15 Best Parks in Bend, Oregon

Want to visit the best parks in Bend, Oregon? Bend is the county seat of Deschutes County in Oregon, United States. 

Bend boasts natural environments with lakes, trails, and parks providing attractions. If you want to tour this outdoorsy mountain city, you can’t miss visiting its numerous parks. They are characterized by playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and more.

Some of the city’s parks have facilities for rent that can be used for private occasions. In the winter, many people partake in snowshoes, cross-country skiing, or snowball fighting.

You can visit different parks every day of your vacation in this city and may barely scratch the surface. No matter where you stay, you will always find a perfect park.

Give your kids something to burn off energy, run around, and giggle with other excited kids by taking a trip to any of the parks in Bend, Oregon.

Let’s explore the best parks in Bend, Oregon.

Best Parks in Bend, Oregon

1. Riverbend Park

Riverbend Park, located near the Old Mill District along the banks of the Deschutes River, has something for everyone all year round. This 13-acre Park is most visited during summer for those interested in summer events and river floating. 

It has an open lawn and miles of winding paved and unpaved trails. You can spot some local wildlife along the riparian conservation area as you stroll through the paths.

The Park also boasts a beach where visitors cool off after a sunny afternoon. The fenced-in dog area is reserved if you want your pups to let off some steam.

As a centrally located park, Riverbend provides access to diverse attractions, including Farewell Bend Park and South Canyon trails.

You can connect to Miller’s Landing, Whitewater Park, Harmon Park, Mirror Pond, and McKay Park from its trails and sidewalks. There could be limited parking space during peak periods.

Address 799 SW Columbia Street, Bend, OR 97702, USA 

2. Drake Park

Drake Park, notable for its lush greenery and riverfront views, is a great location to visit during your stay in Bend, Oregon. The Park is one of the city’s longest-standing and best-known among the downtown residents.

The Park hosts events throughout the year, attracting people from far and near. Some of them are peculiar to summer, spring, and fall.

Enjoy the spectacular views of Mirror Pond in the middle of the Park. Stroll through half a mile of the riverfront or the open lawn and breathe fresh air. Alternatively, relax around the small picnic tables and enjoy the views. 

Another outstanding feature of Drake Park is the two public pieces of art that give users something to relish with their sense of sight. There is plenty of parking on the street, and restrooms are available in a clean setting.

The Park is worth the stop if you are within. Your kids will always find fantastic activities to keep them busy. The beautiful surroundings will make your presence most cherished.

Address 777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR, United States

3. Shevlin Park

At Shevlin Park, guests have the option to do a variety of activities. This 981-acre regional Park was donated to the community in 1920, although only a few portions were developed. 

But that does not mean you and your kids won’t have fun. Along the paved road, you can trek and enjoy the scenic views of the Ponderosa Pines. You can also jog, hike, or bike along the pathways.

The beauty of the trails is that they are ideal for all ages and abilities. There are three picnic sites in the Park that are adequately developed, with seats and tables for rest. After your light exercise, open your picnic basket and relish your lunch.

Before then, the Tumalo Creek that winds through the Park with some footbridges can provide you with water to cool down. Put your feet in the water and enjoy the cooling effect. Sit by it and watch the water ease away into the woods.

If you bring your dog for a trail walk, keep it on a leash to avoid disturbing wildlife in their natural habitat. 

This rare gem has well-kept restrooms and a large parking lot to make your trip convenient. The location makes it possible to forget that you are in the city because as you set your feet there, you will be surrounded by nature.

Address 18920 Northwest Shevlin Park Road, Bend, OR, United States

4. Farewell Bend Park

Farewell Bend Park is nestled along the Deschutes River and has all the equipment to make a great outing. The Park easily connects to the Old Mill District, South Canyon Bridge, and Riverbend Park through a trail.

Farewell Bend Park has become a popular spot for birdwatching and spotting wildlife and water life. A large picnic center that can accommodate up to 36 people is provided for sitting and relaxation.

While the play area at Farewell Bend Park is for kids to display their motor skills, adults can use the bouldering and climbing structures. After playing to your satisfaction, head to the beach and dip into the cold, soothing water.

At the Park’s southern end is a small boat launch; you may need one for your water activities. Before you go, stroll along the boardwalk and release your mind to nature. The Park is open between 5 am and 10 pm.

Address 1000 Southwest Reed Market Road, Bend, OR 97702, USA 

5. Alpenglow Park

 

Alpenglow Park is one of the top parks in Bend, Oregon. This cherished Park was opened in the summer of 2022 and designed for all classes of people. 

Its location around Southeast Bend places it among the rapidly growing areas in the city. Everyone will find an interesting activity to do here.

