Top 9 nature & wildlife things to do in Bend

1. Deschutes River electric bike tour in Bend

Two hours guided e-bike tour along the Deschutes River with scenic views and historic insights.

2. Guided electric bike tour of the Deschutes River in Bend

Thirteen miles on electric bikes along paved and gravel trails—panoramic Cascade Mountain views, a local guide, and a stop at Sparrow Bakery for a treat.

“The service was excellent, and Bend is truly a beautiful place to explore.”— X1819YFkevinm

3. Alpaca picnic experience in Bend, Oregon

Two-hour outdoor picnic with alpacas — enjoy lunch with these friendly animals in their pasture, led by knowledgeable hosts.

“During my trip to Oregon with my parents, I was thrilled to schedule a visit. Unfortunately, I mistakenly booked for June instead of May. However, after speaking with Amanda, she kindly allowed us to come anyway. We had a wonderful tour, fed the alpacas, and relaxed in the pasture. If you're nearby, I highly recommend visiting. We truly appreciated Amanda's generosity and had a fantastic afternoon that we couldn't have asked for more.”— 662cirap

4. Guided snowshoe tour in Deschutes National Forest

Two hours in snowshoes through an old-growth forest, led by a naturalist guide, with insights into local wildlife and history, plus hot cocoa break.

“We had a wonderful snowshoe tour with Kristen. Luckily, it was snowing that day, providing us with fresh snow for our hike. The tour was well-organized, and Kristen was very knowledgeable about the area.”— barbaraonboard

5. Moonlight canoe tour on Cascade Lakes

Two hours on Cascade Lakes after sunset — canoeing, stargazing, and local treats with naturalist guides.

“The paddling experience was truly amazing. Gliding across the lake beneath the Milky Way, with the fresh aroma of aquatic plants and stars shimmering on the water, created a serene atmosphere. Enjoying hot cocoa as our guide Dylan shared stories about the night sky offered a unique sense of tranquility and satisfaction.”— sharonx49

6. Full-day private photo tour in Bend, Oregon

Eight hours with a local guide — explore McKenzie River’s waterfalls, capture stunning sunrise or sunset shots, or design your own custom itinerary around Bend.

“Christian Heeb is an exceptional guide who takes you to hidden scenic spots that you won't find in any guidebook. I had the pleasure of spending two wonderful days with him in Oregon. Additionally, he created a comprehensive 7-day itinerary for me to explore America’s iconic canyons, which was incredibly helpful. Thank you, Christian!”— baljit759

7. Moonlight snowshoe tour in Bend

Two hours of snowshoeing through old-growth forest, highlighting wildlife tracks and constellations, with hot cocoa break included.

“I strongly suggest Wanderlust Tours for an unforgettable experience in Central Oregon. We previously enjoyed a moonlight canoe tour and just this past weekend took a moonlight snowshoeing tour. Since there was no snow, the tour company graciously switched to a night hike at Fort Rock. It was an incredible experience that I would wholeheartedly repeat.”— Z5310UOsuzannes

8. Private half-day photography tour in Bend

Four hours with a local guide, capturing stunning landscapes of the Cascades, High Desert, or custom locations based on your interests.

“The photographer provided numerous location options, including waterfalls, Smith Rock, and Cascade Lakes. We opted for the Sparks Lake Sunrise, which offered stunning mountain reflections. My wife, using just her phone, enjoyed it immensely. Learning about the instructor's preferred landscape f-stops and low light techniques was valuable, along with his tips on processing and a helpful app, which my wife downloaded on the spot. I look forward to doing this again with my daughter, who also loves photography.”— Doug B

9. Murder mystery detective audio adventure in Bend

Self-guided audio tour with mapped locations—solve a murder mystery across downtown Bend or its outskirts.

“Despite the snow, we had an excellent time. We laughed and enjoyed ourselves as we moved between locations solving the mystery like real detectives. We can't wait to try the second episode when we get the chance.”— broganlogan2_1