The Bend Park & Recreation District is launching a new study to evaluate options for connecting the Deschutes River Trail in southwest Bend to the Deschutes National Forest and popular recreation sites along Century Drive/Cascade Lakes Highway.
The Deschutes River Trail South project is identified in the BPRD’s Comprehensive Plan to complete one of the last remaining gaps on the Deschutes River Trail, a trail which runs between Sunriver and Tumalo State Park. The study builds upon previous district planning efforts that occurred between 2015-2019. The current study will evaluate many factors including possible trail alignments, river width considerations, federal and state designations and requirements, engineering feasibility analysis, and environmental factors.
“The intent of this study is to provide the district, the public and other stakeholders with more detailed and accurate information to inform future community conversations and possible project design engineering,” said Henry Stroud, BPRD principal planner and project leader.
“The study is being facilitated by a third-party consultant to update and expand on prior information. The goal is to reflect changes in the community over the past 10+ years since alignment options were last explored,” added Stroud.
Kittelson & Associates, a transportation engineering and planning consulting firm, is leading the study. There is also a stakeholder group that will meet multiple times during the study. Details are publicly available at the project website.
The study will explore multiple options for completing the Deschutes River Trail including options that may require the construction of a new trail bridge over the Deschutes River, as well as at least one ‘no-build’ alternative using existing or pending (i.e. to be built soon) trails or roadways.
April 2 Public Open House
BPRD will host several opportunities for the community to participate and help the team explore ideas for connecting the trail. Community members are welcome to attend to learn more and to provide input on topics including opportunities and concerns about trail connection, accessibility, traffic considerations and more. The open house is drop-in style without a formal presentation.
When: 6:30-8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2026
Where: Elk Meadows Elementary School, gymnasium, 60880 Brookswood Blvd, Bend.
Virtual opportunity: Learn more and sign up for updates on the project website. An online open house will be available on the project webpage from April 2 to April 23.
