Formerly an Oregon State Park dedicated to the district in 1980, Sawyer is a large community park stretching along both sides of the Deschutes River that offers a large variety of activities for patrons.
The park features large green spaces by the parking lot and across the river for play, access to the river, paved and unpaved trails, picnic tables, and abundant natural areas. A drinking fountain and portable toilet are available.
In addition to the internal trails, the park is connected by trail to multiple locations just over the river footbridge. Trails lead to the Deschutes River Trail and connections to First Street Rapids Park, Sawyer Uplands Neighborhood Park and Archie Briggs Natural Area. The site is adjacent to the River’s Edge golf course.
Sawyer is a popular viewing site for migratory and riparian birds and is listed on the Oregon Cascade Birding Tour route. More than 140 species of birds have been spotted in the park including bald eagles, ospreys, Lesser Goldfinches, Violet-green Swallows, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Great Blue Herons.
An upgrade project for Sawyer is currently underway. Please visit the project page to learn more.
