Bend — Riverbend two-bridge loop

Bend — Riverbend two-bridge loop — detailed guide

Source review: 2026-10-12. A dated source review does not guarantee current-day conditions.

This short outing follows the paved river paths between Riverbend Park, Farewell Bend Park and the Old Mill pedestrian bridge downstream of Riverbend. Expect about 1.3 miles for one lap, plus the walked parking approach. The distance is a rough map-based estimate of approximately 1.2–1.4 miles, rather than a surveyed course. Two pedestrian bridges let you return along the opposite bank without extending into downtown street connections.

Bend Park and Recreation District describes the Old Mill reach as wide, paved, relatively level and suitable for children on bicycles. This guide selects its southern loop; it does not follow every Old Mill path or the whole Deschutes River Trail. Old Mill trail information

Start and course

Start at Riverbend Park, 799 SW Columbia Street, Bend. Use signed public parking in the main park lot and walk your bicycle to the riverside paved path. The district confirms lot parking but also describes limited availability and heavy use during summer or Old Mill events. Nearby businesses, residential permit spaces and rental operators’ spaces are not a substitute for designated public parking. Restrooms and fountains are listed amenities, with operating status still to check on arrival. Riverbend Park

Follow the main riverside paved path upstream toward Farewell Bend Park, with the river on your left. Stay beside the park lawn rather than taking an internal loop, dog-area spur or unpaved riverside branch. At the Farewell Bend pedestrian bridge, cross to the opposite bank. This is the footbridge linking the two parks, not the Bill Healy road bridge.

On the Farewell Bend side, turn downstream toward the Old Mill, again keeping the river to your left. Follow the paved river path through the park and along the bend toward the shops. Remain on the designated riverside route instead of entering the beach, playground paths or adjacent properties. Continue to the next pedestrian bridge downstream, the Old Mill crossing between the shopping side and the west-bank paths north of Riverbend’s dog area.

Cross that pedestrian bridge back to the west bank. Turn upstream toward Riverbend Park, keeping the river on your left, and follow the paved riverside path back to where you began. Walk the lot approach again. Finish after one lap or repeat this same bounded course.

This route stays south of the Colorado Avenue/Whitewater crossing and does not continue to McKay Park, Miller’s Landing, Columbia Park or the Gilchrist Bridge. It also leaves out the Haul Road Trail, shopping-street connections and the South Canyon trails. If a bridge, public approach or selected path is closed, postpone or shorten the outing. Do not improvise a street or riverbank detour.

The district’s map distinguishes paved paths from gravel, natural surfaces and road/sidewalk connections. A manual trace of these two bridge crossings and their connecting river paths, using the printed half-mile scale, suggests roughly 1.25 miles; this guide rounds that to about 1.3 and gives a broad 1.2–1.4 range. Line placement is approximate, and the walked lot approach is additional. The district’s 2.7-mile Old Mill reach and 2.65 paved-mile inventory describe a larger network. Neither is the length of this lap. District trail map

Suitability and visit planning

The owner’s description supports a manageable paved outing, but it does not provide a measured maximum grade or climbing total. Bridge approaches, joints and turns may feel different from the main path. Walk any section that feels uncomfortable. No full-course accessibility certification or on-site tread inspection is supplied.

Expect a shared path with walkers, runners, people using mobility devices and other riders. Slow down near gathering areas, announce your approach before passing and yield to other users. Wear a helmet and remain on designated bicycle routes. This guide is for an ordinary pedal bicycle; other devices and bike-park skills features have separate rules. District bicycle guidance

Park and trail hours are 5 a.m.–10 p.m. Choose daylight and follow any more restrictive posted gate or event instructions. An ordinary park-entry or parking fee was not expressly stated in the reviewed park sources, so this guide does not promise free parking. Bring water and check restroom and fountain operation on arrival. Keep dogs leashed outside designated off-leash areas; riding through the fenced dog area is not part of this lap.

Conditions and review

Reviewed October 12, 2026 UTC, while it was October 11 in Bend. The district announces that Columbia Park and the Gilchrist Bridge will close at 8 a.m. October 19, 2026, with reopening anticipated in early summer 2027. Contractor staging and fencing may start earlier. Those facilities are north of this selected two-bridge loop; their notice neither closes this southern course by itself nor proves an unconditional all-clear here. This guide provides no Gilchrist closure detour. Current project notice

The owner-linked map is hosted under a 2020 path. Current park and trail profiles separately support the public parking, bicycle use and bridge-loop arrangement, but the map is not a present surveyed route or barrier inspection. Check current signs, bridge access, events and surface conditions before riding. Seasonal river-shuttle information concerns floating and does not guarantee bicycle transportation or parking.

Editorial draft complete with these qualifications. Fresh launch checks and integration into Joy Riders USA remain pending. No surveyed parking pin or navigation GPX is supplied.