A beautiful park right here in downtown Bend. What seems so far away is within walking distance if you are anywhere close to downtown Bend. Lots of space to throw a blanket and chill. You can put i. to float here as well. read more

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Drake Park has a lovely walking trail as well as water access, restrooms, picnic tables and large grassy areas. There is alot of street parking (4 hour max). There were people floating on paddle boards, there could be some good fishing within as well as alot of crayfish. There are beautiful homes along the waterfront as well as some resturants and downtown access from the parkway. read more

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I hope the Bend locals know how lucky they are to have this beautiful park in their backyard. We came upon this park on our second day and came back a couple times just to walk along the river and take in the beauty. There is at least a half mile of riverfront to walk along. All kinds of cute ducks frolicking and playing in the water. Since the park provides Deschutes River access, there were lots of people floating down the river on paddle boards and inner tubes. Looked very inviting to me on this 92 degree day. I can only imagine how beautiful this park is in autumn. There were acres of open lawn to picnic, read or just sit under the massive trees that dot the landscape. A wooden bridge provides access to cross to the other side. They hold many community events here as there is a stage and restrooms. The park and the pond provided me with a peaceful, easy feeling and did not let me down. (Eagles fan here) read more

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Drake Park is absolutely stunning! Tourists and locals alike both enjoying the walking paths, wildlife, the river and the fall colors, all next to downtown. In our time here, we seen a number of geese, ducks, and 4 deer! The park is riverfront and features a stunning bridge to cross from one side to the next, and is beautifully maintained. The perfect (and safe) stop for us to work off our dinner and walk the dog. This park feels like a center hub for the town, and made us fall in love and want to come back for more! read more

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Beautiful park, parking on the road. Lots of geese poop. Bikes available for rent. Peaceful.

Absolutely gorgeous park in Bend, OR which always has events such as munch n music, freedom ride, and of course river access. It's a great park to take a short or long walk, relax and hang out or enjoy a local event. The lawn is so lush here and the bathrooms are actually really nice and clean. read more

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Great walk. Many people enjoy the water too, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, are a common site here. In the middle of the day, beautiful, at sunset, beautiful for a sunrise, well... I'll be back to check that out, a cup of coffee is waiting for me down here road. read more

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Be sure to take a meandering walk if you're near this park. It's one of my favorite city parks in Central Oregon. It's a great place for children or just to stroll and enjoy the sights and glorious Central Oregon scents. Grab something to drink and take a bit of time to pause here. It's lovely. read more

Drake Park and Mirror Pond was such a nice place to visit while we were in Bend for a day. It's located around the downtown area, so was easy to find and explore. We wanted to visit a park to walk our dog and saw that this centrally located park had many people swimming, floating and walking along the trails. If only we had planned for some swimming and floating, this would've been a fun time! But even just walking around and learning more about the area was nice enough. The trail loops around the park, which is not too far. It's a very easy walk that's flat and not too long. Most importantly, it's peaceful with much greenery around and views of the water and people floating along wherever you walk. There were public restrooms open. Parking was easily found on the street or there's paid parking downtown in the closest lot to this park. I recommend anyone visiting the Bend area to visit this park for a stroll or better yet, tubing! read more

Drake Park and Mirror Pond - The park - Parks Near Me - Bend, Oregon

While it's lovely all year-round, Drake Park is especially enchanting and beautiful in the Fall because of the way the deciduous trees explode with colors! On the down side, this park gets quite a lot of traffic noise because it's located on a very busy street. To further detract from the natural loveliness, Drake Park is also home to quite a number of Canadian geese, who flock together doing geese things, being noisy, and leaving droppings everywhere :-( read more

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I think this is what makes the downtown area so homey, cozy, and beautiful. We've only come to town during the fall and winter and have yet to see it during the spring... but the contrast of the trees when the leaves turn during fall and winter seasons makes for such a beautiful place to walk, sit and think, and relax. If we were locals to the area, this would totally be our place to zen. Love love love this park read more

