Bend is a county seat in Deschutes County. The community was named for Farewell Bend, a point on the Deschutes River. Bend is on the Deschutes River, in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Bend covers a total area of 83.5 km² (32.2 mi²) of which 82.9 km² (32.0 mi²) of it is land and 0.6 km² (0.2 mi²) of it (0.68%) is water. Bend is located on the edge of the Ponderosa pine forest on the west as it transitions into the high desert plateau, characterized by junipers, sagebrush, bitter-brush, and little water.Bend is nearly the geographic center of the state and is the most populated city in Central Oregon. It is the sixth-fastest-growing metropolitan area in the United States, according to Census estimates released in September 2005.

Bend is noted for its scenic beauty with mild climate. It receives an annual precipitation of 10-13 inches and an average snowfall of 34 inches. Temperatures in summer rise to 80 degrees F. It is known for its annual Indian summer.

Elevation: 3629 feet

Land area: 32.0 square miles

Latitude: 44.06 N

Longitude: 121.31 W

Population: 67,152 as on 2005

Local festivals include:

• Cascade Festival of Music - Aug. 26-Sept. 2, 2006
• Fall Festival - Oct. 7-8, 2006
• Oktoberfest - Sept. 30, 2006

Attractions:

• Cascade Lakes Highway
• Petersen Rock Gardens
• Lava Cast Forest
• High Desert Museum
• Deschutes Historical Center
• Lava Lands Visitor Center