Bend is a city in Oregon, and it is also the county seat of Deschutes County. Aside from that, Bend is also the principal city of the Bend-Redmond Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is the biggest city in Central Oregon and the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Oregon. This city is located on the eastern edge of the Cascade Range along the Deschutes River. In 2015, Bend was ranked as one of the 10 Best Places to Live Now by Men’s Journal. This place is also home to the last remaining Blockbuster Video store in the world.
Let us know more about the history of Bend, as well as the current popular attractions that you can visit here.
History of Bend, Oregon
Early pioneers used the term “Farewell Bend” to refer to the location along the Deschutes River where the town was eventually platted. That was where the name Bend was derived from. In the winter of 1824, only Native Americans know the Bend area because they hunted and fished there. But in the same year, members of a fur-trapping party visited the area. It was led by Peter Skene Ogden. After them, other Army survey parties came next. Then, pioneers who were going farther west passed through the area and crossed the Deschutes River at Farewell Bend.
The Pilot Butte Development Company’s little plant, which was constructed in May 1901, was the first commercial sawmill in Bend. It was initially located at the rear of the Pilot Butte Inn of later years. In 1903, a small mill was set up by Steidl and Reed, and it was operated by water power. Eventually, a small community developed around the area, and a city was incorporated by a general vote of the community’s 300 residents in 1904.
The city held its first official meeting on January 4, 1905, as an incorporated municipality where A.H. Goodwillie was appointed as the first mayor. The place was originally called “Farewell Bend” but later shortened by the U.S. Postal Service to “Bend”.
Through the construction of the Bend Water, Light & Power Company dam, Mirror Pond was created in 1910 on the Deschutes River in Bend. This dam provided the city with its first source of electrical energy. Since 1926, the dam was owned by Pacific Power, and it still produces electricity that supplies about 200 households in Bend.
Deschutes County, Oregon was formed in 1916 from the western half of Crook County, designating Bend as its county seat. And in 1929, Bend revised the charter and adopted the council-manager form of government.
Current Popular Attractions in Bend, Oregon
If you are traveling to Bend, Oregon soon, here are some of the popular attractions you can visit there.
Pilot Butte
This is a lava dome in Bend, Oregon that was created from an extinct volcano. It is a popular hiking destination with two trails to the summit. Aside from that, there’s also a 1.8-mile trail around the base of Pilot Butte that was built in 2010. When you get to the top, you will be able to see the entire city of Bend, as well as some significant Cascade peaks such as the Broken Top, Mount Bachelor, and Three Sisters. Every year, the 4th of July fireworks are launched by the City of Bend from Pilot Butte.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
The Newberry National Volcanic Monument will allow you to view the Lava Lands of central Oregon. It was created in November 1990 within the boundaries of Deschutes National Forest, and it is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This place includes over 54,000 acres of lakes, lava flows, and remarkable geologic features in Central Oregon. The summit Paulina Peak is the highest point within the Monument, and it showcases the views of the Newberry Caldera, the Cascades, and across the High Desert.
Canoeing
If you are looking for something fun to do in Bend, Oregon, then you might want to try canoeing. You can book a canoe tour on Wanderlust Tours, which is the premier destination for canoeing in Bend, Oregon. They will enable you to experience paddling on the high elevation mountain lakes in the Cascade Range. While on tour, you might be able to spot some eagles, otters, minks, and ospreys, so make sure to bring your camera. You can also take a refreshing dip and see parts of large lakes that are only accessible by paddling into the wetlands, fingers, bays, and coves which are made by ancient erosion and eruptions.
Martolli’s Pizza
Martolli’s Pizza is one of the best restaurants you can try in Bend, Oregon. It is located at 220 West Cascade Avenue, Sisters, Oregon.The dough and sauces of the pizzas they serve are fresh daily. The pizzas are also hand-tossed in the traditional way and baked in old fashioned slate ovens. Aside from pizzas, they also serve salads, meat and veggie combos, and as well as gluten-free and dairy-free pizza options. This restaurant is also a part of the Sisters community. They help support local schools, small businesses, events, and charitable organizations in town.
Taj Palace Indian Cuisine
If you are craving for Indian cuisine, this can be the perfect restaurant for you in Bend, Oregon. Taj Palace is located at 917 N.W. Wall Street, Downton Bend, Oregon. It is a place for exotic Indian foods. The dishes they serve have delicately blended spices that are traditional and delicious. They also have a lunch buffet every day from 11:00am to 2:30pm. If you want to try some exotic Indian cuisine while in Bend, then you must visit this restaurant.
Bend is another beautiful place to visit in Oregon. It is a small but growing city, which is home to lovely green parks and pleasant neighborhoods. If you are looking for a place where you can admire a vibrant outdoor scene, then Bend is an excellent place for you.