Located along the banks of the Deschutes River, near the Old Mill District, Riverbend Park provides year-round river access from multiple access points, open lawn, and miles of scenic paved and unpaved paths with riparian conservation areas for local wildlife.
A dog off-leash area with river access can be found in the neighboring gravel lot on the east side of the park.
With its central location, Riverbend Park provides access to south canyon trails, Farewell Bend Park via footbridge, and downstream river access via trails and sidewalks to Miller’s Landing, McKay Park, the Whitewater Park, Columbia Park, Harmon Park, and the scenic Mirror Pond in Drake Park.
Riverbend Park is a very popular summer destination for river floating and summer events; expect limited parking and a high volume of trail and river use traffic during warm summer days or Old Mill events.
As demand increased for river access and use by visitors, an access project was recently completed for the south end of the park between the Farewell Bend Bridge to the Bill Healy Bridge. You can find more information on the River Access tab.
This location is ideal for active groups planning to utilize the Deschutes River and trails.
- Seating capacity – 25 people, total capacity 150 people
- 4 movable rectangle picnic tables
- Adjacent to Deschutes River Trail, beach – river access and boat launch area
- Restrooms and drinking fountain
- Open lawn areas and trails
- High-use area during late spring and summer months, no guaranteed parking.
Learn more about this rental.
Care for Parks, Trails & Off Leash Areas
Volunteers help keep Bend’s parks, trails and off leash areas beautiful and safe places for everyone to enjoy!
Adopt-a-Park or Trail or Off Leash Area
Groups, businesses, schools, families or individuals can adopt a park, off leash area or section of Bend’s urban trail system. Volunteers help care for their adopted space by visiting regularly all year – picking up litter, pulling invasive weeds and keeping an eye out for vandalism, weather damage and potential safety hazards. Volunteers make at least a one year commitment and complete a monthly volunteer activity report.
Group Park Projects:
Your group can make a big impact by helping with a landscape maintenance project in a park.
Opportunities may be available in spring and fall, depending on the weather and vary based on the size of the group and current District needs. Projects are typically 2-3 hours and may include activities such as raking planting areas, spreading bark or playground chips, pulling invasive weeds and picking up litter. BPRD staff provides support for your group’s efforts and supplies any tools or materials needed for the project.
For more information about adopting a park or trail or scheduling a project for your group, contact:
Send email to
Completed in partnership with Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, located upriver from the Farewell Bend pedestrian bridge on the Deschutes River’s west bank, Riverbend South access provides three improved access points to the river for a variety of recreation activities including floating, fishing, viewing, and swimming.
Riverbend South features a soft surface trail, restored river habitat, and the access points feature stone-terraced entry and exit points. Use areas are clearly designated and thoughtfully-placed fences help protect the river bank and riparian plants and animals.
Parking for Riverbend South, including ADA parking, is located at Riverbend and Farewell Bend parking areas. The access points are a five to 10 minute walk from the parking lots, so be aware of needs for gear or other considerations.
For other river recreation opportunities, Riverbend and Farewell Bend beaches are recommended to relax, wade in the water, launch water craft, float the river, and more.
Parking for Floaters:
Park & Float is now closed for summer 2024. Contact Tumalo Creek for rental opportunities, weather-permitting, through the rest of September.
Park & Float is at Simpson Ave. and Bradbury Way, across from The Pavilion at 1000 SW Bradbury Way, and has free parking, rental services, access to the river shuttle and more. It’s a convenient one-stop location for a day of river fun. Shuttle rides have a $5 fee.
Parking Options:
Park & Float location at Simpson Ave. and Bradbury Way, across from The Pavilion at 1000 SW Bradbury Way. One block south of the whitewater park. (Directions)
Riverbend Park, 799 SW Columbia St. (westside) (Directions)
McKay Park, 166 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr. (westside) (Directions)
Miller’s Landing Park, 80 NW Riverside Blvd. (eastside) (Directions)
Ride the River shuttle service:
The Ride the River shuttle starts and ends at Park & Float, beginning June 22 (weather permitting) and ending on Labor Day. Round trip makes transportation easy for river users with shuttles departing every 15-20 minutes from 11 am to 7 pm. Advanced tickets available at Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. Reservations for 2024 season are available now. On your reservation date, check-in at Park & Float for the wrist band valid the entire day.
