Dogs in parks

There are many good places to take your dog in and around Bend, but currently most are illegal. Big Sky is the only place to have your dog legally off-leash in a city park. We're working with Bend Parks and Rec to create additional areas -- so stay tuned! It's also legal to have your dog off-leash on the private property of the Old Mill Dog Park.

Big Sky Park

This currently is Bend's only dog park, and it can be a great place for dogs to run and socialize. It's not very convenient for many Bendites, and (being the only city park with legal access) the heavy use means the grass is quickly torn up.

Getting there: Drive east on Neff Road (the continuation of Portland Ave if coming from the westside). Cross Hamby Road at the 4-way stop. Big Sky Park is on your left. After entering the park, drive past the fields -- the dog park is toward the back, on the right (east) side.

Old Mill Dog Park

It's not very big, but it's located in town and a great example of a private landowner allocating land for public dog access (our thanks to the Smith family!).

Getting there: Just across Columbia St. from Riverbend Park. If coming from the Old Mill District, drive across the Deschutes (heading west) on the Columbia St. bridge, take the first right into the parking area. Before veering right to park, the dog park will be off to the left.