The parks in and around Bend offer a mix of wide-open spaces, natural trails, and places to relax. Each one serves a different purpose, and locals tend to have their personal favorites. With so many public areas available, it's easy to stay active, explore different settings, or simply enjoy a quiet afternoon.
Indeed, Bend’s park system is extensive and well-developed. The Bend Park and Recreation District manages over 80 parks and open spaces, ranging from riverfront spots to high desert trails. This guide covers a selection of parks that stand out for their design, location, or recreational options.
Drake Park
Drake Park is located along the Deschutes River near downtown Bend. It's one of the city's most popular parks and is often used for public events, walking, or relaxing on the grass. The park includes paved pathways, large open lawns, and benches with clear river views.
People enjoy using this park year-round. It’s an easy walk from downtown and frequently used as a meetup spot. The park stretches for several blocks, offering space to spread out without leaving the city center. In the fall, the changing leaves add color to the riverbanks and walking paths.
Shevlin Park
Shevlin Park is a large natural park west of Bend, covering nearly 1,000 acres. It includes forested areas, Tumalo Creek, and several trail options for hiking, running, and mountain biking. The trail system consists of both wide paths and narrow singletrack routes.
Locals use Shevlin Park for longer walks and access to quiet nature settings. The trails wind through pine trees and cross the creek in multiple places. There are a few small picnic areas, but most people come here for the space and scenery. It feels remote without being far from home.
Farewell Bend Park
Located in the Old Mill District,
Farewell Bend Park connects to the Deschutes River Trail. It includes a boat launch, paved paths, and grassy areas with shade. The park is used by walkers, kayakers, and people looking for a relaxed place to unwind near the river.
The nearby footbridge leads directly to Riverbend Park, making it easy to explore both areas in one visit. This park offers easy access to the river without having to drive far. It’s also close to shops and restaurants, making it convenient for a day out in the Old Mill area.
Pine Nursery Park
Pine Nursery Park covers 159 acres on the northeast side of Bend. It includes athletic fields, disc golf, pickleball courts, and walking trails. The park also has a large off-leash dog area and a pond with a walking path around it.
This park supports all types of activity. People come here to play sports, exercise, or walk their dogs. The layout makes it easy to move from one area to another without feeling crowded, which is especially useful for anyone looking for multiple recreation options in one place.
Riverbend Park
Riverbend Park is located just south of the Old Mill District and includes large grassy spaces, river access, and walking trails. It’s one of the most used Bend OR parks for outdoor gatherings and paddle sports. The Deschutes River Trail passes through this park and connects it to others nearby.
During the summer, the river fills with people tubing or kayaking. In cooler months, it becomes a good place to walk or sit by the water. The open layout makes it flexible for all kinds of use. Bathrooms and parking are available, which adds to its practicality.
Miller’s Landing Park
Miller’s Landing Park is a smaller riverside park offering a more low-key alternative to some larger parks nearby. It includes a natural shoreline, a small dock, and access to the Deschutes River Trail. There are also a few picnic tables and shade trees.
This park is popular with people who want to fish or put in a paddleboard. It’s also a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the view without the crowds in other locations. The path connections make it easy to include a longer walk or run along the river.
Discovery Park
Located in NorthWest Crossing,
Discovery Park includes a pond, trail loop, open fields, and play areas. It’s newer than most Bend OR parks and designed with multiple user groups in mind. The landscape includes native plants, a central lawn, and natural walking paths.
Discovery Park is often used by people living nearby who want a quiet place to walk or enjoy time outside. It’s also a stop for runners and cyclists using the connecting trails. While it’s not one of the largest parks in Bend, it offers a good mix of features in a clean, modern setting.
Phil’s Trailhead
While not a traditional park,
Phil’s Trailhead is a significant recreation access point. It leads into the extensive network of mountain biking and hiking trails in the Deschutes National Forest. It includes a parking area, trail maps, and access to loops of varying difficulty.
Phil’s Trailhead is a daily stop for local bikers and trail runners. The trail network is well-marked and easy to navigate, with routes that range from short loops to multi-hour rides. For people living near Bend OR parks, this trail system is one of the top choices for consistent outdoor activity.
Live Well in Bend
When buying or selling property in Bend, you deserve a team with experience, resources, and a strong track record. The Ladd Group with Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty is Central Oregon’s top-producing real estate team, with over $100 million is sales for 9 consecutive years. Our expertise covers relocation, luxury homes, resort communities, and investment properties and we’re ready to put that knowledge to work for you.
If you're looking for professionalism, responsiveness, and guidance at every step, contact The Ladd Group. We’d love to help you achieve your real estate goals in Bend.
