Deschutes River Guide Books

Community Events Calendar

BALLOONS OVER BEND CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL: Balloons launch over Bend, followed by a festival with bounce houses, face painting, crafts and more; event concludes with the Night Glow; proceeds benefit Saving Grace; free, fees for activities, donations accepted for the Night Glow; 6 a.m. launch, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. festival, Night Glow at dusk; Riverbend Park, Southwest Columbia Street and Southwest Shevlin Hixon Drive; 541-323-0964, info@layitoutevents.com or www .balloonsoverbend.com.

PRINEVILLE FARMERS MARKET: Free; 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Prineville City Plaza, 387 N.E. Third St.; 503-739-0643.

BABCOCK GARDEN SHOW: Featuring flowers that can be grown in Central Oregon and water features; free; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Babcock home, 61769 Fargo Lane, Bend; 541-420-9062.

NEWBERRY’S ANNUAL GARDEN SHOW: Featuring flowers that can be grown in Central Oregon and water features; free; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Newberry home, 1968 N.E. Hollowtree Lane, Bend; 541-280-4376.

RUMMAGE SALE FUNDRAISER: Proceeds benefit the St. Thomas Altar Society; free admission; 9 a.m.-noon; St. Thomas Parish Hall, 12th Street and Evergreen Avenue, Redmond; 541-923-3390 or topcat21@q.com.

TUMALO FARMERS MARKET: Free admission; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Tumalo Garden Market, 19879 Eighth St., Bend; 541-728-0088.

WILD TRAILS HORSE EXPO: Featuring horse clinics, adoptions, competitions and more; free for spectators; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Rim Rock Riders Arena, 17037 S.W. Alfalfa Road, Powell Butte; 541-416-6531 or www.wildtrailshorseexpo.com.

DOCUMENT SHREDDING AND DRUG DISPOSAL: The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Secure Shred partner to safely destroy personal documents and provide identity-theft prevention tips; outdated or unwanted prescription medications will be accepted for disposal; donations of nonperishable food accepted; 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sisters Sheriff’s Office, 703 N. Larch St.; 541-383-4431.

GARAGE SALE FUNDRAISER: Proceeds benefit the Children’s Vision Foundation; free admission; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Bend Factory Stores, 61334 S. U.S. Highway 97; 541-330-3907.

HARVEST TOURNEY: The Society for Creative Anachronism’s Shire of Corvaria presents merchants, demonstrations of heavy fighting, archery, spinning and more; free with garden admission ($4.50-$1 depending on age, free ages 6 and younger); 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Petersen Rock Gardens, 7930 S.W. 77th St., Redmond; 541-382-5574 or harveststeward@gmail.com.

NORTHWEST CROSSING FARMERS MARKET: Free; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; NorthWest Crossing, Mt. Washington and Northwest Crossing drives, Bend; valerie@brooksresources.com or www.nwxfarmersmarket.com.

Five Great Reasons To Vacation In Bend, Oregon

One of Oregon’s most beautiful, fun, and relaxing communities that can be visited is the city of Bend. Bend is located in Central Oregon and is located conveniently near a great many wonderful natural resources including rivers, lakes, streams, creeks, mountains, and forests. The city itself is also a fun place to go to and offers some great restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shopping opportunities, museums, art galleries, and more. Here is a look at just five great reasons for someone to choose Bend, Oregon as their next vacation destination.

The city of Bend is in a unique part of the state of Oregon. East of the city is largely an area with near desert-like conditions while west of the city is protected forest land. The Deschutes National Forest is located very near to the city and is home to a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Some of the many activities that are popular with visitors coming to the forest include backpacking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, bird and wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, hiking, skiing, and general sightseeing. The forest is also home to some spectacular scenery that must be seen to be believed. There are a great many specific features worth seeing in the Deschutes National Forest including Lava Butte, Broken Top, Tumalo Falls, Moffitt Butte, Paulina Creek Falls, East Lake, Todd Lake, and Paulina Lake. A visit to the Deschutes National Forest is something that every vacationer heading to or through the Bend area should definitely do.

For the active traveler, Bend is a dream come true. Vacationers heading to Bend during the warmer months of the year should either bring their bikes or plan on renting bikes when they get there. The community has a number of bike trails, some that wander off on their own even venturing out into the surrounding landscape, and some that mix right in with the city transportation infrastructure and act as a great way to get around town. The bike paths in Bend allow visitors to access everything from the downtown area and many of the notable attractions right from their rental house, condominium, or hotel. Utilizing the bike paths in the area, the vacationer can experience physical activity and participate in a healthy action, and at the same time not miss out on the restaurants, shopping locations, museums, outdoor areas, and attractions that the city has to offer.

One of the most unusual areas to visit in the vicinity around Bend is the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Visiting this massive area is one of the best ways to get a first hand look at a real volcanic area. The scenery and landscape is like nothing that can be seen elsewhere. The ability to walk along paths that wind through and over an actual lava flow is something that will be remembered for a very long time. There are many things to see at the monument including a well equipped visitor center, an actual cinder cone, and an unbelievable opportunity to venture inside an actual lava tube. Kids and adults will both love the opportunity to study, learn about, and experience this true national treasure in a very up close and personal way. This is one of the many natural resource areas in the state of Oregon that not only entertains visitors, but also allows them to learn without even realizing that is what they are doing.

On the Fly Guide to the Northwest, A Traveler's Guide to the Greatest Fly Fishing Destinations in Oregon & Washington

Complete Angler's Guide to Oregon, A Wilderness Adventures Press Angler's Guidebook

Trout Unlimited's guide to America's 100 best trout streams

Insiders' Guide to Bend and Central Oregon, 2nd

Oregon state parks, a complete recreation guide