I love taking my furry friend to the dog parks in Bend, Oregon. The city has so many great spots where dogs can run free and play.
It’s amazing to see how happy my pup gets when we visit these parks.
Bend is known for being super dog-friendly. There are 13 off-leash areas in the city where dogs can roam and have fun. I’ve checked out quite a few of them, and I’m excited to share my top picks with you.
These parks offer beautiful views and lots of space for dogs to explore.
1. Pine Nursery Dog Park
I love taking my furry friend to Pine Nursery Dog Park. It’s a massive 14-acre off-leash area where dogs can run free and play to their heart’s content.
The park is well-maintained and has plenty of space for pups of all sizes to explore.
One of my favorite features is the separate areas for small and large dogs. This setup helps ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable.
There’s also a fun agility course where dogs can test their skills and burn off extra energy.
The park offers clean water stations and waste bags, making it easy to keep your pup hydrated and clean up after them.
I appreciate the shaded areas and benches scattered throughout, perfect for taking a break and watching the dogs play.
Pine Nursery Dog Park is part of a larger community park, so there’s plenty to do before or after your dog’s play session. The walking trails around the park are great for a leisurely stroll with your leashed pup.
Rating: 4.8 (490 reviews)
Location: 21210 Yeoman Rd, Bend, OR 97701
Contact: (541) 389-7275
Website: Visit Website
2. GoodDog!
I recently visited GoodDog! and was blown away by this amazing dog park. It’s nestled along the scenic Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, offering breathtaking views while your pup plays.
The park is spacious and well-maintained, with plenty of room for dogs to run and explore. I love how they’ve incorporated natural elements like trees and rocks, giving it a more wilderness feel than your typical fenced-in park.
One of my favorite features is the small stream running through part of the park. It’s perfect for dogs who love to splash and cool off on hot days. The park also has separate areas for small and large dogs, which I think is great for safety.
There are benches scattered throughout, so I could take a break while keeping an eye on my furry friend. The park attracts a friendly crowd of dog owners, making it a nice spot to socialize for both pets and people.
Rating: 4.8 (246 reviews)
Location: 18775 Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, Bend, OR 97702
Website: Visit Website
3. Alpenglow Park
I recently visited Alpenglow Park, and I was amazed by how much it offers for dog owners. This 37-acre park is a true gem in Bend’s rapidly growing area. As soon as I arrived, I noticed the beautiful views of the Cascades and the abundant natural areas.
The off-leash dog areas are what really caught my attention. They have separate spaces for large and small dogs, which is great for keeping all pups safe and comfortable.
I was impressed by the agility course obstacles in both areas – it’s the first of its kind in Bend! My dog had a blast trying out the see-saw, A-frame, and tunnel.
The park also has so much more to offer. I enjoyed walking along the 2.2 miles of paved paths, including a nice 0.9-mile loop around the park. There’s even a bouldering area, playground, and seasonal sprayground. It’s clear that Alpenglow Park was designed with both humans and dogs in mind.
Rating: 4.7 (159 reviews)
Location: 61049 SE 15th St, Bend, OR 97702
Website: Visit Website
4. Riverbend Park
I absolutely love taking my pup to Riverbend Park. It’s a gorgeous spot right along the Deschutes River with plenty of space for dogs to run and play.
The off-leash area is fantastic, with direct river access for water-loving pooches.
The park has miles of paved and unpaved trails that are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous walk. I always enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities along the way. The open lawns are great for fetch or just lounging in the sun.
One of my favorite features is the dedicated small dog area. It’s ideal for my little Chihuahua mix who sometimes gets overwhelmed by bigger dogs.
The park also has convenient amenities like restrooms, water fountains, and plenty of waste bags and trash cans.
Riverbend can get busy on warm summer days, especially with river floaters, but I find it’s still a wonderful place to visit year-round. The central location makes it easy to access, and there’s usually enough parking available if you arrive early.
Rating: 4.7 (1400 reviews)
Location: 799 SW Columbia St, Bend, OR 97702
Contact: (541) 389-7275
Website: Visit Website
5. Riverbend Dog Park
I love taking my pup to Riverbend Dog Park! It’s a fantastic spot right along the Deschutes River. The park has plenty of room for dogs to run and play off-leash.
There’s a nice mix of open grassy areas and wooded trails to explore. My dog always has a blast splashing in the river to cool off on hot days. The water access is a big plus.
The park is well-maintained with waste bags and trash cans available. I’ve noticed lots of friendly dogs and owners whenever we visit. It’s a great place to socialize my pet and chat with other dog lovers.
Parking can fill up on busy days, so I try to go early.
Rating: 4.3 (481 reviews)
Location: 799 SW Columbia St, Bend, OR 97702
Contact: (541) 389-7275
Benefits of Visiting Dog Parks
Dog parks offer great ways for pups to have fun and stay healthy. I’ve seen firsthand how they help dogs and owners alike.
Socialization Opportunities
At dog parks, I love watching pups make new furry friends. It’s so cute to see them play and learn doggy social skills.
These interactions help dogs become more comfortable around others. I’ve noticed shy dogs gain confidence over time. And hyper pups learn to calm down through play.
The variety of dogs at parks exposes them to different breeds, sizes, and personalities.
For me as an owner, it’s fun to chat with other dog lovers. I’ve made some great friends at our local park. We swap stories and tips about our pooches.
Exercise and Physical Health
Dog parks are perfect for burning off extra energy. I take my pup to Bend’s largest fenced dog park at Pine Nursery to run and play fetch. The wide open space lets him sprint at full speed.
All that exercise keeps dogs fit and healthy. It helps prevent weight gain and improves cardiovascular health.
I’ve seen noticeable improvements in my dog’s stamina since we started going regularly.
Mental stimulation is another big benefit. Sniffing new scents and exploring the park keeps their minds active. This mental workout can help reduce destructive behaviors at home.
Safety Tips for Dog Park Visits
When visiting dog parks in Bend, it’s important to keep safety in mind. I’ll share some key tips to help you and your pup have a great time while staying safe.
Understanding Dog Body Language
I always pay close attention to how dogs are interacting at the park.
Wagging tails can mean different things. A relaxed, swooping wag is friendly. But a stiff, high tail wag can signal tension.
I watch for signs of stress in dogs. Yawning, lip licking, and avoiding eye contact are clues a dog may be uncomfortable. If I see raised hackles or growling, I’m extra careful.
It’s helpful to learn about canine body language. This lets me spot potential issues before they escalate. I can then steer my dog away from tense situations.
Leash and Off-Leash Areas
I always check the rules for each Bend dog park I visit. Some have separate areas for small and large dogs. Others may have rules about leashes in certain spots.
I keep my dog on a leash when entering and exiting the park. This helps prevent any rushing or overwhelming greetings.
Once inside the off-leash area, I remove the leash to let my pup play freely.
I bring a leash even in off-leash areas. This lets me quickly control my dog if needed. I also carry waste bags and clean up after my pet to keep the park nice for everyone.
