Mirror Pond, body of water
Mirror Pond is a narrow reservoir in downtown Bend, Oregon, fed by the Deschutes River and contained between two dams. The water body stretches roughly a mile and is surrounded by walking paths, small islands with trees, and benches where visitors can watch the still surface and observe waterfowl including a pair of swans.
The reservoir was created in 1910 when a local power company built a dam on the Deschutes River to generate electricity for the growing city. Over more than a century, it has remained a defining feature of Bend's landscape and community life.
The pond's name comes from its smooth, mirror-like surface that reflects the sky and surrounding landscape. Today it serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors walk the banks, watch waterbirds including a pair of swans from England, and enjoy quiet moments near the water.
The pond is located close to downtown Bend and accessible via several parks including Drake Park, which has walking trails circling the water. Visit in early morning or late afternoon when the area is quieter and the light best highlights the water's reflections.
The pond is home to a pair of swans originally from Queen Elizabeth's royal swannery in England, creating a surprising link between Oregon's landscape and British royal history. These birds have become an iconic feature that visitors often come specifically to see and photograph.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
