Welcome to Central Oregon! Located very nearly in the exact middle of Oregon, the Bend area has garnered national attention as a major tourism destination due to a unique and convenient concentration of natural amenities second to none. Here’s a far from comprehensive listing of interesting things to see and do in late March while you and your family are visiting the Central Oregon area for the National Masters.

Active Outdoor Wonderland

• Quite Possibly The Best Spring Snow On Earth -- Consistent weather patterns in the Cascades often mean that the Central Oregon snowpack increases from mid-March to early May. This means an incredible combination of fresh powder conditions with plenty of daylight. XC, alpine, and backcountry skiing is just plain unlimited with additional family/companion on-snow adventures including sledding, dogsled rides, and snowmobile tours.
  
  
• Golf -- Whereas the mountains above Bend hold onto skiable snow well into early summer, down in the high desert the early spring sees several local courses open up with reasonable course fees and rentals. Your event packet will have information on specials offered to NM participants.
  
  
• Mountain Biking, Hiking, Running -- Many area trails below 4500 feet tend to open up by late March with the best conditions typically closer to Bend and east of town. The most scenic offerings will be along the Deschutes River and at world-famous Smith Rock State Park (roughly a 35 minute drive north). A very easy short hike or bike can also be made out to incredible Tumalo Falls (short 10 mile drive west of town). On a clear day (which is often) you can take the short hike up Pilot Butte in the middle of the city to get a stellar view of up to nine major volcanic peaks. Your event packet will have information on bike rentals and guided tour specials offered to NM participants.
  
  
• Road Cycling -- Roads below 4500 feet are typically clear of cinders by late March (although late storms can change things) with views of the Cascades simply incredible particularly the further east you ride.
  
  
• Paddling -- The Deschutes River runs right through the heart of Bend's westside offering a nifty casual paddling opportunity. More experienced paddlers willing to brave spring water temps can find plenty of great rapids just upriver a few miles from town. Several other rivers are within reasonable day trip distance.
  
  
• Rock Climbing -- Smith Rock State Park has been the setting for many Hollywood productions and has to be seen to be believed. Tons of easy to expert rock climbing routes are available by late March. You can also take a look at the famous "Burma Road" foot timetrial course annually used by XC notables such as Olympic gold medalist Beckie Scott, Justin Wadsworth, Patrick Weaver, the XC Oregon team, and many others.
  
  
• More, More, More!!! -- Paulina/Newbury Crater is within 45 minutes of town offering another amazing backcountry/XC destination. Crater Lake National Park is a 1.5-2.5 hour drive away and can be reached by car (south entrance) or 30km ski (using snowmo trails from north entrance). Mt Hood is a 2 hour drive to the north offering more alpine and backcountry. The Oregon Coast is a 3-4 hour drive offering a great pre/post NM destination (and often great weather this time of year!).
  

Area Attractions

• The High Desert Museum -- A nationally acclaimed attraction dedicated to broadening the understanding of the High Desert's wildlife, culture, art and natural resources. Just a few minutes south of Bend along Hwy 97. Great for the whole family!
• Shopping -- Bend is quickly becoming a hot spot for both boutique and national brand shopping opportunities. Downtown and the Mill District are within walking distance (or a very quick 3-5 minute drive) of several lodging options. More national brands can be found along the Hwy 97 corridor.
  
  
• Galleries and Music -- Several small art galleries are dotted throughout the Downtown and Mill District. A wide range of live music can be found at several clubs and restaurants particularly on weekends.
  
  
• Movies -- Bend offers two major cinema complexes with the Mill District Regal Cinemas offering stadium seating and all the major releases within walking distance (or a very quick 3-5 minute drive) of several lodging options.
  
  
• Family Fun -- The usual assortment of bowling, arcades, go-carts, batting cages are offered within a short drive of westside Bend. A great resource on all things family in the region is The Children's Travel Guide to Bend, Oregon
  

More Resources

Bend Visitor's Bureau

Central Oregon Visitor's Bureau