While on a recent trail run, with Debbie, I was stunned by the fall color in Shevlin Park, one of the true jewels in Bend’s park system. I’ve been there hundreds of times before but this time was different. During our usual Shevlin Park Trail Loop run, I found myself repeatedly stumbling while craning my neck for a better look at the outstanding fall color. I’ve never witnessed such a display there especially along Tumalo Creek near the far end of the loop trail. I returned three times specifically for photographic purposes and got better images than ever before from that location. Below is perhaps my favorite. I love the flow of the water, the color is of course excellent, and the fact that I was able to work a couple Ponderosa trees into the composition. Shevlin Park was thankfully spared from logging and therefore has a wonderful assortment of medium to old growth ponderosa trees. Including ponderosas in the composition helped capture what Shevlin Park means to me.Purchase this beautiful Print of Shevlin Park
Bend Oregon’s beautiful Shevlin Park and Tumalo Creek in Autumn
The above image was captured near the up stream end of the Shevlin Park Loop making it a little more than a short stroll to get there. The next image was taken closer to the park’s parking area. It shows Larch trees(sometimes referred to as tamarack trees) in vibrant autumn color framing the distant Tumalo Creek which runs through Shevlin Park. as many of you know, Larch trees are the only evergreen trees that lose their needles annually. Is that an oxymoron or what? Shortly before losing their needles they turn an attractive golden color.
Larch trees in autumn color along Shevlin Park’s Tumalo Creek in Bend, Oregon
Finally I’ll include a closer image of Tumalo Creek’s atractive flow pattern adorned by autumn color on both of its shores.
Autumn color along the banks of Shevlin Park’s Tumalo Creek
Hopefully, my large format images from these sessions will turn out as well as the digital versions and I’ll finally make a fine art print that does justice to one of my favorite Bend area locations. In the future, I hope to give quick accounts of some of my outings so that others can share in beautiful Central Oregon locations at their seasonal best. If you know of other hikers, trail runners, backpackers or outdoor enthusiasts who would like seasonal trail updates for the Central Oregon area, Please link them to the following website Bend Oregon Hiking.
I was just wondering what the date was for the pictures you took of shevlin park? I am thinking about getting married there (at Aspen Hall) in the fall and trying to decide which month would be the best for fall leaves! Thanks!
Hi Brooke,
I checked my notes and those shots were on the 20th of October. As you can imagine, the peak of fall color can be quite variable from one year to the next but the second and third weeks of October would probably be your best bet. I hope this helps and the wedding plans go well. Congratulations!
Mike
Mike,
I must take the time to thank you for posting these beautiful photos (wonderful photography by the way) I grew up in Bend< currently live in Orange County ca, and although I cannot complain about living next to the beach, every now and then i miss Bend – its friendly residents and of course the beautiful scenery. i was google imaging my old favorite parks and sites and stumbled across your page, your photographs are so beautiful they actually brought tears to my eyes .
thank you so much for sharing !
Hi Tess,
Thanks for the comments and kind words about my photography. Central Oregon may not be as warm as Orange county but it does have it’s fair share of beauty. As a landscape photographer here in Bend, I sometimes feel spoiled. Coincidentally,when I was first convinced I wanted to move to Bend 12 years ago it was a photo of Mirror Pond and Drake Park that won me over. I thought it was amazing to see glacier clad mountains framed over the beautiful Deschutes River all in downtown bend, Oregon. I now live two blocks away from Drake Park and I’m thankful every day. Shevlin Park is also one of my favorite trail running destinations. The combo of big trees, Tumalo Creek, and shade on a hot summer’s day are an irresistible draw on me. This past fall was by far the most stunning I’ve ever seen Shevlin Park. the fall color was truly stunning. Thanks again for your comments on my fine art photography.
All the best,
Mike Putnam