E.L.V. is the mountain biking trail named after Eric L. Vickers, past president of COTA. Eric originally built the E.L.V. trail and upon completion wanted to include an elf statue along the trail to protect future riders. Unable to find an elf anywhere in Bend, a friend stumbled upon an 18lb concrete gnome in a thrift store in Portland and brought it back to Eric who then secured it to a stump along E.L.V. The gnome stood guard on the trail for a few years until the Forest Service decided to remove it. Afterwich local riders began to hide multiple smaller gnomes all along the trail. By our last count, there are more than 10 along the trail, how many can you find??

The artwork known as “Phoenix Rising,” created by Frank Boyden in 2002, has become a significant landmark in Bend’s history of public art installations. Although the artist intended for it to be referred to as “Phoenix Rising,” the local community has affectionately adopted the moniker “Flaming Chicken,” originating as an insult but now widely embraced. A miniature version of the piece, frequently adorned with Mardi Gras beads, can also be seen at a prominent intersection (KGB, Phil’s Trail, and Expressway) within the Phil’s Trail complex. This unique piece stands as a testament to the evolution of public perception and the enduring impact of public art.

Phil’s Trails are a nationally renowned mountain biking destination. It began as a simple deer trail in the late 1970s and early 1980s, discovered and ridden by pioneers of mountain biking in Central Oregon, including Phil Meglasson. Today, the Phil’s Trail Network is maintained by the Central Oregon Trail Alliance and comprises a wide variety of singletrack options, attracting over 10,000 mountain bikers annually. Phil’s Trail serves as a testament to the persistence and hard work of early mountain biking pioneers and COTA who transformed USFS and BLM land into a world-renowned biking destination.

Bend has relied on groundwater and surface water to supply drinking water to local taps since 1926. These aging pipelines required replacement. The $70 million Bridge Creek Water Supply and Treatment Plant project (circa 2015) included a 10-mile-long, 30-inch pipeline installed underneath Skyliners Road (which you’ll be crossing over at mile 15). The intake at Bridge Creek, near Tumalo Falls, is the highest operating intake in the Northwest. The intake building addresses seismic risk and fire protection. Pumps send heated water to the intake screen to prevent frazil ice buildup—a design first in the state of Oregon. Intake controls allow the City to reduce diversion when water is not needed, helping to maintain healthy fish habitat. The new automated Outback Water filtration facility (near FS 4606 and Skyliners) guarantees 10 million gallons of water per day to City residents.

A hidden gem of Skyline Ranch Road, where local artist Douglas Robertson has added a brilliant touch to the retaining walls under the bridge. Doug’s imaginative mural “Women of Discovery” showcases his intricate stencil work, vibrant color choices, and expert spray painting technique. Take a strop along the trail and be inspired by the trailblazing women of history who grace the walls. Fun little fact, all the women featured in the mural, are also honored with street names of the surrounding housing development.

In 2019, the Community Garden at Northwest Crossing’s Discovery Park became a valuable asset of the Bend Park and Recreation district. The garden is sustained by the expertise of the Oregon State University Extension Service and OSU Master Gardeners, who provide personalized support and a range of classes to gardeners throughout the growing season which begins in April. The 51-bed garden offers a rare opportunity for individuals with limited space to cultivate their own flowers and vegetables, and to become a part of the larger gardening community. This area represents a unique and enriching resource for the local community.