This route from Hollinshead Park to Drake Park is the best way to get from east to west in Bend on the north side. This route can be adapted for much of the north east part of Bend.
For the most part, this route is along quiet streets or separated paths. The exception is along Olney from NE 6th St, across NE 3rd St, to the Deschutes River Trail crossing of NW Portland Avenue. When the city’s Olney Pedestrian & Bicycle Improvements Project is completed next year, the worst parts of this section will be much improved, leaving the four blocks from NE 6th St to NE 2nd St and the NE 3rd St crossing along Olney the only questionable part of the route. And even this section has standard bike lanes and a traffic signal on 3rd St. So look at the map and give this a try!
The Route:
Starting on NE Jones Rd at the entrance to Hollinshead Park, travel south on Jones to its intersection with NE 12 St. Turn west on Jones to NE 8th St. 8th St is a very busy street with fast traffic, so turn south on the sidewalk for about a block to a crosswalk with a pedestrian island. Cross NE 8th St here and continue west along NE Seward Ave to NE 6th St. Orchard Park is just north of this intersection. Bruno’s 6th St Market is just to the left if you want something to eat or drink.
To continue across town, turn south on 6th St on a City Greenway and a fairly quiet street. Carefully cross NE Revere Ave and continue south to NE Olney Ave. Turn west on Olney. The 4-way stop on NE 4th St is generally easy to cross. The stoplight at NE 3rd St is also pretty good but watch for cars turning right across the bike lane. Continue west on Olney, across the railroad tracks and under the Parkway, hoping for a quick completion of the coming Olney improvements.
At NE Wall St, carefully cross the right turn slip lane and enter the pedestrian channel. I always press the pedestrian signal button to make sure the “walk” light comes on. Cross Wall St with the light and continue west about a block to the Deschutes River Trail. Turn left across NE Portland onto the Deschutes River trail. This is the best part of the ride as it takes you along the river on a trail completely separated from cars. The section underneath Newport and suspended over the river is marvelous. Please be considerate of people walking on the trail!
As you enter Drake Park, there are many options: turn back east to downtown or the library; turn west across the footbridge over the river to the west side of Bend; or continue south along the Deschutes River Trail to the Old Mill, Miller’s Landing Park, or the Hayden Home Amphitheater.
We hope you enjoyed the ride and find this a useful route!