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 places to go tubing in Bend, Oregon 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.
Visit Bend Oregon/Facebook
Since parking can be difficult, especially on hot, summer days, park in the Park + Float lot and take the Ride the River Shuttle.
166 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr, Bend, OR 97702, USA
Cascades East Transit/Facebook
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.
Bend Park & Recreation District/Facebook
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 both.
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.
Hilda Sanchez/GoogleMaps
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.

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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.
Bend Park & Recreation District/Facebook
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.
Visit Bend Oregon/Facebook
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.
Ben Rush/Google
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.
Carl Maass/GoogleMaps
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!

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.

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Tubing in Bend, Oregon & Related Info

Sarah M. | June 09, 2022

What are some other great tubing places in Oregon?

When summer heat descends upon our corner of the Pacific Northwest, there’s only one course of action: tackling one of the many lazy rivers in Oregon! Portlanders know that the Willamette is always great for floating, as well as the Sandy River. If you're looking for an awesome place to float near Portland, the Sandy River is always a great choice. This lovely river is a popular place for inner tubing in the summertime, as there are numerous options for fun, leisurely trips.

As with most of these river floats, you may want to pair up with some friends to drop off one car at the place where you'll end your float so that you don't have to hike all the way back upstream to your car. One classic way to float the Sandy River is to start at Dabney State Recreation Area or Dodge Park and float down to Lewis and Clark State Park.

What are some other outdoor adventures in Bend, Oregon?

In addition to boasting some of the best tubing in Oregon, Bend is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the Beaver State. Central Oregon is a resplendent region full of mountains, forests, and rivers, making it an outdoor enthusiast's dream. And Bend certainly benefits from its killer location at the heart of it all.

  • The mighty Deschutes flows quite literally through the town itself, providing some of the best kayaking and river floating in Oregon.
  • The nearby Cascade Lakes is another dreamy place to go for a float. Local adventure outfitter Wanderlust Tours provides guide-led canoeing and kayaking expeditions on this lovely body of water, too!
  • For more waterbound fun, Tumalo Falls is one of the best Central Oregon waterfalls to chase, and the hike to these falls is both scenic and accessible, too!
  • Known as one of the most dog-friendly places in the country, Bend's trails are the perfect place to spend a day with your four-legged BFF as we welcome springtime's sunshine and warmth! Dogs are allowed on numerous trails (even off-leash in some areas), along with several different kayaking adventures, too.

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