The Perfect Winter Weekend in Bend Oregon
We’ve been coming to Bend every winter for five years now.
What started as a ski trip has become our family’s favorite tradition—powder mornings at Mount Bachelor, sunset hikes at Lava Butte, and hot cocoa runs through Sunriver. My kids have grown up on these slopes. At 10 and 11, they now take a few runs on their own at the end of the day while we grab a beer at the lodge and watch them come down.
This guide is everything I wish I’d known on that first trip: where to stay, how to save on lift tickets, what to do when the weather turns, and the gear that’s actually worth packing. Whether you’re planning your first Bend winter weekend or your fifth, this itinerary will help you make the most of it.
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.
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’ve 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.
Gear note: If you’re hiking at sunset, you’ll be descending in the dark. A good headlamp is essential—and red light mode keeps your night vision intact for stargazing on the way down.
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 can’t go on a winter weekend to Bend and not experience Mount Bachelor. (If you don’t alpine ski, they also have nordic ski options!)
We’ve been skiing here for the past 5 years and it’s become our FAVORITE mountain. It’s friendly, more affordable than most, and the views are epic from almost anywhere on the mountain. My kids have become so comfortable with it that at 9 and 10 they take a few runs on their own while we watch from the lodge.
Tickets: Lift tickets run $130-170/day for adults, but the Kids Ski Free deals (with adult purchase) make it much more affordable for families. Book 7+ days ahead for best pricing. Check out the latest conditions, trail map and deals here.
Pro-tip: Kids LOVE Dilly Dally Alley, so check it out. And spring skiing here can be the absolute best. Weekends fill fast—arrive before 8:30 AM or use the Dutchman Flat shuttle.
Gear tip for families: If your kids are still growing into ski gear, Bachelor’s rental shop is solid. But we’ve saved money over the years buying used kids’ gear locally and reselling it each season. The one thing worth investing in: good goggles and warm gloves—cold hands end ski days early.
🐇 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 it’s well worth it!
What to bring: You’ll start cold and finish sweating. I wear a merino base layer and lightweight puffy that stuffs into my pack once I warm up. For sunrise starts, a reliable headlamp is non-negotiable. The trail can be icy near the top—microspikes make the difference between confident and sketchy.
Tumalo Mountain Stats: 2.6 miles | Elevation Gain: 1,423 feet | 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!
Gear note: The trail is packed enough for snowshoes—we use MSR Evo Trail which handle both groomed and off-trail sections. Gaiters keep snow out of your boots, especially if you step off-trail for photos. And if you’re going at sunset, bring a headlamp for the walk back.
Tumalo Falls Stats: 6.4 miles | Elevation Gain: 557 feet | 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. We’re not climbers, but the hiking here is world-class. 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 is steep but short, and the views of the Crooked River canyon are worth every step. In winter, you’ll often have the trails nearly to yourself.
What to bring: Even when snow-free, the shaded sections of Misery Ridge can be icy. I keep microspikes in my pack just in case. Layers matter here too—you’ll be cold in the canyon shadows and warm on the exposed ridge.
Misery Ridge Stats: 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
Where to Stay: Sunriver for the Win
While Bend has plenty of great lodging, we always rent a house in Sunriver, about 20 minutes south of town. After five years, it’s become non-negotiable for us. Here’s why:
Why Sunriver works for families:
Value: Splitting a house with another family cuts costs significantly
Space: Rental homes mean room to spread out, a real kitchen, and no hotel hallways after a long ski day
Location: 25 minutes to Mount Bachelor, 15 minutes to Lava Butte, easy access to everything
Amenities: Many rentals include hot tubs, ski storage, and SHARC pool/rec center access
How to book:
We typically book through Airbnb or Vacasa —both have solid Sunriver inventory. Look for places with:
- Hot tub (trust me, après-ski soak is essential)
- Garage or ski storage
- SHARC pass included (pool, ice skating, tubing hill)
Book early: Peak winter weekends (February, Presidents Day, spring break) fill up fast. We usually book 2-3 months ahead for the best selection.
Budget reality: Expect $200-400/night for a 3-bedroom with good amenities. Split with friends and it’s comparable to two hotel rooms—with way more space and a kitchen.
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!
