BEND, Ore. – Bend continues to make those national lists looking at great places to visit and recreate – this time, Outside Magazine’s latest list of “The Best Trail Towns in the U.S.”

The five communities are listed alphabetically, not ranked, but they are called “five of the best” among towns “built for trail lovers … where you can hit the trails all day and be back in town in time for a run-club happy hour.”

It’s far from the first time Bend has drawn national attention, or been featured in the outdoors-lifestyle magazine.

Back in 2010, for example, Bend was a runner-up on Outside’s list of America’s best towns for mountain biking and outdoor access.

Four years later, Bend made the magazine’s “Best Places to Work” list, spotlighting companies including G5, Hydro Flask and Deschutes Brewery.

In July of 2017, Bend grabbed Outside’s cover-story brass ring, chosen as the No. 1 multi-sport town in the US. And in recent years, it was ranked among the Top 24 U.S. Mountain Towns.

In the latest article, written by Erin McGrady and posted Friday, Bend shares the Best Trail Towns honor with Boulder, Colorado; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Marquette, Michigan; and Mill Valley, California.

Besides trail running, the cities are praised for their culture and pre- and post-run rituals.

Bend, McGrady wrote, “is one of those places you think won’t live up to the hype, until you visit.”

“This beautiful mountain town sits at about 3,600 feet above sea level, she said, “and its backyard includes the Deschutes National Forest and the Deschutes River, both of which afford tons of outdoor recreation opportunities.”

McGrady suggested starting your first day with a run along the 12-mile Deschutes River Trail, starting in the Old Mill District. The article quotes runner Max King and his recommended trail run around Tumalo Falls, with a “fun though challenging run” that takes you up Pilot Butte.

The before- and after-run suggestions include Thump Coffee, and McGrady said, “For all its laid-back vibes, the food scene more than holds its own,” from Yoli to 10 Barrel, Deschutes Brewery, UPP Liquids and Terranaut Beer.