The transition has hit. As of this summer I officially have two teenagers living at home. As my daughters become young adults, the thought of hiking or biking any significant distance immediately elicits resistance and strong complaints from both of them. One would assume that growing up in Bend would automatically instill an appreciation and […]
Outside Features
Where There’s Smoke
The Bedrock Fire in the Willamette National Forest sent smoke toward Bend on July 24, with air quality being listed as unhealthy by the Environmental Protection Agency. The air quality improved at times but continued to be considered unhealthy for sensitive groups into the next day. The Bedrock Fire ignited on July 22, though it’s […]
Six Local Youth Head to Climbing Nationals
Six local athletes are headed to Utah for the USA Climbing Youth National Championships. Over a span of nine months, the athletes from Bend Endurance Academy have actively participated in a series of qualifying events, regional championships and divisional championships, showcasing their skills in bouldering, toprope/lead and speed climbing. As the culmination of their hard […]
Bend Local Wins Bear Grylls
The owner of Good Drop Wine Shop, Sarah Worley, not only survived the challenges on Bear Grylls’ newest show, “I Survived Bear Grylls: Going Commando,” but was the winner on her episode of the show. The episode was filmed in November of 2022 and is now available to watch via TBS. We chatted with Worley […]
Tributary Whitewater – June 2023
Imagine โฆ a chance to disconnect from the daily grind and an opportunity to reconnect to the things that matter most: family, good friends, Mother Nature. Close your eyes and feel the breeze, inhale the fresh air and listen for the rush of the water. This incredible river experience can be yours with a Tributary […]
Western Resort Towns Risk Being ‘Loved to Death’
Beautiful places tend to become popular destinations for tourists and outdoor recreationists. Visitors tell their friends and post pictures on social media, and businesses that serve those visitors โ bars and restaurants, hotels, gear stores โ proliferate. Soon, people with financial means start moving in, driving up housing prices and reducing available stock. Unable to […]
Summer Outdoor Events and Activities 2023
Central Oregon has a big summer ahead. From outdoor festivals to drag shows to anniversary parties to races, this list makes it easy for people to plan an activity-packed summer. Readers can find farmers markets and monthly celebrations listed at the end of the date-specific list. It’s time to get out there โ sign up […]
A Book About Mt. Bachelor
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 […]
A Bendite’s 'Joy Ride' from Alaska to Argentina
Kristen and Ville Jokinen’s 18,215-mile, 580-day biking journey from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Bahรญa 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 […]
Planning for Pole Pedal Paddle
The SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle is the ultimate “Bend” race, combining a mountain town’s favorite sports โ skiing, kayaking, biking and running โ 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. […]

