{"id":6045,"date":"2023-10-23T16:52:04","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T23:52:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitbend.com\/?p=6045"},"modified":"2024-01-12T10:48:04","modified_gmt":"2024-01-12T18:48:04","slug":"disc-golf-in-bend-oregon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visitbend.com\/journal\/disc-golf-in-bend-oregon\/","title":{"rendered":"Disc golf in Bend, Oregon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A scenic hole-in-one destination for disc enthusiasts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With 14 Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) accredited courses within an hour\u2019s drive of downtown Bend, not to mention a craft brewery<\/a> founded by world champion disc golfers, Central Oregon is a hot spot for disc golf in the Mountain West. And it\u2019s no wonder why. The unambiguously beautiful landscape in the region is a fantastic backdrop for this laid back leisure sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nate<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although the game is built on the same foundations as ball golf, disc golf is perhaps as distant from a cultural perspective as it gets. Most rounds are free, there is no dress code, and equipment is often limited to a handful of brightly colored plastic discs (sometimes known as Frisbees, but don’t call it frisbee golf or “frolf” to serious players). Nonetheless, many of the same basic logistics for scouting out the best courses and fitting in a round still apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s our guide to some of the best local courses. All are open to the public and nearly all are free. Just keep in mind that you really can\u2019t go wrong\u2014and what do you have to lose?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Pro Tip<\/h3>

Purchasing your own equipment is always a good move when you play a sport regularly and know you have a lot of time to invest in that sport. This is especially true for a sport with equipment as inexpensive as disc golf. Great local resources for purchase are Mountain Supply<\/a>, The Gear Fix<\/a>, and REI<\/a>. But if you need equipment or are unsure about your commitment to the sport, you can always choose to rent. Sunriver Homeowners Course and Black Butte Ranch offer on-site rentals for $5.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

18-hole disc golf courses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pine Nursery<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Among the iconic high desert terrain on the east side of Bend is Pine Nursery Park<\/a>. It\u2019s a flagship park within the Bend Park and Recreation District and features one of the area’s most popular disc golf courses. With mostly flat terrain and only a handful of juniper trees to navigate, the course is certainly beginner friendly. Though more experienced players also have a good time on this full-length course.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mt. Bachelor Alpine Disc Golf Course<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of the area\u2019s more unique courses, this 18-hole disc course begins atop Mt. Bachelor<\/a> and works its way down the alpine terrain to finish near the West Village Lodge. Between the dramatic elevation loss, the extreme terrain, and the high elevation, this is not the most beginner-friendly course. But the views of the surrounding mountains and lakes are well worth the effort. Make sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes for this one, as the lava rock on the course can be highly abrasive. Also ensure you have your water and sunscreen for this high alpine course that\u2019s only open in the summer. The only opportunities for refreshments are at the Pine Mountain and West Village lodges at the beginning and end of the course, when they are open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please also note that a lift ticket is required to access Hole 1, unless you are up for the ~1,500 foot hike to get to the first tee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hyzer Pines<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Hyzer Pines<\/a> is a full-length course just outside of Sisters, that meanders through the ponderosa pine and sage flats beside Sisters High School. Mostly flat, the course features a singular water hazard, with padded tees. Hyzer Pines is one of the most popular courses near Bend, for its ease of access and sheer beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coyote\u2019s Den<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In the shadow of Smith Rock State Park, among the inspiring Crooked River Canyon is Coyote\u2019s Den<\/a>. It\u2019s a full-length course located on the Crooked River Ranch property. Mixed juniper forest, loose soil, and some elevation gain make this a more active and challenging course than others in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paulina View<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of Central Oregon\u2019s newer courses, Paulina View, offers a full-length Par 59 playing experience just outside of LaPine. Several holes feature substantial lodgepole pine tree coverage next to the fairways, so expect a bit more challenge than other parks closer to Bend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Disc<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

9-hole disc golf courses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Skyline Sports Complex<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Nestled into an undeveloped pocket between a school and a small neighborhood on Bend\u2019s westside, the disc golf course at Skyline Park<\/a> features a natural forest feel despite its proximity to town. This course is playable from November 1 to February 28, as it\u2019s a temporary pilot program to test a seasonal course at this location. This course features slight elevation, with mixed ponderosa and sagebrush throughout. It\u2019s fairly technical, so it may not be the best option for more novice players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rockridge Park<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Rockridge Park<\/a> features a 9-hole course with two separate tee locations for each hole. This course offers a variation that simulates an 18-hole course for those who want a bit more challenge than the standard 9-hole round. Located on Bend\u2019s NE side, it has incredible mountain views interrupted only by sparsely populated juniper and sage forest, making this a great beginner to intermediate-level course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seventh Mountain Resort<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This course sits on the edge of the Deschutes National Forest, just above the Deschutes River Canyon. It\u2019s a short course on the Seventh Mountain Resort<\/a> property that offers perceived seclusion among the pine forest with easy access from the heart of Bend.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The course is a quick play with all par 3 holes and is all easily walkable. Although play is free, the resort asks guests to check in at The Outfitter before teeing off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sundance Meadows<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is one of the few disc golf courses in the Bend area that is not free for the public. But at just $5 a play, it is still very affordable for a solid day of recreation. Sundance Meadows<\/a> is a member-owned RV park and ranch southeast of Bend that provides grand mountain views and relatively technical play. The course is set among the sage and juniper, with sections of the course being densely forested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunriver Disc Golf Course<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The community of Sunriver is known for its lush golf courses among the ponderosa forests beside the Deschutes River. So it should come as no surprise that the disc golf<\/a> here is also a hit. Although just a 9-hole course is currently available, this Par 27 course has a lot to offer. Rental equipment is available from the SHARC, and a great beer or meal isn\u2019t far after the round is over, with several eateries in the Sunriver Plaza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry Canyon Disc Golf Course<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Another stellar option for a mellow round of disc golf, Redmond\u2019s Dry Canyon Park<\/a> boasts a well-developed 9-hole course. The course is bordered by steep rock and sage walls on one side and the paved Dry Canyon path on the other. A dog park and bathrooms are available at the start. The most persistent challenge on this course is the frequent wind through the canyon, particularly in the spring and fall months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Black Butte Ranch<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Sandwiched between jaw-dropping views of the Three Sisters and Black Butte, you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019re in a painting as you work your way around Black Butte’s 9-hole course<\/a>. About a 20-minute drive from the town of Sisters, this course requires a bit of a commute if you are not staying at the resort. But resort amenities are plentiful, like available rental equipment, and the views make the effort worthwhile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rimrock Park Disc Golf Course<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The course to play in Prineville, Rimrock<\/a> is a relatively new option near Meadow Lakes Golf Course. This 9-hole course can be deceptively challenging, with its proximity to the Crooked River proving a worthy hazard and a central part of this course\u2019s beauty. Just keep your eyes on the basket, and you\u2019ll be fine! Or maybe you\u2019ll end up taking a dip in the river on a hot August day. Life could be worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Juniper Hills Disc Golf Course<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Juniper Hills Park<\/a> in Madras offers another 9-hole option with alt tees offering a stretch variation to make 18-hole simulation possible. The course features breathtaking mountain views and mowed fairways. This course is challenging for its size, though less experienced players can still find a great time here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n \n

Disc golf courses in and around Bend, Oregon<\/h2>
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n