Riley Ranch Nature Reserve is a 184 acre near-to-home nature experience unlike any other provided by Bend Park & Recreation District. You’ll find miles of trails that run alongside the Deschutes River, hug rimrock cliffs, and wind through open grassy meadows and juniper and pine forests. Even though Riley Ranch is technically within Bend city limits, you’ll feel like you’re miles from home and smack down in the middle of nature. So grab your family, camera, and comfy hiking shoes for a nature experience in town.
During winter months when the snow is nuking in the mountains, Riley Ranch Nature Reserve if often a great option for snow-free winter hiking. In total there’s 4.5 miles of trails so you can get some fresh winter air and enjoy some exercise. If it’s snowing in town, grab your waterproof footwear, snowshoes or nordic skis and go play in the snow! Riley Ranch closes at dusk, so make sure to schedule your winter outdoor fun during daylight hours.
There are 1.57 miles of soft-surface trail above the canyon and 1.25 miles of rugged trail running on The Canyon Loop. Riley Ranch also has connectivity to Tumalo State Park. Appearing relatively untouched in some places, the land features open meadows, juniper and pine forests, unique lava flows, cliffs and the river’s rocky canyon. The park is host to many native plant species, migratory birds and wildlife.
Individuals to small groups up to 30 are welcome. Dogs and bikes are NOT allowed. As a nature reserve, no remote controlled devices are allowed at Riley Ranch.
