Living Well Guide to Bend, Oregon
WELCOME TO A PLACE WHERE NATURE & WELL-BEING CONVERGE!
Bend, Oregon is where the wonders of nature meet the pursuit of wellness, offering a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Nestled in the beautiful Cascade Mountains and alongside the meandering Deschutes River, Bend is an ideal setting for a psilocybin journey or psilocybin retreat.
Crafted by Cate Ritter, an experienced Licensed Psilocybin Facilitator and Wellness Coach, this guide is designed to enhance your stay. Whether you're preparing for a Licensed Psilocybin Experience or integrating your journey, this information will help you explore Bend's natural beauty and community-based wellness offerings.
Connect With Nature
For those drawn to Bend in search of natural beauty and outdoor adventures, the area offers many activities that connect you with nature.
Start your journey at Smith Rock State Park in Redmond, just a short drive from the airport. Its stunning rock formations and a selection of trails make it an ideal destination.
Trails & Parks
Farewell Bend Park and the Deschutes River Trail offer scenic paths that flow into the Old Mill District’s mix of parks, shops, and restaurants. From there, you can easily explore McKay Park and the Whitewater Park, home to Bend’s River Wave.
Drake Park and Mirror Pond are popular downtown riverfront areas.
Shevlin Park, Tumalo Falls, Dillon Falls, Lava Island Falls, and Riley Ranch Nature Preserve provide a range of trails with breathtaking views and serene settings.
Pilot Butte offers a nice hike with rewarding panoramic views of the area.
For waterfall enthusiasts, Benham Falls features easy trails in Sunriver and connects to more than 40 miles of paved bike paths.
Paulina Lake and Hot Springs are located within the stunning caldera of Newberry Volcano about 20 miles south of Bend.
Summer Sensations
If you're visiting during the summer, floating the Deschutes River is a must. Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe (Park & Float) makes it easy with rentals, launch access, and shuttle service. While this stretch of river can be busy, it’s beginner-friendly and a beautiful way to experience Bend from the water. You can also explore the lakes near Mt. Bachelor—Todd Lake, Sparks Lake, and Elk Lake—each offering their own unique beauty.
Healthier Bend Restaurants
Bend's culinary landscape will tease and please your appetite with its diverse options. For those with dietary preferences, you'll find plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices. Whether you're prepping for a psilocybin journey or simply seeking to satiate your hunger, Bend's dining scene is ready to delight your palate.
Fix & Repeat
At Fix & Repeat, you'll feel the warm Maui-meets-Bend attitude the moment you step inside. This place radiates positive vibes and serves up plant-based dishes, including smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and macro bowls, that cater to every taste.
Lemon Tree
Downtown Bend’s Lemon Tree brings global inspiration to brunch and lunch, offering vibrant, nutrient-rich meals such as shakshuka, crab cake benedict, and Turkish eggs. It’s a bright, uplifting space perfect for starting the day with wholesome flavor.
Spork
Spork has been heralded as "Culinary magic" by The New York Times. Spork's menu is a testament to culinary exploration, featuring inspired dishes that draw from Latin America, Asia, and beyond. Each dish blends authenticity and innovation.
Drake
Located in downtown Bend, Drake offers elevated comfort food made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. With a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great place to enjoy nourishing dishes after a day of exploring Bend’s trails and parks.
Lady Bird
In the Old Mill District, Lady Bird serves fresh, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a warm and stylish setting. The menu focuses on seasonal produce and wood-fired dishes, including the incredible Fluffhead Pizza!
Life & Time
Life and Time revolutionizes fast food by offering a quick and health-conscious menu, with convenient drive-thru options on Bend's West and East sides. With every dish made from scratch, they prioritize clean, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients.
Groceries & Snacks
If you're in Bend and need to stock up on groceries or snacks, check out Market of Choice, Newport Market, Natural Grocers, or Whole Foods Market. For those seeking locally sourced produce and artisanal goods, the Bend Farmers Market (open in the summer) is a must-visit, showcasing the best of Central Oregon's farmers and producers.
