I love spending time outdoors in Bend, Oregon. The city is home to many beautiful parks that offer a variety of fun activities.
From hiking trails to playgrounds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
In this article, I’ll share my top picks for the best parks in Bend. These green spaces showcase the natural beauty of Central Oregon and provide great spots for relaxation, exercise, and family fun. I hope my list helps you plan your next outdoor adventure in this amazing city.
1. Drake Park
I love spending time at Drake Park in downtown Bend. It’s a beautiful spot right along the Deschutes River with nearly half a mile of riverfront to enjoy.
The park has a huge open lawn that’s perfect for picnics or just lounging in the sun.
One of my favorite things to do here is walk along the Deschutes River Trail. The trail was recently renovated with a new boardwalk and wider paths, making it even easier to stroll through the park.
I also like to sit on the expanded beach area and watch people float by on the river.
Drake Park hosts tons of fun events, especially in the warmer months. I’ve been to concerts at the outdoor stage and joined in community gatherings on the lawn.
The park even has permanent restrooms, which is super convenient when spending a whole day there.
If you visit, be sure to check out the public art pieces in the park. There’s a cool sculpture called Cascade Landscape and some historic Michigan Logging Wheels on display. It’s a great way to learn a bit about Bend’s history while enjoying the natural beauty.
Rating: 4.7 (2900 reviews)
Location: 777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR 97701
Contact: (541) 389-7275
Website: Visit Website
2. Riverbend Park
I love spending time at Riverbend Park. It’s a beautiful spot along the Deschutes River that offers something for everyone.
The park has great river access, perfect for floating or just dipping your toes in on a hot day.
I often bring my dog here to enjoy the off-leash area. It’s so fun to watch her splash around in the river and play with other pups.
The park also has miles of paved and unpaved trails that wind through scenic conservation areas.
One of my favorite things about Riverbend is how central it is. I can easily walk or bike to nearby attractions like the Old Mill District or other parks along the river.
On busy summer days, it can get crowded, but the lively atmosphere is part of the charm.
The park has nice amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, and a rental facility for events. I’ve attended some fun community gatherings here over the years.
Whether you want to relax by the water or get active outdoors, Riverbend Park is a must-visit spot in Bend.
Rating: 4.7 (1400 reviews)
Location: 799 SW Columbia St, Bend, OR 97702
Contact: (541) 389-7275
Website: Visit Website
3. Shevlin Park
I love spending time at Shevlin Park. It’s a true gem in Bend, with nearly 1,000 acres of natural beauty to explore.
The park is home to Tumalo Creek, which winds through old-growth forests and high desert landscapes.
When I visit, I always make sure to hike the Loop Trail. It’s a 6-mile trek that offers amazing views of the canyon rim and takes me through stunning ponderosa pine forests. The trail crosses Tumalo Creek twice, adding to the scenic experience.
For a shorter walk, I sometimes opt for the Tumalo Creek Trail. It’s a 2.5-mile path that follows the creek upstream.
I’ve also tried mountain biking here – there’s a dedicated trail that connects to the Forest Service Mrazek Trail.
Shevlin Park is perfect for picnics too. I’ve used the Aspen Meadow Picnic Shelter near the lower parking lot. It’s a peaceful spot right next to Tumalo Creek and can hold up to 75 people.
Rating: 4.8 (836 reviews)
Location: 18920 NW Shevlin Park Rd, Bend, OR 97701
Contact: (541) 389-7275
Website: Visit Website
4. Farewell Bend Park
I love spending time at Farewell Bend Park. It’s a gorgeous spot along the Deschutes River with stunning views of the water and surrounding nature.
The park has a fantastic playground that my kids adore, with a fun “lumber mill” theme.
One of my favorite things to do here is walk along the riverside trail. It’s so peaceful, and I often spot birds and other wildlife.
The trail connects to other nearby areas like the Old Mill District, which is great for extending my walk.
In the summer, Farewell Bend Park is perfect for river activities. I’ve launched many float trips from here, and it’s always a blast.
There’s a small beach area that’s nice for relaxing by the water too.
The park has some cool features like viewing shelters and a picnic area. I’ve had some great family gatherings at the large picnic shelter.
It’s also fun to watch people try out the small bouldering and climbing area near the playground.
