Deschutes River Floating In Oregon Is Officially Open And Here's What You Need To Know
By Catherine Armstrong|Published July 07, 2020
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
When the temperatures in Oregon heat up, it’s time to head to one of our lakes or rivers to cool off. If you’re in the Bend area, the Deschutes is probably calling your name! River floating is open, and it’s time to hop on a tube for a summer adventure.
Are you ready to cool off in the river? The Deschutes awaits, and river floating is open.
Before you start your river adventure, you'll want to be prepared. Bring a lifejacket, or rent one for free at Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe. You'll also want to wear water shoes and plenty of sunscreen.
Bring your own tube or rent one from local vendors. In 2020, Riverbend Park will not offer tube rentals. Also, shuttle services are not running this summer, so be prepared to walk up to two miles from your parking spot.
Park across from the Pavilion, then walk one mile to the put-in area.
This route takes 75-90 minutes to complete, including the time it takes to walk to and from your car. You can choose to ride the rapids, or hop out right before the Colorado Avenue Bridge.
McKay Park is just a 0.2-mile walk from the Pavilion. If you want to avoid the rapids, this short float might be the best choice. As you approach Galveston Avenue Bridge, move to the right side of the river and exit at the Drake Park beach.
The river changes quite a bit throughout your trip. If you want to avoid the rapids, you can hop out right before the Colorado Avenue Bridge, then take a short walk downriver to McKay Park and hop back in.
