PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT: For all BPRD parks and trails
The parks and trails are calling and you want to play. It’s okay; you can with a few reminders:
Biking in Bend parks is a great activity to share with families and friends alike with fresh air, a little exercise and interesting sights to see. With many off-street trails available, the parks’ trail system is well-suited for all ages to pedal together on the same trails. Here are some favorites to consider:
Location: 21690 NE Neff Rd.
Surface: Natural trails of 0.8 mile out-and-back with no road crossings.
Highlights: Cascade mountain views, playground and natural areas with canals.
BMX Park: High Desert BMX operates a private BMX track onsite at Big Sky Park. To learn more about the BMX park or BMX offerings, contact High Desert BMX.
Location: 799 SW Columbia St.
Surface: Paved and natural. 6+ miles including varying loops and out-andbacks with no road crossings. Consisting of both public and Old Mill District-owned trails, the entire system is open to the public.
Highlights: Nature is combined with an urban environment with the Deschutes River, the Shops at the Old Mill, Bend Whitewater Park, McKay Park, Miller’s Landing Park, Riverbend Park and Farewell Bend Park. Three pedestrian bridges and three tunnels let bikers connect loops while avoiding vehicle traffic. These trails are a must-do for all levels of cyclists. With the opportunity to play in parks and enjoy the amenities at the Old Mill, there are lots of activities to go with your cycling adventure.
Location: 1600 SE Reed Market Rd. or 1310 NE Highway 20
Surface: Paved and fine gravel. 2 miles out-and-back with some road crossings.
Highlights: Natural area with canal, Larkspur Park with playground and Pliot Butte State Park. Good choice for grade-school aged children and older.
Location: 3750 NE Purcell Blvd.
Surface: Paved. 1.9 mile loop around the park’s perimeter with some in-park road crossings.
Highlights: Fishing pond, playground and Cascade mountain views. A great choice for biking with grade-school aged children and older.
Location: 20885 Egypt Dr.
Surface: More than a mile of unpaved and accessible, paved paths that meander through the park with no road crossings. Natural-surfaced bike skills course onsite.
Highlights: Natural area, playground, skatepark, frisbee golf course and iconic rock outcroppings.
Bike Skills Course: Spanning over a mile, the beginner and intermediate bike skills courses feature dirt trails with obstacles – also known to cyclists as log skinnies, corduroy, boardwalk and armored trail features. Both courses allow riders to choose which obstacles or terrain to ride or bypass as they develop their skills.
Location: 18920 NW Shevlin Park Rd.
Surface: Paved, fine gravel and natural 9+ miles of trail with several loops and out-and backs available with no road crossings.
Highlights: Aspen Pond, Tumalo Creek and mixed forest. The paved service road is nearly level and closed to vehicles making for a perfect beginning
adventure for little ones on scoots and first bikes. The park also offers a series of trails for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers.
Location: 61531 Stone Creek Ln.
Surface: Unpaved paths that meander through old-growth Juniper and rock outcroppings with no road crossings. Natural-surfaced bike skills course onsite with improved features.
Highlights: Natural area, playground, skate spot, picnic shelter and iconic rock outcroppings.
Pump Track: There’s a hardened dirt pump track for beginners looking to hone their skills.
Bike Skills Course: There are smaller, beginner bike skills courses featuring dirt trails with obstacles – also known to cyclists as log skinnies, corduroy, boardwalk and armored trail features to develop your skills.
