Experience "The Outdoor Playground of The West” — An Eco-Friendly Bend, Oregon Travel Guide

With values rooted in accountability, integrity, and respect (according to the city itself), Bend, Ore., was once known as the " Farewell Bend ." Named after the 90-degree bend in the Deschutes River south of the now beloved downtown area, as per the City of Bend website, the land — previously occupied by the Wana Łama, Wasq’u, and Norther Paiute people — officially became the City of Bend in 1905.

Famed for the Oregon Trunk Line Railroad, an irrigation industry, and the innovations by frontier developer Alexander M. Drake , the high-desert town is now adored for its craft beer culture and outdoor recreation .

And because Bend is paradise for outdoorsy folks, it's a fairly eco-friendly place. From projects like the Riverbend South Access and Restoration Project to the in-progress Lower Fall River Habitat Conservation Project , the Bend Sustainability Fund prioritizes both the community and the planet.

Without further ado, check out our Green City Guide to Bend, Oregon!

Where to stay in Bend: Experience the comfort of "Oregon's green hotel."

Oxford Hotel Bend:

Located just half a mile from the Deschutes Historical Museum and Drake Park , the Oxford Hotel Bend at 10 NW. Minnesota Avenue relies on 100 percent renewable energy , energy-efficient temperature systems, and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). Additionally, custom recycled glass vanities, the use of 95 percent recycled structural steel, organic amenities, an in-room recycling program, water-saving toilets and bath faucets make the Oxford a green boutique option.

Check out the hotel's complimentary bike program , complimentary guitar and record player rentals, and its on-site restaurant, Roam, which is known for "urban-organic cuisine" featuring locally sourced seasonal ingredients and locally brewed beers.

Where to eat and drink: Enjoy vegan mac and cheese, artichoke tostadas, and chill at a sustainable brewery.

Fix & Repeat:

Described as "a vegan cafe with purpose," Fix & Repeat at 555 NW. Arizona Avenue, Suite 50, aims to serve whole food that respects the planet and fuels the body, the soul, and the community. Think smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, hearty toasts, and colorful grain bowls. Plus, the cafe actively showcases the work of local artists and supports and collaborates with community organizations and establishments.

A Broken Angel:

Located behind The Pantry at 1124 NW. Newport Avenue, A Broken Angel may sound familiar to Food Network fans. As featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives , this New American vegan food cart with a melancholy name believes "serving delicious food free of animal products and as organic and locally sourced as possible is the most sustainable and compassionate act ."

Offering Blue Corn Migas, Black Truffle Potato Tacos, and gorgeously golden Griddle Cakes, you'll leave this heavenly eatery stuffed.

Lively Up Yourself:

Located at the Midtown Yacht Club at 1661 NE 4th Street, Lively Up Yourself is a vegan food cart serving up Midwestern-inspired plant-based comfort food with a nostalgic feel. With a name honoring the Bob Marley song, Lively Up Yourself offers St. Louis Style Ribz, Jackfruit Mac, Buffalo Ranch Wraps, and Grandma's Potato Salad.

Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House:

Enjoy a nice cold beer at Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House , a cozy and sustainably-minded brewery at 1044 NW. Bond Street. Deschutes is a Green Power Partner through the EPA, a member of the DOE Better Plants Program, partners with nonprofits like the Deschutes River Conservancy and The Freshwater Trust, utilizes recycling and composting programs, and boasts an energy-efficient night cooling system. Plus, Deschutes supports a local nonprofit monthly, donating $1 for each pint sold at all locations on Tuesdays.

So, choose from a total of 19 taps, enjoy farm-to-table meals — several of which are vegetarian and a few that can be made vegan — and hit up some vintage video games.

Where to shop: Browse secondhand fashion and furniture and hit the local farmers market for organic goodies.

FOUND Natural Goods:

At 1001 NW. Brooks Street sits a little shop offering natural and eco-conscious goods from over 80 American female artists and businesses. FOUND Natural Goods boasts vegan cactus leather purses, bamboo cotton and utensils, botanically-dyed products, and even vintage fine jewelry and high-end accessories.

That cactus leather black-and-white checkered crossbody is MINE!

Bend Farmers Market:

Head over to the Bend Farmers Market in Brooks Alley at NW. Brooks Street for sustainably produced groceries that support local ranchers, farmers, and food producers of the Central Oregon area. Deeming itself an "outdoor grocery store," the Bend Farmers Market features dozens of vendors who sell goodies like gourmet mushrooms , organic fruits, veggies , and spices, sustainable wine and coffee , fresh breads and pies, hot burritos, and more.

Good Bad Rad Vintage:

Prioritizing slow fashion and home furnishings, Good Bad Rad Vintage at 61419 S. Highway 97, Suite B, offers diverse pieces (in terms of both size and style) with origins dating from the 1920s to Y2K. This little shop is a treasure trove of vintage, handmade, and upcycled garments and accessories for the sustainable fashionista.

Browse through patchwork vests, colorful cowboy boots, statement purses, and retro mugs and ottomans.

What to do: Get some exercise and experience the natural beauties of Deschutes County.

Bend Whitewater Park:

From Deschutes River surfing to kayaking, paddleboarding to tube floating, Bend Whitewater Park at 166 SW. Shevlin Hixon Drive is the place for responsible water sports in Deschutes County. It's owned by the Bend Park and Recreation District (BPRD), which is " committed to sustainability and river stewardship ." In 2015, the Colorado Street Dam was removed and a fish ladder was constructed, which aids in fish migration. Additionally, a Habitat Channel was created and Osprey nesting posts were put in place.

Tumalo Creek Trail:

This one's for you, hikers! According to AllTrails , the Tumalo Creek Trail is a moderate 6.4-mile out-and-back trail with breathtaking views of Tumalo Falls. Located in the Deschutes National Forest, this hike takes about 2.5 hours to complete, so make sure you pack lots of water.

More experienced hikers should check out the Tumalo Mountain Trail — which is located just outside of Bend — for fabulous views of the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Mt. Bachelor , as per Hike Oregon .