redmond Farmers Market.

NW Crossing Farmers Market Fruit and Veggies — Photo by Marvin Walder

Sunriver Farmers Market

Once a month, Sunriver’s only handmade and locally grown boutique market pops up at SHARC, offering a curated selection of goods from regional farmers, artists, and makers. This market takes place on the last Saturday of the month from May through September. Mark your calendar for market days: May 31, June 28, July 26, August 30, and September 27. Whether you’re stocking up on veggies for the week or browsing handcrafted treasures, Sunriver Saturday Market is the perfect place to support small producers and soak in the community vibe.

Click here to follow along for updates on Sunriver Saturday Market.

Beyond the Market

It’s hard to beat the charm of strolling through rows of stands in the sunshine, tucking away fresh, local treats into your basket and enjoying the vibrant energy of one of Central Oregon’s farmers markets. But there are plenty of other ways to get your hands on the flavors of the season while supporting the region’s local agricultural community. From an array of seasonal farm stands to the Community Supported Agriculture programs that connect you to the bounty of Central Oregon’s local farms, there are plenty of ways to indulge in this season’s natural goodness.

Central Oregon CSA’s

Central Oregon Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are programs designed to strengthen the connections between local farms and community members. By subscribing to a CSA, individuals can receive a regular supply of fresh, locally-grown produce. These subscriptions are often paid for in advance, providing financial support to farmers by helping them cover essential costs.

In return, community members have the chance to enjoy a share of the farm’s seasonal bounty, fostering a closer relationship with the source of their food. This model not only ensures a steady supply of high-quality, farm-fresh items but also promotes a sense of community involvement and support for the local agriculture that nourishes and sustains our region.

Click here to read the full article from Bend Magazine on the benefits of CSA Programs.

Central Oregon Farm Stands

Craving fresh produce or ripe berries on a day of the week when you can’t find a local farmers market? No worries! Several farm stands can be found close by for gathering hand-picked seasonal goods.

Paradise Produce Stand

Located on Bend’s lively Galveston Street, the Paradise Produce Stand is a seasonal open-air spot for high-quality produce all summer long. Find organic goods from Central Oregon, Willamette Valley and Yakima Valley farms. Opening May 9, 2025, the hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Click here for more about the Paradise Produce Stand.

Schilling’s Farm Stand

Located within Schillings Garden Market Nursery, Schilling’s Farm Stand offers a curated selection of regional products, including specialty meats, eggs, vegetables, fruits, beer, wine, and more. The stand, open seasonally, is committed to supporting local farmers and sourcing the finest organic and sustainable products. Swing by Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here for more about Schilling’s Farm Stand.

The Stand – Mahonia Farms

Mahonia Gardens is a small, family-owned vegetable farm in Sisters, dedicated to organic and sustainable practices. All of their food is produced with a focus on soil health, biodiversity and inspiring a sustainable lifestyle. The farm stand is open from May through October 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering not only Mahonia produce but also pasture-raised eggs, seasonal organic berries, flour, honey and more from trusted local producers. Click here for more about Mahonia Farms.

Tumalo Farm Stand

Founded on a passion for community, The Tumalo Farmstand offers local fruit, vegetables and more in the heart of Tumalo. Established in May 2017, this seasonal produce stand specializes in quality produce and exceptional customer service, working closely with local farmers to ensure variety and freshness. Swing by from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday for a taste of Central Oregon’s bounty. Click here for more about Tumalo Farm Stand.

Woman with veggies walking at Bend Farmers Market — Photo of Bend’s Downtown Farmers Market, by Marvin Walder

Grab your reusable bags, put on your sunhat and get ready to enjoy the fresh flavors of Central Oregon. Happy market hopping!

J Bar J Youth Services Offers Programs for Those at Risk When They Need Help the Most

Supporting Community

When Stephanie Alvstad thinks about J Bar J Youth Services, the organization she leads as president and CEO, she sees it through the lens of community connection. “Everything we do comes down to relationships. And when those connections are strong, lives change,” said Alvstad. The mission of J Bar J Youth Services is to support young people facing significant challenges. Youth connect with the nonprofit in various ways, including court appointments, referrals from community partners and by seeking help directly through the programs.

