Fall Fun in Bend & Sunriver
October 19, 2022
The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway recently made CNN’s list of “7 Scenic Drives for Fall Foliage” for both spectacular scenery and “the sheer number of adventures along the way”. The 66 mile scenic byway begins in the charming mountain town of Bend and winds through the Deschutes National Forest with lava landscapes, dozens of alpine lakes, miles of hiking and biking trails, and vibrant fall colors popping amidst the evergreens at every turn.
Explore the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway from a private vacation home in Bend or Sunriver. With epic adventures on your doorstep, unique tours and experiences in the Cascades, fall festivals and live music, and the best foodie and craft brewery scene in the PNW – there’s plenty of fall fun in Bend and Sunriver.
Hike & Bike the Classic PNW Trails
Between Bend and Sunriver there are hundreds of miles of urban, river, and classic PNW mountain trails to explore on foot or two wheels – all blaze with splashes of fall color! Pack your hiking gear, rent a mountain bike to venture off the beaten path, or pick up a cruiser or signature four-wheel Surrey rental from our Xplorie partner, Wheel Fun Rentals for a fun family outing pedaling in the Old Mill District.
Whether your style is a casual jaunt along the river collecting pine cones or a strenuous adventure to mountain peaks, the chances are you can hit the trails right from your Bend or Sunriver vacation home.
Deschutes River Trail: The Deschutes River Trail follows the river for 11 miles between Sunriver and downtown Bend and is an easy trail for the whole family with loads to see and do along the way. The trail is quiet and exceptionally scenic with bursts of aspen groves, grassy meadows with wildlife, kayakers, and rafters on the water, and trailheads to combine a day of hiking and biking in Bend.
Pilot Butte Viewpoint: Pilot Butte is a 500-foot lava dome formed by an extinct volcano, right in the heart of Bend. There are two ways to the top – an easy 1.8 mile out and back hiking trail or a 1 mile paved road for bikers. The rewards are panoramic fall foliage views over Bend and the peaks of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains range.
Shevlin Park Trails: Shevlin Park is a tranquil nature park near Bend with miles of forested trails for hiking and biking. The well-maintained trails wind through old growth ponderosa pines, golden aspens, western larch trees, and high desert sage with tranquil creek crossings and the earthy smell of the woods in autumn.
Riley Ranch Trails: The pedestrian only loop trails at Riley Ranch Nature Reserve cater to nature lovers of all hiking abilities with easy walking loops or steep switchback trails through the forests and canyons. The setting is spectacular with rugged and rocky canyons and cliffs, forests of juniper and pines, and the rushing Deschutes River running through.
Tumalo Falls: Nestled in the Deschutes National Forest, Tumalo Falls is the most famous waterfall in Oregon and only 13 miles from the urban buzz of Bend. The dramatic 90-foot falls are visible just a short walk from the main parking lot or it’s a short 0.5 mile hike to the upper viewpoint. For a longer hike, the 7 mile Tumalo Falls Loop is considered one of the best hikes in Oregon.
Benham Falls: For an easy family hike or bike ride and riverfront picnic near Sunriver, Benham Falls is a must-do! This easy trail follows the Deschutes River through a beautiful stand of old growth ponderosa pines with rapids turning from gentle currents to turbulent class V rapids in the narrow lava canyon forming Benham Falls.
Book a Unique Cascade Lakes Area Tour
Spend your fall vacation with Xplorie and enjoy an amazing choice of unique tours and experiences with Wanderlust Tours. Wanderlust are renowned for their local naturalist guides, award-winning interpretation of the natural and cultural history of the area, and eco-friendly tours and experiences. Complimentary with your stay, you can even pick a different tour for each day of your fall getaway!
Fall Paddling Tours: Kayak or canoe a classic and gentle stretch of the Deschutes River or head into the higher elevations to paddle the glistening Cascade Lakes surrounded by pristine forests. Fall paddling tours include the Canoe & Kayak Tour, Brews & Views Paddling Tour (root beer for the kids!), and the spectacular Moonlight & Starlight Canoe Tour on the Cascade Lakes.
Oregon Cave Tours: Explore the geology, ecosystem, and wonders of the cool lava tubes and caves beneath Bend on an exclusive guided cave tour. The Lava Tube Cave Tour takes you scrambling and crawling deep into the dark abyss as you learn about the unique features and fragile ecosystems of Oregon’s caves. The Prohibition Cave Tour uncovers the illegal underground world of the Prohibition era combined with a Bend distillery experience or tour the caves by starlight followed by delicious desserts and stargazing around the campfire on the Starlight Cave Tour.
Volcano Tours: From the depths of Oregon’s caves to the belly of a volcano! Tour the Newberry Volcano, the shores of Paulina Lake, and an old Hemlock Forest with Wanderlust Tours, or watch a vibrant fall sunset over the forests and Cascade Mountain peaks from a volcano summit on an easy, family-friendly sunset hiking tour. Fall foliage views abound!
The Local Pour Tour (21+): With everything from artisan distilleries, cideries, and wineries to craft breweries and kombucha breweries, it’s hard to know where to even start sipping in Bend. That’s the benefit of a local tour! Go behind the scenes of Bend’s bustling brew scene with a local Wanderlust guide, they’ll even pick you up and drop you off at home – no designated driver required!
Soak up Nature, Culture & Living History
Situated midway between Bend and Sunriver, the High Desert Museum immerses every visitor in nature, culture, and the history of the Native Americans and early homesteaders in the Pacific Northwest. Rated one of the “best things to do in Bend”, the museum offers up close encounters with majestic birds of prey and native wildlife, artful exhibits, living history tours, and natural history walks to learn about the flora, fauna, and critters along the museum tranquil trails. Mark your calendars for the High Desert Fall Fest on October 22, 2022.
Rainy Day Indoor Activities
It’s the PNW, it may or may not rain, or it may even come as early snowfall! Whether you’re escaping the weather or rewarding the kids after an epic family outdoor adventure, Riverscape Arcade in The Village at Sunriver offers 17 classic arcade games (from as far back as 1978) for unlimited family fun. Or, you could cozy up fireside with the family, indulge in fall feasts, and leaf-peep from home.
Book a Fall Vacation Rental with a View!
Xplorie partners with Cascara Vacation Rentals in Sunriver and iTrip Vacations Bend and Sunriver to bring you the best places to stay for autumn adventures in the Cascade Mountains with the benefits and cozy comforts of a home away from home with a view. Find a fall vacation rental with our Xplorie partners and enjoy an unforgettable vacation experience with complimentary rentals, activities, and unique, naturalist-guided tours and experiences in Bend and Sunriver for every day of your stay.
