Snowshoes, Views, and Brews

Snowshoe to views with Wanderlust Tours in Bend, Oregon

If you’re going to snowshoe to a view, why not enjoy some local craft brew? Bend’s original guiding company, Wanderlust Tours, offers the ultimate Bend winter experience: snowshoeing to a view of the majestic Cascades, where you’ll crack open and sample some local craft beer.

After being shuttled to iconic Mt. Bachelor, strap on snowshoes and follow your friendly guide through a winter wanderland of old-growth mountain hemlock. The terrain is varied and totally fun, with some gradual uphill, fun downhill, and short breaks en route.

The pinnacle is a secret spot, a clearing that offers a direct view of some of the Cascades’ volcanic peaks, including Broken Top Mountain, South Sister, Middle Sister, and North Sister (not much sibling rivalry here—they’re all beautiful!). All that’s needed to complete the scene? Why, some Cascade Lakes craft beers, of course! Sample their Blonde Bombshell, 20 Inch Brown, and of course, IPAs. Winter keeps the beer chilled, but the snowshoeing keeps everyone warm, especially when “running” downhill, and perfecting log rolls if you do indeed fall (perhaps purposely?!) into the powdery snow.

BONUS FOOD & BEER: Back in town, grab dinner and (yes) more beers at 10 Barrel Brewing (1135 Northwest Galveston Ave, Bend). Their nachos are a locals’ favorite, as are the burgers and fresh salads. Try the Dub (Double IPA). 10 Barrel beat out 46 other entries to take Gold in the “Other Strong Beer” category at the 2016 World Beer Cup. For a romantic dinner option, Zydeco has a fantastic wine selection from Oregon and a creative menu.

oxfordhotel-image-jpeg

STAY: The Oxford Hotel (10 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend) is Bend’s best boutique stay, located right downtown and within walking distance of restaurants, brewpubs, and cool shops. All the rooms are large and styled with modern touches and amenities, the eco-friendly beds guarantee a comfy night’s sleep, and the heated en suite floors are a bonus after a winter’s day and a warm tub soak. The super friendly staff has the beta on noteworthy outdoor adventures and where to go in town.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. Roaring Good Time

    There’s nothing quite like the majestic beauty of California’s redwood forests. Now, imagine experiencing those towering giants aboard a historic 19th-century steam train. Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton is home to some of the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines in America.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  2. Alex Villicana, Villicana Winery and Re:Find Distillery

    Locals' Feature: Alex Villicana

    Tech booms, AI revolutions, okay that’s all fine, but you wanna know what else is really cool? Being a pioneer in a world-famous industry that—in Paso Robles—remains solidly down to earth. When Alex Villicana established Villicana Winery in 1993, he clearly had grape expectations...

    View
  3. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View