J Bar J’s network of programs have served Central Oregon’s at-risk youth for nearly six decades. Founded in 1968, J Bar J facilitates everything from emergency shelter to equine psychotherapy and helping young people build confidence and self-sufficiency. “We work with youth who have often been through tremendous difficulties,” Alvstad said. “Our goal is to provide the stability and support they need to move forward.”

Photo by Javi Varela — The Oregon High Desert Classics is the major fundraiser for J Bar J Youth Services.

Different from traditional services, J Bar J’s programs offer specialized support systems. Their residential facilities, such as the J Bar J Boys Ranch and J5, provide rehabilitation for young men facing adversity or those involved in the juvenile justice system.

J Bar J Youth Services includes multiple programs: The Cascade Youth and Family Center delivers emergency shelter and housing solutions for youth experiencing homelessness. J Bar J operates the at: project, providing intervention and assistance for human trafficking victims; and Grandma’s House offers shelter for pregnant girls and young mothers.

Mentorship remains central through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, which pairs children as young as age 8—known as “Littles”—with adult mentors for guidance. These relationships often extend into high school. In 2023, 100% of the program’s high school Littles graduated or received their GED. For young women needing intensive intervention, The Academy at Sisters serves as a therapeutic boarding school focusing on healing and growth.

The J Bar J Learning Center offers alternative education for youth who struggle in traditional schools, while Kindred Connections stabilizes home environments by supporting families in crisis.

Funding for Programs Comes From Oregon High Desert Classics

To support its wide range of programs, J Bar J hosts the Oregon High Desert Classics at its Boys Ranch every July. The two-week hunter-jumper competition draws thousands of equestrians from across North America to compete for $150,000 in prizes, including the $25,000 Grand Prix. The event is the organization’s largest fundraiser and holds the highest AA rating from the U.S. Equestrian Foundation. The competition is on one of the last remaining grass footing rings in the country—a prized surface in the equestrian world that’s worth experiencing.

The event is open to the public, with many locals making it an annual tradition. Spectators enjoy watching skilled riders and horses in action, plus exploring a variety of vendors offering local food and artisan items.

The Central Oregon community is invited to contribute time and professional expertise to support J Bar J’s mission. From bankers teaching accounting skills to chefs hosting cooking classes, community members have numerous opportunities to make an impact on young people’s lives. Become more involved with J Bar J’s mission, here.

Caldera Springs Vacation Homes and Amenities

Forestbrook: Mountain-Modern Homes

Discover Forestbrook, a distinctively new way to own at Caldera Springs. Located just steps from Forest House and Forest Park, these mountain-modern vacation homes feature three to four bedrooms, expansive patios with hot tubs, and an attached studio residence with its own entrance, kitchenette, and private bath. The studio can be rented separately or together with the main home, offering rare flexibility for both personal use and income potential.

New Homesites Now Available

Caldera Springs is currently offering homesites in two of its newest enclaves—Preservation and Wild Pine. Preservation offers expansive sites backing directly onto the community’s 220-acre Wildlife Forest Preserve, offering exceptional privacy and a close connection to nature. Select homesites in Preservation also surround the new Preservation Park, a natural gathering space with trails, water features and handcrafted birdhouses.

Wild Pine is the newest collection of forest-immersed homesites in the northeast section of the community, surrounded by tranquil waterways and steps from Forest House, Forest Park, and miles of trails. Select homesites in Wild Pine also offer peaceful water views. Both neighborhoods offer utility lines in place and are ready for immediate build for your dream home in

Build Your Dream Home in Nature-Inspired Settings

For those aspiring to build their dream home, Caldera Springs’ homesites present an idyllic blank canvas amidst the Pacific Northwest’s most breathtaking alpine wilderness. To ensure a seamless process, Caldera Springs collaborates with the region’s top architects, designers, and homebuilders, expertly transforming each owner’s vision into a reality.

