Run with Wilderness Press in Bend!

Trail running at Archie Briggs Canyon has it all—rivers, rapids, wildlife, and cliffside running all within a short drive from downtown Bend. Lucas Alberg, trail runner and author of Trail Running Bend and Central Oregon, favors this trail because of its diverse and eye-catching scenery.

If you live in Bend, we’ll be bringing this trail to life tomorrow! Wilderness Press has teamed up with the Teton Sports #YourLead van and Bounce Energy Balls to host a group run led by Lucas on Tuesday, June 28th at 6 p.m.

Whether you’re an accomplished trail runner or have never run in the dirt before, come on out and run with us! All paces are welcome, and no runner is left behind. We will have both 2-mile and 7.5-mile options.

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To run this well-graded out-and-back trail, start at the trailhead at First Street Rapids Park. If you’re coming from downtown, you can also start on the bridge at Pioneer Park.

The wide dirt road begins at a set of rapids (look for urban kayakers!), then follows the banks of the Deschutes River until you have to cross Mount Washington Drive. Once safely on the other side, weave quietly through some holes in River’s Edge Golf Course.

The trail enters Sawyer Park next; be sure to ignore any side junctions leading into the park, unless you want to detour and visit with some fly fishermen or picnickers.

After leaving the park, the trail begins to climb gently away from the river and crosses a few more roads. Don’t let the hill deter you, though. The views of Archie Briggs Canyon and the Cascade Mountains are well worth the effort.

If you’re looking to add some hills into your run, at 2.75 miles connect to the Archie Briggs Canyon Trail, a steep singletrack trail that creeps its way up through the gully and away from the larger canyon.

Hills aren’t for you? Stay straight on the trail until you reach its terminus at 3.8 miles; then turn around and head back to your car!