Top 10 Places to Visit (and Take Family Pictures) near Bend
Whether you live in Bend or come to visit on vacation nearby (Sunriver, Eagle Crest Resort, etc.) there is no shortage of beautiful places and things to do. With Bend being a middle ground to get to multiple state and national parks you really can't go wrong any where you go. I feel like when I drive anywhere I am always saying, "holy cow this is so pretty!" Something I love about Bend and surrounding areas is the diverse scenery you can get within an hour. You can head up the mountains and get thick pine trees and beautiful lakes, or head towards Terrebone and get those "knock your socks off" views from amazing rock formations at Smith Rock. Plus there are gorgeous parks and locations I've found off the beaten path in town as well.
Here are my Top 10 Places to Check Out Near Bend
1) Shevlin Park (upper Shevlin shows the mountains, lower Shevlin is a great shaded option for littles with earlier bed times and will give you beautiful lighting and aspen trees galore) - This is where I did my first session in Bend EVER and its easily become one of my favorites. Upper Shevlin has incredible views of all of the Cascade Mountains with the sun setting behind them for sessions. I love the look of the tall grass which is easy to match outfits with, big wide spaces for kids to run and be wild without fear of being too close to a road or snacks or anything crazy. Upper Shevlin is a hidden gem, I see people only off in the distance occasionally when I bring families for sessions, so you also don't feel like you have an audience while you're getting your pictures done. Again Lower Shevlin, is great for earlier in the evening for shade, and gives great lighting, the greens of the Aspens are super complimentary to skin tones and gives off that “light and airy” look easily for pictures.
Here are some pictures and blog posts from my sessions at Shevlin Park
https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/fall-pictures-at-shevlin-park-bend-family-photographer
https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/shevlin-park-fall-pictures-bend-oregon-family-photographer
2) Smith Rock- If you are visiting Bend, or live in the area Smith Rock is a must. Just 35 minutes outside of Bend, Smith Rock State Park is a year round open area with incredible rock formations, similar to Southern Utah's Zion's National Park, and trails both above and down along the Crooked River. If you want amazing backdrops for your pictures then Smith Rock will surely deliver. Its a dog friendly area a big space to work with. And is only $5 to park if you don't have a park's pass. I love shooting here just because the views never stop taking my breath away.
Here are some pictures and blog posts from my sessions at Smith Rock
3) Sawyer Park- Another great spot in Bend tucked away from town. It's a big park that stretches across both sides of the Deschutes River. We love the bridge and variety of scenery of juniper and pine trees, endless trails and huge rocks that have also something different that kids usually enjoy. It's beautiful during all seasons and the river is always a stunning back drop. Also dog friendly! Also a great option for shade if sunset seems too late for your group.
Here are some pictures and blog posts from Sawyer Park!
https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/bend-oregon-family-photographer-family-session-sawyer-park
https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/sawyer-park-family-pictures-bend-family-photographer
4) Dillon Falls & Deschutes National Forest- If you've got the time and can there are is a plethora of beautiful spots and trails to check out in the Deschutes Forest. You have beautiful backdrops all year round, with pine trees, lakes and trails everywhere, however not as much access to everything you typically would when there is no snow. Dillon Falls is a spot not far going into the forest with trails right along the Deschutes River. There is a more wooded side and then more open fields and mountain and river views. This place will knock your socks off in the fall with the leaves changing colors. This is one I have seen more crowded during different seasons and certain times of day, but there is enough area here to be able to spread out and not feel like you’re sharing everything with others.
Here are some pictures and blog posts from Deschutes National Forest:
https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/bend-oregon-family-photography-dillon-falls
https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/bend-oregon-family-photographer-mt-bachelor-mini-session
https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/tips-for-planning-your-maternity-pictures-bend-maternity-photographer
https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/dillon-falls-family-pictures-bend-family-photographer
5) Sunriver- If you want to get out of Bend, or are visiting nearby, (roughly 30 minutes), Sunriver is a great spot with places to stay, eat and entertainment. The Sunriver resort itself has lots paths and property you can walk with free parking. I love the area near the Nature Center and Observatory and the horse stables. Walking paths that can also fit strollers, lots of horse stables, views of the river where the sunsets just behind, a landing spot for small air crafts, and a small little pond to walk around.
Here are some pictures and blog post with pictures from Sunriver:
https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/sunriver-extended-family-pictures-bend-oregon-photographer
https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/sunriver-extended-family-pictures-sunriver-family-photographer
6) Badlands- The Badlands is a favorite because it feels like it is out in the middle of no where without having to travel far. Unlike other well known photo spots in Bend, I have yet to ever see anyone else at this location. It has a beautiful view of the sunset and you get great views of hills and mountains from all directions. If you love the look of a more desert vibe this one will do it!
Here’s a blog post and pictures with more examples of the area:
https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/mother-daughter-photoshoot-in-central-oregon-family-photographer-in-bend
https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/badlands-sunset-mommy-and-me-session-bend-family-photographer
7) Black Butte Ranch- (Please note there is a new $200 fee to do sessions here). This is a beautiful resort in the Deschutes Forest past Sisters about 45 minutes outside of Bend. The colors out here are just unreal, and the views of the butte and pond the resort provides are incredible back drops. You don’t have to be staying here to have access to their property.
8) Riley Ranch is a great spot right in Bend that offers tons of shade if you are not wanting to stay up for a sunset session with little one’s nap schedules. There are easy to walk trails and literally from the parking lot you can get great pictures. There is a cool fence that is also a prop that you can use!
9) Tumalo State Park- This is just a bit outside of Bend. If you want river water and easy access with parking, plus some fall foliage this is a great option. The trail side offers more wooded area look or river and rock background. These are at the river/rocks foliage back drop.
10) Lastly, If there is a place in or near Bend that is meaningful to you then I am more than happy to accommodate that. I have gone to client’s property and taken pictures in their back yard, front steps or a neighborhood community area that they love or in their homes. I am open to anything because if it is meaningful to your family then the pictures will hold more importance to you.
https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/powell-butte-family-session-bend-oregon-photographer
https://baileymakaimokuphoto.com/blog/bend-oregon-family-photographer-fall-mini-session-downtown-bend
Have you checked out any of these awesome places or have another to add to my list? Let’s set up a session at one of them!