Drake Park and Mirror Pond are the key nature draws to downtown Bend, Oregon. The Park is named after Bend's founder, Alexander Drake. Mirror Pond is named for the lazy part of the Deschutes River that cuts right through, reflecting the nearby Cascade mountains and hills that surround Bend. It is a wonderful place to relax, walk or bike though in the middle of town.
Parking and public transportation at Drake Park and Mirror Pond
The main downtown Bend metered parking lot is right next to Drake Park but is often full. There is ample street parking on the side of the park along NW Riverside Avenue but that can get crowded as well. There is plenty of metered street parking downtown as well as a three-story parking garage. Downtown Bend is also served by the bus, Cascades East Transit.
Best and worst time go to Drake Park and Mirror Pond
Since it's in a popular recreational spot, Drake Park is often quite busy with people either going through or just hanging out. During the summer the southern end is where people floating the river from Riverbend Park or McKay Park finish their journey, so it can get quite crowded. Still there are times, especially early or late in the day, where it can feel that you have Drake Park nearly all to yourself.
Admission to Drake Park and Mirror Pond
There is no admission fee to Drake Park. The park is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. unless you're just travelling through. West side residents know the best way to get to and from downtown any time of day or night is bicycling through Drake Park.
Must see/do at Drake Park and Mirror Pond
If there's a summer festival in Bend, Drake Park is likely to be a part of it. Even with a busy schedule of events, take at least a minute or two to go down to the water and realize why it's called Mirror Pond as the reflections of the surrounding area are usually crystal clear on the water.
Other places to visit near Drake Park and Mirror Pond
As mentioned above, the best way to enter Drake Park is by floating in on the river. The starting locations, Riverbend Park and McKay Park, are also great spots along the river to hang out. There are close to 30 breweries in town and the granddaddy of them all, Deschutes Brewery, has its flagship pub in downtown Bend. There are many excellent restaurants and breweries nearby. A beer might taste even better after a walk up Pilot Butte or skiing and spending a great day at nearby Mt. Bachelor.
Insider tip for visitors to Drake Park and Mirror Pond
Every time I bicycle or walk through Drake Park, I stop in the middle of the bridge that goes across Mirror Pond (the Deschutes River) and look around. Whether you've lived in Bend for 15 years or just been there 15 minutes, the view from the middle of that bridge always is a "wow" moment. It's a reminder to slow down and really enjoy where I am. I've never regretted stopping there.
Author's bio: Alex Drude has never called it "that confounded bridge." Follow his sports and travel musings on Twitter @Alex_Drude and on Facebook.