Paddleboarding is one of the many popular outdoor activities among Bend locals and visitors alike. It’s not surprising then, that there are so many excellent places to paddleboard near Bend!
Whether you feel like exploring the meandering edge of a mountain lake, or navigating the relaxing current of the Deschutes River, there are so many ways to enjoy paddle boarding near Bend.
In this article, we’ll glide you through the best places to paddleboard near Bend and help you discover a perfect option for you. Also, stick around to the end of the article for information about paddle board rentals and other tips for paddleboarding near Bend. Grab your life jacket, snacks, and sun hat. Let’s go!
Best Lakes For Paddle Boarding Near Bend
There are over 300 lakes near Bend within an hour’s drive. With so many options, it can be difficult to know which ones are best for paddleboard. Worry not! These are some of the best lakes for paddle boarding near Bend.
Hosmer Lake
One of the best spots for paddle boarding in and around Bend is Hosmer Lake. Known for its long, narrow shape and intricate waterways, Hosmer Lake offers endless opportunities for aquatic exploration.
The boat launch is the main access point, although there isn’t much of a beach so you can’t really lay out a picnic blanket. Instead, pack your lunch and enjoy it out on the water!
Because of the unique shape and reedy bays that line the lake’s edge, Hosmer Lake is also popular for fly-fishing, so you may have to dodge a few casts from friendly anglers. Overall, Hosmer Lake is a top choice for those seeking a memorable paddle boarding experience in the Bend area.
Local Tip: Stay at Mallard Marsh Campground or South Campground right on the edge of Hosmer Lake to extend your adventure overnight. Take advantage of your prolonged visit and enjoy a sunrise or sunset paddling session!
Sparks Lake
Sparks Lake is known for easy access from Bend, magical mountain views, and great paddling. There are a few islands and a unique shoreline which are so fun to explore via paddleboard. Fortunately, Sparks Lake also has a fair bit of beach space for setting up a home base for the day.
Sparks Lake is great for those wanting to spend a day lounging and hanging lake-side in addition to paddling. There is also a nice hike to round out the outdoor activities if you feel the need to get your legs moving.
Overall, Sparks Lake is a great place to paddleboard near Bend. However, be aware that the water level can get pretty low later in the late summer and into the fall. Therefore, this lake is best enjoyed late spring and early to mid-summer.
Local tip: Take a pleasant stroll on the Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail which winds through lava rock fields and borders Spark’s Lake. Don’t forget your camera. Sparks Lake is one of the most photogenic lakes near Bend.
Devils Lake
Nestled off the Cascade Lakes Highway, Devil’s Lake is a picturesque lake ideal for paddle boarding. With a turquoise hue that creates a magical ambiance, the small and shallow lake also has a lovely day-use area and campground.
While there are some beach spaces, picnic tables, and a small wading area, the real allure of Devil’s Lake lies in its exploration potential via paddling. Adventurers of Devil’s Lake will appreciate the opportunity to paddle amidst stunning scenery. Also, the easy access off the highway is a big plus.
Local tip: Bring goggles (or better yet a snorkel) to enjoy the subaquatic views that await under the surface. The clear water permits excellent visibility.
Little Lava Lake
Little Lava Lake is famed for being the source of the well-known Deschutes River. This small lake is mostly a roundish shape, and it has great views of the mountains. Also, it is a blast to paddle over to some of the tiny beaches that border the lake and hang out for a while.
This lake is also known for its fishing. Perhaps unfortunate for paddlers, motorized boats are allowed, but the lake is small enough where they don’t cause too much of a disturbance. On the plus side, there is a boat ramp which makes launching your paddleboard a breeze!
Overall, Little Lava Lake is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon paddling around. Also, it’s generally not as popular as some of the other lakes.
Local tip: Spend the night at Little Lava Lake Campground to extend your lake time. Paddle to the east side of the lake for a nice private beach excursion!
Paulina Lake
Paulina Lake is a large lake nestled in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Although the Cascade Mountain Range is not visible from Paulina Lake, the surrounding topography of the caldera is equally impressive and unique.
There is a nice boat launch and small dock at the main day use area. We recommend exploring the area right around the main boat launch. There are so many cool underwater plants and the water is clear and shallow.