Community members Dionne and Craig Lewelling experienced first-hand what it is like to build a custom home at Caldera Springs. After consulting architects, designers, and engineers, they landed on the perfect homesite for their home. “Our homesite has a lot of unique features that give us different ideas each time we go out there,” Craig said. “There’s a lava rock structure that separates the two lots, and also the headwaters of a new lake nearby. It’s just awesome.”

Your Year-Round Pacific Northwest Basecamp

Set across from the Crosswater Golf Course at Sunriver Resort and just a short drive from Mt. Bachelor, Caldera Springs offers four seasons of adventure in every direction—from snow sports to biking, kayaking, and golf. Owners enjoy over 13 miles of scenic paved and soft trails, along with 14.7 acres of lakes, ponds, and streams—perfect for paddling, fishing, and quiet reflection. From rounds on the 9-hole Caldera Links course to snowy days on the slopes, the adventure never ends.

Forest House adds even more to the experience, with a double-racer waterslide, game room, indoor-outdoor dining, and a fitness center. Nearby, Forest Park offers pickleball courts, a sledding hill, creative play areas, and an off-leash dog park. At The Quarry, owners can unwind in an infinity-edge pool and outdoor spa overlooking Obsidian Lake. And at Lake House, the social heart of the community, dining, cocktails, and morning coffee are served up with panoramic views of Mt. Bachelor.

Limited Opportunities Available

Caldera Springs is currently offering a limited release of Forestbrook vacation homes, as well as homesites in the Preservation and Wild Pine neighborhoods. Resale opportunities are also available, including several artfully designed custom homes.

For more information, visit CalderaSprings.com or contact the Caldera Springs Real Estate Team at Sunriver Realty at sales@calderasprings.com or 541-593-3000.

Learn more about Caldera Springs | Read more about our vibrant Central Oregon community here.

Beautiful Bend Home on 100 Acres Above Tumalo State Park

A Cliffside Marvel of Design and Construction Hidden in Plain Sight

The surprise comes after turning off a well-traveled route onto a county road that crosses through an old-growth juniper forest, banks right and descends toward a cliff high above the Deschutes River. Unexpectantly, visitors arrive at a 6,458-square-foot home set among boulders, sagebrush, water features and more junipers—a marvel of design, engineering, creativity and collaboration between the owners and their team.

A thoughtful conversion of the site into a secluded family getaway known as “Juniper Rim” began in 2018. While house hunting in Bend, Carol Ann and Scott Smallwood took a break to walk upstream from Tumalo State Park. “We realized [a parcel of land for sale] was right above us,” Scott recalled. “We scrambled up, bouldering until we reached the top. It was a bluebird day, and when we saw the land, we thought, ‘Wow, this is ridiculous.’” They purchased 100 acres, later subdividing the property into 10-acre parcels, reserving one for themselves.

Beginning in 2019, the couple assembled their team, first selecting Bend architect Scott Gilbride. “The site felt nice because it opens up to the views,” he said, noting how rock outcroppings framed a natural place to nestle the home. “The combination of the river canyon and the mountain views makes the land rare and spectacular.”

Joining Gilbride were builder Trevin Duey of Trevin Duey Construction, Harper House interior designers Lucy Roland and Allie Stoddard and landscape designer Arianne “Ani” Cahill. “It was a group effort from day one,” said Roland.

Duey described how they shaped the site to harmonize the home with its surroundings. “It was a sizable project, but we minimized its visual footprint more than one might expect,” he said, noting that the pool and pickleball court were tucked to one side. “From the river, you can’t even see the house—a feat in itself.”

kitchen

Cahill emphasized the Smallwoods’ commitment to preserving the site.

“Once we figured out the best location—not too close to the cliff for safety—we adjusted the plans, pulling the home back and instead bringing the cliff to the house,” she explained. To achieve this, Bryan Harrison and his team at LandEscapes carefully moved additional rock to the patios. “They did such a stunning job—it was pure artistry,” she said. “You can’t even tell where the native rock ends and the new material begins.”

