White water rafting on the Deschutes River in Bend is a must-do activity while you are visiting Central Oregon. Nothing's better on a hot summer's day in Bend than a wild ride down the river!
One of the popular river rafting outfitters in Bend Oregon is Sun Country Tours. They offer a variety of white water rafting excursions ranging from a few hours to multiple days from early spring until late fall. The Big Eddy Thriller is a fun rafting adventure designed for the entire family--young kids don't even have to paddle--that takes you through Class 1 and 3 rapids (Class 6 rapids are considered hazerdous for even expert paddlers). Along the way, there'll be time for swimming and even some horse play--or shall we say "water play"--as you battle other rafters for the title of "King" of the water bazooka fights. And, don't forget to say cheese...Sun Country will snap a photo 
of you and your crew when you are least expecting it. Sun Country Tours will take care of everything from providing you with life vests, rain gear (only necessary for early spring rafting conditions), friendly guides and even a bus ride to Aspen--an old logging camp where the trip begins--from their headquarters in Bend, Oregon.
For those who are over 21 and like to enjoy a cold one after a hard day's paddle, join Sun Country Tours for there Raft and Brew event happening on select dates through the summer where you get a tour of Cascades Lakes Brewery, and most importantly, a taste and rate of six of their famous microbrews along with some tasty appetizers that are sure to wet your paddle-parched whistle and appetite (you know, Bend is synonymous for its selection of locally brewed suds).
The two hour rafting trip from Bend is just the right amount of time to fit rafting into your packed-full vacation itinerary while still having plenty of time left over for a hike to Tumalo Falls. Read more about the Big Eddy Thriller here...
Further down the Deschutes River (north of Bend) near a town called Maupin, the Deschutes rages with opportunities for more rafting. With names like White Horse, Buckskin Mary, Trout Creek, and Boxcar, how could you not have a blast? Several outfitters in the Bend area offer trips here in Bend and day and multi-day trips to the Maupin area. We'll see you on the river this summer!