Mirror Pond Bend Oregon
Iconic reflection point in Bend, Oregon, known for its 'Lululemon logo' shaped bend and stunning mountain backdrops.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for reflections
Mirror Pond Bend Oregon
Best Time
Magical light for reflections
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic reflection point in Bend, Oregon, known for its 'Lululemon logo' shaped bend and stunning mountain backdrops.
"A quiet and peaceful paradise with beautiful reflections and abundant wildlife."
📸 Capture the Reflections
Visit during golden hour for the best light and mirror-like water. Weekday mornings are ideal for fewer crowds.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the trails around Mirror Pond and Drake Park. You'll want to wander! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mirror Pond Reflections
Downtown Bend, near Drake Park
Witness the iconic 'Lululemon logo' shaped bend, perfectly mirroring the surrounding mountains and sky. A photographer's dream!
Drake Park Serenity
Adjacent to Mirror Pond
Stroll through this beautiful park with ample green space, mature trees, and scenic riverfront views. Ideal for picnics and leisurely walks.
Deschutes River Wildlife
Along Mirror Pond and Deschutes River
Spot ducks, geese, and swans in their natural habitat. The two swans are famously from England, originating from Queen Elizabeth's royal swannery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Mirror Pond
Embrace the Outdoors in Bend
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Reflections
Visit during golden hour for the best light and mirror-like water. Weekday mornings are ideal for fewer crowds. 
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the trails around Mirror Pond and Drake Park. You'll want to wander! :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of grassy areas and shade make it a great spot for a picnic lunch. Enjoy the views! :sandwich:
🦢 Wildlife Watching
Keep an eye out for ducks, geese, and the famous swans. They are a highlight for many visitors. :duck:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Reflections
Visit during golden hour for the best light and mirror-like water. Weekday mornings are ideal for fewer crowds.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the trails around Mirror Pond and Drake Park. You'll want to wander! :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of grassy areas and shade make it a great spot for a picnic lunch. Enjoy the views! :sandwich:
🦢 Wildlife Watching
Keep an eye out for ducks, geese, and the famous swans. They are a highlight for many visitors. :duck:
🍺 Local Brews Nearby
Bend Brewing Company overlooks Mirror Pond, offering a great spot to relax with a craft beer after exploring. :beer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mirror Pond for its serene beauty and picturesque reflections, often highlighting it as a peaceful paradise. The park offers ample space for picnics and leisurely walks, with abundant wildlife adding to the charm. While generally loved, some visitors note that it can get crowded during peak times.
"Beautiful park. You can see the mountains. Plenty of grassy areas, trees, tables, and areas to walk around. Fun to watch the ducks and geese."
Mia Jones
"Quiet and peaceful paradise"
Leo L
"Peaceful walk and beautiful neighborhood :)"
Mark Ulysse (Mark)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mirror Pond is located in downtown Bend, Oregon, adjacent to Drake Park. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available in the downtown area. Many visitors also enjoy walking or biking to the pond, especially from nearby hotels or the Old Mill District.
Yes, there are public bus routes that serve the downtown Bend area, which is within walking distance of Mirror Pond. Check with local transit authorities for specific route information and schedules.
Absolutely! Bend is a very bike-friendly city, and there are numerous bike paths and lanes that lead to Drake Park and Mirror Pond. Bike racks are available in the vicinity.
Parking can be found in various downtown Bend lots and street parking. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially on weekends, to secure a convenient spot.
Yes, Mirror Pond is part of a beautiful, walkable area. The paths around the pond and through Drake Park are well-maintained and offer scenic views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mirror Pond and the surrounding Drake Park are public spaces and do not require an entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy the scenery freely.
Mirror Pond and Drake Park are open to the public from dawn until dusk. There are no specific closing times for the natural areas, though nearby businesses will have their own hours.
There are no admission fees for Mirror Pond or Drake Park. Any costs would be related to parking in downtown Bend or activities like dining at nearby establishments.
Yes, fishing is permitted along the Deschutes River banks near Mirror Pond. Remember to check and adhere to Oregon's fishing regulations and licensing requirements.
Drake Park and the areas around Mirror Pond are generally accessible, with paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Some natural trails may be less accessible.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light for capturing reflections. Autumn also provides stunning fall colors.
You can capture beautiful landscape shots, reflections of the mountains and sky, wildlife (ducks, geese, swans), and the charming downtown Bend skyline.
Drone usage regulations can vary. While some drone footage exists, it's crucial to check current FAA and local park regulations before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and reflections. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light photography during golden hours.
