Accessible Guide to Bend, Oregon
Bend is a small city in Central Oregon known for its outdoor lifestyle and welcoming feel. People come here to explore trails, paddle the river, or just slow down for a bit. The city blends easy access to nature with good food and a laid-back downtown that’s easy to enjoy.
For travelers with disabilities, Bend is a great place to visit. Oregon Adaptive Sports offers world-class adaptive recreation programs, and many of the city’s trails, parks, and hotels have verified accessibility details you can check before you go.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip — where to stay, how to get around, and the best accessible things to do while you’re here.
What's Ahead?
Getting Around Bend
Bend is easy to get around once you’re here. It's recommended to rent a vehicle (or drive to Bend if you're up for a roadtrip) since it’s the best way to reach parks, trails, and nearby towns to going beyond Bend. Parking is simple, and you’ll find accessible spaces at most hotels and attractions.
If you’re flying, Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is just 20 minutes away and has several major rental car companies on-site. However, accessible vans aren’t usually available locally, so it’s best to plan ahead. United Access in Springfield (near Eugene) and Portland rents wheelchair-accessible vehicles and may be able to arrange delivery to Bend.
If you’re coming through Portland International Airport (PDX), expect a three-hour drive over the mountains and through beautiful high-desert country. Having your own car is worth it if you want to explore outside the city.
Within Bend, Cascades East Transit runs local and regional bus routes. All buses are wheelchair accessible with ramps and securement areas, though service can be limited at night and on weekends. You can find route maps and schedules on their official website.
The bottom line: if you stay near downtown, you can get by without a car. But for day trips or exploring Central Oregon, having one makes things much easier.
Where to Stay in Bend
Where you stay in Bend really shapes your trip. The city is spread out enough that each area has its own feel — downtown gives you walkability, the west side brings easy access to trails, and the outskirts trade convenience for quiet and big views.
Downtown Bend is ideal if you want to park once and forget about it. You can walk or roll to restaurants, coffee shops, and the river in minutes. Element Bend fits perfectly here — modern, bright, and close to everything. It’s a great choice if you want a home base that feels more like a small apartment than a standard hotel room. A few minutes south, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bend South keeps things simple with free breakfast and easy highway access, which makes day trips a breeze.
If you want a mix of comfort and local style, Hotel Peppertree Bend, BW Premier Collection hits the sweet spot. It’s newer, with a warm design and on-site restaurant, and it’s close to both downtown and the Old Mill District. For something with a little more resort feel, head to Tetherow Resort. You’ll be near mountain biking trails, golf courses, and views that stretch to the Cascades. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a morning outdoors and still make it back in time for a spa treatment or dinner on the patio.
If you’re traveling with family or just want more space, Home2 Suites by Hilton Bend and Country Inn & Suites are practical options with larger layouts and kitchenettes. They’re both a short drive from downtown and close to shopping centers for easy meals and supplies.
On the higher end, Juniper Preserve sits just outside town in a high-desert setting surrounded by juniper trees and volcanic rock. It’s peaceful, scenic, and feels like a mini escape from the bustle of Bend while still being within 20 minutes of restaurants and shops.
Budget-conscious travelers might look to Best Western Plus Bend North — clean, comfortable, and right off the main highway. It’s not fancy, but it’s consistent and makes a solid base for exploring Central Oregon.
No matter which area you pick, you’ll find mapped accessibility info for entrances, bathrooms, and parking so you can book with confidence. Downtown brings walkability, the west side puts you near adventure, and the outskirts offer peace and mountain air. It all depends on the kind of Bend experience you’re after.
Accessible Things to Do in Bend
Bend has a mix of outdoor adventures, local culture, and scenic spots that make it easy to fill your days. Whether you want to explore nature, learn something new, or just relax by the river, there’s plenty to do here.
High Desert Museum
The High Desert Museum is one of those places that surprises you. It’s not just a museum — it’s part wildlife center, part art gallery, and part cultural experience. You can see river otters, raptors, and native desert plants while learning about how people and wildlife have lived in this region for centuries. Short trails connect the indoor exhibits with outdoor habitats, so you can enjoy the high-desert air while you explore. Plan for a couple of hours — there’s more here than most people expect.
