Bend Park & Recreation District evaluates Deschutes River Trail connection, urges public input

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bend Park & Recreation District is launching a new study to evaluate options for connecting the Deschutes River Trail in southwest Bend and it wants your input. The project aims to link the trail to the Deschutes National Forest and recreation sites along the Cascade Lakes Highway.

The Deschutes River Trail South project seeks to complete one of the final remaining gaps in a trail system that extends from Sunriver to Tumalo State Park. The study, led by the consulting firm Kittelson & Associates, will evaluate trail alignments, environmental factors, and engineering feasibility to inform future design and construction decisions.

The study will analyze various factors including possible trail alignments, river width, engineering feasibility, and environmental conditions. Researchers will also consider federal and state designations and requirements for the area. Options under review include the potential construction of a new trail bridge over the Deschutes River and at least one "no-build" alternative that would utilize existing or pending trails and roadways.

The project is intended to update data from previous planning efforts conducted by the district between 2015 and 2019. Henry Stroud, Bend Park & Recreation District principal planner and project leader, said the initiative will help prepare for future phases of the trail's development.

"The intent of this study is to provide the district, the public and other stakeholders with more detailed and accurate information to inform future community conversations and possible project design engineering," Stroud said.

Kittelson & Associates, a transportation engineering and planning firm, is serving as the third-party consultant for the project. Stroud said the firm was brought in to expand on prior information and account for growth in the area.

"The goal is to reflect changes in the community over the past 10+ years since alignment options were last explored," Stroud said.

A dedicated stakeholder group is scheduled to meet multiple times throughout the duration of the study. Project details and updates are being maintained on the district's project website.

A public open house is scheduled for Thursday, April 2nd, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the gymnasium of Elk Meadows Elementary School. An online open house will also be hosted on the project website from April 2nd through April 23rd, 2026.

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