Parking is available at Riverbend Park, Farewell Bend Park, Miller’s Landing Park and Park & Float (across from The Pavilion). It’s only a block away from McKay Park and about a one-mile walk to Riverbend Park. Please respect neighborhoods, businesses and parking time limits.
We don’t recommend parking at Riverbend Park, floating to Drake Park and then walking back. It’s an option, but the walk back will be about two miles. A better option is parking in “the middle” across from The Pavilion and splitting the walk up to one mile before and one mile after instead.
We also don’t suggest shuttling vehicles as parking is extremely limited and may not even be available in the area by Riverbend Park and/or Drake Park. There is also a new neighborhood parking permit required.
Dogs are a part of many Bendites’ lives and involved with their owners in many recreational adventures. In Bend, there’s so much to do with your four-legged friend including:
- Walk and run on the trails and paths
- Swim in the Deschutes River
- Play, walk and run off-leash at nine off-leash areas.
No matter the activity or adventure, it’s important that dog owners manage their dog responsibly so that everyone can enjoy the parks and trails.
City of Bend law and Bend Park & Recreation District rules require that:
- Dogs are to be leashed up in public except in official off-leash areas.
- Dog owners are to clean up after their dog. To help out, dog waste bags and trash receptacles are available at many Bend parks and trails.
Off-Leash Area Rules
The intent of these rules is to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all park users.
- No aggressive dogs allowed. Immediately remove your dog from the park if it is misbehaving or acting in an aggressive manner.
- Keep dogs on leash outside designated off-leash areas.
- Pick up and dispose of your dog’s waste.
- Remain in visual sight and voice control of your dog at all times.
- Carry a leash for each dog in your care.
- Closely supervise young children. Children under the age of 12 may not be in the off-leash area unsupervised.
- Accept responsibility for any damage or injury caused by your dog.
- Bring no more than three dogs to the off-leash area at any time.
- Do not bring a dog in heat to a Bend park.
- Do not bring a puppy without a complete cycle of vaccinations to a Bend park.
- Display tags showing proof of current license and rabies vaccinations on all dogs.
- Consider using natural materials like sticks when playing with your dog in the river.
- Please be courteous to neighbors and control excessive barking.
Download a Visitor’s Guide to Dog Parks with tips for having a positive experience at a dog off-leash area.
Kids in Off-Leash Areas
Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in Bend off-leash areas unsupervised. Here is some guidance for those with children in an off-leash area:
- Not all dogs are child-friendly. Do not allow your child to approach or pet a strange dog without the owner’s presence and approval.
- A running, squealing or screaming child may become a target for many dogs, because the child resembles an injured animal or prey.
- Do not let your child have toys or food in an off-leash area.
- Children are more susceptible to contracting intestinal worms and other infections from touching grass where feces or urine are present. Be sure your children (and you) always wear shoes in an off-leash park area and wash hands after touching dog play toys.
Small Dogs in Off-Leash Areas
When it comes to off-leash areas, a designated space for small dogs to have a play and activity level that's in their proportion rather than with big dogs can be a great option for small dog owners.
Currently, there are fenced small dog areas at Alpenglow, Riverbend, Pine Nursery and Ponderosa Parks. The criteria for small dogs is less than 15 inches at the shoulder and under 25 pounds.
- Alpenglow Park - 61049 NE 15th St. Agility course available
- Riverbend Park - 799 SW Columbia St. River access available
- Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area at Pine Nursery Park - 3750 NE Purcell Blvd.
- Ponderosa Park - 225 SE 15th St.
If you would like to comment on the small dog parks, email us at info@bendparksandrec.org or call (541) 389-7275.
