Bend, OR, Website

Farewell Bend, as it was once known, has come a long way since settlers named the picturesque departure point in Central Oregon. Many a wagon train stopped at the meadow site adjacent to the Deschutes River prior to continuing on over the Cascade Mountains on their way to the Willamette Valley. The name was later changed simply to "Bend" by the U.S. Postmaster who felt the name too long.

From a simple meadow to a robust urban center, Bend is still picturesque and near and dear to many hearts. People from throughout the nation have come to associate Bend with multiple outdoor sports; such as fishing, hiking, camping, skiing, and golf. Located on the edge of the Ponderosa pine forest as it transitions into the high desert plateau, Bend has become home to much more than its original logging identity.

Bend lies along the western border of Central Oregon's high desert plateau and is nearly the geographic center of the State. Bend is also Central Oregon's most populated city, with a population of 52,029. Bend is bounded on the east by the traditional high desert vegetation: junipers, sagebrush, bitter-brush, and little water. To the west, Bend is surrounded by U.S. Forest Service land, which provides a broad range of recreational opportunities, from downhill and cross country skiing, hiking, rafting, golfing, camping, and fishing to picnicking, rock climbing and general sightseeing.

At an elevation of 3,628 feet, Bend's climate is typical of the high desert plateau with cool nights and sunny days. Annual precipitation averages 10-13 inches. The average snowfall is 34", and is the result of several small snowfalls each season. Snow rarely stays on the ground for more than a day or two inside of town; however, snow can be reached nearby with ease. The winter season in Bend provides typical daytime temperatures in the 40's to 50s. Nighttime temperatures range anywhere from 22° to 51°.

A typical Central Oregon summer is marked with daily temperatures in the 80s and 90s during the day, and the mid 40s and 50s during the night. Hard frosts are not unheard of during the summer months. Autumn usually brings warm, dry days and cooler nights, and Bend is known for its annual "Indian summer". The contrast between the evergreen pines and firs with the bright colored deciduous trees provides a crisp picture.