Living Well Guide to Bend, Oregon
Welcome to a place where nature and 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 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 trail variety 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, the Whitewater Park, and Bend’s River Wave.
Drake Park and Mirror Pond are popular downtown riverfront areas.
Shevlin Park, Tumalo Falls, Dillon Falls, and Riley Ranch Nature Preserve provide trails with serene, breathtaking views.
Pilot Butte offers a nice hike with 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.
Wanderlust Tours — Guided Adventures
For those looking to experience Central Oregon more deeply, Wanderlust Tours offers guided adventures that blend nature, education, and exploration. From lava cave tours and moonlight canoeing to kayaking, snowshoeing, and alpine lake excursions, their experiences offer a beautiful way to connect with Bend’s wild landscapes before or after a psilocybin journey.
Summer Sensations
If you're visiting during the summer, floating the Deschutes River is a must. Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe makes it easy with rentals, launch access, and shuttle service. This stretch of river is a beautiful way to experience Bend from the water.
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
Fix & Repeat radiates positive vibes and serves up plant-based dishes, including smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and macro bowls, that cater to every taste.
Salud Raw Food
Salud serves deeply nourishing, intentional foods rooted in a raw, vegan, gluten-free, and organic philosophy. Their items are ideal pre or post-journey.
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.
Spork
Spork has been heralded as "Culinary magic" by The New York Times. Spork's menu is inspired by authentic dishes that draw from Latin America, Asia, and beyond.
Dear Irene
Located in downtown Bend, Dear Irene offers beautifully crafted seasonal dishes featuring fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients in an elegant atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and savor.
The Row
Perched at the edge of Bend’s high desert, The Row at Tetherow serves up bold flavors and laid-back vibes. With mountain views that steal your attention and pub fare like elk shepherd’s pie, every meal feels like a scenic adventure.
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 health-conscious menu and drive-thru. With every dish made from scratch, they prioritize clean, organic, and sustainable ingredients.
Groceries & Snacks
Need to stock up on groceries or snacks? Check out Market of Choice, Newport Market, Natural Grocers, Whole Foods, or Bend Farmers Markets
Hike & Eat in Bend
Here are some recommended pairings to support your stay:
Fix & Repeat → Shevlin Park walk → Spork
Lemon Tree → Dudley’s Bookshop + downtown Bend shops
Old Mill walking loop or Deschutes River Trail → Lady Bird + Old Mill shops
Tumalo Falls hike → The Row
Post-Psilocybin Journey: For gentle integration, take a peaceful walk along Drake Park and Mirror Pond, then enjoy a nourishing dinner at Dear Irene.
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: Beautiful 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 mountain vistas.
Proxy Falls: A serene spot perfect for a hike and a picnic lunch.
Transformational Coaching & Retreats
Cate Ritter Wellness
Cate Ritter Wellness offers transformational coaching in Bend, Oregon and via Zoom. Services include subconscious reprogramming, sound therapy, and holistic practices to support relaxation, nervous system balance, emotional healing, and personal growth.
Wellness Retreats at Juniper Preserve
Cate Ritter also offers personalized Wellness Retreats at Juniper Preserve, blending wellness coaching, sound therapy, mindfulness, and restorative experiences within the beauty of Central Oregon’s high desert landscape. These retreats offer space to slow down and support psilocybin journey preparation or integration.
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 of 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 YogaShala. 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
Matt Faldmo of Deschutes Rolfing offers Rolfing Structural Integration in Bend and Sisters, helping clients release tension, improve alignment, and move with greater ease.
Natasha Del Fiorentino Bodywork at Midtown Wellness creates a holistic massage experience tailored to each individual.
Golf, Performance & Presence
Oregon is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking golf destinations, making Bend an ideal place to elevate both your game and your experience.
Make the Turn Golf Performance
Founded by top-ranked golf coach Jeff Ritter, MAKE THE TURN Golf Performance offers private coaching and immersive golf schools at Pronghorn Club. Recognized by Golf Digest as one of the “Best Academies in the West,” MTT Golf combines expert instruction with performance training to help golfers play with more confidence.
Juniper Preserve
Juniper Preserve offers championship golf, luxury lodging, wellness amenities, and sweeping high desert views. Home to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and Tom Fazio Championship Course, it’s a beautiful place to unwind, reflect, and support psilocybin journey preparation or integration.
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 tea 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.
Crystals & Metaphysical Items
Nature’s Bling and Arcane Mercantile offer high-vibe crystals, ritual candles, and metaphysical tools to benefit well-being. With online and local options, they provide meaningful ways to support your psilocybin journey and integration.
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 in wildlife biology to support bees and 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. They 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 an experienced Licensed Psilocybin Facilitator and Transformational Coach in Bend, Oregon.
With a deep passion for nature and wellness, Cate enjoys sharing her favorite local resources, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems to help visitors experience the very best of Bend.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, mental health, or legal advice.