Bend resident Glenn Voelz, a former military officer, history professor and accomplished writer, has recently published a nonfiction book about Mt. Bachelor, titled “Mt. Bachelor, a History.” With his diverse background, including experience as a ski patroller at the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center, Glenn brings a unique perspective and expertise to his writing on the […]
Outside Features
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A Bendite’s 'Joy Ride' from Alaska to Argentina
18,215-mile bike touring trip results in a new book and national promotion tour
Kristen and Ville Jokinen’s 18,215-mile, 580-day biking journey from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Bahía Lapataia, Argentina, started as a casual conversation on the Pacific Crest Trail and quickly turned into a trip of a lifetime. Kristen Jokinen, who’s from Bend, wrote a book about the couple’s epic journey, called “Joy Ride,” that hit stands May […]
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Planning for Pole Pedal Paddle
Training tips for Bend’s well-loved, multi-sport race, from someone doing the race solo
The SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle is the ultimate “Bend” race, combining a mountain town’s favorite sports — skiing, kayaking, biking and running — into one go. If you’re new to Bend, aren’t from Bend or have been living under a rock, here is what the Pole Pedal Paddle is: a 200-foot uphill sprint up Mt. […]
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A New Master Plan for Smith Rock
Oregon’s premier sport climbing destination hasn’t had an updated master plan in more than 30 years. Now we’re getting a look at Oregon State Parks’ vision for the park going forward
Matthew Davey, park manager for Smith Rock State Park, joined the Source Weekly on a recent episode of our podcast, Bend Don’t Break, for a chat about the recently released draft master plan for Smith Rock. Below is an excerpt from that podcast, which you can listen to in its entirety. Source Weekly – Bend, […]
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Puffin’s Rapid Ascent
The Bend-based purveyor of cool stuff for your cans and bottles goes through the ups and downs of growth
One year before the pandemic, Tyrone Hazen and cofounders Byron and Christina Linton launched Puffin Drinkwear, the Bend-based company that endeavors to be a fun alternative to the koozie for bottles or cans. Puffin has since experienced a relatively rapid rise, seeing a 53% rise in sales over the past year and placing its products […]
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Seekqua: Sharing Gear and Sharing Outdoor Passion
Michael Boles, an OSU-Cascades graduate, launches outdoor gear rental app to bridge the gap between locals and tourists
Growing up in Salem, Michael Boles wasn’t the stereotypical “Bend kid” who was on bikes, skis and kayaks before learning to walk. He got into snowboarding late in high school and wanted to explore his adventurous spirit in college, at Oregon State University-Cascades. In 2016, his freshman year, Boles and his dorm hallmates created a […]
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Central Oregon Women’s Groups
Empowering each other through adventure and connection
The outdoors has always brought people together, but for women, the outdoors is also a way to foster a sense of empowerment. As we see more women in the outdoors, we continue to grow and inspire each other to break through our limits. Are you looking for an outdoor community where the bond is strong […]
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Farm Animals Living in Harmony ▶ [With Video]
Harmony Farm Sanctuary provides lifelong refuge to farm animals who need it most
Harmony Farm Sanctuary started with one potbellied pig named Pig Floyd. Now, 10 years later, 145 animal residents receive lifelong refuge at a lovely little farm between Sisters and Bend, with a breathtaking view of the Cascades Mountain range. Robine Bots, Harmony Farm Sanctuary Founder, got the idea to open the farm sanctuary after her […]
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Watchable Wildlife: Waterfowl
Birders enjoy waterfowl winging their way through Central Oregon
So how are those New Year’s resolutions going? Learning to salsa dance? Learning a new language? Taking up birdwatching? While I can’t help you with the first two, I can with the birding. In February, Central Oregon is a great place to watch waterfowl. Many different species of ducks and geese stop here on their […]
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Polar Plunging for a Purpose
The Polar Plunge and 5K race benefits Special Olympics Central Oregon
On Feb. 11, Central Oregonians are waking up, running and plunging in the Deschutes for a cause. Central Oregon’s Polar Plunge has been happening for 17 years and is the longest-running organized plunge in the state, according to Britt Gamble, Central Oregon’s Polar Plunge and 5K manager. Benefiting the Special Olympics Oregon, this event helps […]