Among the finest components of visiting Bend, Oregon, is touring the superb parks throughout the metropolis. Bend Park and Recreation District is among the most supported parks organizations within the nation, and it reveals within the stage of growth, enhancements and upkeep it implements citywide.
With such an outdoor-focused demographic curating civic facilities, it’s no shock that you just don’t must journey far to search out pure city landscapes to resume your soul. Grassy knolls, sports activities fields, skate parks, monkey bars, fishing ponds, swimming spots and a lot extra are all at your fingertips in Bend public parks.
Deschutes River Path
The Deschutes River Trail is a can’t-miss Bend expertise. Divided into two reaches, the Old Mill District stretch (from Riverbend Park to Miller’s Landing Park) is an city paved footpath that follows the Deschutes River via a procuring and cosmopolitan middle the place you’ll be able to simply seize a cup of joe or candy deal with whereas exploring.
An extension or alternate attain, the South Canyon arm traverses the Deschutes River from Farewell Bend Park to Riverbend Park. This excellent path, in such shut proximity to city, showcases the most effective riparian nature experiences the Deschutes has to supply. Fowl-watching, springtime wildflower identification, serene riverscapes and highly effective rapids are all viewable on foot or bike. Hikers, runners, anglers, households and picnicking pairs, all take pleasure in river entry on this pleasant stretch, which terminates with a loop again over a pedestrian bridge.
Shevlin Park
Under a stately lineup of ponderosa pines, the icy snow meltwaters of Tumalo Creek circulate via Shevlin Park. Nearing the bottom of Three Sisters Wilderness, however nonetheless a stone’s throw from city, this park has all of it. From an intensive community of single-track mountain bike trails to miles of climbing and working paths for solo sojourns or household treks and tons of area for canine walks, the park gives loads of journey.
A rentable venue for particular events, Aspen Hall is positioned on the north finish entrance to the park. Teepees, a small fishing pond and Aspen Meadow Picnic Shelter are further points of interest.
Drake Park
Take a morning stroll via Drake Park and revel in its flowy footpath alongside the enduring Mirror Pond. Arguably the Venice Seashore of Central Oregon, by day the park supplies bird-watching, biking, picnicking and river entry. Widespread native occasions like Munch & Music (recurring weekly in the summertime) are additionally hosted right here.
Or, head to Drake Park after a dinner date downtown. Within the night, the park is serene and tranquil. Stretch your legs with a stroll, and cease to see into the waters of the Deschutes. At its south finish, trying upriver from The Commons, a view of the Cascade mountains showcases heavenly alpenglow, and at twilight, gives a superb sherbert sundown. At nightfall, head over the footbridge and stroll out to the middle for a view of the river on all sides.
Westside honorable point out: Columbia Park is a small however mighty park on the west financial institution of the Deschutes River close to the aforementioned Drake Park footbridge. Locals name it the pirate park – it has a novel play construction usual within the type of a pirate ship.
Larkspur Path & Pilot Butte Nature Path
On its south finish, Larkspur Trail begins close to Ponderosa Park and connects Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint and adjoining nature trails on its north finish. This charming neighborhood path is partially paved, however some sections include pavers, gravel and filth. In your means, you will cross pedestrian bridges, traverse pine forest, dry desert, backyards and an city underpass. Take a climbing path to the highest of Pilot Butte (which is a cinder cone volcano) or drive your automobile or truck up the street throughout hotter months (it is open Aptil 15 to November 1) . The path is steep, dry and lined with cinder. And whereas there are various benches and bushes with shade to relaxation below, make sure to convey water. Look down on town lights at twilight, or, throughout the day, indulge within the breathtaking 360-degree view of white-capped mountains in each course.
Eastside honorable point out: Alpenglow Park is the latest park to Bend’s roster. Take pleasure in strolling, working and biking trails. A playground, picnic benches, splash pad, mountaineering wall, off-leash canine space and demonstration backyard are slated to open in the summertime of 2022.
Smith Rock State Park
Only a 45-minute drive from Bend outdoors Terrebonne, Smith Rock State Park is alleged to be the birthplace of American sport climbing. For wanderers with out ropes, harnesses and different specialised gear, the park has breathtaking views of jagged welded ash tuff escarpments, columnar basalt and the meandering Crooked River. Watch climbers change into the scale of ants as they make upward progress on their routes of alternative, or sort out a climbing path your self. Misery Ridge is each the probably the most iconic and tough resulting from elevation achieve.
Riley Ranch Nature Reserve
Riley Ranch Nature Reserve connects to Shevlin Park, Sage Flat Loop Trail and Canyon Loop Trail and traverses the hall adjoining to Tumalo Creek. These trails convey terrain that appears loads like Shevlin Park, however present extra in depth climbing alternatives. Canine are solely allowed on sure stretches. We recommend checking rules earlier than you arrive.
