Summer in Bend Oregon means spending time on the mighty Deschutes River that winds it way through the Central Oregon region or paddling a canoe on one of the many high cascade lakes.
One of the most popular past times in Bend has to be floating the Deschutes River--you won't want to miss this! You can rent a raft or tube at Alder Creek Kayak & Canoes and then start your relaxing river float trip from Farewell Bend Park. Don't worry about having to keep an extra vehicle or plan for a pick-up at the end of your ride because you can get picked up in style by Bend Area Transit's (BAT) Ride the River shuttle at a number of spots along the river.
The Sunriver area is also a wonderful destination for those who are serious about their river float trips. Make an entire day of it by putting in at the Harpers Bridge and be prepared to float for an entire 3 1/2 hours to the pull out at Benham Butte. If you want a shorter ride, or need a place to take a break for lunch, hop out at the Sunriver Marina only a 1 1/2 hour float from Harpers Bridge. You can also rent your canoes, kayaks and rafts at the Sunriver Marina located within Sunriver Resort.
Remember to stay safe by reading the river safety brochure because there are a few places where you must get out of the river.
>> Download the River Safety Brochure Here
>> Download the Ride the River Bus & Fee Schedule
The Cascade Lakes Scenic Highway offers plenty of lakes that are perfect for exploring by canoe. Devils and Sparks Lakes are just a few of the spots where non-motorized boats are allowed so lollygag along the lake all you want and enjoy the scenery and fresh mountain air. For more information on area lakes, here is a helpful guide by boatoregon.com.
For those looking for longer adventures, the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance has recently published the "Deschutes Paddle Trail River Guide" which includes a separate free fold-out map of the Cascade Lakes. The guide provides a detailed look at 26 miles of the Little Deschutes, from La Pine to Sunriver, and 95 miles of the big Deschutes, from Wickiup Reservoir to the very last take-out in Deschutes County at Lower Bridge.
There is information on unrunnable sections of the river as well as river history and a guide to wildlife and plants. The guide is part of an overall vision to create a paddle trail in Bend that is much like the scenic walking trails throughout the city. Inspired by similar projects in Boulder, Vail and Santa Fe, the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance plans to mark the trail with signs and eventually build a “play park” on the river for all ability levels.
The guides were published with the help of a grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and gifts from individuals and businesses. Pick up your copy for $15 at Alder Creek Canoe & Kayak or at the Visit Bend Welcome Center.
For more recreation on the water this summer, contact the activity and suppliers below. If you are interested in whitewater rafting adventures on the Deschutes River, visit our whitewater rafting page here.
Raft, Canoe & Kayak Rentals
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Alder Creek Kayak & Canoes
805 SW Industrial Way
Phone: 541.317.9407
Visit the Website |
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Sunriver Marina
Sunriver Resort (near the horse stables)
Phone: 541.593.1000
Visit the Website |
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River and Lake Activities & Tours