Winter in Central Oregon is yin and yang. Under clear sunny skies, you might feel giddy walking the Deschutes River Trail wearing one layer of wool under some afternoon sun, then boom: temps drop overnight, tightening the air until it crackles and pushes mercury toward single digits. But Bendites are resilient and curious. They don’t hibernate as much as recalibrate. When the cold settles in and stays awhile, locals lean into rituals old and new: a 6 a.m. yoga class by the light of a Himalayan salt lamp? Yes. Hushed steps for you (and your dogs) on fresh snow-covered trails after a storm? Feels like walking in a dream. People kindle their creativity when daylight runs short and darkness sets in at 4:30 p.m. Bend’s winter is about staying connected, and cold can be a catalyst, even if some of the activities sound like a dare. [Photo above by Martin Sundberg]
Winter Things to Do Inside – Bend, Oregon
When the air outside freezes, Bend’s indoor culture doesn’t just hunker down, it comes alive. For whiskey lovers, Oregon Spirit Distillers, Central Oregon’s first grain-to-glass distiller, and Stihl Whiskey Bar offer flights and education. Taste history, and debate the build of a perfect Old Fashioned.
Hands warm up and get dirty with clay when potters’ wheels are in motion. Find classes for beginners or studio space for rent at Camp Clay, Mud Lake Studios and Supplies, and Synergy Ceramics. Cold days are for creating a line of specialty mugs or your own version of a “Ghost”-like moment with a favorite partner in pottery.
Morning coffee isn’t just a ritual, it may be a wake-up and warm-up necessity. This winter, learn more about what’s in that cuppa joe. At Still Vibrato, roaster and owner Clint Rowan serves scientifically calibrated coffee and helps customers become their own baristas. Learn about grinds, water ratios and techniques for French press, pour overs, Aeropress or espresso from Rowan’s brewing notes found on the Still Vibrato website. Watch beans being roasted in real time at Lone Pine Coffee or Thump Coffee’s NorthWest Crossing location.
Escape the bite of winter temps by tucking into an English-style pub, The Cellar, serving cask-conditioned ales and meat pies. At Emerald Loop, dark green walls, a wood-burning fireplace and Jameson Irish Whiskey-glazed wings complement pulls of draft Guinness stout.
The Olympics aren’t the only winter games. Silver Moon Brewing’s Not’cho Grandma’s Bingo hosted by Dusty Riley and Stacia Guzzo serves as both entertainment and a fundraiser for local nonprofits. Modern Games offers a full schedule of play, including board game socials and regular Warhammer Wednesdays. Brainiacs and pop-culture savants can find trivia nights almost every night of the week throughout Central Oregon. At Portello Lounge, music bingo might include a classic rock theme as owner, and Robert Plant lookalike, Bryan Smith pours wine and co-owner Rachel Fishman plays MC. Happy hour feels like a full night out when dark comes early, and you’re home by 7 p.m.
Winter Things to Do Outside – Bend, Oregon
Firepit gatherings around artful ironworks or table-top flames dot restaurant patios, city sidewalks and breweries as spaces where stories get longer, and you forget how frozen the world is just beyond the glow. Try a crawl at the Box Factory with its outdoor fires at River Pig Saloon, Bledsoe Family Winery, UPP Liquids and Bend Wine Bar. Hike or walk the Deschutes River Trail from Greg’s Grill to Va Piano and Anthony’s at the Old Mill District. Breweries burn wood by the wheelbarrow in glowing centerpieces of courtyards at 10 Barrel on Galveston Avenue or O’Kane’s at McMenamins Old St. Francis School. Find gathering spots around the heat of central firepits at The Barn in Sisters, The Bite in Tumalo or Cross-Cut Warming Hut in Bend.
There’s no need to put tri-season pursuits on hold for the winter quarter. Keep spokes rolling by fat biking on snow-packed trails. Rent a bike at Between Evergreens, Pine Mountain Sports or WebCyclery, and head out to try one of five new trails as part of the Wanoga Downhill Trails Project. There’s no need for elevated heart rates, just binoculars, to participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, taking place February 13 through 16. During the event, keep an eye out for resident species returning to Central Oregon’s treetops, parks or backyards, then report on the Merlin Bird ID or eBird apps.
When the temperatures dip, connect with the community at Bend WinterFest from February 13 through 15 as it transforms the Old Mill District into a winter playground. Expect glowing fire sculptures, ice-carving demos, its Hot Cocoa 5 or 10K run, and the crack of boards in a Pump Bump Jam contest. The pump track itself is a work of art. Live music from Brandi Cyrus, Tiffany, Saxsquatch and a Blondie tribute band creates harmonized notes of winter, and dancing is a way to keep warm from the inside out.
