Bend's best urban park. A thousand acres of ponderosa forest with Tumalo Creek running through a gorgeous canyon. Miles of trails for walking, running, and mountain biking. Dog-friendly. Spectacular in fall when the canyon turns gold.

I have lived in Bend for years and Shevlin never gets old. It is the kind of park that makes you feel lucky to live here.

Right in the heart of downtown, bordering Mirror Pond on the Deschutes. Nearly half a mile of riverfront lawn. Used for farmers markets, festivals, and lazy afternoons. One of the most photographed spots in all of Bend.

The most beautiful downtown park I have ever seen in a small city. Bend nailed this one.

A man-made whitewater channel on the Deschutes River. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and yes — river surfing on a standing wave. One of the most unique urban water features in the Pacific Northwest.

One of Bend's most popular destination parks. Beautiful Deschutes River access, excellent for launching float trips in summer, paved and unpaved trails, picnic areas, and a dog off-leash section. Something for everyone.

A classic Bend summer afternoon. Float trip launch point, riverside access, playground, and the full picture of what a summer day in Bend looks like — families, dogs, tubes, cold river.

A literal cinder cone volcano rising out of the middle of Bend. Hike or drive to the summit for 360-degree views: the whole city spread out below, Mt. Bachelor, the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and on a clear day all the way to Mt. Hood. Sunset from up here is unforgettable.

The best free view in Bend. Every person I have brought up here has said something like: I had no idea it looked like this.

A genuine nature escape closer to town than it feels. Camping, yurt rentals, Tumalo Creek swimming hole in summer, and trails through ponderosa forest. Year-round destination that most visitors overlook.

A well-loved neighborhood park with a great playground, open lawn space, and picnic areas. Perfect for families with younger kids.

River access, a kayak launch point, small sandy beach, and trail connections along the Deschutes. Dog-friendly and a favorite among locals who want a quieter river experience away from the main park crowds.

A large community park on Bend's NE side. Sports fields, pickleball courts, extensive trail network, and the Bob Wenger Memorial Dog Off-Leash Area — the largest in Bend at 18.8 fenced acres with a seasonal spray feature and small dog area.

Kelly's top pick for dogs in Bend. Officially the Rimrock Trail on Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, locals call this the Good Dog Trail — a 3.5-mile off-leash loop where dogs can run free through ponderosa pines and wade into the Deschutes River. Year-round off-leash policy, free parking, ADA restrooms on site.

The largest off-leash dog area in Bend at 18.8 fenced acres. The Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area has a seasonal spray feature, separate small dog area, and an agility course. Located at 3750 NE Purcell Blvd.

12 fully fenced acres in NE Bend at 21690 Neff Rd. One of Bend's largest off-leash areas — wide open space that is great for larger dogs who need room to run.

3.9 fenced acres at 61049 NE 15th St with a dedicated small dog area and an agility course. Great option for dog owners on the NE side of town.

1.1 fenced acres right along the Deschutes River at 799 SW Columbia St. The only off-leash area in Bend with Deschutes River access. Separate small dog area included. Compact but exceptional for water-loving dogs.

2.9 fenced acres at 225 SE 15th St with a separate small dog area. A solid neighborhood option for SE Bend dog owners.

4.6 fenced acres at the Skyliner Summit Loop area. A well-maintained off-leash area on the west side of Bend — convenient for NW Bend and Awbrey Butte residents.

1.6 fenced acres at 1315 NW Discovery Park Drive. Located in the NW part of Bend, convenient for Discovery West and NW Crossing residents.

3.7 acres of unfenced off-leash space at 1235 NE Jones Rd. Best for dogs with reliable recall. Open, grassy, and a good social spot for dogs and owners alike.

5 acres near NW 10th and Trenton. Partially fenced but not fully enclosed — use judgment with escape-prone dogs. Large open space on the north Awbrey Butte area.

A cinder cone volcano in the middle of Bend. Hike to the summit for 360-degree views: the whole city below, Mt. Bachelor, the Three Sisters, Broken Top. The most accessible significant hike in Bend.

The best free view in Bend, and you earn it on the way up. Everyone I bring here is blown away.

Follows the Deschutes River through Bend with multiple access points — you choose your distance. Paved and natural sections. Year-round. The heartbeat of Bend's trail system and the walk locals do most often.

A quick urban hike on Bend's west side with a big payoff — panoramic views of the city and the Cascades from the 3,881-foot summit. The trail passes the dog park and water towers before opening up to the top. Done in under an hour, rewarding every time.