The main viewpoints are along the riverbanks in Drake Park, offering unobstructed views of the pond and its reflections. The bridge crossing the Deschutes River also provides a good vantage point.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy leisurely walks, picnicking, wildlife viewing, photography, and fishing. The adjacent Drake Park offers more open space for relaxation.
Yes, Mirror Pond and Drake Park are very family-friendly. Kids can enjoy watching the ducks and geese, and there are plenty of open spaces for them to play.
Mirror Pond itself is generally not used for swimming or boating due to its nature as a reflection pond and its proximity to the Deschutes River's currents. However, the Deschutes River is popular for rafting and kayaking further downstream.
Restroom facilities are available within Drake Park, making it convenient for visitors spending extended time in the area.
You can commonly see ducks, geese, and swans. The swans are particularly notable, with a unique origin story tied to Queen Elizabeth's royal swannery.
🍽️ 🍺 Food & Dining
Yes, Mirror Pond is located in downtown Bend, which has a vibrant dining scene. You can find numerous restaurants, cafes, and breweries within walking distance.
Absolutely! Mirror Pond and Drake Park are ideal spots for picnics. There are grassy areas, some with shade, perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors.
Bend Brewing Company is located right on Mirror Pond and is a popular spot. Deschutes Brewery is also a well-known brewery in Bend, though its main pub is a short drive away.
Yes, downtown Bend has several charming cafes and coffee shops where you can grab a drink or a snack before or after visiting Mirror Pond.
The downtown Bend area offers a wide range of culinary options, from casual pub fare and pizza to more upscale dining experiences, catering to various tastes and budgets.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The open grassy areas in Drake Park are perfect for running around, playing games, or having a picnic. The paved paths are also stroller-friendly, making it easy to navigate with little ones. Consider bringing some breadcrumbs (in moderation!) to feed the waterfowl, but always check local guidelines on feeding wildlife. Nearby, you can find family-friendly dining options, including casual eateries and breweries with outdoor seating that often welcome children. The relaxed atmosphere of Mirror Pond makes it a stress-free outing for parents looking for a beautiful and engaging natural space for their children to explore.
📸 Photographers and Nature Enthusiasts
+2 The surrounding natural beauty, including the Deschutes River and the distant Cascade Mountains, provides a diverse range of subjects. Autumn is a particularly magical time, with vibrant foliage adding another layer of visual interest. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the tranquil environment and the opportunity to observe local wildlife. The presence of swans, ducks, and geese makes for engaging wildlife photography and simple enjoyment of nature. The well-maintained trails in Drake Park allow for peaceful walks and immersion in the scenic surroundings. Remember to bring your camera and perhaps a tripod for those low-light golden hour shots.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Picnickers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Reflection: Mirror Pond's Charm
+2Many visitors are captivated by the tranquility and beauty of Mirror Pond. The presence of local wildlife, including ducks, geese, and the famous swans, adds to the serene atmosphere. These swans, with their unique lineage tracing back to Queen Elizabeth's royal swannery in England, are a point of fascination for many. The pond is not just a visual delight but also a vibrant ecosystem within the urban landscape.
For the best photographic opportunities, timing is crucial. Early mornings and late afternoons, known as the 'golden hours,' offer the most magical light, enhancing the reflective qualities of the water and casting a warm glow over the landscape. While the pond is beautiful year-round, autumn brings a spectacular display of fall colors, further enhancing its visual appeal.
+2Exploring Drake Park and the Deschutes River
The Deschutes River itself is a central feature of the area, offering opportunities for various activities. While Mirror Pond is primarily for viewing and wildlife observation, the river downstream is popular for whitewater rafting and fly fishing. For those looking to simply enjoy the water, the riverbanks provide accessible spots for fishing and observing the aquatic life. The combination of the tranquil pond and the dynamic river creates a diverse natural experience.
Drake Park is also a hub for community events and gatherings, especially during warmer months. Its accessibility and natural beauty make it a focal point for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're seeking a quiet spot for reflection or a place for family fun, Drake Park and the adjacent Mirror Pond offer a delightful outdoor experience in the heart of Bend.
Bend's Craft Beer Scene and Mirror Pond
+1Deschutes Brewery, another iconic Bend institution, has also featured its popular Mirror Pond Pale Ale, further cementing the connection between the local beer scene and this scenic landmark. While the main Deschutes Brewery pub might be a short drive away, its beers are widely available throughout Bend, including at establishments near Mirror Pond. Experiencing the local craft beer is an integral part of the Bend visitor experience.
For visitors looking to combine sightseeing with tasting, enjoying a craft beer from a brewery overlooking Mirror Pond offers a unique and memorable way to experience the essence of Bend. It's a chance to savor local flavors while soaking in the natural beauty that defines the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit