Road Trip to Oregon - Bend and Smith Rock State Park (Day 3)
Rustic vibe from pink hawthorn trees and brick building in down town Bend, OregonWelcome to the third day of our Oregon road trip! Today was a lot easier compared to yesterday. We woke up feeling pretty refreshed because our drive to Bend, our first destination, was just a short 20-minute journey. Our day started with a delightful breakfast of tasty coffee and pastries from a famous bakery in the city. Afterward, we decided to take a leisurely stroll around downtown Bend.
In the afternoon, our adventure took us to the magnificent Smith Rock State Park. This place was a true gem, offering breathtaking views and excellent hiking trails that allowed us to get up close and personal with nature's beauty.
As the day began to wind down, we continued our road trip tradition and spent the night at a convenient rest stop. These stops have been our reliable companions throughout the journey, providing us with a safe and comfortable place to rest our heads after a day of exploration.
We invite you to continue reading to discover more about our eventful third day on the road in Oregon. It was a day filled with wonderful experiences, picturesque landscapes, and the simple pleasures of good food and a leisurely stroll through a charming city. So, let's dive into the details of our day three adventures!
Here is some general information about Bend and Smith Rock State Park in Oregon
What’s special about Bend, Oregon ?
Bend, Oregon is a special place that sits right in the heart of the state. It's a small city with a big personality and loads of natural beauty. People come here from all over to experience its unique charm.
One of the coolest things about Bend is its outdoorsy vibe. It's surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Whether you're into hiking, skiing, or just relaxing by the water, Bend has something for everyone. But it's not just about the great outdoors; Bend also has a vibrant downtown area with shops, restaurants, and a friendly atmosphere.
What’s special about Smith Rock State Park?
Smith Rock State Park is famous for its towering cliffs that rise dramatically above the Crooked River, creating a jaw-dropping sight that's hard to forget. The trails wind through diverse terrains, taking you past rugged canyons, lush greenery, and the iconic rock formations that the park is named after. Climbers from around the world are drawn to Smith Rock's challenging routes, making it a true mecca for rock climbing enthusiasts.
But even if you're not an adrenaline junkie, the park still has a lot to offer. The views from various vantage points are simply awe-inspiring, and you can take leisurely strolls to appreciate the unique geological formations and the tranquility of the area.
Check out our Experiences in Bend, Oregon
We got coffee and the famous Ocean Roll at the Sparrow Bakery for breakfast
Our day began bright and early at 9 in the morning with a visit to the Sparrow Bakery. To our surprise, the bakery was already buzzing with many folks, eager to kickstart their day just like us.
We made our choice and decided to indulge in their renowned Ocean Roll, accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee. The Ocean Roll turned out to be a delightful surprise. It was bursting with a sweet flavor and emitted an irresistible aroma that awakened our senses. Each bite was a perfect blend of sweetness and flakiness, making it a truly heavenly treat.
As we savored our breakfast, we couldn't help but feel a surge of energy coursing through us. It was the ideal way to fuel up for the adventures that lay ahead. This scrumptious meal set the tone for what would turn out to be an absolutely fantastic day.
The Sparrow Bakery had undoubtedly left a lasting impression on us with its delectable Ocean Roll. It was a testament to the simple joys of life, like a delicious pastry and a cup of coffee, that can elevate your spirits and set the stage for memorable experiences. With our appetites satisfied and our hearts full of anticipation, we were ready to embrace the day's adventures with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.
Visiting Drake Park was a great way to spend a sunny day in spring
Once we had enjoyed our delicious coffee and pastries, we made our way to Drake Park, nestled in the heart of downtown Bend. It was a beautiful spring day, and the Deschutes River was a true spectacle. Its waters were so clear that they sparkled in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing sight. The coolness in the air was a welcome change from the usually warmer weather we were accustomed to in the southwest.
As we strolled along the riverbank, we couldn't help but be captivated by the peacefulness of the surroundings. Nature had truly painted a serene picture for us to enjoy. We took our time, absorbing the tranquility and appreciating the sheer beauty of the Deschutes River.
During our walk, we discovered a fascinating historical exhibit as well; the high wheels log skidder displayed in Drake Park is a fascinating display that showcases the history of the logging industry in the region. The exhibit features a restored high-wheel log skidder, which was used to haul logs out of the forest during the early 20th century. Visitors can learn about the role of logging in shaping the local economy and how technology has evolved over time to improve efficiency and safety in the industry. It's an excellent educational opportunity for people of all ages who are interested in history and forestry.
Drake Park turned out to be the perfect setting to unwind, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the river and the sights of lush greenery. It was a delightful escape, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the calmness of nature while discovering some historical roots of Bend.
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Downtown Bend was full of old school charm and we couldn’t get enough of it
Downtown Bend offers a wonderful blend of historical and modern buildings, creating a unique atmosphere. Charming local shops line the streets, inviting you to explore their treasures. The town exudes a peaceful vibe, much like the tranquil Drake Park. Here, pink Hawthorn trees and white cherry blossoms bloom, adding to the town's rustic charm.
There's no shortage of things to do in this area. You can spend hours flipping through a vast collection of LP records at the old record store, or relive the nostalgia of vintage arcade games at the game shop. As you stroll through town, take a moment to admire the public art displays that grace the streets, adding a touch of creativity to your leisurely walk.
To round off your visit to Bend, a stop at the Bend Brewing Company is an absolute must. This local brewery offers a delightful selection of craft beers that capture the essence of the region. It's the perfect way to unwind and savor the flavors of Bend while soaking in the town's friendly and inviting atmosphere.
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Check out our experiences at Smith Rock State Park
In the afternoon, we decided to go hiking at Smith Rock State Park after visiting Bend. It was a sunny Saturday, and the park was bustling with outdoor enthusiasts and families enjoying the weekend.
Finding a parking spot was a bit tricky because there were so many people there. We drove around different parts of the parking area, hoping to find an open space. After a bit of searching, we finally found one. It felt like a small victory, and we quickly parked, eager to explore this natural environment we haven’t experienced before.
The landscape was stunning, featuring towering rock formations and a serene river. The well-maintained trails led us through various types of terrain. Despite the intense heat, our determination to capture the park's beauty with our eyes and cameras remained strong. As mentioned earlier, many other hikers shared the trails, all seeking a connection with nature and an adventurous experience. Being a gear enthusiast, it was also fun to observe different camping and travel setups on the cars of fellow hikers as we moved to and from the trails.
If you have hiking shoes, going down to the river is pretty easy, but it can be slippery and challenging in regular shoes. Getting back up to the trail entrance can pose a challenge due to its sharp incline as well. So make sure to be prepared for a workout and bring the right gear, like water, hiking shoes, and sunscreen, among other things.
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Finishing up our day 3 of Oregon road trip at Santiam Rest Area
We continued our trip westward and stopped at Santiam River Rest Area to spend the night, along with many other travelers. It's wonderful that Oregon has so many rest stops; otherwise, we'd have to look for places to camp every night, which can be tiring, or pay for a motel (or an airbnb), which can be costly on a multi-night road trip like ours. We watched a beautiful sunset and went to bed early to rest up for the next day.
Next destination - Willamette Valley Vineyards and Lincoln City Beach
In our next post, we'll share our day 4 experiences on this road trip. We had a great time at Willamette Valley Vineyards and Lincoln City Beach in Oregon. So, stay tuned!