Bend Parks: Which One Is Right for You?

One of the best ways to experience Bend is by spending time in its parks. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful picnic, a scenic river walk, a playground for the kids, or a place to watch kayakers and wildlife, Bend has a park to match your style.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a guide to some of the most popular Bend parks and what each one does best.

Best for relaxing by the river: Pioneer Park

If you’re looking for a quieter place to unwind, Pioneer Park is hard to beat. It’s located right next door to Pioneer Park Rentals and is just an easy walk away from your condo.

Located along the Deschutes River just north of downtown, Pioneer Park offers shady lawns, picnic tables, walking paths, and beautiful river views without the crowds found at some of Bend’s larger parks.

It’s an ideal spot to:

• Enjoy a picnic
• Read a book beneath the trees
• Sip your morning coffee
• Watch ducks and geese along the river
• Take a leisurely stroll

Because it’s within walking distance of downtown, Pioneer Park feels like a neighborhood park rather than a tourist attraction—a favorite among locals.

Best for iconic Bend views: Drake Park

If it’s your first visit to Bend, Drake Park belongs on your itinerary. Stretching along Mirror Pond, Drake Park is one of the city’s most photographed locations. Wide open lawns, towering trees, and riverfront paths make it a perfect place to relax or simply watch the world go by.

It’s especially popular for:

• Picnics
• Community events
• Outdoor concerts
• Watching kayakers paddle past
• Sunset walks

Best for watching river sports: Riverbend Park

Want to see Bend’s famous river surfing?

Head to Riverbend Park, home to the Bend Whitewater Park.

From the shore, you can watch surfers ride standing waves, kayakers practice whitewater skills, paddleboarders cruise by, and tubers float downstream. It’s one of Bend’s most unique attractions and a fun stop even if you never get in the water.

Best for families: Farewell Bend Park

Farewell Bend Park is a favorite for families thanks to its spacious lawns, playground, river access, and plenty of room for kids to run around. During the summer, it’s also one of the most popular launch points for floating the Deschutes River.

Families appreciate:

• Playground
• Restrooms
• Picnic areas
• River access
• Plenty of open space

Best for nature lovers: Sawyer Park

If you’re hoping to spot wildlife, Sawyer Park is worth the short drive. Located along the Deschutes River, this quieter park offers forested walking trails and excellent opportunities to see:

• Great blue herons
• Ospreys
• Bald eagles
• River otters
• Mule deer

Bring binoculars if you’re interested in birdwatching.

Best for hiking: Shevlin Park

For visitors who want more than a casual stroll, Shevlin Park offers miles of scenic hiking trails through ponderosa pine forests and alongside Tumalo Creek.

The park feels surprisingly remote despite being just minutes from downtown Bend and is especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves begin to change.

Best for dog owners: Pine Nursery Park

Traveling with your four-legged friend? Pine Nursery Park features one of Bend’s largest off-leash dog parks, giving dogs plenty of room to run and play. The park also includes sports fields, walking paths, playgrounds, and open green spaces.

Best for picnics: Hollinshead Park

If your ideal afternoon includes a blanket, a good meal, and plenty of shade, Hollinshead Park is an excellent choice.

The park’s mature trees, historic buildings, and peaceful setting make it one of Bend’s most relaxing places to enjoy lunch outdoors.

Which Bend park should you visit?

Here’s a quick guide based on what you’re looking for:

No matter which park you choose, you’ll discover why Bend is consistently ranked as one of the best outdoor destinations in the Pacific Northwest. For more Bend parks, visit Bend Park & Recreation’s website.

Stay steps from one of Bend’s best parks

If you’re looking for a peaceful home base close to downtown, Pioneer Park Rentals puts you in the perfect location.

Located just steps from Pioneer Park and the Deschutes River, our condos make it easy to enjoy morning walks, afternoon picnics, and evening strolls without ever getting in your car. Downtown restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and the Deschutes River Trail are all within walking distance, so you can experience Bend at a slower pace.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Pioneer Park Rentals offers the comfort of a neighborhood setting with convenient access to everything Bend has to offer. Book a stay with us today!