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.

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The coastal region of Oregon is one of the most beautiful areas for a vacation due to the breathtaking blue waters and amazing rocky hills that frame the terrain. Imagine driving through a lush, dense forest and suddenly emerging on a dramatic cliff that points down to the waves below, and you have an idea of what a coastal vacation is all about. One of the best places to visit along the coast is Lincoln City, which claims seven miles of sandy beaches and is the perfect place for the active outdoor traveler. Lincoln City is known for its constant winds along the shore that make it the ideal place for a run across the sand with a kite or a windsurfing adventure over the waves. While these are great ways to enjoy the surreal environment, other popular activities for visitors include boating, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, and knee boarding in the refreshing waters of the Pacific Ocean. Nearby Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area is better suited for more mellow activities, including kayaking, canoeing, or fishing for freshwater fish such as perch, bluegill, and large mouth bass.

While Central Oregon lacks the drama of the coastline, it is the perfect place to escape from stress and commune with nature. One of the best cities to seek out is Sunriver, which lies along the Cascade Mountains and the Deschutes River and allows for any kind of relaxing outdoor activity possible. The fresh mountain air is an invigorating alarm clock for any homebody and will push visitors outward on a hiking or exploration adventure. The river runs for five miles along the city, so visitors have ample opportunity to bike along its shores or cast in a fly fishing line while adoring the unfettered beauty of Oregon. If you are interested in the local history of this gorgeous area, hope aboard the Mount Hood Railroad for a four hour journey through the amazing scenery combined with information about key points of interest. Another great activity is booking a whitewater rafting adventure with one of the numerous companies that takes tourists down the Deschutes and other nearby rivers for a memorable excursion. Whether you are looking for a half-day of excitement, a five day expedition, or something in between, there is bound to be a trip that can meet your needs.