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

Setting the Scene

New Year’s Eve, a night that is always memorable. On this final day of the year, you find yourself deep in a lush and verdant forest of mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. It is serenely quiet, with only the hushed crackle of snowflakes falling softly onto your shoulders. As they fall, the white flakes shimmer in a stunning iridescence as the light of your headlamp dances off the frozen crystals. The air is crisp and fresh. Surely a New Year’s Eve unlike any you’ve experienced in the past. Reminiscent of a Robert Frost poem, the spirit of the forest is palpable this evening.

The path ahead winds gently through the old-growth forest of the Central Cascades, and with each step, the fresh powder crunches softly beneath your feet. The towering trees seem to lean in closer, as if to shield you from the outside world, creating a cocoon of serenity and wonder. It’s impossible not to be drawn into the magic of this winter wonderland. The forest, blanketed in snow, feels timeless and sacred, a cathedral of nature where every branch and needle plays its part in the grand, silent symphony of the season.

The Glow of a Golden Light

As you continue your meander through the forest, you notice a faint golden glow in the distance. A surge of curiosity—and perhaps a touch of excitement—propels you forward. The light flickers warmly, standing out against the deep blues and whites of the snowy landscape. You know you’re close. The promise of warmth and camaraderie spurs you onward, your breath puffing in visible clouds in the frosty air.

The glow grows stronger with each step, and soon the unmistakable scent of woodsmoke mingles with the crisp forest air. The faint sound of laughter cuts through the hushed quiet of the forest. The warmth and coziness of a bonfire beckons. As you near your destination, the golden glow becomes a vibrant dance of firelight, illuminating the snowy surroundings with a soft amber hue. The air grows rich with the aroma of hot cocoa, and your heart leaps at the sight of what lies ahead.

An Enchanting Amphitheater

You have arrived, descending upon a Michelangelo-esque creation—a stunning hand-carved amphitheater wrapped around a crackling bonfire awaits you. The amphitheater is an architectural marvel sculpted from the snow itself, with curved benches that catch the light of the fire in mesmerizing patterns. It’s as if the mountain itself offered this gift, an intimate space carved from its wintery embrace.

The bonfire crackles mezmorizingly at the center, casting its warm glow on the faces of those who’ve gathered. People from all walks of life are here, sharing in this extraordinary moment. Some are sipping steaming cups of cocoa, their hands wrapped tightly around the mugs, while others are nestled together, smiling as they exchange stories. The laughter and chatter blend seamlessly with the occasional crackle of the fire and the soft rustling of the forest.

Ushering in the New Year

On this most unique December 31st, you find yourself fully immersed in the moment. As the clock ticks closer to midnight, the energy around the bonfire begins to shift. There’s an air of anticipation, a collective sense of wonder as everyone prepares to bid farewell to the year gone by and welcome the new one.

At the stroke of midnight, champagne glasses clink, and cheers of joy and hope echo through the forest. The cold of the mountain night fades into the background as you soak in the warmth of this shared celebration. A local musician begins to play, their horn filling the air with melodies that seem to echo through the trees, resonating with the spirit of the night. The music, hauntingly beautiful, feels like a conversation with the forest itself, a timeless harmony between humanity and nature.

A Night to Remember

Surrounded by nature’s grandeur, the intimate setting of the snowy amphitheater, and the shared connection of those gathered around the fire, the night was a perfect blend of serenity and celebration. It wasn’t just about ushering in another year; it was about finding magic in the moment, about pausing to appreciate the beauty of the world and the connections we share.

As you make your way back through the forest, the glow of the bonfire fading behind you, you can’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude. The snow continues to fall softly, each flake a tiny miracle, and the forest seems to hum with the promise of new beginnings. It’s a New Year’s Eve unlike any other, a night that will live on in your memory as a celebration not just of time, but of life itself.

This New Year’s Eve was more than memorable; it was unforgettable.

Interested in joining us?

Click below to learn more about one of our most magical tours of the year! A fun and unique experience for the whole family!

Already have New Year’s Eve plans in Bend? Come join us on a Daytime Snowshoe or Brews & Views Snowshoe Tour!

The Cascadia Subduction Zone and its impact on the Geology of the Pacific Northwest

Understanding the Cascadia Subduction Zone and Its Impact on the PNW: Past, Present & Future

The Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) is a 600 mile long fault located off the coast of Oregon, stretching from northern California to southern British Columbia. It is a very long, sloping subduction zone where the Explorer, Juan de Fuca, and Gorda plates move to the east and slide below the much larger mostly continental North American Plate. The zone varies in width and lies offshore beginning near Cape Mendocino, Northern California, passing through Oregon and Washington, and terminating near Vancouver Island in British Columbia. It is capable of producing 9.0+ magnitude earthquakes and tsunamis that could reach 30 m (98 ft). The Oregon Department of Emergency Management estimates shaking would last 5–7 minutes along the coast, with strength and intensity decreasing further from the epicenter. This tectonic activity has profound implications for the Pacific Northwest, particularly in terms of earthquake potential.