Rating: 4.7 (659 reviews)
Location: 1000 SW Reed Market Rd, Bend, OR 97702
Contact: (541) 389-7275
Website: Visit Website
5. Bend Whitewater Park
I love spending time at Bend Whitewater Park. It’s an amazing spot right in the heart of Bend where you can enjoy the Deschutes River.
The park has three different channels, each offering a unique experience.
The Fish Ladder is perfect for a fun float with a bit of excitement. If you’re looking for a mellow ride, you can always exit and walk to McKay Park to get back in.
For the more adventurous, the Whitewater Channel is a thrill-seeker’s dream with four wave features.
I’m always impressed by the park’s dedication to river health. The Habitat Channel provides a protected area for local wildlife.
It’s great to see how they’ve balanced recreation with conservation.
Safety is a top priority here. I always make sure to wear a life jacket and proper footwear.
The park staff are really helpful in making sure everyone follows the rules and stays safe while having fun.
Rating: 4.7 (523 reviews)
Location: 166 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr, Bend, OR 97702
Contact: (541) 389-7275
Website: Visit Website
Park Facilities
Bend’s parks offer great amenities for visitors of all ages. I’ve checked out the facilities at several parks and can share what I found.
There’s something for everyone, from playgrounds to picnic spots to sports areas.
Playgrounds
I love the playgrounds in Bend’s parks. Drake Park has a fun play area for kids right by the river. The equipment is well-maintained and there’s plenty of space to run around.
At Alpenglow Park, I saw a brand new playground that opened in 2022. It has cool climbing structures and a splash pad for hot days.
The park designers thought of everything to keep kids entertained.
Some other parks have unique playground features. I spotted rock climbing walls and obstacle courses that looked challenging and fun. The variety means kids won’t get bored visiting different parks.
Picnic Areas
When I want to enjoy a meal outdoors, Bend’s parks have great picnic spots. Many parks have tables and benches in scenic areas. Drake Park is perfect for picnicking by the river.
I’ve found that some parks have covered picnic shelters you can reserve. These are ideal for bigger gatherings or rainy days.
Grills are available in certain areas too, which is handy for cookouts.
The parks keep their picnic areas clean and well-maintained. I always see trash cans nearby to keep things tidy.
Spacious lawns give plenty of room to spread out a blanket if you prefer.
Sports Facilities
I’m impressed by the range of sports facilities in Bend’s parks. Many parks have basketball courts that are popular with local players. I’ve seen people of all ages shooting hoops.
Tennis and pickleball courts are available in several parks. Ponderosa Park even has a court marked specifically for pickleball, which is becoming more popular.
For skateboarding fans, there are dedicated skate parks. Ponderosa Park has Bend’s original skatepark.
It’s a great spot to practice tricks or watch skilled skaters.
Some parks also have open grass fields perfect for soccer, frisbee, or other games. The variety of sports options makes it easy to stay active while enjoying the outdoors.
Nature Trails
Bend’s parks offer amazing nature trails with beautiful scenery and wildlife. I’ve explored many of these trails and love how they cater to different skill levels.
Let me share some of my favorite spots for hiking and enjoying nature in Bend.
Scenic Routes
I’m always in awe of the breathtaking views along Bend’s nature trails. One of my top picks is the trail to Upper Falls at Tumalo State Park. The panoramic vistas are stunning, and it’s a quick 0.5-mile hike uphill.
For a longer trek, I recommend the Todd Lake to No Name Lake trail. At 13.7 miles, it’s challenging but rewards you with incredible alpine scenery.
In town, I enjoy strolling along the Larkspur Trail. It connects Ponderosa Park to Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint, offering lovely neighborhood views along the way.
Difficulty Levels
Bend’s trails cater to all skill levels.
For an easy walk, I like Drake Park near downtown. It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll after shopping or dining.
Moderate hikes include the Pilot Butte Nature Trail. I love the 360-degree views of Bend from the top.
For a real challenge, I head to Smith Rock State Park.
The Misery Ridge Trail is tough but so worth it. It’s a must-do for serious hikers visiting Bend.
Wildlife Watching
I’ve spotted lots of animals on Bend’s nature trails.
Ponderosa Park is great for bird watching. I often see songbirds flitting among the trees.
For larger wildlife, I visit Shevlin Park.
I’ve seen deer and even the occasional elk there. It’s important to keep a safe distance and not disturb the animals.
In spring, I love hiking near Tumalo Falls to see wildflowers.
The colorful blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators. It’s a beautiful sight!
