Run Oregon loves running – that’s no surprise. But we also love the Pacific Northwest and all that it has to offer. Running is a part of us, but it does not fully define us. In our new “Make a Day of It” feature, we aim to showcase some great local non-running events and highlight where to run and how to make the most of your experience! My family and I spent Labor Day Weekend 2019 in Central Oregon and checked out the new LOGE Bend.
First the Running:
Bend has tons of great places for running. There are so many options, from paved in-town paths to more remote trails, that something is ready for everyone. For people staying at LOGE (pronounced “lodge”) Bend it is literally just steps from the Haul Trail. This trail runs alongside SW Colorado and then SW Century Drive and has starting/ending points from the Deschutes River Trail at McKay Park and the Bend Whitewater Park to the Deschutes National Forest boundary, which is just next to LOGE. It’s about a 5k in length, so putting in a 10k is simple and easy. Also nearby is the Discovery Trail, a 4.8 mile trail that runs alongside Skyline Ranch Road and connects with Shevlin Park.
If you head further out of town from LOGE, you will head out of the magnificent trail system that Bend Parks & Rec oversees and enter the Deschutes National Forest trails. I recommend heading here to plan your trail running or hiking excursion, but the Deschutes River Trail (~15 miles) and the COD (4.3 miles) are great. Heading further south on the Deschutes River Trail can take you all the way to Sunriver if you are looking for an epic long run. Also consider heading up to Marvin’s Garden and/or Phil’s Trail for some great mountain biking options (which can be utilized for running as well, just keep your head on a swivel). But seriously, the trail running world is literally at your doorstep.
The list of Central Oregon races is too numerous, so I’ll just leave you with a link to our Race Calendar for events within 25 miles.
Our Room:
LOGE Media photo of our room
LOGE Bend used to be a more dilapidated motel in the past – the Entrada Lodge. You may have seen it if you’ve ever driven to Mt. Bachelor. However, it has been in need of a face-lift for quite some time – and LOGE has really done a fantastic job that really caters to the outdoor enthusiasts that those visiting the area often are. There are two staying options – a hotel and a hostel – and total around 80 rooms with different set ups, as well as some awesome additions like outdoor play fields, outdoor cooking stations, fire pits, and the ability to rent equipment regardless of the season.
Inside the room is literally unlike anything I’ve seen before. As it was the summer, there was a Yeti cooler in our room (which is appreciated for those who may want to save on money or driving time into town for meals) as well as hammocks. Yes – hammocks. Hanging in the room. From the ceiling.
Epic.
We were told that in the winter season, ski boot dryers will replace the coolers. So cool and thoughtful.
While the theme of the property and the rooms is a mish-mash of “outdoors-upscale”, it doesn’t lose sight of the fact that many people like to explore nature with kids in tow. As a result, our room, which had a bunk beds in addition to a Queen, was absolutely perfect for us (a family of 5). There was also a mini-fridge, hotpot/water kettle, and microwave. They even had a ton of other gear that you could use for your trip and take with you afterwards. Such items included logo beanies and hats, charging cords, coozies, and even a smore’s bucket!
Room rates will obviously vary, but the hostel starts at $50 and then go up from there. The hostel option seems like a fantastic idea for someone who wants to head over the mountains for a race, but can’t justify paying an arm and a leg for a just a short sleep the night before. This makes things much more palatable and will likely have me seeking out Central Oregon races with more frequency now.
All of the hotel rooms sleep up to 4 comfortably, with different bed configurations. They also have one King Sauna room, which comes with it’s own private sauna! There are also options for those who are traveling with their 4-legged children as well.
Refueling:
I don’t know about you, but whenever I’m in Bend I feel the need to hit up a brewery (or two) for dinner. There are just so many options (18 breweries now on the Bend Ale Trail) and many have solid food as part of their situation. I will be the first to attest that, while this is fun (and perhaps even necessary), it can get pricey even WITHOUT kids. So what better idea than to bring some food back to you room and eat there?! Now, I’m not meaning bringing something from the frozen section back to your room and heating it up on the microwave. I’m talking that LOGE has covered outdoor kitchens that come complete with Traeger grills! I mean, come on – that’s awesome!
They also have a nice lobby area, which has solid breakfast options and a few sandwich items for purchase to keep you tidied over. They also have a variety of beverages available as well, as can be seen above.
Playing:
Bend is built for “playing” outdoors and LOGE certainly caters to that. In addition from the proximity to trails of all kinds, they also encourage you to easily get out and about by providing Raleigh city cruiser bikes to use for free. This is really handy for when it’s not an option to pack your own two-wheels, but still want to get around. If you need something a little sturdier, LOGE partners with Evo to provide mountain bikes for demonstration or rent in the summer, and will provide ski lockers in the winter.
LOGE Bend is quite nice for people like me – someone who loves to be outdoors, yet also has a young family. I would LOVE to come here with myself or my wife and just spend the days running trails and nights tucked away reading in the hammock and drinking by the firepits. However, I am often traveling with three kids under nine and that isn’t always the easiest combination. LOGE seems to have families with kids in mind tucked in their outdoor oasis. There is a pool available, as well as plenty of grassy space for yard games or just running around. I know it may be blasphemous to some, but even the fact that Wifi is included allows for a family movie night in the room as a nice culmination to the day (our WiFi ended up being a little spotty, though we were the furthest unit away from the lobby. Instead, we spent more time playing card games – a much nicer use of our time in fact).
Overall:
LOGE Bend is now one of my favorite places I have stayed in Bend. It is a perfect “basecamp” in one of the best cities in the country (in my humble opinion), and is complete with both modern amenities and outdoor charm. It’s not in the middle of anything, yet not in the middle of nowhere either – a great middle ground for anything and everything you want to do.
On top of that, it’s awesome that they have partnered with the Central Oregon Trail Alliance, and will send them 1 percent of the top-line revenue earned at the hotel. I HIGHLY recommend giving them a shot.
LOGE Bend Details:
Address: 19221 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97702
Phone: (541) 382-4080
More about LOGE Bend:
Bend, on the sunny side of Oregon offers a year round playground! LOGE Bend is the closest in-town property to Mt Bachelor, with a 20 min drive for your escape to the mountain, but only a 15 min bike ride to the breweries downtown! Our unique location puts you right on the connector trails to the popular “Phil’s Trail” for mountain biking or just strolling along the river. Whatever your activity of choice, Bend has it all! Rock climb, River Raft, Ski, Bike, Paddle…the list goes on!
Many thanks to the LOGE Bend for allowing us to check out their property! Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
