When locals talk about the scenic Deschutes River Trail, they’re typically referring to one of two trails that line the Deschutes River—but which are disconnected from each other. Either way, you’ll find unique landscapes and plenty to love about each trail.
The northernmost of the two major sections begins in the heart of Bend and covers about 12 miles while meandering through the city’s urban landscapes, heading into a rimrock canyon, and passing under a canopy of ponderosa pine trees. Broadly speaking, this stretch of trail runs from Riley Ranch Nature Reserve in northern Bend to a footbridge just south of the Old Mill District; several footbridges along the way let hikers and trail runners cross the river to create loops and shorten their route as necessary. Occasional Cascade peaks provide a powerful backdrop against the cityscapes below.
The second of the two most popular Deschutes River Trails sits closer to Sunriver and offers a more remote experience away from the hustle and bustle of Bend. This stretch, popular with hikers and mountain bikers, covers lava flows, old-growth pine forests, waterfalls, and raging rapids in the Deschutes River—like Big Eddy (popular with whitewater rafters), Dillon Falls, Benham Falls, and Lava Falls. This loop totals about 17 miles round-trip, and several trailheads make it easy to choose the right length for you.
Open Season
Year-round
Dog Friendly and/or Leash Rules
Leashed dogs are permitted on some sections of the trail in Bend; on the southernmost section, dogs are permitted but must leashed between May 15 and Sept. 15.
Best time to visit
Year-round; the southernmost section may be periodically covered in snow Dec.-March.
Don’t Miss
Dillon Falls and Benham Falls showcase the power of the Deschutes River as it passes through rocky river canyons and lava flows.
Fees or Pass Needed
No passes or fees are required to hike the Deschutes River Trail sections in Bend; a Forest Pass ($5 per day pass or $30 per annual pass) or America the Beautiful pass ($80 per annual pass) is accepted for the southernmost section.
Restrictions
Horses and bikes are prohibited on the Bend-based Deschutes River Trail—and are prohibited on certain sections of the trail closer to Sunriver.
Activities
Walking
Biking
Showshoeing
Parking
Parking is available at various trailheads on both stretches of the Deschutes River Trail.
Directions
In Bend, a flat, paved (wheelchair-accessible) stretch of the Deschutes River Trail can be accessed at the Old Mill District—roughly one mile south of downtown Bend via NW Wall St., SW Industrial Way, and SW Bond St.
For the southernmost stretch, the Benham Falls West Trailhead (a popular jumping-off point for that portion of the path) is 13 miles south of Bend via SW Century Drive, Conklin Road/Forest Road 41, and Forest Road 400.
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