Camping is an option. Tumalo State Park has 54 sites, seven yurts, and decent rainbow trout fishing along the Deschutes River. Lava Lake is in the middle of the national forest on the eastern slopes of the Cascades, increasing your chances of seeing bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and migratory birds.
But if you'd rather not lug around a bunch of gear or simply prefer to sleep on a mattress, check into Bend's newest lodgings, the SpringHill Suites, which pays tribute to the town's blue-collar timber past and the fact that it sits on the former site of a lumber mill's crane shed in its plaid-tastic design. Walls (and ceilings) of woodcuts, botanical prints, framed saw blades, "you are here" graphics, and lumberjill-approved tartans are as easy on the eyes as the included hot breakfast, WiFi, parking, and all-you-can-eat Chupa Chups (a chain tradition) are on the wallet. The lobby bar pours local pints and Willamette Valley wines. The fun monthly Art Of Local party, another of the brand's signatures, also gets the community and guests mingling with food, live music, kid-friendly activities like mural painting, and a neighborhood charity component. It is extremely close to The Old Mill District, across the street from the Cycle Pub starting point, and about a 20-minute walk to downtown and Drake Park.