Moreover, this 37-acre Park offers plenty of shade and water features for hot summer days. There are trails to explore and open spaces to sit with friends and family.

Alpenglow Park has ample car and bike parking and easy access to the neighborhood. With its excellent mountain views, walking along the trails or paved dirt surfaces is fun.

You can also communicate with nature as you stroll past juniper trees and ponderosa pines. Trying out the numerous bouldering routes is another fun way to view the Park. When you are tired, sit under the shades and watch others try.

Address 61049 Southeast 15th Street, Bend, OR, USA 

6. Alpine Park

Alpine Park, nestled west of Bend’s city limit, is one of a kind. The Park is suitable for walking and covers over 15 acres of space. 

Alpine Park provides a significant trail linking the east from the Broken Top neighborhood to Skyline Sports Complex and Cascade Middle School.

Other trails from the Park also connect to the Haul Road Trail along the Forest Service and the south side of Century Drive.

You can spot some birds as you walk through the trails. Nevertheless, don’t expect to see too many of them because some trees were lost to the Awbery Hall wildfire in 1991.

Address 61355 Southwest Swarens Avenue, Bend, OR, USA 

7. Hillside Park

This is another fun, charming park on the side of Awbrey Butte with panoramic views of the south. Hillside Park perches along a busier street on an eight-acre space.

There is a large playground with suitable structures for the kids. Its paved trails run up the hills and can be steeped. However, their charming views can make you forget the stress and keep walking.

Under-mature trees in the expansive green space add colorful views to the area. A shelter and picnic tables are at one end and offer an opportunity for people to relax and enjoy the embellishment.

Dog off-leash areas are available and partially fenced. There are several ways to get to the Park, and they seem free most of the time.

Address: 2050 Northwest 12th Street, Bend, OR, United States

8. Larkspur Park

Larkspur Park, conveniently located east of the Senior Center, is a gorgeous neighborhood park with plenty of amenities. The Park spans 15 acres with trails that connect to other parks within. 

It also harbors the Larkspur Community Center. This center provides many facilities, including fitness and aquatic centers. 

Guests can visit the Park’s natural areas, which cover about 40% of the total area. Following the trails through the woods, you will find juniper trees, rabbit brush, birds, and alpine currents.

Within the Park, you will find numerous crisscrossing paths, the prominent one being the Larkspur Trail. It can take you to the Pinewood Natural Area or the Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint. 

The Park also offers sports courts and kids’ playgrounds equipped with ADA-accessible features. During the summer, the Bend Parks and Rec sponsors play days here. 

There is also an outdoor picnic table with shelters for relaxation. A restroom is available for your convenience. The simplicity of the Park attracts visitors from Bend and surrounding areas. It stays open until 10 pm.

Address 1600 Southeast Reed Market Road, Bend, OR, USA

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9. Hollinshead Park

One of the fun parks in Bend, Oregon, is Hollinshead Park. It is a great summer place. Hollingshead Park is a former working ranch in the northeast but has retained much of its original beauty.

The Park’s amenities include an unfenced off-leash dog park and a community garden to admire beautiful flowers during their blooming season. Numerous walking paths cut through the Park’s naturally preserved area.

You can bring your dog for a walk or release them to jump around. Those who enjoy sledding in the snow can use the hills. The perfect place to take in the views is under a giant weeping willow with benches.

People who want to host weddings and private functions can reserve the open lawn through the Bend Park Department. Be sure to meet numerous locals when you visit the Park.

In addition, you will have a pleasant, still place to enjoy your walk or relaxation. Before leaving, you can organize a guided tour of the Park’s outbuilding that has become a museum, including the Hollinshead Barn and the Share Croppers House.

Address: 1235 Northeast Jones Road, Bend, OR, United States

10. Al Moody Park

This spacious community park with a family-friendly atmosphere is worth a visit. Al Moody Park is located across the street from Ensworth Elementary School and is perfect for small gatherings or birthday celebrations.

It covers only 16.7 acres and has around 60 percent of its space covered by natural areas. The Park is designed to accommodate children of all ages by offering three well-equipped playgrounds.

Children can play, build, imagine, walk, dig, and do other stuff in these areas. Among the equipment is a train engine for pre-school-age kids. There is also a paved walking path where you can take them leisurely to admire the colorful nature surrounding the Park.

Bisecting the Park is a rock ridge preserved as an area of special interest (ASI) with different trees and wildlife. During the snowy season, go sledding along the winter sledding area.

For the most significant part of the year, the Park serves as a gathering ground for guests of over 100 capacities. The shaded picnic area offers a setting for parties, with several picnic tables.