Hike & Eat in Bend
Here are some recommended pairings to support your stay:
Shevlin Park walk → Spork
Lemon Tree brunch → Dudley’s Bookshop + downtown Bend shops
Old Mill walking loop or Deschutes River Trail → Lady Bird + Old Mill shops
Tumalo Falls hike → Life & Time
Post-Psilocybin Journey Recommendation: For gentle integration, take a peaceful walk along Drake Park and Mirror Pond, then enjoy a nourishing dinner at Drake.
Get Ready for a Bend Adventure
What to Pack:
Here are a few tips to ensure you're prepared for Bend’s ever-changing climate:
A water bottle to stay hydrated in Bend’s dry climate
Snacks like fresh fruit, snack bars, nuts, seeds, and granola
Clothing layers to stay comfortable in Bend’s varying temperatures
A journal and pen for those inspired moments
Explore the Scenic Route:
Traveling from Portland? Here are scenic stops you won't want to miss:
Koosah (Sky) and Sahalie (Heaven) Falls: Breathtaking views and easy trails.
Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool): Lovely walk out to a stunning waterfall.
In the summer, drive the McKenzie Highway 242 for awe-inspiring landscapes:
Dee Wright Observatory: Lunar-like lava fields with majestic mountain vistas.
Proxy Falls: A serene spot perfect for a hike and a picnic lunch.
Good Vibes & Pampering
As much as Central Oregon is known as an outdoor recreation wonderland, it’s equally important to care for your body, so you can fully enjoy all the activities you love.
Yoga & Meditation
Bend has a thriving yoga community with studios to fit every style, from the heated flows at Bend Yoga Center to the traditional practices at Yoga Shala. Namaspa offers powerful vinyasa, while Tula Movement Arts blends yoga with creative expression.
Sauna, Float Therapy & Cold Plunges
Gather Sauna House brings an authentic mobile wood-fired sauna, enriched with herbal treatments, and seasonal river plunges. Chill Well offers float therapy, infrared sauna, and cold plunges in a calming indoor, community-focused setting.
Bodywork
Natasha Del Fiorentino Bodywork at Midtown Wellness offers Swedish, Deep Tissue, Ashiatsu, and Thai Massage. Natasha creates a holistic massage experience tailored to each individual.
Shop Locally
Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe
Dudley's Bookshop Cafe offers a wide selection of new and used books. Whether you’re looking for a trail guide for your next hike or a novel for a quiet afternoon, Dudley’s creates a cozy environment to unwind with a cup of coffee and a good read.
Outside In
Outside In is a lifestyle store offering a range of apparel and gear perfect for town and trail. Rooted in Bend’s outdoor community, their curated collection helps you seamlessly transition from outdoor adventures to everyday life.
Arcane Mercantile
Arcane Mercantile curates high-vibe crystals, ritual candles, herbs, and other metaphysical tools that amplify transformation and well-being. Whether you’re preparing for a psilocybin journey or integrating new insights, you’ll find items to ground and elevate your experience
Products You’ll Love
Broadus Bees
Broadus Bees’ range of honeybee products, including honey, soaps, and lip balm, are crafted with care. The founder brings a wealth of knowledge from his studies in wildlife biology to support bees and educate others about their crucial role in our ecosystem.
Mythical Chocolate
Mythical Chocolate provides an experience where indulgence meets wellness, crafting cacao products that nourish the mind, body, and soul. Their offerings blend quality ingredients with the sounds of laughter and the intention of well-being.
Wild River Rose
Wild River Rose blends herbal body care with the nurturing essence of nature, offering small-batch, handmade health and beauty products. This women-owned business prioritizes pure, organic ingredients free from harmful additives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cate Ritter is a Licensed Psilocybin Facilitator and Wellness Coach located in Bend, Oregon. With a deep passion for nature and wellness, Cate shares insights from her experiences in the vibrant Bend community.
As the founder of Prism Bend, she is dedicated to guiding individuals on their journeys of self-discovery and personal growth. Cate believes in the transformative potential of psilocybin and provides valuable knowledge about local resources to enhance your experience in this beautiful region.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this guide is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice. Please consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any new wellness practices or engaging in psilocybin services.