The hardest question you’ll likely face on your next trip to Central Oregon isn’t whether to get on the water—but how. Paddle crystal-clear lakes in the shadow of volcanic peaks, float the Deschutes River through the heart of Bend, cast a line for our famous redsides, or get your heart pumping on our whitewater rapids. If you’d rather rest and relax, take a dip in cool swimming holes or lounge on the beach; there is no wrong way to enjoy some of the top summer activities in Central Oregon.
If you’re curious about all the ways to enjoy our lakes, rivers, rapids, and more, here’s a rundown of exciting water activities in Central Oregon:
Slather on sunscreen, put on a life jacket, and keep reading for more about our aquatic adventures.
Know Before You Go: Essential Central Oregon Water Safety
You’ll want to know a few water safety tips before hopping in the kayak or filling your motorboat’s gas tank:
- Life jackets are required for children 12 and younger whenever a boat or paddle craft is in motion—and are a good idea for all ages.
- If you’re taking your own canoe, kayak, raft, or stand-up paddleboard on the water, you are required to purchase a Waterway Access Permit.
- If you’re not renting gear to float the Deschutes River, invest in a high-quality, durable tube designed to withstand river rocks and other obstacles.
- Always practice the Leave No Trace principles when enjoying water activities in Oregon. That includes packing out what you pack in and leaving what you find.
Lazy Days & Whitewater Thrills on the Deschutes River
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a laid-back day kayaking around or want some fast-paced fun while whitewater rafting in Oregon, you’ll find plenty of aquatic activities to choose from on the Deschutes River. Here are a few ideas, along with how to get started.
Float the Deschutes River Like a Local
One of the most popular water activities in Oregon is to float the Deschutes River around Bend. The summer pastime is made easy with tube rentals, gear, and shuttles through local outfitter Tumalo Creek.
If you don’t need rentals or shuttles, consider putting in at Farewell Bend Park or Riverbend Park near the Old Mill District, heading through a series of rapids in Bend Whitewater Park, and taking out at Miller’s Landing Park or Drake Park near downtown Bend. Always be sure to respect all posted parking signs in the Old Mill District and around the waterfront.
If you’re closer to Sunriver, enjoy a six-mile Deschutes River float—complete with gear and transportation—through the Marina at Sunriver Resort.
Photo by Cody Rheault
Catching Waves at the Bend Whitewater Park
Options for Central Oregon water activities have expanded in recent years—and nowhere is that trend more clear than in the Bend Whitewater Park. There, three channels—two of which are open to the public—invite users to cool off in some really fun ways. The Fish Ladder channel is a series of small rapids for floaters and paddlers, while the Whitewater Channel lives up to its billing with four wave features geared toward whitewater paddlers and surfers. (Each summer, the Bend Park and Recreation District offers occasional lessons to help beginner river surfers get to know the rapids.) If you’d like to learn more, check out our guide to Bend Whitewater Park.
Guided Whitewater Rafting in Oregon’s Deep Canyons
Get your adrenaline pumping with a guided rafting trip on the Deschutes River. Bend whitewater rafting options range from fast-paced, beginner-friendly rapids just outside of town to a variety of outings on the Lower Deschutes River near Maupin. Choose among half-day and full-day trips geared toward paddlers of all experience levels—all of which head through khaki-colored canyons and offer some of the best rafting in Oregon.
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding in the Cascade Lakes
Just southwest of Bend, more than a dozen glassy Cascade Lakes reside beneath some of our most iconic peaks. We couldn’t begin to highlight every last lake worth your time, but here are a few local favorites to inspire a picture-perfect paddling trip.
Gliding Across Sparks Lake
When most of us think about Cascade Lakes paddling, we can’t help but picture Sparks Lake. Less than 45 minutes from Bend, the peaceful reservoir resides along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and affords some of the region’s best views of South Sister (which towers over the water). Have the lake to yourself, and enjoy the best conditions for dramatic photography, by heading out on a weekday or early on the weekend.
Exploring Hosmer Lake: Crystal-Clear Waters and Hidden Channels
Views from the shallow Hosmer Lake include at least three peaks—Mt. Bachelor, South Sister, and Broken Top—and its population of salmon and trout are easy to spy from your kayak or stand-up paddleboard. A meandering channel connects both portions of the reservoir, providing plenty of solitude—even on busy afternoons—and making it one of the most peaceful lakes in Central Oregon.
