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 wellness 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.
Shop Locally
arcane mercantile
For those seeking to enhance their spiritual journey, Arcane Mercantile offers a thoughtfully curated selection of crystals and other metaphysical tools designed to support transformation and well-being. Every item is chosen with intention, ensuring it resonates with high vibrational energy. These tools can support your psilocybin journey, deepen your spiritual practices, or help you integrate newfound insights.
Outside In
If you want a unique local shopping experience, check out Outside In. This women-owned outdoor lifestyle store offers a range of apparel and gear perfect for town and trail. Rooted in Bend’s outdoor community, their curated collection seamlessly transitions from outdoor adventures to everyday life, ensuring comfort and style wherever your journey takes you.
Somewhere That’s Green
Somewhere That’s Green is an indoor plant haven created by John Kish, a horticulture enthusiast with a passion for urban gardening. Whether you’re a plant lover or new to the world of indoor gardening, this shop offers a lush array of plants that can bring a sense of calm and connection to nature into your home.
Dudleys Bookshop Cafe
A local treasure, Dudley's Bookshop Cafe offers a wide selection of new and used books, perfect for those seeking adventure in literary form. 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 coffee and a good read.
Products You’ll Love
Broadus Bees
Broadus Bees is a local business committed to sustainability and bee conservation. Their range of honeybee products, including honey, soaps, and lip balm, is crafted with care. Founder James Broadus Wilkie V brings a wealth of knowledge from his studies in wildlife biology to support bees and educate others about 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. Their offerings, particularly the dark chocolate bars made from organic Criollo cacao, are a testament to this commitment, blending 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. Supporting both your body and the earth, each product aligns with a holistic approach to wellness.
Good Vibes & Pampering
As much as Central Oregon is known as an outdoor recreation wonderland, it’s also a good idea to take care of your body so you can do all the activities you love.
Bodywork
Finding a massage place in Bend might be easy, but Natasha Del Fiorentino Bodywork at Midtown Wellness offers something truly special. Natasha creates a holistic experience tailored to each individual. Her bodywork services include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Ashiatsu, and Thai Massage. Given her services' personalized and comprehensive nature, it's wise to book in advance, as her schedule reflects the quality and care she provides.
Kriya Yoga & Soundbath
Soundshala, led by Kevin Kraft, offers a transformative blend of Himalayan Kriya Yoga and sound bath experiences designed to awaken and rejuvenate the spirit. Kevin integrates Vedic wisdom in a manner that's both enlightening and accessible, aiming to inspire and plant seeds of potential in every participant. This unique approach invites fun, learning, and a profound inward journey, welcoming all levels of experience and belief systems to tap into their energy and release stagnation.
Sauna House
Gather Sauna House is a mobile sauna that stands out as Central Oregon's premier destination for those seeking an immersive wild sauna spa experience. Offering an authentic wood-fired sauna and thermal contrast therapy, this unique spot invites you to connect with nature while indulging in a deeply healing and traditional Baltic-Latvian sauna practice. The experience is enriched with the option of cold plunges and herbal treatments, using locally foraged and wildcrafted plant-based remedies to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.
Easy Float
For those seeking a unique way to unwind and rejuvenate in Bend, floating at Easy Float offers an unparalleled experience. Floating in a Dream Pod filled with 10 inches of water, infused with nearly 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt and heated to body temperature, allows for a sensory-reduced state, facilitating deep relaxation and meditation. This environment helps the mind and body to achieve a theta brainwave state that can benefit relaxation and sleep. View this special offer from Easy Float for Prism Bend clients!
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, Oregon, just a short drive from Bend. Its stunning rock formations and a selection of trails make it a perfect year-round destination. For waterfall enthusiasts, Benham Falls offers easy hiking trails in Sunriver, Oregon, and the opportunity to explore the area further on a bike with over 40 miles of paved trails.
Trails and Parks Around Bend
Farewell Bend Park and the Deschutes River Trail offer various nature options and connect to the Old Mill District's mix of parks, trails, shops, and restaurants.
McKay Park and the adjacent Whitewater Park feature Bend’s River Wave.
Drake Park and Mirror Pond are popular downtown riverfront areas.
Shevlin Park, Tumalo Falls, Dillon Falls, Lava Island Falls, and Riley Ranch Nature Preserve provide a range of trails with breathtaking views and serene settings.
Pilot Butte offers a nice hike with rewarding panoramic views of the area.
Paulina Lake and Hot Springs are located within the stunning caldera of Newberry Volcano about 20 miles south of Bend.
Summer Sensations
If you're visiting during the summer, take advantage of the chance to float down the river in Bend with equipment from Tumalo Creek rentals, choosing from paddleboards, tubes, or kayaks. Extend your water adventures to the lakes near Mt. Bachelor, including Todd Lake, Spark's Lake, and Elk Lake, each offering unique beauty and tranquility.
Healthy 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 and Repeat
At Fix and Repeat, you'll feel the warm Maui-meets-Bend attitude the moment you step inside, embodying the spirit of Aloha in every aspect. This community-centric spot radiates positive vibes and serves up plant-based delights that cater to every taste. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing smoothie bowl, a nourishing cold-pressed juice, or fulfilling macro bowls, there's something here to energize and delight.