Perhaps the best way to experience Paulina Lake is by car camping. In fact, there are three separate campgrounds: Little Crater Campground, Paulina Lake Campground, and Newberry Group Campground. You can camp right on the water with a campfire during sunset and look forward to a beautiful sunrise.
Last year, we enjoyed a euphoric night-time paddle boarding session under the stars when we camped at Little Crater Campground. Did we mention there is even a hot spring you can hike or paddle to!
Local tip: Don’t forget to pull off for a view of Paulina Falls on your way to or from Paulina Lake. These falls are worth a quick stop!
Elk Lake
Elk Lake is likely the most visited lake near Bend, and not just for paddling. Elk Lake is large and offers multiple day use areas, campgrounds, and boat launches. In addition, many visitors stay at the resort with a restaurant and accommodation (cabins and glamping tents).
While you won’t find maximum solitude, you can rent paddle boards and other paddle-able watercraft, which is a big plus for convenience. You can even rent a pontoon boat. Swim platforms are another nice benefit. Also, ice cream! Overall, Elk Lake is great for families, but can get crowded so get there early on summer weekends.
Local Tip: This is the best lake to rent paddle boards if you don’t want to or can’t transport them in your car.
Paddleboarding the Deschutes River in Bend
Paddleboarding the Deschutes River is another great option in addition to the many lakes near Bend. The Deschutes River is beautiful and offers a bit more dynamic paddling experience.
One major plus of paddling the Deschutes is its proximity and accessibility from Bend. The following paddleboarding spots are located within 30 minutes of Bend and some are even right in town!
If you don’t have a ton of time but still want to paddleboard while in Bend, the Deschutes River is probably your best bet. Also, you can rent a paddleboard (more on that later) and paddle the Deschutes without needing to transport it with your car.
In addition, there are also opportunities to float and paddle from upstream to downstream. We’ll cover both individual launch points along the Deschutes River and the best routes (separate entry and exit points).
Launch Points Along the Deschutes River
These spots serve as both an entry and exit point. You might be thinking: does that mean I have to paddle upstream? Yes! You do have to paddle upstream when you enter and exit at the same location.
The good news is, at these locations the Deschutes River does not flow too fast, but is rather mellow and totally doable for the average paddler. That said, if you are brand new to paddleboarding, you might choose a lake where you can learn the basics without floating downstream.
River Bend Park
River Bend Park is one of Bend’s most popular hangout spots in the summer. This spacious park has an excellent launching beach, a huge grass field perfect for picnics and frisbee, and even a dog park.
You are able to access about 1.4 river miles from this park, with about two thirds of that being downstream. It is also worth noting that this is likely the most popular section of the Deschutes River for paddleboarding. This is also the park where most people launch when floating with inflatable tubes.
If you have a large group or are looking to picnic and paddle, then this is a great spot. You can also park across the river at Farewell Bend Park, but there are less parking spots and it is not as conducive to the paddle/picnic duo.
Local Tip: Throw down and blanket and throw around a frisbee at River Bend Park in between paddling sessions. Don’t forget some snacks! This is a great place to spend a summer day.
Aspen Day Use Area
Aspen Day Use Area is a short 20 minute drive outside of Bend. This park lets you access an undeveloped section of the Deschutes River which showcases its natural beauty. There are about 1.5 miles of accessible river and about half are upstream of the day use area.
Launch your paddleboard from the convenient little beach that you can drive to (but can’t park at). I recommend paddling upstream until you see some rapids. There are some cool offshoots of the river to explore at this spot. Then, float back downstream, or stop somewhere for a riverside snack break.
Local Tip: There are not a lot of parking spots, which reduces crowds and can be nice if you are able to get one!
Benham Falls East Trailhead
Benham Falls East Trailhead is on the East side of the Deschutes River and just a short 20 minute drive from Bend. Similar to Aspen Day Use Area, this park lets you access a beautiful natural section of the river.
However, at this park, you must paddle upstream first as there is an obstruction immediately downstream. There are at least 3.5 river miles accessible to paddling. Paddle upstream until you feel like floating back to the car!
