Bend, Oregon in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with elevated heights. As a company in the outdoor industry, in this quick guide you’ll learn everything about Bend’s altitude and the best tips for your Bend Oregon trip.
Bend altitude sits at 3,623 feet above sea level. In the high desert of central Oregon, Bend is just East of the Cascade Mountains and ski resorts.
Bend Altitude:
Compared to Portland and Oregon’s coastal cities, visiting Bend is a climb in elevation. You'll further climb in elevation if you head to Crater Lake, which is about two hours from Bend.
Yes, Bend is considered high desert.
“High Desert” is usually described as a desert of 4,000 feet, but they still classify Bend with its dry climate and above average elevation.
While Bend Oregon is not considered high altitude, it’s very close to the definition and comes with similar issues at high elevations.
At 3623 feet, it has approximately 13% less oxygen than found at sea level.² Although Mountain Medicine defines high altitude as 4900 feet or higher, Bend is close enough where visitors can struggle with the lower oxygen levels.
Furthermore, if venturing to the Cascade Mountains altitudes can get as high as 14,411 feet where most areas will be considered high altitude.³
Greenhorn at 6,296 feet, Lakeview at 4,804 feet, and Sunriver at 4,164 feet, are known as the highest towns in Oregon. However, these are very low in population and not quite considered cities.
When it comes to larger cities, Bend is the highest elevation in the state sitting at 3,623 feet.
One other high altitude city in the high desert of Oregon is Redmond, sitting at 3,075 feet high above sea level.
Most of the other large cities are close to sea level at less than 500 feet, including Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro, and Beaverton.
While it’s not as common, yes it’s possible to get altitude sickness in Bend Oregon.
Furthermore, although you may not feel altitude sickness, you could still feel mild effects of high altitude including fatigue, headache, and sleeping issues.
Altitude sickness is medically known to start as low as 4,000 feet,⁸ however with Bend so close at 3,623 feet we think there still could be a risk. And this risk can increase substantially as you venture out to nearby mountains.
Altitude sickness risk in Bend Oregon is caused by the lower oxygen levels which cause increased stress on your body.
Mild to moderate effects of Bend altitude sickness symptoms could include:
Look out for these potential symptoms within the first 6-24 hours upon arrival in Bend. Follow our top tips below to be best prepared for the high altitudes of Oregon.
Visiting Bend, Oregon, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, can be hampered due to the city's elevation.
As a high-altitude based company based in Denver, we’ll share our essential tips to ensure your trip remains enjoyable.
4 Tips To Avoid Bend Oregon Altitude Sickness:
In summary, a visit to Bend Oregon, can be a delightful experience if you take proactive steps. By maximizing hydration, ensuring optimal rest and sleep, limiting alcohol intake, and boosting your antioxidant intake, you can enjoy your high altitude trip!
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