We are planning a trip to Oregon. We will spend a week on the coast, I believe near Newport. Then we plan to move inland. Which location would be best – Welches or Bend?
Hello! I am not going to make any claims about “better” because I truly love this entire state, but Central Oregon is a great destination! Bend offers incredible recreation, great microbrews, fine and casual dining, shopping, resorts, hiking, biking, boating, golf, a great natural and cultural history museum, swimming, etc etc! We are just over the Cascade Range on the Deschutes River, so mountain and river views are standard fare around here.
Have something to add What’s Your Answer?
Share your thoughts Answers From Other People
Your comment will be the first one for this story. Some might think of this as a lot of pressure, but as a trail blazer you recognize that someone has to be first. Your fellow travelers appreciate your opinion, so thanks in advance!
Other questions about Central Oregon
- Where are some places to stay near Bend that offer horseback riding?
- My husband and I are planning a trip to Bend in August. We have a 14 month-old and would like to hike somewhere that isn’t too difficult and has some safe swimming holes. Any suggestions?
- Where is a good lakeside cabin that is dog-friendly and has good fishing?
About Ask Oregon Expert Kim Cooper Findling
Kim Cooper Findling grew up on the Oregon Coast but became a Central Oregon girl in the mid-90s, taking in the sunny skies and never looking back (expect a few wistful glances at the ocean). She is the editor of “Central Oregon Magazine” and the author of “Day Trips From Portland: Getaway Ideas for the Local Traveler” and “Chance of Sun: An Oregon Memoir.” Catch her around the state sampling microbrews, hiking river trails, taking silly pictures with her iPhone, and camping with her husband and two daughters in the family tent trailer, Brutus.









