Bend, OR

I’ve lived in Bend for approximately six days now, most of which I have spent indoors unpacking boxes and figuring out exactly where the potato masher should live. Since Bend is known for outdoor activities, come Friday afternoon I deemed it time to ditch the boxes and kitchen tools, heading outside to explore. I hopped on my bike, stuffed its basket with a blanket and a book, and intended to ride to a nearby park I had seen while driving into town. Unfortunately, my sense of direction often fails me, so I never actually found said park. I did, however, discover that the nearest grocery store is within biking distance and as I turned around to backtrack my missteps (mis-biking?) I found a lovely little trail perfect for biking (or running, walking, and general merry-making).

Haul Road Trail runs alongside SW Century Drive, and I picked up the trail at the corner of SW Century Drive and SW Reed Market Road. According to the Bend Parks and Recreation District Map (click on Deschutes River Trail Map), Haul Road Trail is only a little more than a mile long, but connects to the Deschutes River Trails heading Southwest.

Wearing jeans and a coat, I was ill-equipped for a lengthy bike ride, but enjoyed my leisurely journey through the evergreen-lined path. Though the Parks and Recreation Map says differently, most of the trail is paved, and I found the terrain gentle enough for this novice cyclist, hitting only a few minor bumps along the mile or so I covered. Haul Road Trail also connects to a sidewalk on the north end heading towards the Old Mill District as Century Drive turns into Colorado Avenue.

Throughout my ride I encountered serious cyclists with their mountain bikes and joggers all enjoying the mild terrain and wooded atmosphere the trail offers. Haul Road Trail seems family-friendly and would make an enjoyable outing for children, whether on foot, bike or stroller. I found myself gripping the brakes of my little 10-speed on a few small hills, but maybe your children are braver than me. The trail crosses a few residential areas, so be aware of cars turning into those streets. I found drivers to be very accommodating, waving me across intersections as they patiently waited to turn.

While I had originally planned on spreading out my blanket and reading in the sunshine, the trail doesn’t really offer such a place. I found a patch of grass near the entrance to a subdivision, but wasn’t sure if planting myself there would be frowned upon. So at this point I turned around and followed the trail back to the intersection of Century Drive and Reed Market Road.

I’m not sure that I would make a special trip across town to ride or jog the length of Haul Road Trail, but if you find yourself in the Southwest part of town, itching to stretch your cycling or jogging legs, it’s a refreshing way to spend the afternoon. It was certainly a welcome break from cardboard boxes and potato mashers.