Learn more about dog-friendly parks and off-leash areas.
Riverbend Park was first acquired in 1999 from River Bend Limited Partnership and Mt. Bachelor Village Corporation. It was developed in 2009. Riparian restoration work was supported by an Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) grant in 2006. Fish screen work was supported by an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife grant in 2014. Riverbend South access and restoration work was supported by OWEB grants in 2018 and 2021.
features
Rental info
This location is ideal for active groups planning to utilize the Deschutes River and trails.
- Seating capacity – 25 people, total capacity 150 people
- 4 movable rectangle picnic tables
- Adjacent to Deschutes River Trail, beach – river access and boat launch area
- Restrooms and drinking fountain
- Open lawn areas and trails
- High-use area during late spring and summer months, no guaranteed parking.
Learn more about this rental.
River Access
Completed in partnership with Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, located upriver from the Farewell Bend pedestrian bridge on the Deschutes River’s west bank, Riverbend South access provides three improved access points to the river for a variety of recreation activities including floating, fishing, viewing, and swimming.
Riverbend South features a soft surface trail, restored river habitat, and the access points feature stone-terraced entry and exit points. Use areas are clearly designated and thoughtfully-placed fences help protect the river bank and riparian plants and animals.
Parking for Riverbend South, including ADA parking, is located at Riverbend and Farewell Bend parking areas. The access points are a five to 10 minute walk from the parking lots, so be aware of needs for gear or other considerations.
For other river recreation opportunities, Riverbend and Farewell Bend beaches are recommended to relax, wade in the water, launch water craft, float the river, and more.
Float the River
Parking for Floaters:
Park & Float is now closed for summer 2024. Contact Tumalo Creek for rental opportunities, weather-permitting, through the rest of September.
Park & Float is at Simpson Ave. and Bradbury Way, across from The Pavilion at 1000 SW Bradbury Way, and has free parking, rental services, access to the river shuttle and more. It’s a convenient one-stop location for a day of river fun. Shuttle rides have a $5 fee.
Parking Options:
Park & Float location at Simpson Ave. and Bradbury Way, across from The Pavilion at 1000 SW Bradbury Way. One block south of the whitewater park. (Directions)
Riverbend Park, 799 SW Columbia St. (westside) (Directions)
McKay Park, 166 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr. (westside) (Directions)
Miller’s Landing Park, 80 NW Riverside Blvd. (eastside) (Directions)
Ride the River shuttle service:
The Ride the River shuttle starts and ends at Park & Float, beginning June 22 (weather permitting) and ending on Labor Day. Round trip makes transportation easy for river users with shuttles departing every 15-20 minutes from 11 am to 7 pm. Advanced tickets available at Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. Reservations for 2024 season are available now. On your reservation date, check-in at Park & Float for the wrist band valid the entire day.
Parking is available at Riverbend Park, Farewell Bend Park, Miller’s Landing Park and Park & Float (across from The Pavilion). It’s only a block away from McKay Park and about a one-mile walk to Riverbend Park. Please respect neighborhoods, businesses and parking time limits.
We don’t recommend parking at Riverbend Park, floating to Drake Park and then walking back. It’s an option, but the walk back will be about two miles. A better option is parking in “the middle” across from The Pavilion and splitting the walk up to one mile before and one mile after instead.
We also don’t suggest shuttling vehicles as parking is extremely limited and may not even be available in the area by Riverbend Park and/or Drake Park. There is also a new neighborhood parking permit required.
Off-Leash Dog Area
Dogs are a part of many Bendites’ lives and involved with their owners in many recreational adventures. In Bend, there’s so much to do with your four-legged friend including:
- Walk and run on the trails and paths
- Swim in the Deschutes River
- Play, walk and run off-leash at nine off-leash areas.
No matter the activity or adventure, it’s important that dog owners manage their dog responsibly so that everyone can enjoy the parks and trails.
City of Bend law and Bend Park & Recreation District rules require that:
- Dogs are to be leashed up in public except in official off-leash areas.
