Winter came in full force this year! Bend schools experienced 5 snow days and Bend sat under more snow than it has in a long time. Then, on February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil told us we would have 6 more weeks of winter!! As you can imagine, most of us here at Wanderlust Tours love winter. We also love summer and spring and fall (but we're not talking about that today). In case you were starting to feel like there was too much snow this winter or that it was lasting too long, we're here to provide you with a short bucket list. "Things to do before spring is here" in Bend, Oregon. 

1. Stop and smell the ... TREES

For real. These Ponderosa pines are full of that yummy vanilla/butterscotch scent that will have you sniffing every tree along the trail. If anyone gives you a funny look, just invite them to sniff with you! 

2. Don't flip out!

Spring and summer will be here soon enough... but there's so much to love about winter! Strap on snowshoes and go for a hike. Join us for 

3. Go High!

When visitors come to town, Pilot Butte is the first place I take them (on a clear day). There's something really helpful about knowing where you are. When you see the geography of the land from above, it gives you perspective. And it's really pretty. Get yourself up to Pilot Butte for one of the best views in the city. Plus, it's apparently the best place for a selfie in Bend. For real, it won an award from the Source.

4. And Low..

Don't stop at the mountain peaks! Exploration awaits in Bend's underground lava tubes. Volcanic eruptions oozed out lava all over central Oregon and left us with tunnels waiting to be discovered. Join our Lava Cave Tour and we'll equip you with a light and a helmet and show you the amazing wonder of the underworld. No crawling required (but we think it's a blast!)

5. Go play outside!

Remember when you were young and your parents just wanted you to go play outside?! Maybe it was just because you were driving them crazy... but they may have been looking out for your health too. Spending time in nature is scientifically proven to lighten your mood and enhance positivity. If just being outside is good for you, can you imagine what a place like Tumalo Falls would do for your brain?!  

So there you have it! 5 tips for beating the winter blues. We can't wait to see you adventuring out there.