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 “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! We recently kicked off autumn in Central Oregon by checking out the Waypoint Hotel in Bend.
First the Running:
Waypoint Hotel is a perfect location for travelling runners who prefer both trails and pavement running. Just leaving the property and heading west a half mile will have you right on one of my favorite locations to run in Bend – the Deschutes River Trail. This trail is super long and even heads all the way down to near Sunriver if you head south, but taking a northern turn place you on the final stretch to its penultimate end about 4.3 miles away.
This trail, for the most part, is not super technical and can be accomplished just as easy in standard running shoes as in trail shoes. There are some small and gradual elevation increases, but honestly nothing too challenging. And with the views that you’ll experience navigating the river canyon, you will hardly notice it anyways.
On a clear sunny day, you may even be able to catch glimpses of almost all of the significant cascades peaks. Pictures honestly can’t even do it justice.
Like I mentioned, you can get just about 8.5 miles round-trip from hotel room door to the end of the trail and back. If you are looking to extend your distance, or prefer a little bit more time on technical trails, I would recommend the relatively short, yet challenging, Archie Briggs Canyon Trail. You can hit this cut off from the DRT right around mile 3.3 or so and it will take you ever climbing upwards near the summit of that residential hill that looks over most of Bend.
This is a really Interesting trail, as it feels like it could be in the middle of nowhere, yet eventually crosses a couple of residential streets and in between large houses within beautiful new neighborhoods. The end of the trail replace you near Summit Park where you can make a variety of connections on different trails or streets to get down to Portland Ave. and then a straight shot to the hotel. Or you can always reverse course back the way that you already came. Here is a link to a Strava run that we did during the our stay. Whatever you choose, there are so many options a short distance away from the Waypoint Hotel. It’s literally a perfect running basecamp.
Our Room:
We got to check out their newest renovated two queen room, and were extremely impressed. Gone is what I am sure was at one point yucky carpet, and instead replaced with hardwood vinyl flooring. The walls are adorned with casual mountain artwork and frames a room that that strikes an impressive balance of being both minimalistic and full of amenities as the same time. There was a microwave, a small fridge, a large TV, spacious bathroom space, and probably most importantly, really comfortable beds.
Refueling:
Not only does the Waypoint Hotel provide a grab and go breakfast, which I am guessing will expand in a post COVID world, they also have a delicious food truck on site and eight taps of local beer and cider (along with wine) to imbibe in without the need to travel to do so.
There are a variety of other amenities the Waypoint showcases as well, such as access to a nearby 24/7 fitness center that’s open 24 hours a day, as well as an onsite hot tub and pool (which must be heated relatively well, as there were numerous people swimming about even 45° mornings). They have cruiser bikes for rent for only $10/hour to explore both the myriad of breweries and restaurants, but also bikeable trails as well. Feel free to bring your 4-legged friends as well.
Overall:
The look from the outside of the Waypoint Hotel showcases something clearly new and fresh, but still relatively unassuming. It doesn’t have the glitz and glamour of luxury hotel lodging (nor the price tag that many Bend hotels have attached), but you can still tell that there is a commitment to revitalization. Upon stepping into the lobby, its all the more evident with wall murals depicting the Central Oregon outdoors, a luxurious fireplace warming weary travelers, and a great outdoor space with multiple fire pits that demand relaxation.
The Waypoint is an amazing addition to the Bend hotel scene. It’s just a stone’s throw away from everything you want in Bend.
Highly recommended!
Waypoint Hotel Details:
Address: 1415 NE 3rd St, Bend, OR 97701
Phone: (541) 382-7011
More about Waypoint Hotel:
Waypoint Hotel is a newly renovated, boutique hotel, just off Highway 97 in Bend’s Mid-Town. This hotel includes a spacious lobby featuring 8 local brews and ciders on tap, outdoor fire pits, and an on-site food truck serving comfort food. A grab-and-go breakfast is complimentary with each night’s stay. Whether traveling for work, pleasure, or a bit of both, our location is ideal to meet, retreat, and have some fun.
Many thanks to Waypoint Hotel for allowing us to check out their property! Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
