Meet up for a CITO @ Farewell Bend Park
(Posted Coordinates)
Friday, March 13th, 2026
3:30PM - 4:30PM
Now that you're rested from our January and February CITO's, join us to pick up litter around Farewell Bend Park. Come add to your year and give a little back to the community!
The posted coordinates take you to the park where you can fill up your CITO bags. You will be cleaning up any litter in the park, across the foot bridge or wherever you want to go on the river trail. There is plenty of parking close to the coordinates.
Origins of the Name "Farewell Bend"
Farewell Bend Park in Bend, Oregon, is deeply tied to the very origins of the city's name. Its history spans from being a vital river crossing for Indigenous peoples to its role as a pioneer ranch and, finally, a modern recreation space.
Long before European settlers arrived, the area was a gathering place and a fordable crossing point for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Wascoes, and Paiutes. In the 1870s, pioneers heading west used this specific bend in the Deschutes River as a campsite and a place to ford the water. It became known as "Farewell Bend" because it was the point where travelers bid farewell to the river before venturing into the more desolate high desert terrain to the west.
In the early 20th century, the park's location became part of Bend's industrial heart. In 1915, a fish hatchery was built on the east bank of the Deschutes River, near where the park stands today.
The surrounding area was dominated by two massive timber companies, Brooks-Scanlon and Shevlin-Hixon, which operated on opposite sides of the river. The "lumber mill" themed playground currently in the park is a direct tribute to this era when Bend was one of the largest timber-producing regions in the world.
Farewell Bend Park as it exists today was developed by the Bend Park and Recreation District to preserve river access and celebrate local history.
Key Features: The park features the Bill Healy Memorial Bridge, which connects it to Riverbend Park.
Historical Markers: Throughout the park, visitors can find interpretive signage and symbols (like a renovated covered wagon) that explain the site’s significance to the Oregon Trail and the development of the city.
The CITO Project
To clean up Farewell Bend Park
SCHEDULE:
3:30 pm meet at the posted coordinates. You will be provided with a bag and gloves!
3:30pm to 4:30pm We will walk around the area to pick up any litter.
At the end of the event we will collect all the full bags for disposal!
WEATHER:
Weather in March is usually cool but as this is Oregon, the weather can be unpredictable. Dress like you would for caching in the area.
WHAT WE WILL BRING:
Bags and light gloves
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING:
Dress for working outdoors Flip flops and shorts are not a great idea! Snowshoes might be a better idea!
Also……
Sunscreen, yes even in winter!
A hat
Jean and DeWayne
What better way to give back to your community than by hosting or attending a Cache In Trash Out® (CITO) Event in 2026?
CITOs are one of the many ways geocachers can help their local communities—and the planet—through geocaching.
Since 2002, more than 875,000 geocachers have attended over 50,000 CITO Events across 160 countries. That’s 50,000 opportunities to give back to your local community. Geocachers who attend a CITO Event during either CITO season will earn a corresponding seasonal CITO Souvenir.
The 2026 CITO dates:
- CITO Season 1: Sunday, March 1 through Sunday, May 31, 2026.
- CITO Season 2: Tuesday, September 1 through Monday, November 30, 2026.
Attend at least one CITO Event during either season to earn the CITO Season 1 or CITO Season 2 souvenir. Attend an Event during both seasons to earn both souvenirs.
