Fitness Paddling in Bend - Where to Go...

Maps courtesy of Google and Navtech. Blue is the Deschutes River. Yellow are major roads. White are minor roads. Brown are footbridges.

10. Farewell Bend Park

Farewell Bend Park is just downstream of the Healy Bridge (also known as "The Southern Crossing" for Bend old-timers). There's a sandy beach with a gentle slope just north of the bridge that makes a great put-in spot for just about any type of boat.

Parking is at a premium during the summer months, so get there in the morning or early evening to make sure you can find a spot.

This access spot has the longest walk to get to the water and if you have a heavy boat or are tired after a hard workout, it can be less than an enjoyable experience. Try to get a parking spot as close to the bridge as you can. The Park District is talking about putting another boat access with a dock in further downstream, and hopefully it will have more convenient parking.

You can paddle upstream from the Healy Bridge a short distance until you start getting into rocks and rapids.

(Be sure to read the "When to Paddle" section on the main page for important information about paddling this stretch in the winter.)

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last modified April 1, 2005