Facility · Oregon ·
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management
Prineville Deschutes Field Office (Bureau of Land Management OR) · Open Access

An oasis sits just east of Bend: a small 12-acre pond surrounded by old juniper and dusty trails. Tall willow and cattails offer a lush green vista in a sea of desert brown. Visitors can pass through to access the north side of the Oregon Badlands Wilderness or spend the day at the pond, enjoying the sunshine and fishing for sunfish, largemouth bass and brown bullheads. The 0.75 mile walking trail around the pond provides access to spots for picnicking and floating. Bring a tent and tuck yourself back amid the basalt rock for a primitive night of camping.
This pond was built to hold excess water from the Central Oregon Irrigation District canal system. It has been stocked for fishing and the state record redear sunfish was caught here at almost two pounds!
From Bend, Oregon: Drive 14 miles east on Alfalfa Market Road. Turn right on Johnson Road just before the Alfalfa Market Store. At one mile, when the road turns sharply to the right, bear left toward the transfer station. Continue off of the pavement and follow the gravel road about 0.6 miles to the pond.
44.05925, -121.01615 · 44°3'33.3"N 121°0'58.1"W
Typically 82°F in Jul, down to 41°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 42 | 45 | 51 | 57 | 65 | 72 | 82 | 82 | 74 | 62 | 48 | 41 |
| Low °F | 24 | 25 | 28 | 31 | 38 | 43 | 49 | 49 | 42 | 34 | 28 | 23 |
| Precip in | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 1.1 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
No Fees.
Stay limit: 14 Days.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.


Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-05-14.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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