One of the popular river parks in the city of Bend attracts walkers, bicyclists, and plenty of kayakers. This striking river scene takes in the park's namesake, First Street Rapids. The park became an informal squirt boat launch site. Without a designated boat launch access, a long section of riverbank became eroded and unstable. A community project, lead by the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and assisted by the Clearwater Native Nursery, set out to save the riverbank. Embankment terraces, native plants and bluebunch wheatgrass were used in stabilization.
For those taken by this inviting Deschutes River scene, the First Street Rapids Trail follows along the river's edge, beginning at the First Street Rapids Park. This scenic section of river is bordered by a golf course, and covered in a natural mix of juniper, sage and ponderosa pine. At the halfway point, the trail begins to climb above the river valley. Here along the canyon rim, the trail leads to some stunning views of the Upper Deschutes.