I recently went on a short hike at the First Street Rapids along the Deschutes River. This nice little section of river near the downtown Bend area is a great place for just a long enough hike to stretch your legs and see the beauty the out town has. Parking is the main problem with the small park, but you can usually find a spot along the 1st st on your way to the park. Ounce parked you can check out the class 1 and 2 rapids at the park and chill for a few. Then just follow the trail down river as it is a great walking path. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash and you pick up their piles. So as you hike the trail you may see some wild life along the way. I saw a pair of Swans and there young as well as a Osprey fighting with a Red Tail Hawk. That was probably a rare siting, but it was totally awesome! After a little bit the trail will go up hill along side of the Rivers Edge golf course and stop at the road. You may want to continue from here and explore although I decided to stop and turn around.  I did the hike in about 45 min at a very leisurely pace. At the end when I got back to the park I hung out by the rapids for a bit and then I was on my way back home.

     So if you don’t have much time or you want to hike somewhere close in town. Even if you have family or friends in town this is the perfect short hike to show off what Bend, OR has to offer. Check out the First Street Rapids park and hiking trail for a great break from the day.