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NatureParks & Gardens

Enjoy A Picture-Perfect Day In Oregon Nature At Meadow Day Use Area

Meadow Day Use Area near Bend, Oregon, offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, swimming, and fishing.

Published Jul 27, 2021

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

Oregon is for nature lovers. Our outdoor recreation is unrivaled; our scenic beauty is sublime. There's no shortage of superlative places to revel in Oregon's nature. And if you're near Bend, Oregon, there's a perfect little oasis where you can do just that. The Meadow Day Use Area is a beautiful area along the Deschutes River that offers access to hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, swimming, and fishing. It's a lovely little Oregon oasis that's a hidden gem well-worth discovering.

The Deschutes River is one of Oregon's most glorious playgrounds. It's renowned for its kayaking and whitewater rafting, and the entire area is a lush and inviting paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

A wooden bridge spans a river surrounded by tall pine trees and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Steve Dean/Google Local

Just southwest of Bend, along a quiet stretch of the river, is a hidden oasis that has long been a local favorite.

A serene river flows through a forested area, surrounded by tall trees and autumn foliage under a clear blue sky.
Ruohong Liu/Google Local

Meadow Day Use Area is a lush, lovely little place that really does have it all.

A serene lake surrounded by tall pine trees, reflecting the sky and sunlight on a calm day.
Ruohong Liu/Google Local

The area boasts an abundance of hikes, several places for picnicking and relaxing, and opportunities for rock climbing, mountain biking, and fishing.

A serene river scene with purple irises in the foreground and lush greenery under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Steve Dean/Google Local

In fact, Meadow Camp is a popular place for fishing, where anglers will discover deep pools filled with a variety of trout.

A person in a red jacket stands on rocky riverbanks, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
Thomas Robinson/Google Local

Swimming is a popular pastime here, too -- for people and pets! The site boasts an epic cliff jumping spot known as "Meadow Camp," and it's a must-visit during the warmer months.

A dog leaps into a calm river surrounded by trees and grassy banks under a clear blue sky.
Visit Bend Oregon/Facebook

This day-use area is also a popular place for rock climbing.

A group of people gathered near a river, sitting on rocks and under a cliff, surrounded by trees and a cloudy sky.
Y GoGo/Google Local

Climbing enthusiasts enjoy scaling the natural cliffs and granite gorges found along the river.

A climber ascends a rocky cliff, with a tree visible above and a blue sky in the background.
Jesse Fish/Google Local

One of the biggest draws of the Meadow Day Use Area is its proximity to the Deschutes River Trail, a 12.5-mile trek that's one of the most scenic hikes in Oregon.

Two people walk along a dirt path beside a river, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain under a cloudy sky.
Jerrold Garrard/Google Local

Given the stellar scenery, it should come as no surprise that this site (formerly known as Meadow Camp) used to be a campground. While camping is no longer permitted, you can still enjoy an epic Oregon day at this pristine place.

A sunlit forest path surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
Steve Dean/Google Local

Because we guarantee you'll fall in love with it, and want to return to this perfect Oregon oasis again and again.

A person sits on a rocky ledge overlooking a serene river surrounded by tall pine trees and lush greenery.
Ja'lyn Griffith/Google Local

Learn more about this beautiful day use area in Oregon at the USDA Forest Service website. Please note, parking at this site requires a recreation pass, which can be purchased for $5 through the USDA website.

Looking for more adventures in Bend? You can't go wrong with a whitewater rafting excursion down the mighty Deschutes!

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