Spork
Spork, heralded as "Culinary magic" by The New York Times, has been dazzling diners in Bend since its inception. Under the guidance of chef and co-owner Jeff Hunt, Spork's menu is a testament to culinary exploration, featuring inspired dishes that draw from Latin America, Asia, and beyond. Crafted with a deep respect for global food traditions and ingredients, each dish at Spork blends authenticity and innovation.
Mother’s Juice Cafe
Mother's Juice Cafe venues in Bend and Redmond epitomize nourishment and well-being. Their menu features healthy breakfast and lunch options from organic and local ingredients. Renowned for their made-to-order smoothies and fresh juices, Mother's uses Oregon-grown produce. Their cold-pressed juices pack about three pounds of fruits and veggies into each bottle!
Salud Raw Food
For those venturing to Bend with a desire to indulge in health-conscious dining, Salud Raw Food is a gem worth discovering. This eatery prides itself on a menu that's not only gluten-free but embraces a raw, vegan, and organic ethos. From invigorating fresh juices and smoothies to hot nourishing tonics, salads, and ingeniously crafted dishes, there's something to satisfy every palate while promoting vibrant health.
Laughing Planet
Laughing Planet offers quick, nutritious meals in a fun environment. Renowned for their flavorful burritos, bowls, salads, smoothies, and homemade cookies, they emphasize clean, whole foods and a rainbow of fresh veggies. Their menu caters to every palate and dietary need — be it omnivore, vegan, paleo, gluten-free, or anything in between.
Life and Time
Life and Time revolutionizes fast food by offering a quick and health-conscious menu, with convenient drive-thru options on Bend's West and East sides. They prioritize the finest, cleanest ingredients, adhere to a strict "Never Ever" protein program, eschew processed sugars, and ensure their offerings are organic and sustainably sourced. Every dish, including their crowd-pleasing sweet potato fries, is made from scratch, guaranteeing that fast food can indeed be synonymous with fresh, nutritious meals.
Active Culture
Active Culture is a beacon of health and flavor, a counter service café that marries wholesome ingredients with delectable taste. Founded on the conviction that healthy food should be irresistible, Active Culture crafts simple, fresh dishes designed to nourish and delight. With a commitment to scratch-made excellence, everything from dressings and sauces to lentil burgers and raw almond milk is prepared fresh daily.
Groceries and Snacks
If you're in Bend and need to stock up on groceries or snacks, check out Market of Choice, Newport Market, Natural Grocers, or Whole Foods Market. For those seeking locally sourced produce and artisanal goods, the Bend Farmers Market (open in the summer) is a must-visit, showcasing the best of Central Oregon's farmers and producers.
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:
Layered Clothing: Bend’s temperatures can vary, so pack layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Comfortable Footwear: Whether you’re hiking or strolling downtown, a good pair of shoes or boots is essential..
Sun Protection: The high desert sun calls for sunglasses, a hat, and sun protection.
Hydration: Carry a water bottle with you—Bend’s dry climate can leave you thirsty, especially during outdoor adventures.
Creativity Kit: A journal and pen for those inspired moments and reflections.
Trail Snacks: Pack snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, and granola.
Explore the Scenic Route:
Traveling from Portland? Here are scenic stops you won't want to miss:
Koosah (“Sky”) and Sahalie (“Heaven) Falls: Easily accessible, these neighboring waterfalls offer breathtaking views and easy trails.
Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool): A stunning, easy-to-reach waterfall about 2.1 miles from the McKenzie River Trailhead. Look out for signs guiding you to the mesmerizing Blue Pool.
In the summer, drive the McKenzie Highway 242 for awe-inspiring landscapes:
Dee Wright Observatory: Explore lunar-like lava fields with majestic mountain vistas. It's so unique that even NASA used it for astronaut training!
Proxy Falls: A serene spot perfect for a hike and a picnic lunch, showcasing another of Oregon's picturesque waterfalls.
Sample Day in Bend
Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at Mother’s Juice Cafe, fueling up with their wholesome offerings. After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride around Farewell Bend Park, where various trail loops offer serene views.
When hunger strikes again, head to Fix & Repeat for a plant-based lunch combining good food with a good vibe. In the afternoon, take the opportunity to either browse the unique shops downtown or enjoy a tranquil walk through Drake Park.
Later, choose between indulging in some pampering or exploring another of Bend's scenic nature trails to further connect with the outdoors. Cap off your adventure with dinner at Spork, where globally inspired dishes create a memorable culinary experience.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Cate Ritter is a Licensed Psilocybin Facilitator and Wellness Coach located in Bend, Oregon. With a deep passion for nature and wellness, Cate shares insights from her experiences in the vibrant Bend community.
As the founder of Prism Bend, she is dedicated to guiding individuals on their journeys of self-discovery and personal growth. Cate believes in the transformative potential of psilocybin and provides valuable knowledge about local resources to enhance your experience in this beautiful region.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this guide is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice. Please consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any new wellness practices or engaging in psilocybin services.