Severson Plumbing & Mechanical has been serving Central Oregon since 1977. Founders and owners Dave and Elaine Severson believe their values and consistency are among the reasons they’ve been so successful. Their son, Jason, is also part of the business and developed Severson Fire Protection under the same roof. As long-term residents and business owners, the […]
K.M. Collins
A native Oregonian, K.M. Collins is a geologist-gone-writer. Covering everything outdoors and a spectrum of journalism, she's a jack of all whitewater sports and her favorite beat is anything river related. Don't blow her cover as a freshwater mermaid amongst humans.
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Bar and Best Restaurant in Sunriver
Sunriver Brewing Company
Sunriver Brewing Company is a locally owned business that’s been committed to providing the highest quality craft products since Independence Day 2012. They are a proud grassroots and community focused enterprise that maintains a great love and respect for the mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and the foundation of their business—their staff. Why do patrons love […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Ski and Snowboard Shop
Powder House
Since 1976—for 45 years—Powder House Ski & Snowboard has been Central Oregon’s premier ski and snow sports store. As an original ski shop in Bend, the friendly and knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing excellent customer service. It’s their goal to assist with buying decisions by sharing local insider and athlete information and perspectives critical […]
Posted inOutside
What’s Up with Bend’s Whitewater Waves
If you’re new here, or just looking for ways to ride the waves, here’s what to know right now
If you’re a kayaker, some pretty exciting new initiatives are happening in the Bend Whitewater Park these days. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s offered every day at the park for kayakers, followed by a listing of meetups, courtesy Adam Eno, the park’s newest wave shaper. What to expect from each of the four waves […]
Posted inCulture
Farthest Read: Reading the Source, from Kuwait
One former Bend resident tunes in on the regular from his National Guard posting in the Middle East
Ever wonder how far the Source Weekly readership has traveled? As a freelance writer for the Source, I silently inquire to myself about this often—and I have one fun data point to reference: former Bend resident and colleague, Christopher Browning. Our paths crossed a decade ago for several years, after which Browning joined the military […]
Posted inNews
River Democracy
How 4,700 miles of Oregon waterways got nominated for Wild and Scenic River designation
Rivers are a big economic engine that float our entire state. During the last session of Congress, more of Oregon’s rivers were given Wild and Scenic designation—meaning more protection for these precious waterways. Riding that tide, now Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) is going to bat to further increase protected mileage with the River Democracy Act—and […]
Posted inOutside
High Desert Horror Story
Getting that ‘Bend starter kit’ of outdoor equipment is tougher this year, with gear shortages happening locally and nationally
What’s more traumatic to a Bendite? Ravaged and empty shelves where toilet paper once was, or not knowing when you’ll receive that new piece of recreation equipment you ordered months ago? Resounding concern is mounting for outdoor-related retail items that seem to be condemned to backorder purgatory. Never mind the usual delays industry enthusiasts would […]
Posted inOutside
Boaters’ Lament
Low river flows abound—a bummer for recreationalists and ecology alike
As soon as we left the bank, sharky rocks were biting at our oars on every side. A scrape here, a drag there. With each contact to a textured slice of iceberg granite, the 30-year worn hyperline on my royal blue Momentum raft, “Wonder Woman,” stuck. Rock dodging at its finest. Ground truthing 1,000 cubic […]
Posted inOutside
Diving into Multi-Day Inflatable Paddleboarding
Spending a night—or many—with your boat, your gear and a gaggle of stars
Have you ever dreamt about paddling out to a distant shoreline or island and spending the night? If you have, then this article is for you! In a water wonderland like Central Oregon, where there’s a secret lake around every corner, if you haven’t slept out under the stars after a day of paddling, you […]
Posted inOutside
Gear Up
If You’re New Here: Tips to prep for
summer in Bend
If you’re a Central Oregon local and an archetypal Bendite, you’re probably already starting to plot a course to maximize your outdoor Disneyland experience this summer. Breweries, rivers and trails, oh my. For those who still need some direction, below are some gear tips from a tried-and-true decade-deep professional recreation and lady of high desert […]