Some afternoons call for a little forest, a little river and a dog who is very pleased with both decisions. Shevlin Park and Riverbend give this short Bend outing two distinctly different settings.
David Keyte opens at Shevlin with a straightforward introduction: “Welcome to my favorite park.” The rest of the visit makes it easy to see why he keeps coming back.
Come along for the ride
Watch the original episode on YouTube.
Shevlin gives the afternoon some breathing room
The appeal of Shevlin Park is easy to explain and better to experience. Ponderosa pines, paths and picnic places give you several ways to spend the time. Tumalo Creek runs through the setting, and a walk can be as much about the pauses as the distance.
David’s plans are refreshingly ordinary: bring the dog, explore a trail, have a picnic. A place does not need to be new every time you visit to keep earning its place in your week. Sometimes familiarity is exactly the point.
Check the park’s map and trail information, choose a walk that suits your group and keep dogs leashed. Bring water and something to eat if you plan to linger. There is no need to save the picnic for the end.
Riverbend changes the view
The second stop heads toward the Deschutes at Riverbend. For David, this is a favorite place for time with the dog and a starting point for a stand-up paddleboard outing. The riverfront brings a more in-town feeling after Shevlin’s wooded paths.
Use Riverbend Park’s visitor information for current access and facilities. Follow signs for designated off-leash space and use the posted river access. If you are paddling, plan the route and return, wear a life jacket and check conditions before launching.
A walk beside the water works just as well when the board stays home. Watch the river, let the afternoon slow down and enjoy being outside without needing to turn it into a larger expedition.
Two favorites, plenty of time
These parks can share a day or become separate habits. Shevlin might be the place you choose when you want the trees; Riverbend might be where an ordinary errand turns into a river walk. Leave enough time to enjoy whichever one you pick.
For a picnic-focused version of the westside outing, follow our Phil’s Trail, The Grove and Shevlin day. For coffee and food near the riverfront, try Old Bend. The Check It Out collection has more places worth making familiar.
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