Riley Ranch Nature Preserve is a 184 acre natural area that offers hiking trails and scenic views near the northwest edge of Bend. Please note that dogs and bikes are not allowed at Riley Ranch.
To reach the preserve you’ll travel north from Bend on O.B. Riley Road, then head west on Glen Vista Road until turning left onto the park road. A small parking lot and vault toilet are found at the trailhead.
The preserve features forests of pine and juniper, wide open meadows, views of the nearby Cascade Mountains, and a rugged canyon stretch of the Deschutes River. Of course you have a fair chance of spotting some wildlife or migratory birds within the nature preserve, something the no dogs policy helps with.
The best way to explore Riley Ranch is by hiking one (or all) of the trails.
The .7 mile Juniper Loop is the easiest trail and features open meadow land and the Ben Newkirk Mountain Overlook. The Sage Flat Loop Trail (.9 miles) can be added in conjunction with the Juniper Loop to extend the hike as well as hit a few more spectacular viewpoints.
Lastly the 1.25 mile Canyon Loop Trail is the most rugged trail within the preserve and features a vast change from the open meadow land above. This trail takes hikers down into the canyon and through beautiful pine forest and alongside a section of the Deschutes River.
Regardless of how you choose to explore Riley Ranch Nature Preserve you can’t go wrong!
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