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Four Paws & Endless Adventures in Bend, Oregon

  • Writer: Luie Boone
    Luie Boone
  • Apr 6
  • 4 min read

This vacation destination is a part of our first series of blog posts titled Pooches Polite.


*Featured image is courtesy of Morgan Somers, www.istockphoto.com (June 04, 2018)
*Featured image is courtesy of Morgan Somers, www.istockphoto.com (June 04, 2018)

Welcome to Dogtown USA—Bend, Oregon. It is the place to be!


Seriously, the humans there are obsessed with dogs! And the best part? They don’t just love their own doggos, they welcome ALL of the furry visitors into their town, too!


With an often-quoted 300 days of sunshine, access to the outdoors is practically year-round, making Bend the perfect getaway for you and your pup.


Nestled along the Deschutes River, Bend is surrounded by majestic and volcanic peaks, such as Three Sisters and Mount Bachelor.


If you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, this high-desert haven offers something for every traveler and tail-wagger alike. You can hit up the over 50 miles of sniff-tastic trails, play at one of the off-leash parks where your best buddy can run around freely, or lounge by the Deschutes River.


A trip to Bend, Oregon, with your dog is bound to be an unforgettable adventure, as this city truly embraces its furry visitors.


It's time for you and your pup to sniff out your dream vacation in Bend!


Photo Courtesy of bendmagazine.com
Photo Courtesy of bendmagazine.com

Paws Rest Here


Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay at Bend, Oregon. Check it out below!


Rental Name: Otter River Lodge

This rental has 3 bedrooms with 4 beds and 3 baths.



Photos courtesy of Bend Vacation Rental Collective


It features the following amenities:

  • On the Deschutes River, your pup will enjoy romping around in the water (Luie Boone wonders if the river takes after the rental's name—Otter River Lodge. If there is any otters in the river, he'll be sure to make friends with them)

  • Smoke-free Solo Stove (Luie Boone also wonders how well that stove can cook a hotdog. He loves a hotdog)

  • Hot tub and barrel sauna

  • Deck overlooking the backyard and the river


Photo Courtesy of Bend Vacation Rental Collective
Photo Courtesy of Bend Vacation Rental Collective

What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:

I bet we will have one of the best vacations of our life when we go here. The rental home is right on the shores of the Deschutes River. As soon as my humans open the car door, I will bolt out to explore my new vacation kingdom. My nose will probably go wild with all the new smells—fresh pine trees, the cool scent of the river, and maybe the faint aroma of squirrels! Boy, I love chasing squirrels. The house has a big backyard that stretches all the way to the river, which means unlimited zoomies across the soft grass. I will feel like the king of my own personal dog park, chasing my tail, rolling in the grass, and digging—just don’t tell my humans about that last part. If you’ve never dipped into the Deschutes River, you will be missing out, as it is perfect for creating a splash zone. Every time I will get out of the water, I will give a good shake, making sure to share my soggy joy with everyone nearby. I know they love it! Sharing is caring, after all! If you ever get the chance to visit a riverside rental like this, don’t hesitate.

Paws Venture Here


Photo Courtesy of T Whelen, Google Reviews
Photo Courtesy of T Whelen, Google Reviews






Riverbend Park

Bring your buddy to this park to enjoy the off-leash dog area that has access to the Deschutes River. Make sure to bring a towel, because if your dog's anything like Luie Boone, he'll be sneaking in a swim.





Photo Courtesy of @angelainoregon, BringFido (November 27, 2020)
Photo Courtesy of @angelainoregon, BringFido (November 27, 2020)



Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe

Check out that gorgeous view! You can enjoy some time with Fido on the Deschutes River. Dogs are welcome to join the fun on kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards—just make sure your pup knows how to balance!







Photo courtesy of Laura, BringFido.com (October 3, 2020)
Photo courtesy of Laura, BringFido.com (October 3, 2020)





Deschutes River Trail

This is an easy, 8.5-mile hike in Deschutes National Forest that you can enjoy with your doggo. There is gorgeous scenery all around and lot's of opportunities for your dog to splash and play in the river.








Photo courtesy of Drew Gibson. www.alltrails.com (September 18, 2024)
Photo courtesy of Drew Gibson. www.alltrails.com (September 18, 2024)




Tumalo Falls

Scenic hiking trails will lead you and your canine companion to this 97-foot waterfall. It cascades down a dramatic cliff face in the heart of the Deschutes National Forest.









Photo courtesy of Bellaionaire, Google Reviews
Photo courtesy of Bellaionaire, Google Reviews






Drake Park and Mirror Pond

Your pal is welcome to join you here, where you can team-up to explore 13 acres with river access and trail connections.












Photo courtesy of Torrey Hunter, www.AllTrails.com (September 22, 2024)
Photo courtesy of Torrey Hunter, www.AllTrails.com (September 22, 2024)


Three Sisters Wilderness

Your best friend will love this area that surrounds the Three Sisters mountains, covering over 280,000 total acres. It has approximately 260 miles of hiking trails within the wilderness.







Photo courtesy of Noelle, Google Reviews
Photo courtesy of Noelle, Google Reviews

Good Dog Loop

This is a 3.5 mile loop trail that takes you and your pooch by a river. Only Good Dogs allowed!







Photo courtesy of Pat, BringFido.com (August 28, 2021)
Photo courtesy of Pat, BringFido.com (August 28, 2021)

Broken Top Bottle Shop

It isn't a brew pub, it's a brew HUB! They've got something for everyone, including dogs. They are notorious for tasty, healthy food and downright delicious beer. There is a sunny dog-friendly patio, complete with a doggie menu and free live music. Maybe Luie Boone will show you some of his moves!








Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about

Bend, Oregon


There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:

Bend’s unique landscape includes areas with sharp lava rock, which can be tough on your dog’s paws. Some trails, like those around the Deschutes River, have rough terrain that might even cause discomfort or injuries. Investing in protective booties can help your pup. Although not all dogs enjoy wearing them, humans seem to think they help. I have a pair and they make me walk funny, but if my humans think these booties will help, I guess I'll wear them. Especially, because I know that protecting my paws will help me enjoy everything beautiful that Bend has to offer.

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