Winter has finally arrived, and there are plenty of opportunities for play. Whether you’re a cold-weather adventurer or a winter wonderland wanderer, Bend Park and Recreation District spaces and activities have something for everyone.

Cold weather adventure

Central Oregon is renowned for its adventures, and we live in a place with many opportunities for excursions in the cold, all close to home.

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are staple wintertime adventures in Bend. That’s because, after a 6-inches-or-more snow event, virtually any of our parks and trails will be suitable for snowshoeing or nordic skiing.

Riley Ranch Nature Reserve is just under 200 acres and has 3 miles of trails, and Shevlin Park is 1,000 acres with 23 miles of trails, making them stand-out opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Take your snow adventure on loop trails around Pine Nursery and Big Sky parks or on the Deschutes River Trail in the South Canyon. The Haul Road Trail, the Highland Trail or the Deschutes River Trail north of Sawyer Park and beyond offer excellent out-and-back hiking experiences.

Thanks to a partnership with volunteers, the Skyline Sports Complex is groomed for cross-country skiing. Note: No other parks or trails are groomed, so if you’re a speedy skier and like grooming, this is the place for you. Grooming status updates are available on BPRD’s Winter in Parks page, bendparksandrec.org/parks-trails/winter.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed in all parks during the day or in the evening by moonlight or headlamp. Most parks close at 10 p.m. Shevlin Park and Riley Ranch close at dusk and are not available for evening recreation.

Lastly, the summit road on Pilot Butte is closed to cars during the winter season, so take advantage of the unusually peaceful trek to the top. You won’t regret it when you see the stunning view from the top of our local butte.

Winter wonderland wandering

There is more to winter in Bend than adventures in the snow. One of the most unique wintertime activities is seasonal disc golf at Skyline Sports Complex. During the cold months, the wooded northeast corner of the sports complex becomes a nine-hole course, perfect for a fun round of disc golf while wandering the natural features of the beautiful Skyline landscape. We encourage disc golfers to park in the designated BPRD lots across from Cascade Middle School.

The beautiful parks and trails of Bend are shared with our wild animal friends, of course, and they are still busy out and about, leaving tracks wherever they go. With snow, frost and damp soil, winter is the perfect time for a tracking adventure.

Our top spots for tracking wildlife include Drake, Hollinshead, Pine Nursery, Sawyer and Shevlin parks. The Haul Road, Alpine and Larkspur trails offer miles of space to look for animal tracks in the middle of town. While on your tracking adventure, don’t forget to look up! Many of our parks are home to diverse winter birds like the goldfinch, pine siskin, and Clark’s nutcracker that are sure to keep you company on your nature adventure.

You may not be the only member of your household wanting to get out and about. If you have a furry companion, we have nine off-leash dog parks open all winter long to stretch those legs. Consider using booties or paw wax to protect your dog’s feet from ice and cold. Make sure to bring water as the fountains are turned off for the season.

If you want to stay in the winter wonderland mode but grow weary of the elements, why not opt for ice skating at The Pavilion? The Pavilion has drop-in skate sessions throughout the week for individuals and families alike. Get your skate on or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate as a spectator. Details and skate times are available on BPRD’s Pavilion webpage.

Take care

Safety first means successful fun. Here are some tips to keep your outings safe:

For sledding, protect the head with a helmet, especially for children, and be sure to scout your route for obstacles and hidden dangers.

Look out for ice and slippery conditions. While BPRD crews do their best to clear snow from parking lots and walks, icy conditions can still exist. Consider traction devices on your shoes as well as use of poles.

Ice skating is never recommended on the river, on Mirror Pond or at any parks. Frozen rivers and ponds are unreliable ice surfaces and pose serious dangers.