I have a business trip to Bend Oregon in April, and will have 1 free day - what to do? I'm not interested in a lot of driving, keep your suggestions within a half hour drive, please. Also not into skiing, skating, or snowmobiling. Hiking possible in April? Where? Good birding? Where?

You might enjoy a hike at Smith Rock State Park - north of Bend, close to Redmond. Its world famous for rock climbing but has a nice easy trail along the Crooked River - or a steeper one if you want more challenge. It might be a little more than 1/2 hr drive from Bend, but not much more- it really is spectacular.
Or- if you head towards SunRiver Resort on HWY 97- there is a Volcano Visiters Center and there is a paved trail through the volcanic rock - its more like a walk than a hike- but interesting. In the summer there are ranger guided hikes there but perhaps not in April. Continuing on down the road you can visit the Lava River Cave and the Lava Cast Forest.
There is also the High Desert Museum which I found pretty interesting.

I agree with those +
you can eat here:
http://www.pinetavern.com/index.html
The high desert Museum is indoors and out....
http://www.highdesertmuseum.org/exhi...f_Prey_Center/

bbqboy, I am so glad you posted the website to the PineTavern, I have been trying to remember the name of this restaurant. Fabulous food!! When we were there they had a great selection of wines also. We found the High Desert Museum very interesting too. Bend and Sun River are lovely. You will enjoy your time there I am sure Bashaw.

Bashaw,
Lucky you to be visiting Bend. My daughter worked at the Pine Tavern (they have a website) and although you you will miss eating outside on the Patio in April you will enjoy a meal there. Smith Rock is spectacular and close but "half hour drives"? I'd bend that a little as the Cascade Loop can take you to some beautiful scenery. More info can be found in the Bend Bulletin online.

I agree with the Smith Rock State Park suggestion. It's great if you only want to look at the rocks; I was amazed by the place.

A nice walk could also be had in downtown Bend at Drake Park. I think Smith Rocks are much further than 1/2hr, especially from the center of Bend - takes that long to get across town!

You didn't mention no shopping, downtown has some fun stores to browse through. I do recommend High Desert Museum too.

Enjoy!
Sara

The issue of Travel+Leisure I just got in the mail has a nice article on Bend. Might want to check it out....