Drake Park and Mirror Pond - Parks Near Me - Bend, Oregon

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Fantastic park and pond in the heart of downtown, close to shopping, restaurants and hotels. Great place to take a stroll with your sweetheart, walk the doggos, come for a picnic, or set off in a raft or kayak (rentals available in warmer times of the year). In the "before times", live music could be heard from some of the beer porches of adjacent pubs, as well as community events. Drake Park was one of the first places I landed in Bend on my initial visit here, and I only consider myself "in Bend" once I have pulled up into the parking lot near the promenade and stretched my legs within sight of the Mirror Pond. I love it here! read more

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Such a picturesque place! Walking from my Airbnb through this park made me fall in love with Bend. read more

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One word: stunning Parked our car nearby and was able to enjoy a brief stroll. Lucky residents. read more

Drake Park and Mirror Pond - Parks Near Me - Bend, Oregon

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Absolutely stunning area come fall! We visit Bend, OR each fall and visit this park every time. It's so stunning, good walking trails close to town. Easy picnic spot for families and a quick game of frisbee. Great town park and community! read more

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Love this place. Very relaxing and seen a small river otter, geese, swans and ducks. Several people riding bikes. No fee to get in or park. Bathrooms and adorable wooden bridge. read more

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I an so impressed that the city of Bend used resources so that everyone can enjoy the natural beauty for free . This park is so much fun for all ages. read more

While driving around downtown Bend we happened upon Drake Park. It was late afternoon and traffic was busy and we only had an hour or so to see the area. So we pulled over to walk around the park and take in the sights and was pleasantly surprised by the beauty. It seemed like a popular place for locals to enjoy including a bum taking a nap in the middle of the grassy area. We weren't in the park long but captured a lot of beautiful pictures of the lush summer greenery. read more

Drake Park and Mirror Pond - Lush and green with lots of water in Drake Park - Parks Near Me - Bend, Oregon

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Loved our visit to this park. It is so beautiful and well kept, and the river is so peaceful. I could have stood on the bridge watching the ducks at sunset for hours! read more

Peaceful and serene to just gaze at the water and walk around. Just be careful of al the fertilizer on the grass. I highly recommend it here to stop before heading into downtown or as you pass by. read more

A large meandering Pond, surrounded by parks, sitting areas, walkways and greenbelt. Quiet and peaceful, while in the middle of bustling downtown. Historic park in downtown Bend, surrounded by beautiful neighborhoods. Very accessible, with lots of free parking nearby. Grab a sandwich from the many excellent restaurants and shops on Wall Street, and walk or drive a few blocks to the park. Bring a dog (borrow one if you need to. Take the time to enjoy this public gem. You'll be glad you did! read more

There are not too many cities blessed with a gently flowing river passing through its downtown. We took a long leisurely walk along the river banks enjoying the beautiful surroundings including distant mountains, flower beds and waterfowl as the sun set. read more

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I wanted to get some steps in before our 8+ hour drive home, and my friend who lives in Bend highly recommended this park. Located just a few blocks from our hotel (Double Tree, although listed as Phoenix Inn on Yelp -- http://www.yelp.com/biz/phoenix-inn-suites-bend) and conveniently on the way to our lunch choice, (10 Barrel Brewing -- http://www.yelp.com/biz/10-barrel-brewing-bend?hrid=7PgsIQpd6LP2i90u_hpr2w) this was a very peaceful and beautiful place to walk. I highly recommend a visit to this park, in between brewery visits of course. read more

I tried my first cigarette at a duck pond by my house when I was far too young to have done so. Peer pressure. It tasted absolutely awful. Although I did smoke for a few minutes there again in my early twenties, mistakenly thinking it was cool. I stopped when I got bronchitis, which turned into pneumonia. Oh, and when I remembered it tasted absolutely awful. I blame that duck pond for that, and many future flawed decisions. But I digress. Drake Park and Mirror Pond is not THAT duck pond. It is pretty glorious (despite the periodic duck droppings, what can you do?) has a paved path around the lake, is right off the main downtown drag in Bend. There are many great spots to go right nearby to eat and drink right after a beautiful walk though the park. The homes around the park are simply lovely: old craftsmen, white picket fences, the whole nine yards and there is some nice shade here, necessary for a town like Bend that gets so warm in summer. A short, perfect summer stroll. I even saw a drum circle and outdoor yoga taking place on the lawn at 8pm on a Saturday night. I'm pretty sure Drake Park and Mirror Pond is not responsible for any errant decision making, just good, clean living. (Except for that couple making out at the rocks. Wink, wink.) read more

