Once you know the joy of being outdoors in Bend, you’ll want to do everything outside. Reading. Yoga. Napping. Smooching. You name it, odds are good it’s better baked in Bend’s sunshine and blue skies.

Dining outdoors brings its own dash of magic, and nothing packs a punch like a perfect Bend picnic. Whether you’re toting a fancy basket filled with crystal glasses and a gingham tablecloth, or you’re grabbing fast food to snarf at a playground, here are four keys to picnicking in Bend. 

Finding the perfect picnic spot in Shevlin Park

Pick the perfect spot

In 26 years of living in Bend, I’ve thrown down picnic blankets in dozens of parks, lakefront day use areas, and sun dappled meadows. 

With nearly 100 public parks scattered around Bend, you’re bound to find one with the vibe you’re seeking. Use Bend Park & Rec’s park locator tool to find the best Bend park for your al fresco meal. Many have picnic tables and even covered picnic areas with barbecues. The locator tool can help you narrow down amenities to find the park that’s right for you.

Some of my personal faves include Drake Park, Pioneer Park, Pine Nursery Park, Al Moody Park, Juniper Park, and Sawyer Park. If you’re hoping to score a picnic table, don’t forget wet wipes or tablecloth to spiff up your dining surface.

If you’re more of a blanket-in-the-grass kinda picnicker, make sure you’re not flopping down in a field of fragile wildflowers, and that your perfect spot beside a waterfall doesn’t require trekking off trail to get there. You should also watch for canine landmines in public parks in case previous guests weren’t as mindful as you about Leave No Trace practices. Speaking of which…

Blogger Tawna at a family picnic at Clear Lake

Pack it in, pack it out

Confession: When I was young and dumb, I figured it was fine to drop fruit peels in the forest because it’s all organic matter and biodegrades anyway, right? Wrong. Oh my dog, was I wrong, and I’m sorry. 

But when we know better, we do better, which is what we’re all aiming for, right?

Check out this post from our friends at Deschutes Land Trust about why it’s not cool to chuck fruit peels or nut shells on the forest floor––even if you think it’ll biodegrade.

Whether you’re picnicking in the park, on a hiking trail, or in a campground near Bend, always pack out everything you bring. Everything. Napkins, ketchup packets, soda cans, gum wrappers, and dog doo. All of it should get stuffed in your knapsack or the garbage bags you bring with you because you naturally thought of everything when packing your picnic basket.

If you’re really looking out for Mother Nature, opt for reusable containers and beverage vessels instead of plastic baggies and disposable cups. You can even prowl Bend shops for cute picnic totes packed with reusable plates and utensils. 

Stock up on the fresh goods at the Bend Farmer’s Market

Make it yummy and fresh

You’ve picked your spot. You’ve studied up on Leave No Trace practices. It’s time to pack your picnic basket!

Parents with picky kids (been there!) know there’s sometimes no getting around the need to assemble sandwiches with exactly the right bread and cut carrot sticks in exactly the right shape, and if this is you, I feel ya. Fortunately, you’ll find gobs of Bend grocery stores boasting shelves stocked with all your favorite staples for fixing the perfect picnic lunch in your hotel or Bend vacation rental.

If you’re a little more flexible, hit a spot like the Bend Farmer’s Market or the deli at locally-owned Newport Market to scoop up fresh cheeses, bread, produce, and nibbles to take on your trek. If you’re picnicking in scenic Drake Park, hit nearby Wild Petals Provisions for a huge range of specialty crackers, olives, cured meats, cheeses, and other picnic treats. Ring up a bottle of wine and you’re ready to roll.

If your picnic is part of a camping trip, Luckey’s Woodsman sells Camper Kits designed to be heated on a camp stove or over the fire.They also have cold boxes guaranteed to be soggy-free and deliver a nutritious and delicious kick to your al fresco meal. It’s an excellent way to give yourself more time enjoying the great outdoors and less time shopping, prepping, and cleaning.

There’s also no shame in grabbing meals to go from your favorite Bend restaurant. My family loves ordering online from Active Culture, swooping by to pick up our treats, and taking it to nearby McKay Park so we can watch the surfers and river floaters while enjoying our lunch. Heck, even a fast food lunch from someplace like Life & Time becomes a little more magical when you enjoy it outdoors.

Warming huts make great snack stops in the winter.

Plan for the season

While I’d love to pretend Bend’s a perfect picnic spot 365 days a year, that’s not always the case (though for the record, the warming huts along the trails at Meissner SnoPark make great snowy picnic spots in the dead of winter).

For the rest of the year, it makes sense to be mindful of seasonal inconveniences. In July and August, some areas around the Cascade Lakes swarm with mosquitoes near the water’s edge. Make sure you’ve got bug spray on hand, or pick a non-lakefront spot that time of year.

In late August and early September, wildfire smoke can be an issue. Download an app like AirNow or Paku to monitor the air quality wherever you’re thinking of snacking. September’s also prime time for Yellow Jackets, so be mindful of those stinging little suckers.

Before heading out into the great outdoors, it’s wise to check the weather on the Visit Bend weather page. That said, Bend weather can change in a snap, so make sure you pack the 10 essentials whenever you’re heading into the wilderness. 

It’s also smart to check the event calendar to make sure your chosen picnic spot isn’t currently hosting a race or outdoor concert that’ll make it tough to find the solitude you’re seeking. 

Happy outdoor dining, everyone!