River Walk from The Old Mill-North 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.
North Loop–From the Bend Parkway (Hwy 97) take exit 138 to Colorado Avenue. Go east on Colorado to SE Industrial Way. Turn left (east) and park in the first parking lot you come to. After checking the little pond here (Rails), take the sidewalk trail upstream which is generally south. Walk the trail along the river. You can cross the river at two foot bridges (one at 0.3 miles from the parking lot and another at 1.0 miles) but most of the time, birds can be seen from the near side of the river.
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, Mew Gull, Thayer’s Gull and Black Phoebe.
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