On my first visit to Bend, I saw a little bit about the Bend Ale Trail but realized it was too much to work on that trip. I had a visited a bunch of breweries, but not all in any one region. For my most recent trip, I purposely tried to complete what I could. The Bend Ale Trail is a sponsored by the Bend tourism authority where you get stamps for each brewery visited either digitally or in a free passport book. I read there were prizes and artwork associated with each, so it made sense all of this was done out of the Visit Bend Oregon visitors center right downtown.
It's easy to find, just a few blocks away from the river. They have mostly daily hours, making it convenient to drop in. If you're a first timer to the area, I recommend coming here on your first days, as they have a ton of free literature about the area including maps, activities, coupons, etc. They also have areas to sit, have pictures taken, plus advice and planning from the people who work here. I had mixed interactions with the people working here, but none were negative.
Back to the Ale Trail - it's free to do, and worth your time if you're already visiting all the excellent breweries in the area. As you complete each of the seven regions, you bring in your passport and show it to receive a tasting glass and matching sticker with the key art. Once you complete all seven glasses, you get a matching wooden flight paddle! Even better, if you have a designated driver they can complete it too; but they'll earn a free branded Hydro Flask, another famous company headquartered in Bend.
If you're visiting, it's worth stopping here to help plan your trip! read more