See a Show at Tower Theatre
Located in the heart of downtown, the Tower Theatre is one of Bend’s most recognizable buildings. The art-deco design gives it a classic feel, and the lineup ranges from local music and comedy shows to national tours and film screenings. The restored interior keeps its vintage charm but adds modern comfort, making it an easy and enjoyable night out.
Stroll the River Old Mill District
The Old Mill District is one of Bend’s most popular areas. Once a busy sawmill site, it’s now a mix of restaurants, shops, and scenic trails along the Deschutes River. You can take a stroll on the paved riverfront paths, catch live music at the amphitheater, or just sit back with a coffee and watch people paddle by. It’s central, easy to navigate, and gives you a good feel for modern Bend — where the outdoors and downtown life meet.
Catch a Concert at Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Right on the river, the Hayden Homes Amphitheater is where Bend comes alive in summer. Big-name artists play under open skies, and the venue’s location in the Old Mill District means you’re close to restaurants and hotels. You can spend the afternoon exploring, grab dinner nearby, and end the day with live music as the sun sets behind the Cascades.
Nature and Adventures Around Bend
Spending time outside is what Bend does best. You don’t have to go far — trails, rivers, and viewpoints surround the city in every direction. Whether you’re into scenic drives, short strolls, or adaptive outdoor recreation, there’s plenty to experience year-round.
AdvenTours by Wanderlust Tours and AdvenChair
If you want to experience Bend beyond the paved paths, check out AdvenTours by Wanderlust Tours and AdvenChair. They lead small-group outings year-round, like stargazing, cave tours, and paddling trips. The partnership with AdvenChair means these adventures are made to be inclusive, with equipment and support to make it easier for everyone to get outdoors. It’s a great way to see the natural side of Central Oregon without needing to plan all the details yourself.
Tumalo Falls
Just a short drive from town, Tumalo Falls is one of Bend’s most iconic sights. The viewpoint near the parking lot is easy to access, and the paved area gives you a perfect angle on the falls without needing to hike in. If you visit in late spring or early summer, the flow is strongest, and the surrounding forest smells like fresh pine.
Riley Ranch Nature Reserve
Riley Ranch Nature Reserve feels surprisingly wild for being right on the edge of town. The preserve stretches along the Deschutes River, with viewpoints that look down into the canyon. The upper trails are smooth and mostly level, making them ideal for rolling or walking at a slower pace. It’s a quiet place to watch the sunset or spot birds along the cliffs.
Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
If you want a panoramic view of Bend and the Cascade Mountains, Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint is the spot. You can drive all the way to the top during warm months, and from there, take in views that stretch to Mount Bachelor and beyond. There’s also a paved loop trail around the base if you’d rather move at your own pace.
Drake Park and the Deschutes River Trail
Right in town, Drake Park is where locals hang out on sunny afternoons. The paved paths follow the river, passing picnic lawns, bridges, and floating spots. It connects to parts of the Deschutes River Trail, which runs for miles through town and beyond — you can do as much or as little as you want.
If you’re looking for a guided or adaptive way to get outside, check out Oregon Adaptive Sports, which runs programs for skiing, paddling, and cycling across Central Oregon. They’re based in Bend and work with all ability levels.
Events in Bend
Bend has many events and things happening all-year round. Here are a few top ones to keep on your radar:
Bend Summer Concert Series
When the weather warms up, the Hayden Homes Amphitheater becomes the heart of summer in Bend. Big-name artists play right on the Deschutes River, and the setting couldn’t be better — grassy lawns, sunset views, and plenty of local food and drink nearby. Bring a blanket, grab a bite from a food truck, and enjoy a night of live music under open skies.
BendFilm Festival
Each October, BendFilm takes over downtown with screenings, workshops, and meetups that bring filmmakers and fans together. Independent films play at venues like the historic Tower Theatre, along with coffee shops and pop-up spaces across town. It’s casual, creative, and a great time to see Bend’s artsy side.
Bend Winter PrideFest
Winter doesn’t slow Bend down. PrideFest, held every March, is a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, community, and inclusion. Events range from skiing and snowboarding days at Mt. Bachelor to downtown parades, drag shows, and live performances. The atmosphere is welcoming, colorful, and full of energy.
Plan Your Accessible Bend Visit
Bend is one of those places that makes slowing down feel easy. You can start the day with mountain views, spend the afternoon by the river, and still make it to dinner downtown without rushing. What makes it even better is how much of it’s already been mapped for accessibility, so you can find the options that work for you.
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