River Walk from The Old Mill-South Loop (Bend)
Seasons
Checklists
Location
There are multiple access points in the Old Mill District. Basically, there is a sidewalk pathway that covers the whole area on the east side of the Deschutes River and then crosses the river and runs along the west side. A walk that encompasses a loop around the entire area would start near the Colorado Street Bridge and end in Farwell Bend Park.
South Loop – From the Bend Parkway (Hwy 97) take exit 139 to Reed Market Road. Take Reed Market west for 0.7 miles to a parking area near the Farewell Bend Park foot bridge. From here, you have your choice of walking east for a mile along the river or you can cross either of the bridges mentioned above and make a short loop.
DirectionsHabitat and Birds
The Deschutes River winds through this urban center and is lined with paved paths and green areas. Waterfowl are present year round and often produce rarities like Red-breasted Merganser, Ross’s Goose, Greater Scaup, and Red-necked Grebe. Hooded Mergansers and Barrow’s Goldeneye are common. Gulls and the occasional raptor also will make periodic appearances. Unusual birds that have appeared here include Cackling Goose, Snow Goose, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-necked Grebe, Peregrine Falcon, Short-billed Gull, Iceland Gull (Thayer’s) and Black Phoebe.
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