Deschutes River

Skip the line for the shuttle at Drake Park by renting an electric bicycle from a Bird Bikeshare stand on the east end of the park near Northwest Broadway Street. It's an easy 1.2-mile pedal back to the Park & Float. – Tim Neville

Exploring the Deschutes River

The Deschutes River originates in the Cascade Mountains' highlands and flows northward for approximately 175 miles before reaching the Columbia River. As it courses through Bend, it offers a stunning backdrop for various activities such as hiking, biking, paddle boarding, fishing, and sunbathing.

Floating the Deschutes River

One of the most popular summer activities is floating the Deschutes River on an inner tube. You can start at one of three parks near the Old Mill District—Riverbend, McKay, or Miller's Landing—and float approximately 1.5 miles downstream to Drake Park near downtown. On this leisurely float, you'll pass brick shops and an outdoor amphitheater in the Old Mill District, drift through manmade rapids (which can be bypassed by walking), and float past the backyards of homes in Bend's central neighborhoods. Besides the manmade rapids, there are no additional rapids on this stretch.

Visitor Experiences and Recommendations

This activity attracts over 250,000 people each summer. Past visitors highly recommend this experience, suggesting purchasing an inner tube from stores like Big Five for cost-effective, repeat adventures. Many visitors exit the river to hike back upstream and enjoy the whitewater park at McKay Park, which features a series of gentle drops suitable for kids yet exciting for adults. Additionally, surfers frequent a separate river channel to ride a manmade wave.

Cost and Equipment Rentals

Floating along the river and accessing the whitewater park is free. You have the option to bring your own inner tube or rent one from nearby vendors. For about $26, you can get a two-hour rental that includes a shuttle pass and a life jacket. Tumalo Creek is one outfitter offering such rentals.

Ride the River Shuttle

The most convenient way to float the Deschutes River is by using the Ride the River shuttle. The shuttle operates from the Park & Float parking lot at the intersection of Simpson Avenue and Bradbury Way. The route includes a put-in at Riverbend Park and a takeout at Drake Park, with a stop at the Park & Float. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes from 11 am to 7:30 pm, seven days a week, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. An all-day shuttle ticket costs around $4, purchasable via the Umo app on a smartphone or with exact change for the driver. The shuttle is equipped with a trailer for hauling inner tubes. The stretch from Riverbend to Drake Park is the most favored and typically takes about 90 minutes.