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Bend Excursions
1. Lava Lands/Lava Butte, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Sunday, Oct. 31, 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Visit one of the few national monuments in the country managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Newberry National
Volcanic Monument's Lava Lands Visitor Center will be opened for a special behind-the-scenes tour exclusively for Rendezvous participants. Larry Berrin, director of conservation education, will be our personal guide and will give us an overview of the monument, a guided tour through an ancient lava flow (weather permitting), and will open the access road to the top of Lava Butte for individual exploration (conditions permitting). Since the monument is closed this time of year, the Visitor Center will be closed during the guided tour. Transportation will be via personal vehicles. Meet at the Lava Lands Visitor Center at 1 p.m. (leave The Riverhouse by 12:30). No
entrance fee, but a $5 donation to the interpretive association is suggested.
Lava Butte rises 500 feet above the visitor center. From Bend, access the area 11.2 miles south on Highway 97 www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/newberrynvm/interest-lavabutte.shtml
2. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, 75+ miles east of Bend
A visit to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is like taking a journey into ancient Oregon. Whether you tour the museum at Sheep Rock, hike a trail at the Painted Hills, or picnic at Clarno, Oregon's exciting past will be revealed. There are three separate units, plan accordingly. No fee. www.nps.gov/joda
NOTE: A two-hour ranger-guided tour of the Painted Hills Unit will be offered Sunday, Oct. 31, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. You can plan a visit to the new, state-of-the-art Paleontology Center in the Sheep Rock Unit in the morning, and join the tour in the afternoon. Paul Ollig, John Day's chief of interpretation, will lead an afternoon outing through the fascinating geological and paleontological Painted Hills Unit, 1.5 hours east of Bend (off highway 26 & 9 miles NW of Mitchell). Allow an extra 3.5 hours if you wish to include a self-guided visit to the new Paleontological Center an additional hour east. Carpool from Bend at 12:30 p.m. Meet Paul at Painted Hills Unit at 2 p.m. for a two-hour walk and presentation. Carpool back, arriving in Bend at 5:30 p.m.
3. Deschutes Historical Center, 129 NW Idaho, Bend
The Deschutes Historical Center exhibits relics of the county's colorful past, including displays of Indian artifacts, pioneer school room, timber industry, historic photos and changing exhibits. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. General admission charge: $5 for adults, $2 for youth 12-17, free for children under 12 when accompanied by an adult. Located on the corner of Wall & Idaho, near the County Library. www.deschuteshistory.org
4. Petersen Rock Garden & Museum, 9 miles north of Bend.
As a hobby, over a period of 17 years, the late Mr. Petersen created this quaint, four-acre park of miniature bridges, towers, terraces, and buildings; all made in intricate detail using different types of rocks. Supported only by donations at the gate and a gift shop, the grounds include a museum, small picnic area, lily ponds, and a few roaming peacocks. Open 365 days a year. Located north of Bend off Highway 97 approximately nine miles, turn left at 61st Street and follow the signs.
5. High Desert Museum, 10 miles south from Bend on Highway 93
Through exhibits, wildlife, and living history, the High Desert Museum creates learning experiences to help audiences discover their connection to the past, their role in the present, and their responsibility to the future. Museum offers a variety of indoor and outdoor interpretive exhibits, wildlife, and programs. Operating hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, admission $10 adults, $9 seniors (65+). http://highdesertmuseum.org/
6. Smith Rock State Park, outside of Terrebonne, OR, 25 miles north of Bend
If you enjoy scenic views of deep river canyons or rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park is the place for you. There are several thousand climbs in the park. More than a thousand are bolted routes. We also offer miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Along your trip through the canyon, you might see golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otter and beaver. $5 fee. www.oregonstateparks.org/park_51.php/
7. Wildland Firefighter Memorial, Ochoco Park, 450 NE Elm Street, Prineville, OR 97754, 36 miles from Bend
On July 6, 1994, 14 wildland fire fighters were killed on Storm King Mountain near Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Nine of the fatalities were from the Prineville Hot Shots. A local committee, including the parents of several of the victims, was formed to establish a memorial the Wildland Firefighters. The monument consists of two parts, a memorial walk way honoring the 14 fire fighters who died and a large statue showing three firefighters. No website, though information can be found with an internet search.
8. Fort Rock State Natural Area, Fort Rock, OR, 68 miles SE of Bend.
Like a desert mirage, this National Natural Landmark rises huge out of the barren, immense flatness of Oregon's high desert. An enormous near-circle of towering jagged rock walls make it seem like a fort. Hike around and you'll soon realize it's even bigger than it looks! It's an old tuff ring set in what was a shallow sea in prehistoric times. As you walk around inside, imagine the early American Indians who canoed to and from what was then an island. Sandals found in a nearby cave are the oldest ever discovered, dating back around 9,000-13,000 years. No fee, cave tours are available through a private tour, reservations required. www.oregonstateparks.org/park_40.php/
9. Crater Lake National Park, 100+ miles south of Bend
Crater Lake has inspired people for hundreds of years. No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past. It is a place of immeasurable beauty, and an outstanding outdoor laboratory and classroom. The park's north entrance is closed in the winter and spring. Dates can vary, but typically the north entrance is closed from early November to June. Please call park dispatch for the latest road status (541) 594-3000. $10 fee. www.nps.gov/crla
For other opportunities and area information visit:
www.ci.bend.or.us/visitor/index.html
www.visitbend.com
www.bendchamber.com
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