Spring in Bend: 8 Reasons to Jumpstart Your Summer Activities Now

Spring in Bend, Oregon, is a good time to prepare for summer activities. The city's variable spring weather, which can fluctuate between warm and snowy conditions, signals the approach of summer. Here are eight reasons to visit Bend during the quieter spring months before the summer rush.

Bend's outdoor music scene begins early in the year. The concert season starts on May 14 with a performance by LCD Soundsystem at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater. Other early music events include the Homegrown Music Festival in April and the 4 Peaks Music Festival in June. Tickets for midsummer shows like the Fairwell Festival in July and the Sisters Folk Festival in September should be bought in advance.

After a cold winter, spring in Bend brings warmer weather and clear skies. This makes it a good time for outdoor activities like spring skiing at Mt. Bachelor or exploring the local arts and culture scene.

Spring is a less crowded time to visit Bend. The city's peak season is from Memorial Weekend through late September. Spring allows you to enjoy the warm weather and have the trails mostly to yourself. Hiking spots like the Oregon Badlands Wilderness, the Crooked River Gorge, the Deschutes River Trail, and Pilot Butte are less busy in spring. Trails that need a Central Cascade Wilderness Permit from June through October don't need permits in April and May.

Spring is when road openings start. Seasonal road closures and openings begin in April and May. Pilot Butte is one of the first to open to motorized traffic. Bend's social media and the Visitor Center provide updates about roadways to Tumalo Falls, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and the Cascade Lakes Highway.

Finally, spring fishing is another option to summer fishing. Large numbers of bugs attract fish in spring. Bend fishing shops like The Fly Fisher’s Place, Bend Fly Shop, and Fly and Field Outfitters can provide information on the best spots to find trout or bass and which lures and flies are currently popular with fish in Bend's rivers, lakes, and streams.

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