Bend What to Pack

Luggage and bags: No matter what time of year, always bring a jacket and jeans. It can get pretty cold in the winter but it is a dry cold so it doesn't seem as bad. During the summer it may be 95 degrees during the day, but we have summer frosts. The temperature gets down in the 20's in the middle of July sometimes. Usually averages in the 40's. On hot days we tend to get rain storms that come through quickly and cool off the pavement. Bring a camera with lots of film.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Snow boots like sorels in the winter. Don't forget your snow clothes and snowboard or skis. You can rent the board, skis, and boots at the mountain if you don't have one. Pack warm clothes in winter. In Summer bring light clothes and rafting sandles. But don't forget a sweater in the summer for the cool nights. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses ALL year. We still get tons of sunshine in the winter. I wear sunscreen all year and never forget my sunglasses anywhere.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Bring a snake bite kit. We have rattle snakes. They aren't very common, but if you are camping in the 'wild outdoors' you need to be prepared. Taking a small gun is also wise if you are camping. I have run into cougars a few times in the Cascade Mountains but they have not hurt me. Plus there are coyotes too. The cougars are very aggressive and will track you. If you have young kids or dogs, keep your eye on them. I feel the risk is worth it. I camp all the time with the wild animals.

Photo Equipment: Any type of camera and lots of film. There are wild animals; cougars, coyotes, horses, bears & others. Plus the mountains and unique landscape.