Bend is one of our favorite Beaver State towns, and it's a particularly perfect place to visit and go floating on a hot, summer day in the PNW. But before you load up the car and head out to one of Oregon's coolest waterparks, keep in mind that one of the best lazy rivers in Oregon to go tubing is the Deschutes River! So grab your friends and bring your sense of adventure when you book a lazy river tubing trip down the Deschutes. This summer float adventure takes you from Riverbend Park to Drake Park, and it's the perfect summer day trip!
When the temperatures are toasty, it's time to hop in the river for a tubing trip! If you're looking for a fun way to cool off during the dog days of summer in Oregon, this is it.
Since parking can be difficult, especially on hot, summer days, park in the Park + Float lot and take the Ride the River Shuttle.
The Deschutes is no place for a wimpy pool toy floatie. Bring a heavy-duty float tube, or rent one from Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe.
This wonderful adventure outfitter in Bend will hook you up with a two-hour tube rental and a shuttle wristband, and answer any questions you might have. They also offer free lifejacket rentals for kids and adults.
You will start your adventure at Bend's gorgeous Riverbend Park. There's a put-in spot that makes it easy to hop into your tube.
You'll want to wear some sturdy, waterproof shoes, a hat, and some sunglasses. Make sure to slather yourself with sunscreen, as the rays can get kind of intense on the river! Kids ages 12 and younger must wear a lifejacket, and it's always a good idea for adults to sport a lifejacket, too.
It's like a party on the river on summer days here. Float along with your friends, and have a blast during your epic tubing trip in beautiful Bend, Oregon.
At the Colorado Avenue Bridge, you'll get to some rapids. You'll want to decide ahead of time whether you're going to go right through them, or hop out and walk down the river to McKay Park to hop back in.
There's a series of 12 rapids, and they're kind of bumpy. If you're not sure whether or not to ride through the rapids, hop out and take a look at them first.
You'll float all the way down to Drake Park, where you'll find the little beach to hop out.
Plan about two hours for the float from Riverbend Park to Drake Park.
A few things to remember: alcohol is not allowed on the river, but you should bring your reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on your tubing adventure. Make sure to keep your personal items secure, and don't throw any litter into the water.
We want to keep this beauty floatable for decades to come!
Have you floated the Deschutes? Tell us about your Oregon tubing adventure on this beautiful river. Or if you have other favorite lazy rivers in Oregon, let us know those, too!
If you're looking for more ways to cool off this summer, visit this outdoor water playground in Eugene. Or, for even more trip ideas, check out our Oregon summer adventure guide.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oregon/amazon-pool-or/
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