Bend Parks shifting to improved river portage path

The Bend Park and Recreation District announced Thursday is is shifting Deschutes River floaters to a new, improved portage path at McKay Park and the Bend Whitewater Park, starting Friday evening.

River users now will be able to exit the river prior to the Colorado Avenue bridge and after a short walk around the bridge to Shevlin Hixon Road re-enter McKay Park.

The more direct portage path will create distance between river users and sewer and park construction projects, and make for more “feet-friendly” surfaces, the park district said.

The district said it worked with Empire Development to accelerate work at McKay Park to accommodate river users and improve the portage path experience.

“It’s a busy time for river recreation, and we worked quickly to create a safer, more direct portage path,” said Brian Hudspeth, the park district’s development manager.

“Signage is directing river user,s and we appreciate adherence to the pathways only and away from the construction zones and riparian areas along the bank,” he added.

The surfaces of the portage path are primarily concrete and trail surface. However, footwear that secures to feet is still recommended.