Overview

The scenic Robert W. Sawyer Park in Bend covers 45 acres of land dotted with juniper trees and towering pines. The park straddles the Deschutes River, and visitors to the park can access the Deschutes River Trail via a footbridge that crosses the river. They can also connect to the Archie Briggs Natural Area, First Street Rapids Park, and the Sawyer Uplands Park.

Location & Information

The park is located just north of downtown Bend at 62999 O.B. Riley Road, which is easily accessible from Highway 20.

Contact Information: Bend Park and Recreation District, 799 SW Columbia Street, Bend, OR 97702. Phone: 541-389-7275. Visit the website here.

Activities

• Deschutes River Trail – Walkers, joggers, and mountain bikers can get a workout or enjoy a relaxing stroll on this beautiful trail that winds through Bend.
• Birdwatching – As part of the Oregon Cascade Birding Tour route, Robert W. Sawyer Park is a popular place for avid birdwatchers to view a variety of riparian and migratory birds.
• Picnicking – The park’s beautiful natural setting provides visitors a nice break from the fast pace of the surrounding city. It’s the perfect place for a picnic or barbecue on a sunny day.

Fun Facts

• Robert W. Sawyer, a graduate of Harvard Law School, was a renowned conservationist in Oregon. He was also the publisher and editor of the Bend Bulletin for over 30 years - from 1919 to 1953. Known as the “father of Oregon State Parks”, he played a significant role in increasing the size of the state park system in Oregon. He was inducted into the prestigious Oregon Newspaper Hall of Fame in 1980, the same year the park was dedicated. He died in 1959.
• Initially a state park, it became one of Bend’s city parks when the Bend Metro Park & Recreation District took over its ownership in 1980.