Most Central Park in Bend, walking distance to downtown. Great views, plus you can jump in for a swim, paddle board, go tubing etc. in the river. Plenty of areas to lay out with a blanket, but you will definitely hear the road and urban sounds. read more

The city of Bend created an amazing park with walkways following the river that was full of paddle boards and kayaks the grounds are very well maintained and set up to be family and pet friendly. This day was a special dog event with the best of booths of great dog related vendors Been there for car shows and music with one of the best parts being so close to great food places in their downtown area. Great place to visit and a part of what makes Bend so special read more

A must see while in Bend. So beautiful! We came by on Halloween afternoon. Kids were walking in costumes, dogs everywhere, bikes. Very picturesque. I could stay at the park all day. read more

Drake Park and Mirror Pond - Mirror pond in fall - Parks Near Me - Bend, Oregon

This park is so beautiful! Big trees, very green manicured grass, and lots of people enjoying the out of doors along a picturesque river. We walked across the wooden bridge and just enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of this place. We'll definitely come back here again. read more

Amazing place for a stroll and wildlife spotting. Also some very beautiful people out sunbathing. All kinds of things to distract the eyes! Stroll on the river or rent a stand up paddle board. read more

After dinner in downtown, we hit Drake Park. What was supposed to be a 15-minute look-see turned into an hour-plus stroll along the Deschutes River, just relaxing and appreciating the quiet time. The people of Bend are certainly fortunate to have such a peaceful haven right in the heart of their city. read more

Drake Park and Mirror Pond - Sunset on the river. - Parks Near Me - Bend, Oregon

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This is of the prettiest parks that I've been to in a long while. Just a couple of blocks from downtown Bend it's easily accessible. Stroll along the banks of the river and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Plenty of paths, benches, trees and grassy areas. read more

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Very nice in town park by the river. Geese, ducks and walking paths. Awesome old trees. Really adds to Bend's character, I think.

What a nice park! Beautiful little strolling path along the water with benches and lots of yard space. Was actually surprised that the public restrooms in the park were very clean and stocked on a busy weekend! read more

Vey nice park to take a stroll while visiting Bend. The pond is very pretty - especially in the fall. Love the area and the surrounding neighborhood of the park. read more

Drake Park and Mirror Pond - Mirror Pond - Parks Near Me - Bend, Oregon

Love this park, minus the goose poop. Such a beautiful setting. Endless events happening at the park, always a good time. The Deschutes River runs along side the park, I love the Deschutes. Clean and well maintained park. Parking can be a little dicey. Plenty of room to picnic, go for a nice walk, sit along the river and read, or pay frisbee. It sits right along the bustling downtown area, so lots of options to make a day of it. read more

A very soulful Park. The emerald meadows carpet most of the park. The Deschutes River is visible throughout the park. Cute houses adorn the banks of the river - just a peaceful and wholesome place! People here are very friendly and hospitable. read more

This park is beautiful and close to downtown. During the warmer months you can find so many outdoor activities here- drum dancing, the local belegarth fighting group, yoga, and so much more! You can also check out the outdoor concerts too! If you are lucky enough you can even see the otters! read more

Drake Park and Mirror Pond - :) - Parks Near Me - Bend, Oregon

Absolutely gorgeous in the winter. This park is so popular for tourism that bend prioritizes it in the winter to be plowed. If your looking for a good winter walk in town. Don't miss out on good old Drake park! read more

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We visited Bend to ski and ended up visiting this lovely park to do some sledding. It was free to sled and no sno parking permit required! It was also close to the hotel we stayed at. There was a hill or 2 tall enough to sled down on. Would come here again read more

This IS a very nice park. Gayle and I walked it the afternoon we arrived in Bend and the next morning before we headed North. In the meantime, I tipped a bottle of Deschutes Mirror Pond in its honour. The park is a welcome and peaceful sanctuary ying to the Downtown Business District yang. We particularly enjoyed the pond (or slow river) views, the happy kids running about, and walking a complete loop around including the gorgeous homes on the other side of the water. read more