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Riley Ranch Nature Reserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 241 Google reviews · Running trail in Bend, Oregon · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Riley Ranch Nature Reserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Vistas of the Deschutes River and the Cascades from rugged paths and cliffs.
What runners say about Riley Ranch Nature Reserve
“The open space brought a sense of refreshment, and the well-maintained paths looked great, though it was a bit disappointing that I couldn’t be there with the dogs.”
“The weather was a bit overcast with a couple sprinkles, but this hike was gorgeous even with the weather being on the colder side.”
“It offers several lookout points (that are also well marked) that offer some pretty good views of the nature reserve, nearby river, and some of the houses nearby.”
This was a nice little "you can do the big loop or the small loop" area that was tough to get lost in and, if you're into getting lost, it connects to Tumalo State Park via a path of indeterminate length at the zenith of the big loop, so there you go!
A great place for a hike. You will feel like you have made it out of town without actually having to go that far. The wildlife here is amazing, you are likely to see deer, squirrels, owls, and many many lizards.
Had so much fun exploring such a beautiful and well-cared for nature reserve!!! I am not super in-shape (unless round is a shape!) And I was easily able to access the paths and trails. Not too difficult, and very beautiful!!
While visiting Bend Oregon, we found Riley Ranch Nature Preserve, as a place to hike. It is a nice reserve, with graveled walking trails, for the main portion of trails, otherwise it's dirt. We stuck to the easier loops, and found them to be easy to navigate for all types of hikers.
Trail conditions & character
“It offers several lookout points (that are also well marked) that offer some pretty good views of the nature reserve, nearby river, and some of the houses nearby.”
“First of all, it’s important to mention that this is a location where dogs are not allowed.”
“So I took them for a walk around the park and nearby roads, then had them stay briefly in the car while I hurried to walk half of the shortest Juniper Loop Trail.”
“I walked the big loop on a 93 degree day and it was pretty flat, not that challenging and you could find shade a good 25% of the time.”
“The hike down to the lower part of the park is a bit steep, but the stones have been cut into stairs that help make it a lot easier.”
“This park was not busy when we arrived around 9AM on a Sunday morning and there was plenty of parking.”
“The Juniper loop is a flat gravel trail that is jogging stroller-friendly.”
“There was no fee to park and there is a bathroom in the parking area.”
“It offers several lookout points (that are also well marked) that offer some pretty good views of the nature reserve, nearby river, and some of the houses nearby.”
“The Juniper loop is a flat gravel trail that is jogging stroller-friendly.”
Plan your run at Riley Ranch Nature Reserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebendparksandrec.org
- Phone(541) 388-5435
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Bend
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sawyer Park
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First Street Rapids Park
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Deschutes River Trail
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River Canyon Park
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