Elk Lake: The Perfect Blend of Paddling and Summer Vibes
Paddling Elk Lake, roughly an hour from Bend, is a quintessential summer experience in Central Oregon. The on-site Elk Lake Resort rents paddle craft and pontoons if you don’t have gear—and hosts a laid-back restaurant alongside down-home overnight stays on site; put-in sites are also available at nearby day-use areas if you brought your own kayak. Views include Mt. Bachelor and Broken Top from Elk Lake’s peaceful waters.
The Spectacularly Clear Devils Lake
It’s not a mirage: Devils Lake really is that clear. (No wonder the 23-acre lake is an iconic stop for Cascade Lakes paddling.) Admire the turquoise gem from your non-motorized craft while watching for the rainbow trout and brook trout who call the pond home.
Lava Lake and Little Lava Lake for Fishing and Camping
Near the furthest reaches of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway from Bend, a pair of pools occupy a big place in Central Oregon lore. Lava Lake and Little Lava Lake sit side by side, and the latter is most famous for being the headwaters of the 250-mile-long Deschutes River. Spend a night or two camping near the lakes, and spend your days fishing, paddling, and admiring the lava flows that course through the area.
Photo by Katie Darby
Swimming, Beach Days, and Relaxed Lake Trips
With cool waters, plenty of shoreline, developed day-use areas, and mountain views galore, Central Oregon lakes make the perfect summertime getaway. Here’s where to swim, fish, and relax on your next vacation.
Suttle Lake for Swimming and Lakeside Relaxation
Just 14 miles northwest of Sisters, Suttle Lake sits sandwiched between two mountains—Mt. Washington to the south and Three Fingered Jack to the north—and is surrounded by thick forests of fir and pine. In addition to overnight stays and an on-site restaurant, Suttle Lodge and Boathouse offers kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Other popular Central Oregon water activities at the lake include swimming, boating, and waterfront picnics at the Suttle Lake Day Use Area.
Photo by Madden Media
Photo by Derek VanWheelden
Paulina Lake and East Lake for Volcanic Lake Scenery
High in the heart of Newberry Volcano, still an active volcano, visitors can play in a pair of lakes in the heart of its caldera. Go boating, paddling, fishing, or swimming in Paulina Lake and East Lake—both ringed by forests and lava flows in the shadow of Paulina Peak. Lodges on both lakes host marinas that rent motorized and non-motorized watercraft.
Boating and Motorized Water Sports
High in the heart of Newberry Volcano, still an active volcano, visitors can play in a pair of lakes in the heart of its caldera. Go boating, paddling, fishing, or swimming in Paulina Lake and East Lake—both ringed by forests and lava flows in the shadow of Paulina Peak. Lodges on both lakes host marinas that rent motorized and non-motorized watercraft.
Lake Billy Chinook for Houseboating, Wakeboarding, and Canyon Views
The manmade Lake Billy Chinook sits where the Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius rivers meet near Madras—and with 72 miles of shoreline, it’s a boater’s paradise in the Central Oregon high desert. The Cove Palisades Resort and Marina offers one of the region’s largest selections of watercraft rentals—including ski boats, barges, pontoons, fishing boats, and even houseboats. See what to expect with our Lake Billy Chinook guide.
Photo by Cody Rheault
Photo by Madden Media
Paulina Lake and East Lake for Volcanic Lake Scenery
Between Warm Springs and Madras, the quiet Lake Simtustus Resort offers plenty of high-desert fun—including tiny homes with private hot tubs, a lakeside cedar sauna, and pickleball courts. If you’re staying the night and would like to get on the water, though, an on-site marina rents pontoons that seat six to 14. From the water, keep an eye out for waterfalls that plunge into the lake and wild horses that roam the surrounding hillsides.
Cultus Lake for Motorized Fun in the Cascade Lakes
At the far western edge of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, roughly 40 miles southwest of Bend and about 30 miles northwest of La Pine, the marina at Cultus Lake Resort rents watercraft for boaters from all walks of life. The lineup ranges from kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to jet skis, ski boats, and spacious pontoons. Make the most of your time in the area with our Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway guide.
Photo by Steve Heinrichs
Photo by Madden Media
Prineville Reservoir for Bigger Boating and Camping Days
Just south of Prineville, the popular Prineville Reservoir State Park is home to a massive, manmade lake that’s rich with Central Oregon water activities all summer long. The 15-mile-long reservoir encompasses 3,000 acres, with amenities that include a handful of boat ramps, a roped-off swimming area, and a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier. Rentals aren’t available, making it an enjoyable stop for boaters with their own equipment. See what other fun awaits at Prineville Reservoir, and make plans to book your stay in one of the year-round campsites or one of the well-appointed log cabins.
