When the temperatures in Oregon heat up, it’s time to head to one of our lakes or rivers to cool off. If you’re in the Bend area, the Deschutes is probably calling your name! River floating is open, and it’s time to hop on a tube for a summer adventure.
Are you ready to cool off in the river? The Deschutes awaits, and river floating is open.
Bend Park & Recreation District/Facebook
Before you start your river adventure, you’ll want to be prepared. Bring a lifejacket, or rent one for free at Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe. You’ll also want to wear water shoes and plenty of sunscreen.
Bend Park & Recreation District/Facebook
Bring your own tube or rent one from local vendors. In 2020, Riverbend Park will not offer tube rentals. Also, shuttle services are not running this summer, so be prepared to walk up to two miles from your parking spot.
Bend Park & Recreation District/Facebook
Choose from three different float routes. The first is a short, 45-minute float that takes you from Riverbend Park to McKay Park.
Bend Park & Recreation District Park across from the Pavilion, then walk one mile to the put-in area.
This route takes 75-90 minutes to complete, including the time it takes to walk to and from your car. You can choose to ride the rapids, or hop out right before the Colorado Avenue Bridge.
Bend Park & Recreation District/Facebook
Float on the second route for 45 minutes, when you start at McKay Park and float to Drake Park.
Bend Park & Recreation District
McKay Park is just a 0.2-mile walk from the Pavilion. If you want to avoid the rapids, this short float might be the best choice. As you approach Galveston Avenue Bridge, move to the right side of the river and exit at the Drake Park beach.
Summer Chang/Google
For the longest floating adventure in the Deschutes River, take the third route.
Bend Park & Recreation District
Start at Riverfront Park…
Ben Bryan/Google
…and if you’re up for some excitement, ride the rapids!
Bend Park & Recreation District/Facebook
As you go through the Fish Ladder, you’ll ride right over some rocks, so make sure you have a heavy-duty tube and not a skimpy pool float.
Bend Park & Recreation District/Facebook
The river changes quite a bit throughout your trip. If you want to avoid the rapids, you can hop out right before the Colorado Avenue Bridge, then take a short walk downriver to McKay Park and hop back in.
Jeff Morris/Google
While the rapids are fun and exciting, you’ll also have a blast on the lazier stretches of the Deschutes.
Clarissa B/Google
This adventure is the perfect way to hang out with friends and family in the fresh air!
Bend Park & Recreation District/Facebook
River floating is different for 2020 due to concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic, so make sure to visit the park’s website for updates.
Bend Park & Recreation District/Facebook
Visit the Bend Metro Parks & Rec website to learn more.
Bend Park & Recreation District/Facebook
Bend Park & Recreation District
Park across from the Pavilion, then walk one mile to the put-in area.
Summer Chang/Google
Ben Bryan/Google
Jeff Morris/Google
Clarissa B/Google
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Address: Bend, OR 97702, USAAddress: 777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR 97701, USAAddress: 166 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr, Bend, OR 97702, USA
