BEND ELKS LODGE, BEND, OR

Our Opinion: Neutral.  Private; you must be an Elk to stay here.

Date of Stay: October 4-6, 2011.

Weather During Stay: Cold, day and night!  Some sun, plenty of clouds.

Sites:  Eight back-in sites at the back of the lodge on asphalt.  Sites are paved and sufficiently sloped that we needed blocks under our front tires and jacks.  All sites have 30 amp E.  Water available from one spigot on the side of the lodge when the lodge is open (you need the “key“ for the spigot).    No dump on site.

No trees; all sites have open exposure.  Sites are large enough for big rigs, but very narrow - just enough room for slides (on one side) and steps. Tow and towed vehicles can be parked in parking slots nearby.

Rate: $15/night for 30 amp E.  Stay limit 7 days.

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones and aircard signal.  No obstructions to block TV satellite dish.  Around 10 digital stations on the air antenna, including 2 PBS stations.  Lodge has secure WiFi; we didn’t use it.  NPR on 88.1 (and probably others).

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain:  This is a small, sloped parking area at 3,600 ft. elevation.  Sites face west, with a nice view of the Cascade range.  Near view is of the lodge and neighboring residences.

Lighting/Noise: Tall security lighting at the lodge keeps it very bright at night.  Reasonably quiet.

Favorite Sites: No difference between sites.

Hiking/Walking: Nothing appealing from the lodge, but there are plenty of recreational opportunities around Bend.  Several pleasant walks/hikes at nearby Pilot Butte.

Comments: Bend is a popular summer destination for RV’ers and recreation enthusiasts.  Though parking at the lodge is very tight, it is the best deal in the area for a short-term stay.  This was our second stay at this active lodge.