Okay, one of the best activities we did when we visited Bend, Oregon was floating the Deschutes River. But if you go on a hot summer day, you probably won’t be the only one hitting the river to cool off. If you have your own float/tube then it’s a perfect free activity. Or you can use a tubing company that offers both a tube and a shuttle ride. So it’s really a choose your own adventure on the Deschutes River. In this guide, I will break down everything you need to know about floating the Deschutes River in Bend, OR.
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Choosing Between A Tubing Company or Self-Guided Float Down The Deschutes River
First, let’s decide if you want to go with the tube and shuttle combo or go on a self-guided float down the Deschutes River. The main question to ask is, do you already have a tube, float or raft?
If the answer is no, then the tubing company is probably your best option. Unless, you either live in the area and plan to float more than once a year, or plan to use the tube/float again on another adventure.
Personally, I think it’s a good idea to have a float/tube for whenever you are near a river, lake, pool, etc. Getting out on the water is always more fun than sitting on shore. So I think it wouldn’t be totally crazy to consider purchasing a quality raft to use on other water adventures in the future!
The biggest perk of going with the tubing company is they provide a shuttle! That way you don’t need to shuttle yourself, call an Uber, or walk back to your vehicle. Although, if you are from the area or with a larger group that has two or more vehicles you can shuttle yourself so you have a vehicle at the end. Or you can also just purchase a shuttle ride without the tube as well (more details below).
So choose the best option that works for you. If you are only in town for a short time and flying to/from town, the Tumalo Creek Rental Company offers a reasonably priced tubing/shuttle combo. If you are on a road trip or live in the area, a self-guided tour is probably your best bet!
Packing List For Floating The Deschutes River In Bend
- Raft/Float/Kayak/Paddleboard
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle
- Chaco’s or other good river footwear
- Waterproof phone case
- Cooler
- Drybag
What you will need to float the Deschutes River, of course, #1 on the list is a raft. For this specific float, you don’t need anything too fancy, unless you plan to go down the rapids section (more details on this below).
Jake and I use our Intex Explorer K2 Kayak because we always have this with us in our campervan for any water adventure. But you can also buy a quality raft that should withstand sharp rocks and minor rapid sections of the river.
You can also go with a less expensive raft option, but do note it could potentially puncture depending on obstacles in the river.
Don’t forget the sunscreen and double insulated water bottle to stay hydrated. Also, if you want to keep any beverages or snacks cool during the float, don’t forget a cooler. We have the RTIC soft insulated cooler that keeps ice in the cooler for multiple hours/sometimes days and can even float alongside you!
Make sure you have a system for securing belongings, especially your trash or recyclables. It’s possible that you could fall off your raft or be tipped over and you don’t want anything to be lost into the river. Some rafts have some ropes attached, so just bring a couple carabiners to clip things on. Make sure you have a cooler that can be closed securely with either a zipper, latch, or just a bungee cord if you have to. We usually just put our empty cans back inside the cooler.
Definitely don’t bring any glass!
Another suggestion is to wear Chaco’s or some other river hiking shoe for when you have to walk around the rapids section or getting out of the river. Plus if you need to drive or walk back to your car, a pair of shoes will be very helpful.
Lastly, if you plan to bring any valuables with you on the float, such as a phone, speaker, wallet, etc, you might want a dry bag or waterproof phone case.
Where To Put In Your Raft When Floating The Deschutes River In Bend:
The best place to put in your raft is at the Riverbend Park. There is tons of free parking, and restrooms to hit before sending out. This area is also where you can rent a tube.
There is a nice beach section and easy river access where you can put in your raft and start your lazy river float.
If you want a little extra time floating the Deschutes River, you can park at Farewell Park. Then, walk up the river path until you find your desired spot to put in your raft. But do note, there might not be great river access.
The Rapids Section When Floating The Deschutes River In Bend:
There is one rapids section when floating the Deschutes River in Bend, and it’s divided into three sections. There are signs right before the bridge directing you to the appropriate spot. Far right side is closed as nature habitat. The middle is experts only whitewater. So all tubers/rafters need to stay to the left. The left side still has some class I rapids that are rather mellow, but could still easily flip someone on a raft. Make sure everything is secure, closed, and attached when you go through the rapids.
During the time we visited the rapids (mid-June), we did scrape the bottom of our raft a couple of times. Luckily there was no damage and nothing was punctured, but this could easily be the last stop on your float if a rock scrapes a little too deep on a thin floaty.
If you don’t want to attempt the rapids, you can carry your raft around. Just exit the water just before the bridge and carry your raft on the left bank of the river. If you are concerned that your raft is susceptible to punctures then you might consider walking around. But nonetheless, the rapids are a fun little section, if you have confidence in your raft.
Where To Take Out Your Float When Floating The Deschutes River In Bend:
The best place to take out your float is at Drake Park. The park is rather long and skinny, so you can either take out at the beginning of the park or continue around the bend in the river toward the end of the park.
You can’t float much further than Drake Park because of the dam. The absolute last place you can get out is at Brooks Park.
For a shorter float, you can take out at McKay Park. Or this could be a nice break in the trip to maybe grab a snack and hang out on the green grass. But personally, I feel like taking out here would be a little too short.
Shuttle Rides For The Deschutes River Float:
But if you are snagging the shuttle with Tumalo Creek Rentals, they will pick you up from the first section of Drake Park. You can still snag the shuttle with the company even if you have your own float.
The cost is $5/person. If you are planning this trip in advance, to just book a shuttle ride by simply going to their website and book the shuttle only for the desired date. But, if you need a shuttle ride the day of, head to their Kiosk and see if there are spots still available.
If you want to save money, and have two cars or are willing to walk, then park one vehicle along NW Riverside Blvd. And if you can’t find a spot, there might be some along the side streets in the neighborhood bordering Drake Park.
Our Route Floating The Deschutes River In Bend:
When Jake and I did our trip of floating the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon we put in our Intex Explorer K2 at Riverbend Park, floated down the rapids section, and then continued our float to the Tubing Takout at Drake Park. The trip only took a little over an hour.
Initially, our plan was for one of us to get an uber back to our van. I would disassemble the kayak while Jake Ubered to get the van. (We didn’t know they offered shuttle-only services at the time).
But as we got to the end of the float we realized an uber was going to take a bit longer than we were expecting and also a bit pricey for the short drive. So Jake literally walked back to the van in 15 minutes (which was only about a mile) and drove back to pick up the kayak as I began to dry it off and deflate it.
If we were to do it again, we would probably either just pay for the shuttle ride or park the van at the end (Drake Park) and walk to Riverbend Park to set up the float.
Takeaway | A Guide To Floating The Deschutes River In Bend, OR:
Seriously this was a super fun adventure and much needed as the hot days took over the city. It was the perfect place to cool off and just be able to enjoy the city! There were tons of people out there, so just be safe, pack the essentials and have a blast. We hope this guide to floating the Deschutes River in Bend is helpful and you can get out to enjoy this fun activity! Check out some other fun things to do in Bend, OR.
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