Rashad Frazier has built his life around seeking out new experiences. A chef turned adventure tastemaker, Frazier spends his time sharing his love of nature with others and works to bring more diversity into outdoor spaces.
Through his business, Frazier offers curated day adventures, group dining experiences, and multiday trips. Between leading snowshoe excursions and hosting off-grid camp outs with gourmet meals, the Portland-based creator still finds time for solo adventures.
One of his latest: a 3-day trip to Bend, where he enjoyed the perfect blend of outdoor and culinary exploration with the support of the KEEN Hyperport H2 Sandal and Zionic Waterproof Hiking Boot.
Keep reading for a full rundown of Frazier’s Bend experience.
Street Food & Forest Bathing
For Frazier, all great adventures should include amazing food. The first order of business in Bend: a stop at Spork. Originally operated out of a 1962 Airstream, this globally inspired kitchen is now settled into a brick-and-mortar location in Bend’s River West neighborhood.
But the popular spot didn’t stray far from its roots. Spork still serves classic street food dishes. Frazier filled up on spicy fried chicken with cucumber salad — his go-to order here — before heading to Shevlin Park.
Located on the northwest side of the city, Shevlin Park borders the Deschutes National Forest. Frazier embarked on a mellow walk through the forest. “It was so relaxing to spend time among the ponderosa, juniper, and aspen trees in all their fall glory,” he says.
While enjoying the woods, Frazier opts for the KEEN Hyperport H2 Sandal. This hybrid shoe combines the traction and protection of a sneaker with the lightweight water-friendliness of a sandal.
“The pull-on Hyperport H2 Sandal is easy to throw on for lowkey adventures,” says Frazier. “It’s comfortable enough to feel casual but still holds up to unexpected fun I get into along the way.”
The Hyperport H2 Sandal has a streamlined design with rubber where you need it for targeted grip without unnecessary weight. The extra-thick, injected foam midsole supports an all-day adventure, like Frazier’s transition from town to trail. Bungee lacing and KEEN’s signature rubber toe bumper offer added security and protection when he’s ready to take the adventure up a notch.
Brunch & Biking in the Park
On day two, Frazier headed to Drake in Downtown Bend to kick off his activities with a hearty brunch of steak and eggs. Then, with a to-go latte from The Commons in hand, he set off on foot to browse shops downtown and explore nearby Drake Park.
This centrally located greenspace along the Deschutes River is a popular spot for community events during warm months. Frazier enjoyed relaxing on the lawn and soaking in the local atmosphere.
Around town and in urban parks, Frazier turned to the KEEN Zionic Waterproof Hiking Boot. These shoes are so versatile, they can be worn around town, and on a challenging hike. “The foam insole has added arch support which keeps my feet comfortable during full days of exploring,” Frazier says.
Later in the day, Frazier rented a beach cruiser to bike along the Deschutes River Trail — a multi-use path that winds 12 miles along the bank of the river through the heart of Bend.
“I was feeling recharged and wanted to switch gears to something more active,” he says. “My KEEN Zionic Boots didn’t miss a beat.”
Scenic Drives & Stunning Colors
No trip to Bend would be complete without exploring along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Frazier followed the route an hour and a half east of the city to Todd Lake in the Deschutes National Forest. The 1.7-mile trail to and around the lake showcases breathtaking views of the iconic Broken Top.
“This road is one of my favorite stretches of highway in the state,” says Frazier. “It’s especially magical in the fall with all the colors and way fewer hikers on the trails.”
The KEEN Zionic Waterproof Hiking Boot is Frazier’s pick when he needs sturdy footwear for more challenging hikes. With a unique combination of speed, stability, and comfort, the Zionic boots are a springboard for trail time. Plus, the PFAs-free waterproof material helps protect your feet from the elements.
“With these boots, I’m balancing on logs, scrambling on rocks, and making my way across creeks with no problem,” he says.
On the Go With KEEN
From dining at local restaurants and exploring green spaces in the city to adventures along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Frazier’s trusty KEEN sandals and hiking shoes expertly balanced style and functionality.
If you’re in the market for active outdoor footwear to accompany you on your next weekend trip, KEEN has you covered. Browse and compare KEEN sandals, shoes, and boots on the brand’s website to find the perfect pair of shoes for every adventure.
And don’t miss the full video of Frazier’s visit to Bend to see his favorite KEEN styles in action.
This post was sponsored by KEEN.
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