The Perfect Winter Weekend in Bend Oregon
Bend in late winter and early spring is where snow and sunshine meet. You can ski powder at Mount Bachelor in the morning, then hike or bike under blue skies by afternoon. After five years of annual trips—usually in early April, though our most recent was in February—I’ve learned that the season shifts but the adventure doesn’t. You’ll still find world-class skiing, thawing trails, and that high-desert light that makes everything glow.
This guide distills what’s worked best for our family: a practical 3-day plan, where to stay, smart parking and ticket tips, what to pack, safety must-knows, and backups for unpredictable weather.
Quick Facts
- Best Months: February – April for longer days and mild afternoons (often 45 – 60 °F in Sunriver). Expect ski mornings and trail or bike afternoons.
- Drive Time: Portland 3 h · Seattle 5 h · Boise 4.5 h
- Elevation: Bend 3,623 ft · Mount Bachelor summit 9,065 ft (some feel altitude)
- Typical Weekend Cost: $800 – 1,200 for a family (lodging $300 – 500; lift tickets $200 – 300; food $150 – 200; gas $100 – 150)
- Cell Service: Good in Bend/Sunriver; spotty on mountain; none at Tumalo Falls trailhead
- Season Note: Expect full snow coverage in February and mixed spring conditions by April—ideal for spring skiing and easier travel.
What to Wear on Winter Adventures
The area around Bend can get cold in the winter. Sometimes pretty frigid, other times, the sun is just enough to keep you feeling warm. For most of these outdoor activities, dressing right and being prepared is essential. Here are my FAVORITES to keep me going on my winter adventures!
❄️ My Bend Winter Survival Kit (5 Years of Testing)
Real talk: These 8 pieces have saved countless Bend adventures. Each one earned its spot through family disasters, frozen fingers, or “why didn’t we bring that?” moments.
🧤 Worlds WARMEST Gloves: Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Mittens
Saved our Tumalo Mountain sunrise – only gloves that kept my fingers functional for camera work at 15°F
🧦 Warm Wool Socks: Darn Tough Hiking Socks
Lifetime warranty isn’t marketing – I’ve replaced 3 pairs, no questions asked. Kids’ feet stay warm in rental boots
🌧️ Rain Jacket: Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell
Breathes during climbs, blocks Cascade wind. Fits over puffy without the marshmallow look
🧥 Midweight Puffer: REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket
Perfect for Sunriver evenings and Smith Rock winter hikes. Packable enough for day pack
🔥 Heavyweight Puffer: REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie
When Bend hits single digits. Compresses small but keeps you toasty during après-ski hot cocoa runs
💡 Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 400
Essential for 6 AM Tumalo starts. Red light mode doesn’t kill night vision, kids can operate it solo
⛸️ Microspikes: Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
Lava Butte trail turns to ice rink. These transform scary into confident. Easy on/off with gloves
🥾 Gaiters for Snow: Outdoor Research Crocodile Gators
Game-changer for Tumalo Falls snowshoeing. No more snow-filled boots or wet socks halfway through
💰 Budget Reality: This kit costs ~$800 total. We built it over 3 years, one piece per trip. The payoff? No more cutting adventures short because someone’s miserable.
🔗 These are affiliate links – I earn a small commission if you purchase, but it doesn’t cost you extra. I only recommend gear that’s survived our chaotic family adventures!
Logistics Quick Guide
Chains: Carry Nov – Apr (legal requirement). AWD helps you go; it doesn’t help you stop.
Sno-Park permit: $5 /day or $25 /season (Tumalo Falls & Dutchman Flat overflow). Buy in Bend or online.
Road & snow reports: TripCheck (roads), mtbachelor.com (lifts/snow), NWAC (avalanche).
The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary
Assumes you’re based in Sunriver (25 minutes to Bachelor). Staying in Bend? Add ~20 minutes each way.
Friday: Arrival & Sunset at Lava Butte
Most people arrive in the afternoon. After unpacking and settling in, head to Lava Butte for a quick evening adventure.
🥾 Hike Up Lava Butte for Sunset
Lava Butte Lookout is one of the best spots for a winter sunset near Bend. We have hiked up a few times and it always seems to deliver. The short but steep trail leads to a historic fire lookout, where you’ll get panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and the surrounding lava beds bathed in golden light.
It’s a relatively easy walk along a road that wraps around Lava Butte. And from the top you can also check out the crater – how cool is that!? Free parking at Lava Lands Visitor Center; bring a headlamp for evening hikes.
If you arrive too late or weather is bad: Explore Old Mill District in Bend (shopping, dining, ice skating rink).
Dinner options: Grab dinner at your rental or head to Sunriver Village—Merchant Trader Café for casual or The Meadows at the Lodge for upscale.
Saturday: Mount Bachelor Skiing & High Desert Museum
⛷️ Ski at Mount Bachelor
Mount Bachelor, just 22 miles from Sunriver, is your gateway to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Oregon. With over 4,300 acres of skiable terrain and incredible views of the Cascade Mountains, you’ll find trails for every skill level. You cant go on a winter weekend to Bend Oregon and not experience Mount Bachelor. (if you dont alpine ski, they also have nordic ski options!)
We have been skiing here for the past 5 years and its become our FAVORITE mountain. Its friendly, more affordable than most and the views as mentioned are epic from almost anywhere on the mountain. My kids have become so comfortable with it that at 9+10 they can ski by themselves.
And if you purchase your ski tickets ahead of time, they have great 2 for 1 Kids ski FREE deals. Check out the latest conditions, trail map and deals here.