World-Class Angling: Fly Fishing in Oregon
Far and away, one of the most popular Central Oregon water activities is fly fishing in our winding rivers. The Metolius River is a blue-ribbon fishery near Sisters and Camp Sherman, beloved for its clear pools and cold water, while the Deschutes River’s small variance between seasonal flows make it a popular angling destination all year long.
Whether you’re new to the sport or simply want a local to show you where the fish are biting, consider hiring a knowledgeable outfitter. Fly and Field Outfitters leads guided trips throughout the region—from Lake Billy Chinook to the Cascade Lakes to Sunriver. The Bend-based Confluence Fly Shop, meanwhile, offers workshops and classes, as well as half- and full-day trips throughout Central Oregon.
Before casting a line and fly fishing in Oregon, be sure to purchase a fishing license from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. You’ll also want to purchase a Lower Deschutes River Boater Pass if floating or boating the river around Maupin, but keep in mind that fishing from a boat on the Lower Deschutes is prohibited.
The Crooked River: High Density and Accessible Canyon Wading
Fish for trout all year long in the Crooked River, which offers a number of easy access points on Bureau of Land Management land around Prineville and below the Arthur R. Bowman Dam. Don your waders, and learn all about the Crooked Wild and Scenic River as a top-flight fishery.
Photo by Cody Rheault
Photo by Cody Rheault
The Metolius River: Crystal-Clear Waters
The Metolius River might only be 29 miles long, but it undoubtedly offers some of the best fly fishing in Oregon. Officially designated a National Wild and Scenic River, the Metolius emerges from a spring at the base of Black Butte near Sisters and is beloved for cold, clear pools that are home to robust populations of trout, kokanee, and mountain whitefish. Stop into the Camp Sherman Store, home to a fly shop since 1918, for all the gear you’ll need, effective fly patterns, fishing reports, and other helpful insights.
The Mighty Deschutes River: Chasing Famous Wild Redsides
The Deschutes River runs more than 200 miles through the heart of our region, so it’s no wonder that fishing its meandering waters is among the top water activities in Oregon. The Deschutes offers fishing opportunities all year long—but is never more popular or prolific than during the annual salmonfly hatch between May and early June. That’s the best time to catch the river’s famed redsides—native populations of redband trout that thrive in the waterway’s consistent flows.
Fall, meanwhile, is prime steelhead season on the Lower Deschutes, north of Lake Billy Chinook and around Maupin. Learn all about fishing near Maupin, Oregon, and stop into Deschutes Angler Fly Shop for gear, fishing reports, steelhead counts, and connections with local guides who can show you the ropes.
Photo by NW Collective
Waterfalls and Scenic Water Stops
No one said you had to get wet to enjoy our most popular aquatic activities. A number of Central Oregon waterfalls cascade over volcanic rock shelves in the midst of stately forests. Here are a few fun waterfalls to chase on your next trip.
Tumalo Falls Near Bend
A short drive from downtown Bend, Tumalo Falls tumbles nearly 90 feet in a basalt canyon surrounded by a forest of fir and pine. It’s among the most dramatic waterfalls in Central Oregon—and can be enjoyed from a wide-open viewing platform near the parking lot. Hiking trails head up past the falls and along Tumalo Creek if you’d like to turn your visit into a day trip. Note that the road leading to the Tumalo Falls day-use area is open June-October, RVs longer than 27 feet are not recommended, and that you’ll have a quieter experience when arriving before 9 a.m. and on weekdays.
Photo by NWCollective
Photo by Cody Rheault
Benham Falls and Dillon Falls for River Views
Not far from Sunriver, a pair of waterfalls rumble along the Deschutes River—and both are a low-key hike from each other. Dillon Falls, easily reached from a nearby day-use area, is a series of step ladder-like churning rapids that fall 15 feet amid a forest of ponderosa pine. Further downstream, the 25-foot Benham Falls squeezes its way through a narrow lava rock gorge, with a viewpoint affording head-on views. See them both from rolling footpaths along the Deschutes River, which winds through a pine forest and overlooks the occasional lava flow.
Steelhead Falls Near Terrebonne
Northwest of Redmond and Terrebonne, Steelhead Falls splays out across a rock shelf in the Deschutes River—falling 20 feet or so into a crystal-clear pool below. Part of what makes Steelhead Falls, easily reached by a short, mostly flat hiking trail, is how wide it is and how alarmingly blue the water is in the pool below; adding to the charm is a rugged lava rock canyon that rises around the falls. Enjoy it in spring for colorful wildflowers along the trail—or in fall for cooler temperatures.
Photo by Cody Rheault
