The Deschutes River Trail runs along the river through the heart of Bend, passing Drake Park and its calm Mirror Pond, through the Old Mill District, and south toward Tumalo State Park. The full multi-use trail extends about 15 miles from the center of town into the high desert, but the stretch through downtown is easily walked in an hour.
Drake Park itself is the social center of downtown Bend — people jog, picnic, and let children play along the river's edge. In summer, standup paddleboard rentals are available right on the waterfront, and the views back toward the Cascade peaks make even the locals stop and look. The trail is paved through the park and transitions to a natural surface further out.
In winter, Mirror Pond sometimes freezes and the park takes on a quieter, more contemplative character. It is still worth walking — the snow-covered Cascades to the west are spectacular from the river's edge.