Pro-tip – Kids LOVE dilly dally alley so check it out. And Spring skiing there can be the absolute best. Weekends fill fast—arrive before 8:30 AM or use Dutchman Flat shuttle.
🐇 Non-Skiers or Weather Backup: High Desert Museum
Need a break from the cold? The High Desert Museum is a great indoor spot where you can learn about the region’s wildlife, history, and Indigenous cultures. Plus, there are live animal exhibits, including raptors and river otters!
It’s great for families, (my kids LOVED it!) but honestly, it’s a fun stop for anyone. $17 adults, $12 kids. Open 10 AM-4 PM daily. Plan 2-3 hours.
Sunday: Morning Snowshoe / Hike + Smith Rock Finale
Pick one morning outing around Bend, then stop at Smith Rock before you head home.
Morning Option A – Hike Up Tumalo Mountain for Epic Views
For one of the best winter hikes in Central Oregon, head up Tumalo Mountain. It’s a short but steep 3-mile round trip, leading to stunning 360° views of Mount Bachelor, the Three Sisters, and Broken Top. If you can swing it, go for sunrise. It requires 45 minutes or so in the dark but its well worth it!
Pro tip: This is a solid workout, so bring layers—you’ll heat up fast on the climb!
Tumalo Mountain Distance: 2.6 miles | Elevation Gain: 1,423 feet | Link: AllTrails Link
Morning Option B – Snowshoe to Tumalo Falls
This mellow 6-mile round-trip trek takes you to one of Oregon’s most stunning waterfalls—a nearly 100-foot cascade surrounded by snow. In the winter, the road is closed, so you’ll simply snowshoe or ski along the road next to the river, surrounded by beautiful pine trees. It’s an easier adventure that’s perfect for a winter day.
Start early or head out just before sunset for a more serene experience. I set off an hour before sunset and only saw three other people. On weekends, it can get crowded, so try visiting either during the week or at that magical time just before sunset. This is definitely a must-do when you’re in Bend!
Tumalo Falls Distance: 6.4 miles | Elevation Gain: 557 feet | Link: AllTrails Link
Afternoon — Smith Rock State Park
After your morning hike and packing up, grab lunch in Bend then head to Smith Rock (45 minutes northeast).
Smith Rock is famous for rock climbing, but it’s also an epic winter hiking destination. The park offers jaw-dropping views of the Crooked River and towering rock formations. And in winter? Fewer crowds and crisp, clear air make it even better.
Arguably the best trail is the Misery Ridge and Summit trail. Don’t let the name deter you, it has incredible views and really gives you the best overview of the park.
Misery Ridge Distance: 6.2 miles | Elevation Gain: 1,761 feet | AllTrails Link
$5 parking fee. Lower elevation means it’s often snow-free when mountain trails are icy.
Bonus Activities
🎒 Explore the Lava Lands at Newberry Volcanic Monument
If you love geology and adventure, don’t skip this. The otherworldly landscapes of Newberry Volcanic Monument are especially stunning when dusted with snow. (We went in early April, so it was a bit warmer than in winter – next year seeing it under snow is a must!) I have driven by in winter and the contrast between the dark rock and the snow looks wild.
There are several paved trails that you can walk through the jagged volcanic rock formations—a remnant of Oregon’s explosive past. It’s a relatively easy outing, but definitely a must-do!
Where to Eat
Breakfast: Chow (get there early) or McKay Cottage
Lunch: Jackson’s Corner (pizza), Deschutes Brewery, Baldy’s BBQ
Dinner: Ariana (reserve ahead), Joolz (Middle Eastern), The Meadows at Sunriver
Coffee: Lone Pine or Thump
Where to Stay: Sunriver for the Win
While Bend has tons of great accommodation options, we always rent a house in Sunriver, just 20 minutes south of town. Its our favorite stay for a winter weekend in Bend. Here’s why:
✔️ Affordable for longer stays (perfect if you’re making it a full week)
✔️ Bigger rental options if traveling with family or friends
✔️ A recreation pool to relax after skiing
✔️ An ice skating rink to enjoy winter nights
✔️ Close to all the best winter activities
When Are You Booking Your Trip?
Bend is the ultimate winter playground, whether you’re here to ski, snowshoe, hike, or just soak in the stunning scenery. With so many adventures packed into one weekend, you’ll leave already planning your next trip back.
So, when’s your Bend winter weekend happening? What’s your favorite winter activity in Bend?
Want more Oregon Adventures – Check out these Waterfall Hikes!
FAQs
- Can beginners ski Bachelor? Yes—Sunshine Accelerator and Ski School are excellent.
- How far is Bachelor? ~25 min from Sunriver; ~45 from Bend.
- No snow / wind hold? Pivot to Tumalo Falls, High Desert Museum, or Smith Rock.
- Altitude issues? Hydrate, pace yourself, ski lower runs if headache hits.
Final Thoughts
What makes late winter and early spring in Bend so good is contrast: powder mornings, T-shirt afternoons, and fiery sunsets over the Cascades. You can ski, snowshoe, or ride bikes—all in one weekend—without crowds or chaos.
Related Posts
- Oregon Waterfalls: Best Spring Hikes
- 18 Easy Day Hikes Near Seattle
- Amazing Winter Hikes in Washington
- 9 Easy Backpacking Trips with Kids
- Best Fire Lookout Hikes in Washington
Share your Bend moments @the.trekking.mama — I love seeing your spring ski and sunshine photos.
If this guide helped, consider buying me a coffee to keep the trail guides coming.
Want more Oregon Adventures – Check out these Waterfall Hikes!
