Discover the elevation of Bend, Oregon—perched at over 3,600 feet above sea level in the Oregon high desert, this vibrant city sits at the base of the Cascade Range, offering stunning views, crisp mountain air, and boundless opportunities for outdoor adventure and recreation.

Table of Contents

Where is Bend, Oregon?

  • Location: Bend is located in the center of Oregon in Deschutes County, near the Cascade Range and along the Deschutes River.

City Profile

  • Nicknames: Often called a gateway to outdoor adventure and Oregon’s recreational capital.
  • Fame: Known for scenic beauty, craft beer culture, and proximity to skiing, hiking, and river activities.
  • Population: Over 90,000 residents in the city, with tens of thousands more in the surrounding metro area.
  • Size: Covers an area of 33.27 square miles.
  • Incorporation: Officially incorporated in 1905.
  • Name origin: Derived from “Farewell Bend,” used by early settlers and trappers.

Elevation Basics

  • City elevation: Bend sits at an elevation of 3,623 feet (1,104 m) above sea level.
  • Geographic region: Located in the Oregon high desert, with views of volcanic peaks.
  • Early industry: Originally grew as a logging town after a sawmill was built in 1901.
  • Modern appeal: Now a year-round destination for recreation and tourism.
  • Discovery: First explored by non-Indigenous trappers in 1824; long known to Native American tribes.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • Elevation rank: Higher than most major Oregon cities like Portland (49 ft) and Salem (154 ft).
  • Comparison to Oregon average: Oregon’s average elevation is 3,300 feet (1,010 m), so Bend sits slightly above average.
  • Highest point in Oregon: Mount Hood – 11,249 feet (3,429 m).
  • Lowest point in Oregon: The Pacific Ocean – 0 feet.
  • Highest city in Oregon: Lakeview, at 4,802 feet (1,464 m), nicknamed the “Tallest Town in Oregon.”
  • Elevation comparison:
    • Bend: 3,623 ft (1,104 m)
    • Lakeview: 4,802 ft (1,464 m)
    • Portland: 49 ft (15 m)
    • Salem: 154 ft (47 m)
    • New York City: 33 ft (10 m)

Climate and Tourism

  • Climate type: Bend has a semi-arid (steppe) climate.
  • Temperature range: Large day-to-night variations—warm days and cold nights even in summer.
  • Winter temps: Averages around 31°F (-0.5°C) with lows dropping to -10°F (-23°C).
  • Precipitation: Receives limited rainfall, typical of high desert regions.
  • Tourism importance: A major economic driver for the city due to outdoor appeal and craft brewing.
  • Outdoor activities:
    • Mountain biking
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Fishing
    • Rafting
    • Skiing
    • Rock climbing
  • Nearby attractions: Mount Bachelor ski resort, Cascade Lakes, and extensive trail networks.
  • Craft beer culture: Home to the renowned Deschutes Brewery and many other local craft breweries, with annual beer festivals.

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