What's so GREAT about Bend, Oregon? PART 1...

WHAT IS SO GREAT ABOUT BEND, OREGON?

Why is Bend being recognized across the United States as one of the best places to live? I hope I can enlighten you all to the beauty of this gem that is also my home.

Recreationally, Bend and the surrounding areas have so much to offer. Surrounded by mountains, Bend is located in Deschutes County in the High Desert of Central Oregon. The terrain is mostly desert with thousands of acres of protected USFS lands closeby. This provides for excellent HUNTING and FISHING. Deer, elk, antelope and turkey hunting are popular here and bring in many hunters from all over the U.S.

The many local lakes offer an abundance of BOATING, FISHING, and WATER-SKIING opportunities. Central Oregon also boasts an elaborate system of underground caves for SPELUNKING ( caving ) as well as several unparalleled settings for CAMPING or SIGHTSEEING.

For obvious reason, this area is home to a high number of outdoor enthusiasts. Mt. Bachelor and Mt. Hood are but a short drive from Bend and offer some of the best SNOW and CROSS COUNTRY SKIING, SNOWBOARDING, SNOWSHOEING and SNOWMOBILING in the country.

Just a little north of Bend lies Redmond, the hub of Central Oregon. Redmond is home to the legendary Smith Rocks State Park which offers world-class ROCK-CLIMBING and HIKING.

We also have 21 public and private courses in Bend and the surrounding areas, offering unparalleled GOLFING. Thousand of acres of BLM protected lands give the DIRT BIKE or ORV enthusiast miles and miles of trails to enjoy.

In any season, there is always plenty to do here. These recreational opportunities are just ONE of the many reasons I choose to live and work here. Click here to read What's so GREAT about Bend, Oregon? Part 2 and find out more about this thriving community.

If you've had a chance to experience Bend, please share your thoughts here. I'd love to read them.