Another portion of the Park provides fields for soccer and basketball enthusiasts. You can unleash your puppies at the dog station to run around with other dogs. Al Moody Park is undoubtedly one of the most fun parks in Bend, Oregon.

Address 2225 Northeast Daggett Lane, Bend, OR, United States 

11. Goodrich Pasture Park

Goodrich Pasture Park is one of the oldest parks in Bend, Oregon. It is situated in the Orchard District neighborhood. The Goodrich family used it as a pasture in the 1940s, hence the name. 

It spans 2.46 acres with towering old-growth ponderosa trees and extensive lawns. The exploratory play areas are perfect for younger and older kids. 

The Park offers a small demonstration garden that should be one of the highlights of your visit. Its picnic areas are filled with benches and tables, offering a relaxing vibe.

Overall, Goodrich Pasture Park is family-friendly and worth visiting.

Address 941 Northeast Quimby Avenue, Bend, OR, USA 

12. Harmon Park

This cute little Park in Bend, Oregon, is a fantastic place to visit when you feel bored or need to unwind. Bend Kiwanis acquired it with a donation from New York philanthropist William Harmon.

You can find it somewhere close to Drake Park along the Deschutes River. The location is a residential area with less traffic to battle.

Harmon Park boasts several features, including beautiful playgrounds where kids can play for hours without being exhausted. The Park has two softball fields that serve as a soccer field in the fall.

 The green lawns face the riverfront, giving users pleasant views. It is next to the play structure; families can use it for picnics and relaxation.

Another option is to take the paved walkways and enjoy a respite walk, either solo or as a group. Ensure to spot the cherished boat fixed on the playground, which earned the Park the ‘Boat Park.’

Additionally, the Park has a Hobby Hut and Boat House, which function as outdoor centers where all outdoor programs occur. There are functioning restrooms in the Park.

Address 1100 Northwest Harmon Boulevard, Bend, OR, United States 

13. Ponderosa Park

Ponderosa Park is a beautiful community park with remarkable amenities. It is among the top parks in Bend, Oregon. The Park covers a 19-acre space and offers numerous outdoor activities to visitors and locals.

Ponderosa Park features a playground, a basketball court for pickleballs, walking trails, an off-leash dog area, and restrooms. You can also find two skateparks and large picnic shelters.

Beginner sledders can use the hills next to the field on snowy days. Through the Coyner Trail, people can easily connect to Juniper Park. The trail is heavily wooded to offer shade and natural feelings to users.

Adjoining Bend Senior High School’s soccer field is Hal Puddy Field, where Ponderosa Park hosts adult softball and soccer games in spring, summer, and fall.

When the rain starts dropping in the fall, accessibility to parking can be challenging. It is recommended that visitors use alternative transportation options to help them. Contact the park center for a reservation if you have a private party to host.

Address 225 Southeast 15th Street, Bend, OR, United States 

14. Pioneer Park

This charming urban Park tucked north of downtown Bend, has something for everyone throughout the year.

At only 5.5 acres, the manicured Park is small but intimate, with fewer visitors. It features riverside lawns, riverfront woods, a rose garden, a shelter, and picnic areas.

This riverfront park has a section of the Deschutes River Trail that links downstream to First Street Rapids Park and the latest pedestrian bridge. Visitors can access many of the city’s landmarks through the Deschutes River Trail.

The picnic shelter can hold up to 30 persons and be reserved for an occasion. Limited off-street parking is available. You can take your dog for a walk, as well.

This gem of a park makes you feel the vibes of the city. There is always somewhere to relax and take in the views.

Address 1525 Northwest Wall Street, Bend, OR, United States

15. Riley Ranch Nature Reserve

Riley Ranch Nature Reserve provides panoramic views of the Cascade Mountain Range and the river canyon from its spectacular location on the northwest edge of Bend. It covers 184 acres, with 35 acres of canyon floor along the Deschutes River and another 30-acre band of rimrock cliffs. 

You can walk along this nature park, which features pristine open meadows and pine and juniper woods. Other places have unique lava flows, cliffs, and rocky canyons providing dramatic views. 

Above the canyon are 1.57 miles of soft-surface trails, and 1.25 miles of rugged terrain are on the Canyon Loop. Hence, if you enjoy spotting migratory birds, wildlife, and wildflowers, here is an opportunity to do so.

Individuals and groups are welcome to this untouched ranch. However, dogs and bikes are not allowed. Since it is a nature reserve, remote-controlled devices are also forbidden.

Address: 19975 Glen Vista Road, Bend, OR 97701, United States

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Plan Your Trip to Bend

The listed Parks in Bend, Oregon, offer near-to-home feelings and adequate amenities for all ages and groups.

There is something for every preference in the parks. For spot reservations to host your big days, contact the park attendants.