Forested canyon with Tumalo Creek running through it. Multiple loop options ranging from a short stroll to a longer trail run. Beautiful any time of year, extraordinary in fall. Dog paradise.

A gentle loop around Sparks Lake with jaw-dropping reflections of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mt. Bachelor on a calm morning. One of the most photographed spots in all of Oregon — and for good reason.

This is why people move to Bend. A two-mile walk and you are looking at something out of a National Geographic photo.

A 97-foot waterfall meets you steps from the trailhead. Then the trail climbs through stunning high Cascade terrain past upper falls and into genuine wilderness. Best payoff-per-mile hike near Bend.

Tumalo Falls is Bend in a single hike. The waterfall, the forest, the mountains — it has everything.

A short but steep climb with panoramic views of Broken Top, the Three Sisters, and Mt. Bachelor from the summit. Often overlooked because it sits next to Mt. Bachelor — which means fewer crowds and better solitude.

Follows Fall Creek through stunning high Cascade terrain to a cluster of emerald alpine lakes. Up-close views of South Sister and Broken Top from the lake shore. Consistently rated one of the best hikes in all of Oregon.

The Green Lakes are what people imagine when they think of Oregon wilderness. This is the real thing.

The iconic Smith Rock climb. Steep switchbacks up a sheer rock face to sweeping views of one of the most dramatic parks in the Pacific Northwest. Named Misery Ridge for a reason — but the view from the top makes every step worth it. Smith Rock is about 30 minutes from Bend.

Smith Rock is one of the best parks in the country. Misery Ridge is why you drive 30 minutes from Bend and never regret it.

Oregon's third-highest peak at 10,358 feet. A full-day commitment — above treeline for most of the hike, scrambling across pumice fields to a summit crater with views of every major Cascade peak. One of the most rewarding summit experiences in the Pacific Northwest.

The hardest thing I have done near Bend and the most rewarding. The summit crater is unlike anything else in Oregon.

A perfectly symmetrical cinder cone about 45 minutes from Bend. A historic fire lookout tower sits at the summit with 360-degree views of the entire Cascade Range. Steep but short — you earn those views fast.

The crown jewel of Bend live music. Major national and international touring acts perform here May through October under Oregon's big sky. The setting — surrounded by Cascade peaks — makes even a mediocre show feel extraordinary.

I have seen shows all over the country and Hayden Homes is genuinely one of the most beautiful outdoor venues anywhere.

Bend's best intimate music venue. A black-box warehouse with a dedicated sound system, great local and regional craft beer, and seating that ranges from couches to high-tops. Books surprisingly big names for the size of the room.

The best small music venue I have ever been to. The acoustics are perfect and the vibe is unlike anything else in Bend.

Regular live music in an unpretentious neighborhood brewery. Great local and regional acts, good craft beer, and a laid-back vibe that is quintessentially Bend. No pretense, just a fun night out.

Downtown Bend's dedicated electronic and dance music venue. DJ sets, late-night energy, and the best dance floor in Bend. The place to go when you want the night to go past midnight.

A converted 1936 Catholic school turned hotel, pub, movie theater, and music venue. Intimate shows in the chapel space, courtyard performances in summer, and the option to soak in the Turkish-style soaking pool between sets.

There is nothing like a show in the old chapel. The history of the building makes every performance feel like a moment.

Bend's beloved independent grocery. The deli counter alone is worth the visit — house-made sandwiches, prepared foods, and a cheese selection that rivals any city shop. The wine department is excellent. A genuine local institution.

Newport Market is one of the things that makes Bend feel like a real food city. Every local shops here.

Organic and natural foods, locally sourced produce, a great bulk section, and an excellent supplement selection. The friendly, community-rooted store that has anchored healthy eating in Bend for decades.

Premium Pacific Northwest grocery with excellent produce, meat, seafood, and prepared foods. A great bakery and deli that make it easy to put together a high-quality picnic or meal without much effort.

Affordable organic and natural grocery with a strong supplement section and good prices on staples. A practical option for everyday health-focused shopping in Bend.

Full selection of organic and specialty items in NE Bend. Good prepared foods bar for a quick meal. Familiar quality for visitors coming from a major metro area.

The beloved chain for unique specialty items, excellent wine values, and snacks that road trips are made for. Stock up before heading out to a vacation rental or Airbnb — the frozen appetizers and wine selection are unbeatable for the price.