That Oregon Life · Stories & discoveries
Bend
Nestled in the heart of Oregon’s high desert, Bend is a vibrant and dynamic city surrounded by snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and winding rivers. With endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and fishing, Bend is an adventurer’s paradise.
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Bend
Remembering Rhoam Summer: How Oregonians Can Help a Family Facing Unimaginable Loss
There are no words that can make sense of losing a child, and for one Bend family, the heartbreak following Thursday's tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary School is something no parent should ever have to endure.…
Walk Around a Volcanic Crater at Lava Butte, One of Central Oregon’s Most Striking Stops
Walk the crater rim at Lava Butte near Bend, explore the ancient lava field, and plan your visit with clear details on summit access, fees, trails, and seasonal services.
There’s a Secret Hidden Bar Inside This Historic Oregon School And It Feels Like a Treasure Hunt
There are places in Oregon that feel like destinations. And then there are places that feel like adventures. The kind where you arrive with a rough plan, only to completely abandon it an hour later because…
$3.4 Million to Redesign Tamolich Blue Pool Has Oregonians Asking One Question: Why?
For years, the hike to Tamolitch Blue Pool has been one of those rare Oregon experiences that still feels raw, natural, and earned. Planning a visit? Read our complete Blue Pool Oregon hiking guide for the…
The 42 Best Oregon Mom & Pop Restaurants to Eat At in 2026
We're going a bit out on a limb here at That Oregon Life. This story began as a sort of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" compilation, but after a giant list of my own and a slew…
This 80,000-Year-Old Underground Cave Is Unlike Anything Else in Oregon
There’s a moment when you reach the top of the staircase at Lava River Cave and feel the air rising from below. It’s cold, steady, and carries that faint mineral scent that tells you this isn’t…
This Innocent-Looking Rock in Bend Has Wrecked So Many Cars It Has a Fan Club
Every town has a legend. Some have haunted bridges. Others have mysterious lights in the woods. Bend, naturally, has a rock in a parking lot that eats cars for sport. Locals call him B.O.B.Short for Big…