Wanderlust Tours

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The Best Way to Spend New Year’s Eve in Bend, Oregon

Recapping the Final Evening of 2022

It was a night that was simply unforgettable. As we journeyed on snowshoes, the lush, old growth forest of the Central Cascades had an ethereal glow to it. The light from our headlamps as well as the twinkling stars and moon above, shimmered and danced off of the freshly fallen snow. It was a truly  picturesque evening. After several days of heavy snowfall, the heavens finally opened up allowing the celestial magic of our solar system to shine through. Reminiscent of a Robert Frost poem, the spirit of the forest was palpable on this final night of 2022.

After our magical meander through mountain hemlock and subalpine fir, we noticed a soft glow in the distance. As we neared the glowing aura, we descended upon a Michaelangelo-esque creation, a stunning snow built amphitheater where a crackling bonfire awaited us. The fresh mountain air was rich with the smell of hot cocoa.

We ushered in the New Year in a most intimate and profound setting, gathered around the bonfire, sharing stories, and toasting champagne at the turn of midnight, all while accompanied by the incredible trumpet playing of local musician, author, and teacher, Jon Harnum. Jon has dedicated his life to playing, creating, and teaching music, playing regularly around Bend with Swing 44 on trumpet and rhythm guitar. His beautiful playing perfectly accompanied the serenity of the moment and kept our hearts warm during the cold, mountain night. 

The New Years Eve Bonfire on the Snow is our biggest event of the year and 2022 was no exception! It is our greatest joy to be able to bring people out into the beautiful, wild, and natural world to energize and inspire them. Thank you to all who joined us this year and we hope to see you again on December 31st, 2023!


If you’d like to join us for next year, please fill out the form below and we will reach out in the fall when the 2023 New Year’s Eve Bonfire on the Snow is open for booking.

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