Riverbend Park — Attraction in Bend

This is a nice place with beach-like access to the Deschutes River for swimming or floating, and there is a dog park on the other side of the parking lot. Restaurants, shopping nearby and many events happen here or near here in Old Mill. Paths for walking/running follow along the river on both sides and create the South Canyon Trail. Both the east and west trail are approximately 1.5 miles to the foot bridge at the end, creating a 3-mile loop if you choose to start at the park and complete the entire trail. However, there is also a place to park in the little neighborhood off of the Mt Washington roundabout and start in the middle of the west side trail. Parking, in general, is the only downfall and the reason I give this park 4 stars. The small parking lots here as well as Farewell Bend Park on the opposite side of the river are quite crowded when it becomes warm enough to float the river. In this case, there are shuttle vans that take you and your floaties in a loop from from this park to the endpoint at Drake Park. Worth the money unless you are up for a long walk or park separate vehicles on each end...

Beautiful park and great access to nice river walks. Some week days I love it here and it's nice and quiet and people are respectful and leash their dogs to pass. However, people do flagrantly ignore the many "dogs must be leashed" signs, which is problematic since most of them are "friendly" dogs... Which here means dogs who do not know how to recall, and their owners have no ability to control them but think it's okay because they have not yet caused another dog or person to bleed. I'm afraid I'm still not okay with a strange dog harassing, nipping, and trying to tackle my dog without my permission, and some people seem to have a problem being asked to follow the posted leash rule to at least pass other people. So keep that in mind. It's bad on weekends, and some...

The BPRD gave themselves a HUGE park on the river to place their administrative HQ where they should probably put some type of extravagant garden to match the decadent budget given to them by taxpayers. They should name this horticultural landmark “Vince’s Dream” since they owe Mr. Guinna for every park, job, and dollar that they have. Hey Don!!! Don Horton? Can you call the master gardeners and make my fantastic idea a reality? There is no botanical landmark and right next to the BPRD administration building on Columbia Street would be a fantastic location for locals and visitors alike!!! I know you could maintenance a beautiful flower garden with scores of volunteers that would love to help(like me)! C’mon!!!...