Bend is located in Central Oregon, nestled just east of the Cascade Mountains. With a population of approximately 77,000 people, Bend is the largest city in Deschutes County and is a hub for many smaller towns nearby. The major draw to Bend is recreation and tourism. Many people visit Bend for the outstanding outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and fly fishing. There are over 20 alpine lakes nearby along with Mt. Bachelor, a destination ski resort, drawing thousands of visitors during the winter months. Though there is an abundance of snow every year in the mountains nearby, Bend receives very little, making it a very desirable place to live. At an altitude of 3,600 feet above sea level, Bend's climate is arid and records over 300 days of sunshine yearly.

 

Below are websites that highlight Bend and its culture:

        Bend, Oregon Visitor's Website

        Bend Chamber of Commerce

        The Bend Bulletin Newspaper

        Bend's Local Website

        Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort

        Oregon State University

        Central Oregon Community College

        Sacred Art of Living Center

        St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church