From where it trickles out of Little Lava Lake in the Cascade Range to where it flows into the Columbia River at the state’s northern edge, the Deschutes River is an iconic waterway in Central Oregon. The 252-mile-long river winds its way through open meadows, bustling cities and towns, rocky canyons, and other scenic sites—and is an outdoor destination like none other.
Anglers appreciate fishing its cool waters, paddlers enjoy welcoming spring and summer with lazy days on the river, and—in the heart of summer—outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes love to float the Deschutes River through the heart of Bend.
If you’d like to join the fun, we’ve put together a guide that breaks down everything you need to know to float the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon:
- Rent the Top Gear to Float the River
- Plan Your River Trip With Top Floating Routes
- River Safety, Shuttle Services & Local Guidelines
- Plan Your River Float Trip in Bend
Keep reading for our insider’s guide to tubing the Deschutes River—including top routes, safety tips, and other helpful information.
Rent the Top Gear to Float the River
You won’t get far floating the Deschutes River without the proper gear.
By far, the easiest and most popular offerings come from Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, which rents tubes and provides round-trip transportation via a summer shuttle.
Tube rentals at Tumalo Creek are typically available between late May and early September and come with a life jacket. You’ll want to apply sunscreen before getting on the water, bring a dry bag for your phone and keys (although locker rentals are available for a small fee through Tumalo Creek), and wear fast-drying water shoes (especially since flip-flops can easily slide off in the rapids at Bend Whitewater Park). And while we know how important your four-legged friend is, dogs are not permitted on Tumalo Creek’s tubes.
Rented tubes from Tumalo Creek are typically bigger and sturdier than what you’ll find at big-box stores around town; Tumalo Creek’s tubes are specifically constructed to handle debris, rocks, and heavy usage, making the rental a more appealing choice—especially if you don’t want to lug a deflated tube back home after your trip.
Plan Your River Trip With Top Floating Routes
Depending on how many vehicles you have and whether you’re taking the summertime shuttle, you have a few options for floating routes through Bend. Here’s a round-up of each.
Riverbend to McKay Park
If you’re pressed for time, new to floating, or are floating with young children, you may want to consider a 45-minute trip between Riverbend Park and McKay Park. This heads under a few small bridges and past part of the Old Mill District before arriving at Bend Whitewater Park—where one lane is reserved for floaters and offers a brief, yet thrilling stretch of rapids. McKay Park is located almost immediately beyond the rapids. If you’d rather exit the Deschutes before Bend Whitewater Park, you may do so from a designated take-out point; from there, it’s a short walk back to McKay Park.
You can take the Ride the River shuttle to Riverbend Park, but shuttle service is not available to pick you up from McKay Park; as such, you’ll either need a vehicle or must walk five minutes back to the Park & Float (where you first caught the shuttle). Also note that parking is limited around McKay Park, so keep a close eye on posted signs with restrictions before leaving your vehicle.
McKay Park to Drake Park
Another 45-minute float takes you along the slow-moving stretch of river between McKay Park (near the Old Mill District) and Drake Park (at the southwestern edge of downtown). This stretch bypasses Bend Whitewater Park for more placid waters that mostly head past homes, parks, and stands of ponderosa pine trees that line the river. With no rapids to contend with, it’s a kid-friendly float—and is perfect for those new to the activity.
As far as logistics go: We’d suggest parking at Tumalo Creek’s Park & Float homebase on the city’s westside, renting your tube, walking about five minutes to McKay Park (where you’ll get on the water), taking your tube out at Drake Park, and getting a ride back to the Park & Float via the Ride the River Shuttle.
Riverbend Park to Drake Park
By far, the most popular floating route in Bend is the stretch between Riverbend Park and Drake Park near downtown. This is largely because it’s the one of the longest routes in town—and because the Ride the River Shuttle drops floaters off and picks them up at both ends of the trip, along with their rental tubes, making it a smooth experience the whole way.
In total, this stretch takes about two hours and offers a look at the Old Mill District, neighborhoods, urban greenery, and more. It also includes the option to take out and walk around Bend Whitewater Park before returning to the river at McKay Park—ideal for younger and risk-averse floaters. For more, read the Bend Parks and Recreation District’s webpage on floating the river for details on this scenic stretch.
River Safety, Shuttle Services & Local Guidelines
Floating the Deschutes requires a little planning—not much, we promise!—so here’s a quick look at what you’ll want to know before heading to the river.
Safety: Floating the Deschutes River is a popular pastime around Central Oregon, but it’s not without risk. Prepare yourself for a safe, fun, and memorable day on the water by reviewing our water safety information, which includes details on life jackets and permits, as well as links to other helpful sites.
Parking: From mid-June to early September, Tumalo Creek rents tubes and provides shuttle service from its Park & Float outpost on Bend’s westside. This location offers ample parking that rarely fills to capacity—even on summer weekends. If you have your own gear and are looking to park closer to the river, keep an eye out for signs with parking restrictions, especially in residential neighborhoods.
Respectful behavior: Food and drink is permitted in tubes, but should be secured at all times; be sure to pack out whatever you bring in, and please abide by the Leave No Trace principles. And note that alcohol is not allowed on the water.
Access points: For your safety and to be respectful of neighbors along the river, please only put in and take out at designated access points—such as the parks covered in this piece.
For more insight, check out this Float the River brochure from the Bend Park and Recreation District.
Plan Your River Float Trip in Bend
Since you can’t quite spend your whole day on the water, make time for some of the fun stops around Bend before and after your float. Here’s a round-up of where to go and how to make the most of your trip—with suggestions for other places to float around the region if you’d like to get back on the water.
Après-float fun: Our guide to Bend restaurants offers a deep dive into the city’s established eateries, energetic food cart pods, globetrotting menus, downtown destinations, and other fun stops. And since most floats head through the Old Mill District, make time for the mill buildings-turned-shopping mall—with attractions that include a movie theater, locally owned restaurants, charming boutiques, pubs, and tasting rooms.
Additional floats: Looking for other sites where you can drop your tube in the river? Get the scoop on floating other stretches of the region’s iconic river with our guide to tubing in Central Oregon.
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