Nestled within a serene forest in northwest Bend, Shevlin Park stands as a natural gem for locals and visitors alike.
With a rich history, abundance of enchanting hiking trails, some of the best fall foliage around, this is one park in to add to your list.
Combine that with creekside-picnic spots within a gorgeous Central Oregon forest and it’s no wonder Shevlin Park is considered by many locals to be one of the best parks in Bend.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything Shevlin Park has to offer (and let you in on our local tips).
Lace up your shoes, pack some snacks, and let’s explore Shevlin Park.
Shevlin Park Overview
The expansive Shevlin Park spans almost 1,000 acres of mighty Ponderosa Pines, miles of the modestly beautiful Tumalo Creek, and sprawling Aspen groves.
Miles of hiking, running, and biking trails wind their way parallel to (and over) Tumalo Creek, offering countless variations of routes suitable for all skill levels.
There is also a paved road that is off-limits to cars and ideal for biking, strollers, and wheelchairs.
There are large parking lots, well-maintained restrooms, plenty of picnic tables, and a large, covered picnic area.
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times. As with many places in Central Oregon, you can still expect people with off-leash dogs that are usually well-trained.
There is also a fishing pond and event venue across the road at Aspen Hall, a local favorite for weddings (we loved attending a friend’s wedding here).
Shevlin Park Hours and Facilities
Shevlin Park is open from sunrise to sunset. That is, the park is open for day use only. No camping or overnight activities are allowed in Shevlin Park.
This awesome park is accessible year-round and is worth a visit during any season (but expect beautiful colors in the fall and snow in the winter).
There are several parking lots, lots of trail maps and trail markers, restrooms and trash cans at Shevlin Park.
Shevlin Park Bend Oregon Map
The map below shows the location of Shevlin Park, in the northwest part of Bend.
Shevlin Park Trails
Shevlin Park has an extensive trail system. Hikers, joggers, and mountain bikers alike utilize these engaging trails.
We love running, hiking, or walking the dogs at Shevlin Park.
It’s one of our favorite parks near Bend to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. There truly are so many different trails with various loop options.
Shevlin Park Trail Map
The trail map below shows two parking lots near the top of the map and the web of trails to the southwest. There are even more trails to the west not shown on this map.
There are so many trails, that it almost never feels crowded even when lots of people are there. This is one of the reasons we come here so much.
Shevlin Park Picnic: A Relaxing Afternoon
Shevlin Park provides a tranquil setting for a memorable picnic!
Well-maintained picnic areas dot the park, offering picnic tables and peaceful views of the surrounding wilderness.
There is a group of covered picnic tables near the parking lot ideal for a large gathering.
There are several isolated picnic tables right next to Tumalo Creek, which are great for a quite getaway.
Aspen Hall – A Picturesque Event Venue
Aspen Hall is right across the road from Shevlin Park and serves as a beautiful event venue.
Aspen Hall has the feel of a rustic yet modern lodge with a large indoor event space.
The hall also has an outdoor patio and is surrounded by plenty of lawn and also a pleasant pond that people can fish in (more on that below).
This property has a long and interesting history. There was even a natural ice-skating pond in 1930!
We have been to a friend’s wedding here and it was a truly beautiful setting. If you’re considering an even here we would definitely recommend it.
Learn more about Aspen Hall.
Shevlin Park Fishing Pond
There is a fishing pond at Aspen Hall, right across the street from Shevlin Park.
Named Shevlin Pond, this small pond is stocked by ODFW with trout and is meant as a family/youth fishing pond to get the next generation hooked on fishing.
There is great bank access, and the water is usually quite clear. Overall Shevlin Pond is a great place to take the kids and fish.
Shevlin Park History
The area that is now Shevlin Park was utilized by Native Americans for many years.
In the mid-1800s, European immigrants began to settle in Central Oregon, and established elements of industry such as a fish hatchery, logging mill, explorer camps, and railroads.
Shevlin Park was donated to the community in 1920. It has since expanded from 350 acres to around 1,000 acres today.
Today, it stands as a testament to the success of the Bend Parks and Recreation system.
Read more about the history of Shevlin Park and other parks in Bend.
Sustainable Use Reminder
Bend, and the larger Central Oregon region, has seen an explosion of both permanent (resident) and temporary (tourism) populations in recent years.
There are many positive aspects to a larger population and increased tourism, including supporting local industry and making Bend a fun place to live and visit.
At the same time, an increased resident and visitor population places strain on Bend’s infrastructure and surrounding natural areas.
Together, we can ensure that these incredible places are preserved for future generations by doing the following:
- Don’t litter: Please, don’t be a terrible person. Pack out your trash.
- Pick up your dog poop: Don’t be the one who can’t clean up after their dog.
- Don’t go off trail: Don’t kill the plants that try so hard to live in this harsh climate. Going off trail contributes to erosion and habitat loss for native plants and animals.
- Be respectful of others: Let’s create an inclusive and welcoming community for everyone, so that we can all enjoy these places today and tomorrow.
Conclusion
Shevlin Park is a beautiful and accessible park in northwest Bend. There are an abundance of trail options that are ideal for hiking and running. There is also a mountain biking trail.
Don’t pass up a picnic at Shevlin Park, which has lots of picnic tables throughout the forest (many next to Tumalo Creek).
Aspen Hall across the street is an ideal event venue, and there is a youth fishing pond also.
Shevlin Park has one of the largest Aspen groves in town, making it our favorite place to soak in the colors during fall in Bend.
We hope you enjoyed this article about Shevlin Park and found it helpful in planning your adventure.
We have lots of other articles about Central Oregon, including other places to hike near Bend and our full travel guide to Bend.
