Outside
Posted inOutside

A Quarter Century of Finders Keepers on the Coast

Lincoln City welcomes beachcombers with glass floats and glasses of beer
Avatar photo by Brian Yaeger

As someone who loves exploring all the natural beauty and unique activities that Oregon has to offer, I flogged myself for not even being aware of the Finders Keepers program in the central coastal town of Lincoln City, which lies four hours from Bend by car. Finders Keepers has been attracting beachcombers, whale watchers, wave […]

Posted inOutside

Climate’s Toll: Birds on the Brink

As the climate shifts, birds struggle to survive in a changing world. We can help.
by Elise Wolf

In June 2021, a devastating heat wave scorched the Pacific Northwest, with temperatures soaring from 108° to 121°F. In Central Oregon, Pelton Dam on the Deschutes River reached 119°F. The impact devastated wildlife, with birds among the hardest hit. Babies leaped from nests in droves, overwhelming wildlife rehabilitation centers across the region. As climate patterns […]

Posted inOutside

Cork & Barrel’s Winemaker Series Blends Fine Wine and Local Cuisine

Experience multi-course dinners with top winemakers and local chefs leading up to Cork & Barrel’s premier wine event
Avatar photo by Savannah Mendoza

Wine and food lovers can indulge in intimate dining experiences through the Cork & Barrel Winemaker Dinner series — a collection of exclusive events where celebrated wineries, local chefs and creative menus come together at unique venues. Each dinner offers an opportunity to savor expertly paired multi-course meals while engaging with winemakers and winery owners […]

Posted inOutside

A Diversity of Desert Reptiles

They’re where you find them
by Scott Bowler

Oregon is home to more than two dozen species of lizards and snakes — many found in our high desert. These reptiles range from legless to four-legged with five toes. Most lay eggs, yet some give birth to live young. Some eat insects and small animals, but others love plants. Many can swim in water, […]

Posted inOutside

Reward Increased for Recent Wolf Poaching in Oregon

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks public assistance in solving several wolf cases
by Damian Fagan

Poaching impacts all fish and wildlife across Oregon,” said Yvonne Shaw, Protect Oregon’s Wildlife’s Turn In Poachers (TIP) campaign coordinator. “The illegal killing of fish and wildlife not only complicates biologists’ ability to maintain species populations across the state, but it removes opportunity from hunters and anglers who harvest and from residents, recreationists and others […]

Posted inOutside

Ski For All: A Celebration of Movement, Inclusion and Adventure

Oregon Adaptive Sports’ annual fundraiser invites skiers and riders of all abilities to take on Mt. Bachelor for a cause
Avatar photo by Savannah Mendoza

Riders of all abilities are uniting for an unforgettable day on the slopes at the eighth annual Ski For All fundraiser at Mt. Bachelor hosted by Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS), celebrating outdoor adventure and inclusivity for all. More than just an event, Ski For All is a movement driven by a shared belief in the […]

Posted inOutside

Snow, Sparkles and Celebration: Winter PrideFest Returns

Winter PrideFest offers a weekend of dancing, connection and outdoor adventure in the heart of Central Oregon
Avatar photo by Savannah Mendoza

Snow, sequins and celebration: Winter PrideFest is back, and bigger and bolder than ever. Since 2018, OUT Central Oregon has hosted the vibrant festival to honor Pride, inclusivity and a shared love of the outdoors. From March 6-9, the festival transforms Central Oregon into a winter wonderland of LGBTQ+ joy, featuring skiing, dancing, snowshoeing, comedy […]

Posted inOutside

The Future is Adaptive at Mt. Bachelor, Thanks to OAS

Monoskier Joanna Adams offers insight and inspiration
by Barron C. Wolfe

It shouldn’t be a secret that Bend’s backyard offers some of the best adaptive skiing on the planet. While the able-bodied enjoy “Mt. Bachelor,” everyone else skis “OAS” — as those in the adaptive sports community call it. Two names for the same mountain, depending on who you ask. Oregon Adaptive Sports has been offering […]

Posted inOutside

Bendi Gras Brings Mardi Gras Magic to Central Oregon

A weekend of spectacle and celebration from live music and pool parties to a New Orleans-style brunch and more across Bend
Avatar photo by Savannah Mendoza

Mardi Gras is coming to Bend: Get ready for a weekend of music, revelry and New Orleans-style fun with a local twist. From Friday, Feb. 28, through Sunday, March 2, Bendi Gras transforms the city into a hub of high-energy performances, vibrant parties and snow-filled festivities all inspired by one of the world’s most famous […]

Posted inOutside

What You’ll Find at Lake Abert

Familiarize yourself with this abundant high desert ecosystem
by Liliya Giroux

Brisk air and dark shadows cast over the lake while the sun makes its daily journey up Abert Rim. Western meadowlarks sing and distant chukar calls echo through the air. Coyotes stride across dry lakebed and juvenile birds drink from fresh water streams while a northern harrier glides above. An entire ecosystem rises for another […]

Sign up for newsletters

Get the best of The Source - Bend, Oregon directly in your email inbox.

Sending to:

Gift this article