A Winter Week in Bend, Oregon: Skiing, S’mores & Scenic Views
If you’re looking for the ultimate winter getaway that blends skiing, cozy fireplaces, hot tubs, and incredible food—Bend, Oregon should be at the top of your list. I recently spent a week soaking in all the winter magic that Bend has to offer, and honestly? I’m already dreaming about going back.
First Stop: Riverhouse Lodge
We kicked off our trip by driving from Seattle to Bend and checked into the Riverhouse Lodge. This place is such a gem—our room had a fireplace and looked out over the Deschutes River. Drinking a cider by the river? Peak relaxation.
We made dinner in our room that night and got a good night’s sleep to fuel up for skiing the next day.
Skiing at Mt. Bachelor
One of my favorite things about winter in Bend is how close everything is. Mt. Bachelor is only a 30-minute drive from town, and we didn’t have to worry about parking at all.
Pro tip: Check the Mt. Bachelor events calendar before you go! The weekend we were there, Woodward Peace Park was throwing a party complete with a live DJ, free burritos, and Mountain Dew sodas. Not mad about it.
After a fun day on the slopes, we went straight to the hot tub at Riverhouse (a theme for this trip, tbh), followed by an incredible dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Currents. I had a dreamy cocktail and a perfectly cooked steak. We even went back for breakfast—the French toast is chef’s kiss.
We ended our night with s’mores by our personal fireplace. Yes, it was just as cozy and magical as it sounds.
Exploring Downtown Bend
We dedicated the next day to checking out downtown Bend. First stop: Backporch Coffee Roasters for a much-needed caffeine fix. Then we went full window shopping mode and popped into some of my fave shops:
- Inside Out
- Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe
- Scout & Pine
Lunch was at Pizza Mondo, and you have to get their lunch special. For $9, we got a slice, salad, and soda—and I’m still dreaming about their garlic knots.
We walked off lunch on the Deschutes River Trail, which offers beautiful river views right in town. Afterward, we explored the Old Mill District and took advantage of Oregon’s no sales tax—pro tip if you’re in the market for gear like coats or boots.
Campfire Hotel & More Adventure
That night, we checked into the Campfire Hotel—I’ve written a whole separate post about this place because it’s that good. Hot tubs, fire pits, retro vibes… it’s my kind of spot.
The next day was our big adventure day. First stop: Smith Rock State Park. We hiked the Misery Ridge Loop (don’t let the name scare you—it’s gorgeous).
🥾 You’ll need a $5 day-use pass, which you can get online or at the trailhead. And as always, bring plenty of water and watch your footing on icy sections.
Post-hike lunch was at The Pump House Bar & Grill in Terrebonne. Then we hit Steelhead Falls, a quick hike with a big desert-payoff. It’s such a cool contrast to the snowy peaks we’d been skiing just a few days before.
We picked up Chipotle burrito bowls for dinner and were planning to watch sunset from Pilot Butte, but found out it was closed for the winter. Instead, we cozied up by the fire pits at Campfire Hotel—honestly, not a bad backup plan.
One Last Ski Day at Mt. Bachelor
Since the weather was perfect, we squeezed in one more ski day before heading home. Breakfast was from Active Culture, and if you only take one piece of food advice from this post—get the strawberry smoothie.
We skied until 2 PM and then hit the road back to Seattle, soaking in jaw-dropping views of Mt. Hood along the way.
Final Thoughts
Winter in Bend, Oregon is truly something special. From world-class skiing at Mt. Bachelor to cozy evenings by the fire and epic hikes just outside town, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. I’m already dreaming of coming back in summer to explore more of Bend’s trails, lakes, and desert views.
If you’ve been to Bend, let me know your favorite spots—I’m always adding to my list! 🌲❄️
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