Local Tip: On your way to the trailhead, stop by Lava Butte Lookout for some great views. This lookout is a unique cinder cone that is worth the stop. Depending on the time of year, you can drive your own car or take a shuttle up the top. You can also hike up it.
Besson Day Use Area
Besson Day Use Area is around 30 minutes South of Bend and the most upstream location on this list. This is a unique spot on the river as shown in the image below
As you can see, you are able to launch, enjoy a short float, and exit at the same place! Furthermore, you can paddle upstream and downstream if you want to explore more. There are some fun islands and inlets to explore upstream. Pack a lunch and find a cool spot to eat on the water!
Local Tip: Paddle just upstream from the park to explore a cool part of the river. And just beyond that, there is a small inlet that is also super interesting to check out. You can see what I’m talking about on Google Maps!
Floating and Paddleboarding Routes on the Deschutes RIver
An excellent and relaxing way to experience the Deschutes River is by floating upstream to downstream. However, this option does require more upfront planning and two cars for transporting.
On the plus side, you are rewarded with a one-way trip that can be as much paddling or floating as you like! This means you won’t explore the same section twice and you won’t need to paddle upstream if you don’t feel like it.
River Bend Park to Whitewater Park
This is the most popular section for floating and paddleboarding the Deschutes River. Both scenic and easily accessible, the 1.4 mile length from River Bend Park to Whitewater Park is a main draw for paddlers and floaters when the weather is warm in Central Oregon.
Ideally, park one car at Bend Whitewater Park (also called McKay Park) or across the river at Miller’s Landing Park. However, both of these parks have small parking lots.
You can try parking on the street close by or parking at a large parking lot by the roundabout that is the intersection between Columbia Street and Simpson Ave. Unfortunately, this lot is about a five-minute walk from where you exit the river.
Regarding the exit point, you can exit just before the bridge (Colorado Ave) on the left (right upstream of Bend Whitewater Park. Make sure you exit before the bridge, or you risk going down the rapids, which isn’t great on a paddleboard.
Park your other car at River Bend Park and launch at the nice beach. Alternatively, you can walk or paddle back to the car, but I would avoid walking. Also, Tumalo Creek offers a shuttle service.
Overall, this is a short but enjoyable float (but it can be extended with upstream paddling) that is right in town and totally doable for everyone.
Local Tip: In the summer, you can hear/see concerts at Hayden Homes Amphitheater from the river. They don’t really want you to do that because you’re not paying for a ticket, but people get creative with anchor systems. It’s a thing!
Besson Day Use Area to Benham Falls East Trailhead
This section of the Deschutes River showcases the river’s natural beauty in a largely undeveloped setting. This meandering part of the river takes you past 7.5 miles of pleasant forests and inviting beaches.
Park one car at Benham Falls East Trailhead, then drive to Besson Day Use Area, park the other car, and launch. Make sure you are prepared for around 2 – 4 hours of float time without paddling or breaks. Bring plenty of food, water, and sun protection.
If you’re looking for a relaxing and immersive paddle experience on the Deschutes, this is a great option. Do note however, there can be some sections of faster moving water where small rapids may form. However, these areas are usually not substantial enough to deter the resilient paddler.
Local Tip: Don’t skimp on the preparation for this float. Make sure you have the beer and lunches packed! I heard they even make floatable coolers these days. Just saying!
Other Tips for Paddleboarding Near Bend
Be Prepared!
Paddleboarding during hot weather can leave you exposed to the sun. The combination of high elevation in Central Oregon and dry climate will leave you parched and cooked in no time! To avoid going full lobster, just wear sunscreen and a hat. I swear by long sleeve sun shirts as well.
Seriously, bring plenty of water. You don’t want to underestimate the Central Oregon sun. Been there, done that!
Plan for Crowds on Hot Weekends
Lots of people visit Bend and paddleboard in Central Oregon. I guess everyone wants a piece of the action. We’re all for that! However, it does make planning tough sometimes, especially when the parking situation for some of these spots isn’t exactly a Walmart parking lot.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are no shortage of amazing places to paddleboard near Bend. We hope you learned about the best places to paddleboard near Bend and found this information helpful. Get out there and explore!
If you’re visiting, check out our traveler’s guide for things to do in Bend. Let us help your plan your trip with some helpful Bend trip itineraries.
