As with National Park rangers, interacting with US Forest Service folks is invariably a pleasant…read moreexperience. I came in for maps, and maps they have aplenty. Not only maps, but also lots of outdoor-related literature such as the Roadside Geology of Oregon and other books. And some trinkets. But I was impressed - not surprised - with the helpfulness of the ranger at the counter in explaining what they had in the way of trail and 4WD maps for the Deschutes and Ochoco forests. Super helpful. If you need forest service information or materials, drop in. You'll be glad you did.

We went in here to get our mushroom permits for a foray we were going on. We were not expecting…read morethis gorgeous facility, especially because it's a government building. I guess I was expecting something like the DMV (which in Bend is actually pretty nice). This place is like a lodge or resort. Aside from aesthetics, it also has a ton of Oregon souvenirs (all forestry related), maps of all the parks, forests, campgrounds, etc, and lots of brochures on things like the John Day Fossil Beds. It's like the adventure version of the Bend Visitor Center. I would highly recommend stopping in if you are new to the area but want to do a hike or explore the natural landscape. They also sell Adventure Passes (the ones for parking on Forest land) and permits. Personal use mushroom permits are free.

I don't write many online reviews but I was compelled to do so today due to both the…read moreprofessionalism and all around good nature of Dr. Jane Birschbach who is not only an excellent doctor but also just a jolly nice lady. She went out of her way today to help ensure I can be the happiest and healthiest version of me. The whole team at Deschutes county public health were a pleasure to work with. The lady on the front desk is very welcoming. I cant recommend them more highly. Thanks, Rich

Nice chamber, informative and helpful staff offering you information as a tourist, transplant or…read morebusiness owner. The team here is very active in the community and will go above and beyond to point you in the direction you want to head. Good people, great service!

The Wakefield House is a one of a kind for sure! Absolutely STUNNING! The amenities are great and…read moreto be right in the middle of downtown Sisters is so much fun. Lots of restaurants and shopping within walking distance.

This is one of my favorite cities to visit to get some cool weather in September. It is about a 3…read morehour drive from Portland and under 30 minutes from the Redmond Municipal Airport. There are a variety of hotels, motels, and B&B's between downtown and the Old Mill District. If you want a quieter environment, stay in the Old Mill District area. Bend has some beautiful landscapes full of different outdoor activities. Flow riding on the rapids of the Deschutes River, jogging along the river paths, shopping in town, and dining at some wonderful restaurants. I also love that Oregon is tax-free on merchandise, so the price of goods is the total price. Bend still had that small town feel even though it is quickly becoming more popular with people moving here for a better family environment.

I feel like Bend is now known as a playground for Californians with too much money. Growing up, I…read moreonly visited a few times, mostly related to a youth organization I was in; it's about 2.5 hours east but my family wasn't into skiing or anything and there were rivers, lakes, and reservoirs much closer to home. But rather than just sit at home and stare at each other we decided to take a drive to Bend when I was home recently. When we go my mom likes to drive by the house which my grandparents lived in for a few years whilst she was in college, before moving back to Eugene, and there's not usually anything in particular we're here for. This was not really an exception. We did stop at the Last Blockbuster, since my nephew was along and wanted to. We went to the downtown district where there are some cute shops. I got a permanent bracelet at Nashelle and I love it; I wish that I was closer because they had some really nice charms to go with it. Bend Burger has good burgers. But what people usually come to Bend for is the recreation. Located in the Deschutes National Forest and at a high elevation, Bend is a place for skiers. Mt. Bachelor isn't too far away. Suttle Lake is nearby as well, so if lake recreation is more your bag you'll find it here as well. Volcanic eruptions in the state has left some of the area covered in lava beds. Fishing, rafting, and so on are all popular activities in the area.

This is the downtown Bend branch of the Deschutes Public Library system (note: you'll find reviews…read moreunder 'Downtown Bend Library' as well and Yelp seems uninterested in combining the pages despite being asked). - It's a fine library. Big(ish), well-stocked with books, magazines, CDs and such, has numerous free computers, has a good wi-fi system. - Lots of reading areas with comfortable seating. - Staff are friendly and helpful. - A great local section if you're interested in learning about Central Oregon. - Plentiful parking and lots of bike racks. - The online system (which serves the Deschutes system not just the Bend branch) works well and includes downloadable ebooks.

Wasted Resources The DPL has a number of rooms set aside for…read morestudy and tutoring. Some of those rooms are meant for groups. However, when those rooms are not being used by groups, they could be used by individuals who might be working on projects that require more space or maybe they need to do a study call over Zoom or Google Meets. However, the DPL does not allow that under any circumstances at least that's what I was told. Seems a waste of resources to heat, cool and light a space that no one is using. I guess the DPL doesn't mind blowing the public's money in order to follow random rules that make about as much sense as gills on cactus.

I've used the Meeting Room multiple times in the last few months re: safety presentations &…read moretraining. The facility is fabulous, comfortable for attendees, quiet & private. I will be reserving this room many more times in the future. Thank you Sisters Library!!

Awful librarian. I came in with my service animal to use the printer, which I have done several…read moretimes. I was asked about my service animal (an inappropriate amount of questions) and then told I couldn't have him with me despite the fact that I told them his tasks because to her those tasks weren't actual service animal tasks and apparently I don't have a service animal. I then had to reiterate the fact that I do have a disability and this is my service animal SEVERAL times and even then she was not convinced and only left when I asked if I needed to file a complaint. I printed my pages and left and will not be returning and will be reporting the incident. What an awful human to discriminate against disabled individuals like that.

This review is for 2 different trails. 1. Big Obsidian Flow…read moreTrail was a short and unique trail in Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon. It was a ~0.7 miles round trip that took ~30 minutes to complete. Trail begins on a dirt path and shortly becomes a stairway to the obsidian lava flows. The lava flows were extremely rocky so hiking shoes are recommended. At the highest point of the trail was a distant view of Paulina Lake! Decent sized parking area at the trailhead. Restroom available at the parking lot. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/zshtzzNOCI0 2. Located 5 minutes from the Big Obsidian Flow Trail, Paulina Falls Trail was another short and rewarding trail. It was a ~0.5 miles round trip that took ~30 minutes to complete. Trail was mostly a decline towards the bottom of the waterfall on a dirt path! Limited parking area at the trailhead. Restroom available at the parking lot. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/Q28kfFT9QM0 The Lava Lands Visitor Center was about 30 minutes away.

We did the 1.1 mile Trail of the Molten Lands while in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The…read moretrail paved and in good condition. It is uphill and some spots are steep. There are informational signs in different sections of the trail. It was incredible to see how far the lava rock stretched. We stopped in the visitor center as well as the lava river caves and lava butte. We werent able to do the Pauline falls or Obsidian parts as the storms came in quick and hard. It is definitely a sight to see though. Its a milder trail than some others we've done this week and is an easier walk for most of the trail. There is also a half way point to loop around and you dont have to do the steep uphill portion to the look out area.