Courtesy of Wikipedia

The Cascadia Subduction Zone has a long history of seismic activity, with geological evidence pointing to major earthquakes occurring roughly every 300 to 600 years. The most recent megathrust earthquake, estimated to have a magnitude of around 9.0, occurred on January 26, 1700. This event, known as the Cascadia Earthquake, caused a massive tsunami that reached the shores of Japan, providing valuable historical records of the disaster. We’re currently at 324 years since the last major earthquake.

Subduction zone earthquakes are different from those typically experienced along transform fault lines like the San Andreas Fault in California. Transform faults are characterized by horizontal movement, where two tectonic plates slide past each other. In contrast, subduction zone earthquakes involve the vertical movement of one plate beneath another, leading to the potential for much larger and more powerful quakes as the tension that is built over time is much greater, meaning that when the tension is released, the energy is much greater in intensity. Most subduction zone earthquakes take place in the ocean, meaning they also have the potential to cause massive tsunamis due to the displacement of large volumes of water. 

The immense energy released during a megathrust earthquake, combined with the risk of tsunamis, makes subduction zone earthquakes particularly catastrophic. The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, are sobering examples of the devastating power of subduction zone events.

The Cascadia Subduction Zone represents both a fascinating geological phenomenon and a significant natural hazard. It is a clear example of the immense power of mother nature and a reminder that our planet is not static; it is a living breathing entity capable of the utmost power and ferocity alongside its immense beauty.

One more interesting fact:

The Cascadia Subduction Zone is responsible for the volcanic chain of mountains we call the Cascades, running from Northern Washington to Northern California. As the Juan de Fuca Plate is forced beneath the North American Plate, it melts due to the intense heat and pressure within the earth’s mantle. This process generates magma that eventually finds its release point through the earth’s crust. Over millions of years, upward pressure on the earth’s crust, repeated volcanic eruptions, and the accumulation of volcanic material have built up the majestic peaks of the Cascade Mountains. These mighty peaks, such as Mt. Hood, the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Mt. Bachelor are direct results of this subduction process, highlighting the profound geological impact of the Cascadia Subduction Zone on the Pacific Northwest's landscape.

The Newly Established Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary Beckons Stargazers

Photo by Christian Heeb

In a world that's increasingly dominated by bright lights and bustling cities, finding a place where the night sky remains untainted by urban glow is a treasure beyond measure. Enter the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary, a newly announced haven for astrophotographers, stargazers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Nestled in the heart of Oregon's remote landscape, this sanctuary promises an unparalleled celestial experience that beckons to those seeking a deeper connection with the cosmos. It is the largest dark sky sanctuary in the world.

Discovering Oregon's Celestial Gem

Imagine a place where the Milky Way arches across the sky in all its glory, where constellations twinkle with clarity, and where the cosmos unveils its secrets with each passing moment. This is the essence of the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary, a sanctuary that promises to transport visitors to a realm of wonder and awe.

Located in the vast expanse of Oregon's high desert, the sanctuary boasts some of the darkest skies in the world, offering unparalleled opportunities for stargazing and astrophotography. Away from the glare of city lights, visitors can immerse themselves in the brilliance of constellations, planets, shooting stars, and celestial phenomena!

A Haven for Stargazers and Astrophotographers

For stargazers and astrophotographers, the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary is a dream come true. With its pristine skies and minimal light pollution, capturing stunning images of the cosmos becomes effortless. Whether you're a seasoned astrophotographer or a novice astronomer, the sanctuary's dark skies provide an ideal canvas for celestial exploration.

Embracing Nature's Majesty

Beyond its celestial wonders, the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary invites visitors to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the natural world. Surrounded by rugged landscapes, towering mountains, and pristine wilderness, the sanctuary offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration.

Hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting are just a few of the activities that await intrepid travelers. Whether you're embarking on a moonlit hike through the desert or camping beneath a blanket of stars, the sanctuary provides for those seeking solace in nature's embrace.

The Importance of Dark Skies for Bird Migration and Nighttime Pollinators

About 80% of all migratory birds travel along their migratory path at night, using the moon and stars to help them navigate throughout their long journeys. A major disruption to safe bird migration is artificial light at night. The artificial can disorient birds, pulling them from their migratory routes and causing collisions and fatalities. By continuing to preserve and protect our dark skies, we can help birds along on their migratory journeys that can often span thousands of miles.

Nighttime pollinators are also impacted in a negative way by too much artificial light at night in a two-fold way. The first reason why artificial light negatively impacts nocturnal pollinators is because many insects, such as moths, are drawn toward that light and instead of spending time pollinating they spend more time entranced by that artificial glow. The other reason has to do with the disruption of the circadian rhythm of various insects. This disruption also negatively impacts insect’s nighttime pollinating habits.

Embark on a Journey of Cosmic Discovery

In a world filled with distractions and noise, the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary stands as a beacon of tranquility and wonder. Here, amidst the vast expanse of the high desert, visitors can reconnect with nature, explore the mysteries of the cosmos, and forge memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you're an avid stargazer, an amateur astronomer, or simply someone who craves the serenity of the natural world, the sanctuary offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the universe in all its splendor. So pack your bags, leave the city lights behind, and embark on a journey of cosmic discovery in the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary.