Snowshoes, Views, and Brews

Snowshoe to views with Wanderlust Tours in Bend, Oregon

01.05.2017

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. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View

  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View