Few golf courses make you stop and take in the view before you swing, but River’s Edge in Bend, Oregon, does exactly that. Set along the Deschutes River with the Cascade Mountains in the distance, it offers golf in one of the most scenic spots in Central Oregon.
The course was designed by Robert Muir Graves, who shaped each hole to fit the natural land and offers some dramatic views.. You’ll notice fairways that follow the river, greens framed by tall pines, and tee boxes placed on hills that give you a wide look at the landscape. It’s a mix of challenge and beauty that keeps golfers coming back for a game of golf! It’s a very well thought out course design.
What players talk about most, though, are the views. From certain holes, you’ll catch the river winding below you. On others, you’ll see mountain peaks stretching across the horizon. Every round gives you something new to notice, whether it’s the water, the trees, or the light changing as the day goes on.
Picture yourself walking up to the next tee with a calm river nearby and mountains in the background. That’s what makes River’s Edge memorable, the game feels connected to the place.
Hole 3 – The River Bend Challenge
Hole 3 is perfect for those who want a challenge. You need to strategize for this one.
Hole 3 at River’s Edge is where strategy makes the difference. This par 4 bends slightly to the left, with the Deschutes River giving it an astounding view. This makes it one of the course’s most memorable spots.
From the tee, your target is just left of the mound sitting in the middle of the fairway. Play it safe and you’ll set yourself up well, but clear the mound and the natural slope will carry your ball forward, leaving you in perfect position for the approach. Miss to the right, though, and you’ll likely be staring at trees instead of the green.
Big hitters have a decision to make: push too far right, and a bunker awaits at about 262 yards from the blue tees. Accuracy matters more than power here.
The green itself is the real test. The green slopes forward with tricky tiers, so stay below the hole for an easier putt.
Hole 7 – Forested Fairway Escape
Hole 7 at River’s Edge is a par 3 that looks simple at first glance but plays much tougher than it appears. Set against a backdrop of tall trees, this hole feels tucked away in its own little corner of the course. Whether it’s summer with bright greens or fall with golden leaves, the setting makes this hole stand out in every season.
From the tee, you’re looking at a steep downhill shot to a narrow, multi-tiered green. The vertical drop makes distance tricky to judge. Most players will need to go down two clubs, think smooth seven iron instead of a firm eight. If you overshoot, though, you’re in real trouble with a sharp drop-off behind the green. A well-placed tee shot is what you are looking for.
The safe play is the middle of the green. Everything slopes hard to the right, so shots that land too close to the edge can roll away. Miss left, and you’ll find houses and out-of-bounds. Too much to the right, and you’re chasing your ball downhill toward trouble.
Use the red fire gate behind the green as your target line, it’s a reliable marker to square up your aim. The 150-yard marker is another guide, sitting just 139 yards from the front. Club selection and tier awareness are key here; landing on the wrong level makes putting a grind.
Hole 7 rewards patience and planning. Don’t force the birdie, play smart, stay in the middle, and take what the green gives you.
Hole 11 – Mountain Backdrop Delight
Step onto the tee at Hole 11, and you’ll immediately see why it’s one of the most talked-about spots on the course. The mountains stretch across the horizon, framing the fairway and green in a way that makes every shot feel like it belongs in a postcard. This is the kind of view that makes golf at River’s Edge unforgettable.
The hole itself is a short par 4, but don’t let that fool you. The green sits elevated and small, looking almost like a postage stamp from where you stand. It’s tempting to go after it, but smart players know the tee shot is about placement, not power. Aim for any area in the center. If you go towards the right, the angle will become difficult.
Miss right, and it’s a tough shot. However, the left side may help. Take the extra club uphill because short rolls back and long goes bad. Watch the pin and stay steady.
The green itself has tiers that can make or break your score. If the pin is tucked up top, check the map before you swing and plan your putt carefully. Staying below the hole is the safer play, and it gives you a chance to walk away with par or even set up a birdie look.
Hole 14 – The Water’s Edge Experience
Hole 14 is a par 5 that can swallow shots. Water lines part of the hole, and ponds sit near landing areas and the green, so every shot asks a question. The water makes the hole beautiful, with reflections in the morning, and it makes your scorecard nervous. There are plenty of water hazards on this hole!
Off the tee, pick a safe line. The fairway narrows, and the rough grabs balls. Big hitters often try to cut the corner on the second shot to reach the green, but only about one in five pulls it off. If you’re not sure, lay up to the natural landing zone and give yourself a clear approach.
Approaching the green, you’ll see a hidden target. The green sits up and slopes sharply from back to front. That slope can feed balls forward, so short is better than long. Keep the ball under the hole so putting is easier. Keep an eye out for the wind around trees and ponds. It is also better to use more club if it’s windy, but on calm days swing easy and stay short.
If you want to study the break, drive the cart up close and get a look from the green side when possible. Check the pin location before you hit and pick the club that gives you control, not extra distance. Bring an extra ball.
Hole 18 – The Signature Finish
The 18th at River’s Edge is the kind of finishing hole you don’t forget. A par 5 with a slight dogleg right, it delivers both a challenge and a view worth pausing for. From the green, you can see the river winding below, the course spread out behind you, and tall pines framing the sky. It’s the perfect backdrop to close out your round.
The tee shot is uphill and blind, so trust the line on the right side of the fairway mound. Too far right and you’re flirting with out-of-bounds, too far left and you’re adding distance. The fairway slopes gently toward the dogleg, giving you room to set up for either a bold shot at the green or a safer layup.
On approach, aim with care. A grove of trees and a tall ponderosa pine guard the right side, while water waits on the left and behind the green. The landing area narrows as you get closer, with a bunker sitting in front to catch anything short. Playing smart beats playing risky here.
The green itself is long and tricky, starting uphill, leveling at the ridge, then sloping to the back. Pin position can change everything; uphill putts are far kinder than downhill ones. When in doubt, stay short and give yourself an easier roll.
To finish strong, think strategy over power: steady drive, smart second shot, precise approach. Walk off with a par, and you’ll feel good. Steal a birdie, and you’ll remember it long after.
If you are wondering if you should switch golf balls, read our blog!
Tips for Enjoying the Scenic Golf Holes
- Best times for photos- Early mornings bring calm light and crisp views. Late afternoons add warm tones and dramatic shadows across the course. Think about the seasons as well, as the summer months will probably offer different looks than other times of the year.
- Walking vs. riding- Walking lets you soak in the trees, river, and shifting scenery. Riding is quicker, but you may miss some of the details.
- Photo etiquette- Take quick shots while waiting for your turn so the play isn’t slowed down. Wide-angle views of the fairway or water reflections make great photos.
Conclusion – Experience River’s Edge Yourself
From the river bend on Hole 3 to the sweeping finish on Hole 18, these holes showcase why River’s Edge is such a scenic course. Each one blends challenges with views you’ll remember long after the round. If you’re looking for a scenic golf hole, River’s Edge offers unforgettable views on every visit and a golf experience that you won ‘t forget. The nice thing about the course is that it is a public course, so anyone can play! Book a tee time and see it for yourself.