Winter in Central Oregon brings a peaceful stillness. Picture yourself on a balcony, breathing in crisp air, and gazing at snow-covered landscapes. Below, the Deschutes River winds through ancient volcanic rock, creating breathtaking views against frosty canyon walls.
Welcome to Canyon Rim at Eagle Crest! This unique destination is perfect for your winter getaway. Whether you seek adventure on snowy slopes or quiet evenings by the fire, our resort is your cozy basecamp for exploring the wonders of the Central Oregon. Less than 30 minutes from the resort, you’ll discover Bend, a city that offers a mix of outdoor adventure and craft culture, making it an appealing travel destination. Bend, Oregon, is a popular destination for outdoor activities year-round. Located on the west coast, Bend stands out as a must-visit spot for travelers seeking the best of the region’s outdoor attractions. Exploring Bend reveals a variety of experiences, from scenic drives to the many adventures and local delights Bend offers.
Bend also boasts a vibrant food and drink scene, with innovative farm-to-table restaurants, welcoming cafes, and food trucks serving global flavors waiting to be explored. Read on to learn about why Canyon Rim at Eagle Crest is the best home away from home for all of your Central Oregon adventures and get insider tips for exploring nearby Bend.
A Front-Row Seat
Canyon Rim’s defining feature is its stunning location, providing a perfect vantage point for expansive views of the Deschutes River and the surrounding landscape. While summer brings crowds, winter offers a quieter, serene experience.
The nearby Deschutes River Trail offers a scenic walking and biking path along the river, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Drake Park and Mirror Pond are also ideal for leisurely strolls and spotting local wildlife.
Winter’s Natural Beauty
From your accommodations, enjoy breathtaking canyon views that change with the light from sunrise to sunset. As the sun sets, the sky is painted with vibrant colors, creating a picturesque and tranquil atmosphere that enhances the natural beauty of the area. Nearby hiking trails at Shevlin Park and Pilot Butte also provide great sunset views, with the elevation gain on these trails offering a rewarding challenge for hikers. You might spot soaring raptors or icy reflections along the river. It’s a peaceful, grounding experience we are proud to share.
Wildlife and Scenery
Even in winter, the area’s wildlife thrives. Deer often graze nearby, and the air carries the fresh scent of juniper and sagebrush. Bring binoculars, sit quietly, and let nature reveal itself. Kids loved spotting deer and other wildlife in the area.
The Perfect Basecamp for Exploration
While the resort has everything you need, Canyon Rim is also a great launchpad for exploring Central Oregon. The Deschutes National Forest offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Newberry National Volcanic Monument is a must-see for those interested in exploring volcanic landscapes. Lava River Cave is a unique local attraction where you can explore a fascinating lava tube. Key activities in Bend include exploring volcanic landscapes at Newberry National Volcanic Monument, hiking to waterfalls like Tumalo Falls, and taking time to float the Deschutes River, with Tumalo Creek being a popular starting point for this iconic activity. The Deschutes River is a popular spot for floating and paddleboarding. The Old Mill District, a historic area in Bend, has been transformed into a vibrant hub with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.
Smith Rock and Nearby Towns
Visit Smith Rock State Park for striking views of snow-dusted red rocks. Smith Rock State Park is known for world-class climbing and beautiful hiking trails, including the challenging Misery Ridge Trail. Tumalo Falls is also a scenic hiking destination located within the Bend area, offering lush surroundings and panoramic viewpoints for outdoor enthusiasts. South Sister, one of the favorite places for challenging hikes near Bend, is the third tallest peak in Oregon. Hiking to South Sister is a challenging activity that offers stunning views from the summit.
Explore nearby Bend, Sisters, and Redmond for local dining, shopping, and winter festivities. In Bend, Deschutes Brewery is a popular spot for craft beer and dining—I’m a big fan of their seasonal selections. McMenamins Old St. Francis School is a unique hotel and entertainment venue transformed from a historic schoolhouse, featuring a pub and movie theater. Downtown Bend also features the Deschutes Historical Museum, which showcases local artifacts, and the Tower Theatre, known for screening films and hosting touring performers. These are some of my favorite places to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Then return to the quiet serenity of the canyon.
Savor Local Food and Drink
Bend, Oregon, is straight-up paradise for food lovers who want to eat their way through the city and for craft beer enthusiasts—seriously! The city’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is downright delicious, with everything from bustling food carts to cozy coffee spots and seriously acclaimed restaurants. Bend is known for its great food, offering a wide variety of high-quality dining experiences that showcase the best of local and regional flavors.
Kick off your morning with a visit to Sparrow Bakery, a local gem that’s absolutely legendary for its unforgettable breakfast sandwiches and pastries—perfect fuel for whatever adventure awaits. Breakfast burritos are also a must-try at local cafés, especially in the Old Mill District, where they’re a popular menu item and a favorite among visitors and locals alike.
As you wander through the Old Mill District, you’ll discover a tempting array of eateries dishing up locally sourced ingredients and that signature Pacific Northwest flavor—all with those gorgeous, picture-perfect views of the Deschutes River flowing by. Whether you’re diving into inventive dishes at a riverside bistro, snagging a quick bite from a food cart that’s got serious street cred, or sipping a pint of craft beer brewed right here in Bend, you’ll taste the region’s passion for incredible food and drink in every single bite. Don’t miss your chance to dive headfirst into Bend’s vibrant food scene—where every meal is a straight-up celebration of Oregon’s amazing bounty.
