Puffy Jackets + Hydration: Do It By now you’ve probably seen at least one person sporting a puffy jacket and flip flops. No, they’re not trying to be as contrary as possible—they’re preparing (their upper bodies, at least) for the drops in temps that happen at night in the High Desert. With an elevation of 3,623 feet and super-dry air, don’t leave that Airbnb without a water bottle and a jacket tucked away for later. Plus, you’re going to need to be hydrated for your brewsky sesh later. Credit: Submitted
Pedestrians Have the Right of Way Did you get weird looks when you passed a pedestrian, standing on the curb, waiting to cross the street away from a crosswalk? That’s because you just committed a cardinal sin of Oregon driving: Pedestrians have the right of way, and you’re supposed to stop for them, crosswalk or not. The Oregon weirdness can go the other way too; if you’re walking down the street and get even remotely close to the curb, expect drivers to slam on their brakes to stop for you. Credit: Keely Damara
Don’t Be a D*ck in the Woods Central Oregon is an outdoor paradise, and locals like it that way. As such, it’s really super not cool to leave bags of dog droppings on the trail—or equally not cool, to leave your trash behind whether in the woods or on the river, or anywhere else. Stay on the trails and enter the rivers at established points to avoid harming delicate vegetation or wildlife—and make sure your dogs do the same. (Plus, leashes are required on most popular trails during busy tourist seasons.) Leave No Trace, brah—or better yet, leave things better than you found them. Credit: Pixabay
Roundabout Etiquette Not only do our abundant roundabouts contain dazzling displays of artwork, but they’re also the places where locals can spot a tourist with just one right-hand turn. To ensure a smooth flow of traffic, signal when you’re exiting a roundabout. Credit: Pixabay
That Legal Weed Bend boasts over 20 cannabis dispensaries, and the towns of La Pine, Madras and Sunriver boast a few as well. If you’re down to give legal weed a try and you want to peruse a dispensary, you’ll need to be 21 or over, and you’ll have to show your I.D. Smoking in public is a no-no, however, and if you’re staying in a hotel or vacation rental, you’ll have to get creative to find a place to consume. If you do puff outside, be extra careful with your ashes and other burning materials. It’s dry here, and you don’t want to be the cause of the next big fire. Credit: Wesley Gibbs on Unsplash
We also asked a few locals to share what they want you to know. Here’s what they said: “Drive safe! Lots of dogs, bikers and pedestrians.” – Jasmine Siefman “We are very dog friendly, so if you’re coming to town, bring your dog.” – Tawna Story “Drink lots of water. It’s a dry climate and you don’t want to become dehydrated.” – Mandy Butera “Most businesses downtown are locally owned, so by shopping downtown, you’re helping the community and will always be able to find something special.” – Drew Smith “Try biking. It’s such a safe and fun place for bikers—just don’t forget your puffer, even if it’s spring!” – Diane Brinkman Credit: Wikimedia Commons

MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN

$
$
$

We're stronger together! Become a Source member and help us empower the community through impactful, local news. Your support makes a difference!

Creative Commons License

Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.

Trending

Burger Week is Here!Burger Week is Here!April 1, 2026The Source Staff
Embattled Winery Proposal North of Bend Gets Deschutes County Approval Embattled Winery Proposal North of Bend Gets Deschutes County Approval March 30, 2026Clayton Franke
New 6-Story Housing Development Coming to West BendNew 6-Story Housing Development Coming to West BendApril 1, 2026Jesse Coronado
Thousands Gather at Bend’s No Kings Protest Thousands Gather at Bend’s No Kings Protest March 29, 2026Jesse Coronado