Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
Although Bend isn’t one of the biggest cities in Oregon, it’s one of the friendliest places when it comes to dogs. Various places throughout the city welcome dogs, including nine off-leash dog parks that are located within larger community parks and areas focused solely on dogs. Many of the parks also provide access to the Deschutes River, which runs through the heart of the city.
If you’re new to the area, here’s an introduction to the off-leash areas in Bend, Oregon, so you can try them out next time that you walk your dog.
Top 9 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Bend, Oregon
1. Riverbend Dog Park
There is limited shade, so be careful on hot days
Located on the banks of the Deschutes River
A section of the beach is designated for dogs to give them a spot to swim
The beach section gets crowded in summer
Small and large dogs have separate areas
2. Awbrey Reservoir Off-Leash Area
Only partially fenced, so make sure you practice your dog’s recall commands
Not much grass, so be prepared for a dusty or muddy dog, depending on the season
The natural terrain hiking trails can be difficult to walk on, so wear decent shoes
Offers beautiful views of the Old Mill district
5 acres of hiking trails and running space
3. Big Sky Park Off-Leash Area
🗺️ Address:
📍21690 Neff Rd, Bend, OR 97701
🕐 Open Times:
5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
Yes, but only in the 12-acre off-leash area
12-acre off-leash area with separate areas for shy and adventurous dogs
There are unfenced and fully fenced areas for dogs of all types
Remember to use a leash if you explore outside the off-leash areas
Plenty of shade and picnic tables
Amenities include on-site water and dog waste bags
4. Overturf Park
4.6-acre, fully fenced dog park
No paved pathways, so wear decent, waterproof shoes in wet weather, and bring a towel
One of the smaller dog parks in Bend and best suited for small dog breeds
Includes walking trails to explore with your dog
Reaching the dog park requires a steep climb up a short hill
5. Hollinshead Park Off-Leash Area
3.7-acre off-leash area within a 16.5-acre community park
Make sure your dog obeys recall commands, and don’t let them out of your sight, as there’s no fence
Dogs need to be kept on a leash outside of the off-leash area
Plenty of trees for shade and space for dogs to run around
Main park has a community garden and a renovated barn for events
6. Discovery Park Off-Leash Area
🗺️ Address:
📍Bend, OR 97701
🕐 Open Times:
5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
Yes, but not outside the fenced off-leash area
1.6-acre, fully fenced dog park
Water station for dogs and waste bags available
Small or timid dogs don’t have a separate quiet area to use and might be intimidated by larger or more active breeds
Surrounded by walking trails to explore
Clean park with plenty of space and friendly visitors
7. Pine Nursery Dog Park
🗺️ Address:
📍21210 Yeoman Rd, Bend, OR 97701
🕐 Open Times:
5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
Yes, but only in the off-leash area
Plenty of paved parking available
Fully fenced, 18.8-acre off-leash area
Located inside Pine Nursery Park, so remember to leash your dog outside the fenced off-leash area
Separate area for timid, old, and small dogs
Fenced area has agility obstacles and hiking trails
8. Ponderosa Park Off-Leash Area
🗺️ Address:
📍225 SE 15th St, Bend, OR 97702
🕐 Open Times:
5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
Only in the 2.9-acre off-leash section
Fenced, 2.9-acre off-leash area with a secure section for small dogs
Plenty of paved parking available
Grass and muddy areas for dogs to run and roll on
Plenty of space for dogs to socialize, play fetch, or keep to themselves
Park has walking trails and a picnic area
9. GoodDog!
The natural hiking trails can get muddy, so bring a towel and good shoes
There is plenty of space, and the park rarely gets crowded despite its popularity
Has river access for dogs that love to swim
Plenty of parking, but it can be potholed and does require a Day Use permit
On-site water is provided by other park guests
Conclusion
With beautiful views of the river and mountains, the off-leash dog parks in Bend, Oregon, are beloved by local and visiting dog owners. Some parks are fully fenced or not fenced at all or have river access and separate areas for quieter puppies. Whatever your dog’s personality, we hope that this list has introduced you to the dog parks in the area and given you someplace new to try!
Featured Image Credit: JumpStory
Written by
Nicole Cosgrove
Lead Pet Expert & Pet-ditor in Chief
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts’ knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.…Read more
