The Pine Nursery Park Trail is a nearly 2 mile paved loop that meanders through a juniper forest and 158 acre community park. The trail offers vistas of the Three Sisters mountain peaks, Pilot Butte and Mt. Bachelor Butte, and it connects to both a fishing pond and a major irrigation canal. Dogs must be kept on-leash but a large off-leash area is available at the park.
The main trailhead is located at the end of a large parking lot which also serves a sports complex in the park. Drinking fountains and portable toilets are available seasonally. In addition to the paved trail, a parallel natural surface trail is available for fitness activity and mountain bikes.
From Bend, take the Empire exit off of US 97 and head east on Empire Avenue to its terminus at NE Purcell Boulevard. Turn left on Purcell and go approximately 0.25 mile to the Pine Nursery Park entrance (which is a shared driveway with Ponderosa Elementary School). Follow the park access road straight to the parking lot and sports complex. There is a trailhead kiosk at the east end of the parking lot, although the trail system can be accessed from a number of locations within the park.
Many parts of paved trail is bumpy with tree roots.
Very nice beginner/children/senior trail loop. Paved and mostly gentle grades, very accessible. Lots of parking in a new community park setting. Very popular for leashed dog walking, with off-leash area adjacent. Excellent sample of high desert landscape with pine/juniper forest for shade. Big turf areas also available for sports and picnicking.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!