Gilbride designed a two-story building with two wings—one with the everyday living spaces for the couple, including the great room. The primary suite has a disappearing door that opens to a covered patio for a morning soak in the hot tub or a nightcap around the firepit. This side also incorporates the couples’ offices, a workout room and a guest bedroom. The other wing, built above the garage, has what the Smallwoods call “a kid zone,” including a rec room with couches and a pool table that converts to ping pong, a bunk room and guest amenities.

view

With 25 years of home-building experience, contractor Duey’s expertise proved invaluable in overcoming the project’s many challenges. “It was as complicated a house as I’ve ever built,” he said. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Duey ensured that every aspect—from structural execution to finishing touches—met or exceeded the owners’ expectations. “He cared so much that it became clear there wouldn’t be a single flaw if he could help it,” Scott recalled. He shared a memorable example: A particular stone in the center of the entryway wall had a hint of pink that didn’t match the rest of the stone. It quickly became an eyesore to those who noticed it. After Roland mentioned it to Duey, the stone was gone by the couple’s next visit.

Office

Bringing the Outside In

Blending the landscape with the home’s interior shaped both architecture and design. “When you’re inside, it feels like a comfortable cocoon, yet everywhere you look, you’re outside again,” Gilbride said. Expansive patios—including a covered one off the kitchen and upper-level balconies—ensure light-filled rooms open to sweeping canyon views.

A key feature throughout is Montana moss stone, inspired by Carol Ann’s fascination with “gorgeous juniper branches covered in lichen.” A dry-stack Montana stone wall greets visitors in the foyer. To the left, the masonry rises two stories behind the staircase. In the great room, it forms the fireplace wall, with additional placements throughout the home. Stone mason Jason Buckley of Elevated Stoneworks spent three years meticulously placing each piece.

Rock walls, hemlock ceilings and white oak cabinets create a rustic feel, offset with contemporary elements such as floor-to-ceiling doors along the canyon-facing side and a steel-supported staircase and balcony railings. “We wanted the home to look contemporary but not modern, which can feel cold and sterile,” Scott said. “We asked for informal comfort—low key but with cool style. The team nailed it.”

Designers Roland and Stoddard let the stonework, white oak and cement floor take center stage. “Everything else should take a back seat, and nothing should feel too precious,” said Roland. They chose earthy tones for the bathroom tile and walls, switching them up with subtle color shifts. “We wanted to achieve an organic feel that flowed from the bathrooms to the furniture,” she said. They incorporated natural fabrics such as linen and wool while keeping the palette neutral so the interior wouldn’t overpower the surrounding landscape.

The kitchen showcases a sleek, minimalist design with white oak cabinets and a quartzite island with a waterfall edge. It is complemented by light fixtures that “feel like jewelry,” Roland said. The rare use of the same quartzite to wrap the stove hood—reinforced with steel due to its weight—adds an unconventional twist, reflecting the builder’s skill in executing an innovative design.

One of Carol Ann’s favorite rooms is the butler’s pantry, which serves as a kitchen behind the kitchen. “When I walk into the pantry to make coffee, I see bunnies and birds. It’s a comforting space where every window has a fun, interesting view,” she said.

Intentional Landscape

Cahill’s challenge was balancing fire resistance, drought tolerance and efficient water use. She achieved this by using gravel and rock mulches with fire-safe plants. “It can be tricky to choose plants that tolerate drought and also resist fire,” she explained. One favored strategy was restoring undisturbed areas to nurture native species, such as Idaho fescue, wildflowers, penstemon, buckwheat and flax.

Scott and Carol Ann Smallwood | Photo: Zee Wendell

For the front yard, she positioned ornamental plants close to the house to maximize water efficiency while avoiding high-flammability species. “You can see the two water features from most of the house. It’s really quite dramatic and lovely,” she said.

Every detail reflects the Smallwoods’ commitment to creating a haven that feels both intimate and grand. A gem hidden in plain sight.

Architect: Scott Gilbride | Interior Designer: Lucy Roland and Allie Stoddard of Harper House | Builder: Trevin Duey Construction Inc. | Landscape Design: Arianne “Ani” Cahill

How to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Central Oregon

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and Central Oregon is brimming with exciting ways to celebrate and show your appreciation for the special women in your life. From mouthwatering brunch experiences to outdoor adventures and artisan markets, there’s something for every mom’s taste and style. Here are some fun ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Central Oregon this year.