Scenic Winter Drives
Central Oregon’s winter vibes are seriously unmatched when you’re cruising the open road, where every twist and turn serves up a fresh view that’s totally worth the drive. Start your adventure right from downtown Bend and hit up the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway—this route’s absolutely breathtaking as it winds past frozen lakes that look like something out of a winter postcard, snow-kissed forests, and those dramatic Cascade peaks that’ll have you pulling over for photos every five minutes. You’ll totally fall for the chill beauty of the high desert, and there’s no shortage of awesome sno parks where you can get your snowshoe or cross-country ski game on. Don’t sleep on the Deschutes River Scenic Byway either—it’s this incredible path that follows the river through some seriously rugged canyons and rolling sagebrush that’s just pure Oregon magic. These scenic drives are the perfect combo of adventure and zen vibes, giving you the freedom to explore Oregon’s winter wonderland however you’re feeling. So grab some snacks, queue up your go-to playlist, and let the road take you to those unforgettable moments that’ll have you planning your next Central Oregon adventure before you’ve even made it home.
Family Fun: Kid-Friendly Activities
Bend, Oregon, is absolutely brimming with heart-warming family adventures that’ll captivate kids and grown-ups alike in this high desert haven. The stunning High Desert Museum stands out as a true gem, masterfully weaving together captivating indoor galleries and sun-soaked outdoor exhibits with hands-on magic—little ones will be utterly enchanted by up-close animal encounters and interactive displays that breathe life into the high desert’s rich heritage and wild spirit. The museum also features a living history section where visitors can engage in activities like washing clothes and cutting logs as they did in the past. For those craving fresh-air fun, the iconic Smith Rock State Park beckons with gentle, family-friendly trails and jaw-dropping scenery that’ll leave you speechless, making it an absolute favorite for memorable family hikes and budding rock climbing adventures. When winter’s crisp embrace arrives, glide gracefully at the charming Pavilion during their welcoming open skate sessions, or discover a perfect local hillside for classic sledding thrills that spark pure joy. With an abundance of pristine parks, winding trails, and breathtaking outdoor spaces just waiting to be explored, Bend truly shines as the ultimate family playground where every season in Oregon’s magnificent high desert promises unforgettable memories and endless discoveries. For a scenic and relaxing family outing, consider visiting one of the nearby hot springs, where you can soak in natural geothermal waters surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Celebrate the Season: Winter Events
Winter in Bend, Oregon, is seriously something special—a time when the whole community comes together to celebrate in the most epic way possible. The Bend Winter Festival is absolutely the highlight, totally transforming downtown Bend with killer live music, seriously delicious food, and a sweet lineup of outdoor adventures—from chill ice skating sessions to invigorating snowshoeing treks, there’s honestly something magical for everyone. Whether you’re soaking up live music, sampling incredible local food, or simply basking in that joyful, festive atmosphere, Bend’s winter scene makes it ridiculously easy to celebrate the season in serious style. Come join the festivities and discover why this town is hands-down a favorite winter destination in Oregon.
Important Details for Your Winter Getaway
Planning the ultimate winter escape to Bend, Oregon? Here’s the inside scoop on making your mountain getaway as unforgettable as possible! Tucked into the heart of Central Oregon‘s high desert playground, Bend is a seriously sweet spot for outdoor adventures, from carving fresh powder at Mt. Bachelor to scaling the jaw-dropping cliffs of Smith Rock State Park. If you’re stoked to dive into the region’s one-of-a-kind high desert vibes, the High Desert Museum is an absolute must—perfect for family fun and anyone curious about Oregon’s wild, untamed side.
Downtown Bend and the Mill District are buzzing year-round with live tunes, craft brews that’ll knock your socks off, and some stellar restaurants serving up farm-fresh, locally sourced goodness. The Old Mill District is where it’s at for boutique shopping, artsy galleries, and riverside dining that’ll make your taste buds dance, while the Deschutes River Trail and Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock deliver breathtaking hikes for every adventure level. For a little extra thrill-seeking magic, check out the mysterious, Instagram-worthy Lava River Cave or chase those stunning winter waterfalls at Tumalo Falls—just remember to plan ahead, because these popular gems fill up lightning-fast during peak season.
Before you hit the road, scope out the weather forecast and road conditions—Central Oregon’s winter weather can flip faster than you can say “powder day!” Parking lots at trailheads and parks get busy, so roll up early or buddy up for some eco-friendly carpooling. If you’re planning to shred the snow, don’t forget to snag a Sno-Park permit for access to those perfectly groomed trails and winter wonderlands. After a day of soaking up Bend’s high desert magic, nothing beats warming up with a steaming cup from one of Bend’s cozy, local coffee havens or melting into a hot tub at your mountain retreat.
For a taste of authentic local flavor, swing by the Les Schwab Amphitheater in the Old Mill District, where you might catch some killer live music or seasonal events that capture Bend’s creative spirit. Whether you’re here for the adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures, the vibrant foodie scene that’s seriously next-level, or just to chill and soak in those snowy, picture-perfect sights, Bend, Oregon, truly delivers something magical for everyone. With a little smart planning, your winter getaway will be packed with unforgettable moments, stunning scenery that’ll blow your mind, and the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation that makes Bend a total favorite for family adventures and year-round mountain magic.
See It for Yourself
Winter is a season for rest and reflection, and there’s no better place to experience it than Canyon Rim. From stunning views to inclusive activities, we invite you to create lasting memories here. Before your final invitation, consider planning your next visit to Bend and stopping by the visitor center to collect your prize from the Bend Ale Trail or get more information for your adventures. Come see the magic of winter at Canyon Rim and book your winter getaway – we promise it’s even better in person.
Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you!