- Dog owners are to clean up after their dog. To help out, dog waste bags and trash receptacles are available at many Bend parks and trails.
Off-Leash Area Rules
The intent of these rules is to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all park users.
- No aggressive dogs allowed. Immediately remove your dog from the park if it is misbehaving or acting in an aggressive manner.
- Keep dogs on leash outside designated off-leash areas.
- Pick up and dispose of your dog’s waste.
- Remain in visual sight and voice control of your dog at all times.
- Carry a leash for each dog in your care.
- Closely supervise young children. Children under the age of 12 may not be in the off-leash area unsupervised.
- Accept responsibility for any damage or injury caused by your dog.
- Bring no more than three dogs to the off-leash area at any time.
- Do not bring a dog in heat to a Bend park.
- Do not bring a puppy without a complete cycle of vaccinations to a Bend park.
- Display tags showing proof of current license and rabies vaccinations on all dogs.
- Consider using natural materials like sticks when playing with your dog in the river.
- Please be courteous to neighbors and control excessive barking.
Download a Visitor’s Guide to Dog Parks with tips for having a positive experience at a dog off-leash area.
Kids in Off-Leash Areas
Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in Bend off-leash areas unsupervised. Here is some guidance for those with children in an off-leash area:
- Not all dogs are child-friendly. Do not allow your child to approach or pet a strange dog without the owner’s presence and approval.
- A running, squealing or screaming child may become a target for many dogs, because the child resembles an injured animal or prey.
- Do not let your child have toys or food in an off-leash area.
- Children are more susceptible to contracting intestinal worms and other infections from touching grass where feces or urine are present. Be sure your children (and you) always wear shoes in an off-leash park area and wash hands after touching dog play toys.
Small Dogs in Off-Leash Areas
When it comes to off-leash areas, a designated space for small dogs to have a play and activity level that's in their proportion rather than with big dogs can be a great option for small dog owners.
Currently, there are fenced small dog areas at Alpenglow, Riverbend, Pine Nursery and Ponderosa Parks. The criteria for small dogs is less than 15 inches at the shoulder and under 25 pounds.
- Alpenglow Park - 61049 NE 15th St. Agility course available
- Riverbend Park - 799 SW Columbia St. River access available
- Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area at Pine Nursery Park - 3750 NE Purcell Blvd.
- Ponderosa Park - 225 SE 15th St.
If you would like to comment on the small dog parks, email us at info@bendparksandrec.org or call (541) 389-7275.
Learn more about dog-friendly parks and off-leash areas.
Park History
Riverbend Park was first acquired in 1999 from River Bend Limited Partnership and Mt. Bachelor Village Corporation. It was developed in 2009. Riparian restoration work was supported by an Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) grant in 2006. Fish screen work was supported by an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife grant in 2014. Riverbend South access and restoration work was supported by OWEB grants in 2018 and 2021.
Adopt a Park
Care for Parks, Trails & Off Leash Areas
Volunteers help keep Bend’s parks, trails and off leash areas beautiful and safe places for everyone to enjoy!
Adopt-a-Park or Trail or Off Leash Area
Groups, businesses, schools, families or individuals can adopt a park, off leash area or section of Bend’s urban trail system. Volunteers help care for their adopted space by visiting regularly all year – picking up litter, pulling invasive weeds and keeping an eye out for vandalism, weather damage and potential safety hazards. Volunteers make at least a one year commitment and complete a monthly volunteer activity report.
Group Park Projects:
Your group can make a big impact by helping with a landscape maintenance project in a park.
Opportunities may be available in spring and fall, depending on the weather and vary based on the size of the group and current District needs. Projects are typically 2-3 hours and may include activities such as raking planting areas, spreading bark or playground chips, pulling invasive weeds and picking up litter. BPRD staff provides support for your group’s efforts and supplies any tools or materials needed for the project.
For more information about adopting a park or trail or scheduling a project for your group, contact:
Send email to