Are you thinking about doing the Bend river float? Then you’re in the right place! In this local’s guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to float the Deschutes River in Bend Oregon.
Floating the river in Bend is one of the highest recommended things to do in Bend for locals and visitors alike! There’s nothing like drifting down the cool Deschutes river on a hot summer day!
By the end of this article, you’ll know where to rent tubes or paddleboards, and where to launch, exit, and park. We’ll also cover additional tips to help you plan your river float in Bend. Let’s go float!
Where to Launch
The most popular launch site is Riverbend Park where you will find river floaters, sunbathers, and frisbee players all sharing the park. Riverbend Park has lots of parking but does get crowded on summer days.
You can also launch from Farewell Bend Park, right across the river from Riverbend Park. However, there is less parking here.
To shorten the float, you can start at McKay Park or across the river at Miller’s Landing Park (not much parking here). This area is also called Bend Whitewater Park (more on that later).
Where to Exit
Most people pull out at the start of Drake Park at a spot referred to as the tubing takeout. This beach is easily spotted on the right side of the river, just after a large bridge which is where Galveston Ave. crosses the Deschutes.
McKay Park is another option (just downstream of the Bend Whitewater Park), but that is a shorter float.
Bend River Float Routes and Maps
| Launch | Exit | Approximate Float Time |
| Riverbend Park / Farewell Bend Park | Tubing Takeout (Start of Drake Park) | 120 – 140 minutes |
| Riverbend Park / Farewell Bend Park | McKay Park / Miller’s Landing Park / Bend Whitewater Park | 70 – 90 minutes |
| McKay Park / Miller’s Landing Park / Bend Whitewater Park | Tubing Takeout (Start of Drake Park) | 70 – 90 minutes |
Where to Rent Tubes
Renting a tube is a great way to go if you are just visiting or don’t want to store a bulky intertube year-round. Rent paddleboards, kayaks, or inner tubes from Tumalo Creek or The Powder House. Both are locally owned companies that have a long-standing history in Bend.
Starting in June, Tumalo Creek provides rentals at Riverbend Park (the most popular spot to launch) via a seasonal kiosk. Renting right at Riverbend Park is convenient!
Transportation and Shuttling Options
You have three options for transporting yourself and tubes from the exit point to the launch point. You can walk, self-shuttle (take two cars), or pay for the shuttle service (park and float Bend).
If you’re up for some exercise, you can take one of the following walking routes. See the distances in the table below for each route.
| Route | Walking Distance |
| Tubing Takeout (Start of Drake Park) to Riverbend Park | 1.2 miles (~ 25 minutes) |
| McKay Park / Miller’s Landing Park / Bend Whitewater Park to Riverbend Park | 0.6 miles (~ 12 minutes) |
You can also park in the middle at the Tumalo Creek Tube Rentals Park and Float near McKay Park. From here you can either catch the Bradbury Park & Ride Shuttle or you can walk to McKay or Riverbend Park and float from there. You can either walk back to your car or catch the shuttle back from the Tubing Takeout in Drake Park.
Another option is to self-shuttle. Park one car near your launch point and one near your exit point. This is a viable option for groups of two or more, but parking fills up quickly on crowded days which can be a headache. We do not recommend this option if you are floating all the way to Drake Park as parking is sparse at the Tubing Takeout.
We recommend the shuttle service. Cascades East Transit offers a paid shuttle service called Ride the River, which is really convenient. Shuttles run every 15 to 20 minutes from 11 am to 7 pm on busy days. Service begins June 18 and ends Labor Day. You can buy tickets in advance at Tumalo Creek Rentals.
What is Bend Whitewater Park?
Bend Whitewater Park is a series of 5 or so small rapids that are part of a constructed area of the river. At this location, the river splits into three parts. The first (left) are the rapids for people floating the river. The second (middle) is a standing wave made for surfers. The third (right) is reserved for the ducks, otters, and other critters who call the river home.
Be warned, the rapids (also a fish ladder) are not super casual. A sturdy tube or other “whitewater” floating device is recommended. A blow-up mattress, canoe, or pool-lounger are not recommended.
You can always exit before the bridge on the left at Colorado Ave. and walk around the rapids or scope it out before committing. It’s probably best to prepare to get wet if you go down the rapids. Also, note that you can always paddle and exit the rapids.
Local Tips
We love floating the river in Bend and hope you will too! These are some of our tips for making the most of your float.
- Wear a reliable pair of shoes that can get wet
- Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your skin from the strong sun
- Wear a life jacket (free rental from Tumalo Creek)
- Plan your route in advance
- After your float, head to one of the local breweries in town!
More Information
Bend Parks and Recreation has a great page on their website about floating the Deschutes.
What More Info About Bend?
We want to help you plan your trip to Bend and make the most of this amazing corner of the world. Check out our other articles about central Oregon.
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