<p> While visiting Bend recently, I was looking for a 1-2 hour trail run near the city, one that I could get to quickly from downtown and without using a car. I poked around online and found this great article from <a href="http://bendwild.com/2009/11/bend-oregons-deschutes-river-trail-first-street-rapids-an-urban-trail-oasis/" target="_blank">BendWild.com</a>. Using some additional beta from the excellent <a href="http://www.bendparksandrec.org/" target="_blank">Bend Park and Rec site</a>&nbsp;and of course Google Maps, I was able to quickly find the trailhead a<a href="http://www.bendparksandrec.org/.docs/park_id/10019/pg/10463" target="_blank">t First Street Rapids Park</a>. After a short walk through the city, I was soon trail running along the Deschutes River. The path is excellent for running or biking as it is hard pact sand/dirt, but not has enough give to be comfy for runners. I saw some great wildlife including birds, kayakers on the river, nice homes dotted along the river and were it not for the hazy conditions views of the Cascades.&nbsp;</p> <p> Out and back was about 8 miles and it was a perfect way to spend a few hours to breaking up our time strolling through town. We hit up an excellent local lunch spot, <a href="http://barriobend.com/" target="_blank">Barrio Bend</a>, for some mushroom tacos and the Quinoa, Black Bean & Citrus Salad. What an afternoon!</p>