My husband and I (mid-20s) are looking into taking a trip to Bend, Oregon in the middle of March. Please let me know what you think about Bend and if you have any suggestions on what to do, where to stay, how long we should stay. We are just exploring, so if you have other suggestions on places to go or if you think we should skip Bend altogether, please let me know. Thanks so much!

Bend is a rapidly growing city in Oregon because it is relatively dry, yet scenic. I drove around that area several years ago. Because of the rain shadow caused by the mountains, the eastern side is dry when compared to the western slopes.
There are ski resorts up in the mountains. As you head southeast from Bend, the climate is much drier; in fact, southeastern Oregon is a desert with lava flows.
Sisters Oregon is another pretty little town with good scenic view all around.
But Bend, the last I heard, was growing or had grown a little too much. So property values are up. For exploring, there should be plenty to do from mountains to desert, to lava fields.

We've been to Bend 3 or so times. It's no big deal. The museum outside of town is interesting (High Desert Museum). Mt Bachelor is nearby for sking. Smith Rock State Park is in Redmond not far away and that has famous rock climbing. The lakes area to the northwest of Bend are nice in the summer but in March it may be snowed in still. IMO I just hated Sisters. A real tourist trap and ugly strip mall type shops. Don't see why anyone likes it.

We live in Portland and have been to Bend a few times. It is a wonderful area, if you enjoy outdoor sports and activities. Best of all, it's sunny. That gives it high points from this damp side of the state. It's high desert and the air is fulled with the smell of sage brush. Sunsets are beautiful. There are lots of Ponderosa pines and lava rocks. Bend, itself, has a very upscale downtown area along the Deschutes River. We stayed at a nice hotel called "The RiverHouse" on our last trip. "Black Butte Ranch" is a very well liked family type resort just west of Sisters. It has lots of bike trails, heated pools, horseback riding and is near the Hoodoo ski area. South of Bend, Sun River is another family type resort, with bike trails, golf courses, horses, and other activities. In the area are lots of fishing opportunities, too. Bend and Sun River are close to the Mt. Bachelor ski area. About 11 miles south of Bend is Lava Butte, which is a very interesting cinder cone volcano you can explore. There is also a lava tube you can walk through. (not sure if it's open in May) I've read about the lava cast forest and Newberry Crator farther south. Sound neat, but we haven't visited. The High Desert Museum is worth a visit, if you're in the area, as someone else pointed out. In sum, you could spend days in the Bend area, if you are interested in outdoor activities. But, you could also hit the highlights of the area in one to three days, if you are trying to cover a lot of ground.

Someone already mentioned Newberry Crater and the volcanic monuments around Bend. Two thumbs up. The monument is spread out on either side of the highway, you buy a pass at one entrance that allows admittance into the other sections as well. There is a obsidian flow there that you can climb around, and several different walks through volcanic landscapes. Someone mentioned the Lava River Cave Trail, I don't think it opens until May.

A good walk is around the base of Smith Rock. Smith Rock is just north of Bend on 97.

It is likely that the hiking areas around Sisters would be snowy still in March.

It is a quick drive to the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument--the Painted Hills are so pretty, and that is something you could go look at even in the rain.

Sorry, no recommendations on lodgings, we usually stay with friends in Sisters.

S.

Our family is considering relocating to Bend from Salt Lake City. We are very active and love the outdoors. Our kids are 8, 7, and 4. Any body out there give me some idea of life in Bend? Anything will do. Thanks.

No middle class in Bend. Either you have money or you don't. Wages are not good here.

Why don't you go to Sun River (huge resort, rent condo, etc) and spend a week, then decide. Sun river is a few miles out of Bend, and very nice. We have vacationed there for years. Great place for kids. Look it up on the internet.