Go Here 8/3-8/10 | The Source Weekly - Bend

Go Here 8/3-8/10

Haulin' Aspen

Twenty-six-point-two miles seem too far to run? Start off with 13.1 miles—just half the distance a the regular marathon. Thanks to the Oregon Half Marathon Series, there are plenty of opportunities afoot for both experienced and beginner runners. In fact, one of the most popular races in the series, Haulin' Aspen, is Saturday, Aug. 6.

The Haulin' Aspen track winds around beautiful Wanago Sno-Park, offering scenic views of the Cascade Range. The trail winds across several hills and through the woods for a challenging yet beautiful course, ranked one of the best trail races in Trail Magazine. Conquer the course as a full marathon, or go "Half-As" and do the 6.5-mile half-half-marathon. Plus, finishers receive a Haulin' Aspen medal that doubles as a beer opener! Races start at 7 am. For more information, visit haulinaspen.com.

Deschutes River Clean-Up

One reason for Bend's spectacular scenery: The locals who take care of it. Do your part at this year's Deschutes River Clean-Up, an annual event that's helped keep the Deschutes River clean for 20 years. Led by the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, this volunteer event is open to environmentalists of all ages. Volunteers will work the shoreline to pull invasive weeds and pick up trash, while divers will collect debris from the bottom of the river. Any paddlers around are asked to help transport trash to the shore.

The clean-up runs from 10 am to 2 pm at Riverbend Park Saturday, Aug. 6, with a thank-you party to follow. For more information, visit upperdeschuteswatershedcouncil.org.

Bat Walk

Bats can seem terrifying, but the often misunderstood and endangered creatures are actually essential to our ecosystem. See them in action at the High Desert Museum Bat Walk Friday, Aug. 12. The night walk will take visitors around the grounds in search of chiroptera (the scientific name for bats). Guides will use echolocation equipment, while visitors are encouraged to bring flashlights, warm clothes and sharp eyes.

The event goes from 8-10 pm; $5 for members, $10 for non-members. Visitors must register and pre-pay as space is limited. For more information, call 541-382-4754 or visit highdesertmuseum.org/walks.