Best Mother’s Day Brunch in Central Oregon

Central Oregon knows how to do a show-stopping brunch, sure to please all the foodie moms out there. Check out some of the Mother’s Day brunches and dining experiences happening around Central Oregon this weekend. Be sure to check availability as reservations are required for most.

Treat the special ladies in your life to a delicious Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards, nestled amidst picturesque vineyards with breathtaking views of the Three Sisters Mountains. Delight in a lavish spread catered by Cascade Catering Company. Tetherow hosts an annual Mother’s Day gathering with a curated menu of seasonal goods plus arts and crafts fun for the kids. Indulge in a seasonal feast at Juniper Preserve’s Iris restaurant, promising an unforgettable dining affair amid the beauty of spring in the high desert.

Central Oregon Outdoor Adventures

If your mom is a nature enthusiast and loves the great outdoors, Central Oregon is the perfect destination to celebrate Mother’s Day. With its stunning landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities, the area offers something for every adventurous spirit.

Take a leisurely springtime stroll along Central Oregon’s picturesque hiking trails, immersing yourselves in the region’s natural beauty. Explore the iconic Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views of the Crooked River.

If temperatures are warm, opt for an aquatic adventure, embarking on a kayaking or paddle boarding excursion on the easily accessible waters of the Deschutes River. Paddle along with tranquil currents or through swifter whitewater surrounded by the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The river offers a variety of routes suitable for different skill levels, ensuring a memorable experience for both novice and experienced paddlers.

If cycling is more mom’s style, rent bicycles and explore Central Oregon’s scenic cycling routes. The region boasts a network of well-maintained trails that wind through picturesque forests, meadows, and alongside rushing rivers. Whether mom prefers leisurely rides or more challenging routes, Central Oregon has options to suit every preference.

Luckily for winter sports lovers, springtime skiing is still in full swing in Central Oregon. Hit the slopes with your mom and enjoy that fun springtime snow. After a day on the mountain, treat yourselves to some après-ski celebrations.

Artisan Markets and Gifts in Central Oregon

Still on the hunt for the perfect gift for Mom? Look no further! Central Oregon is bustling with Mother’s Day markets this week, offering an array of goodies waiting to be discovered. Alternatively, opt for a delightful afternoon celebrating Mom at one of the many exciting local events happening throughout the area.

Schilling’s Garden Market invites you to their weekend celebration with live music, local food trucks, cocktails and a variety of art vendors. Unleash your creativity at Mud Lake Studio and sculpt a one-of-a-kind mug for Mom. Meander through the High Desert Museum on Sunday, where moms get free admission all day. At River’s Place, enjoy the lively Treat Yo’ Mama event featuring local vendors, live music, and rosé wine tasting. The Grove hosts the Pop Up Mother’s Day Maker’s Market, your go-to destination for artisanal gifts. For a unique experience, Flights Wine Bar offers a ‘Rosé And Roses’ flight. Don’t miss out on Oregon Spirit Distiller’s Mother’s Day Celebration, pairing limoncello flights with delightful cheeses.

Rest and Relax in Central Oregon

Treat your mom to a day of pure relaxation and indulgence at one of Central Oregon’s premier spa and wellness centers. Mom is sure to enjoy an afternoon at the Evoke Healing Space in Bend, the perfect destination for rejuvenation, where skilled therapists will provide a range of services such as massages and facials to melt away tension and restore balance.

Pamper your mom with one of the Mother’s Day specials at Anjou Spa in Bend, offering treatments such as the soothing Mama Relax massage and the revitalizing Mother’s Aqua Glow facial. If you’re looking for a tranquil retreat, head to Shibui Spa at the Five Pine Lodge in Sisters, where nourishing treatments and a dip in the soaking pool await.

For a natural healing experience, take your mom to Belknap Hot Springs, nestled in the breathtaking McKenzie River Valley. Indulge in its serene ambiance and unwind in the hot mineral pools surrounded by picturesque natural surroundings.