The happiest of river days: Ouzel Outfitters Whitewater Adventures
August 14, 2025
1 minute readIf there’s one summer feat that makes summer summer in Bend, it’s floating the Deschutes River. Anyone passing through town on a warm, sunny day gets treated to views of tubes carrying carefree floaters through the Old Mill District and into Drake Park. But where do you start a float on the Deschutes River, and what are the rules for floating the river in Bend? Read on for everything you need to know.
Easiest way to float the river in Bend
To maximize time on the river with minimal effort, consider booking a private shuttle in an open-air, electric golf cart with Cruizzy. The cart fits up to five passengers and can pick you up at your hotel or vacation rental in Bend’s westside neighborhoods, downtown, the Old Mill area, or Northwest Crossing, and whisk you directly to the put-in at Riverbend Park and from the take out at Drake Park. They can even have tubes ready for you and your crew or you’re welcome to bring your own, including paddleboards. The best way to reserve a river shuttle is via text (541.200.8130). Want to bring a post-float beer? Tell the driver and they’ll bring you a cooler to keep it cold.
What to know about floating the Deschutes River
- The most popular put-in is at Riverbend Park and the most popular take-out is at Drake Park. Parking in both places is limited. Please do not use two cars.
- The float takes about two hours total.
- Rent durable tubes from Sun Country Tours, Tumalo Creek and Kayak, or bring your own. You can also rent good ones at the Park + Ride near The Pavillion.
- A $5 Ride the River shuttle runs from mid-June to September between the Park + Ride, Riverbend Park, and Drake Park, and has a trailer for tubes and paddleboards. Buy tickets in advance with the CET Go app, at Sun Country Tours or at the Park + Ride.
- The post-float walk from Drake Park to Riverbend Park is about 1.5 miles. Stop at Active Culture or Jackson’s Corner for lunch or wander over to 10 Barrel Brewing. Bend has a bike-share program, too, Veo, making it easy to send a person to fetch the car.
- There is no age limit to float the river but familiarize yourself with Oregon’s life jacket laws. Children 12 and under must wear a PFD at all times while on the river. The water can be quite cold.
- There’s a whitewater park about halfway through the float with small drops and eddies. You can also walk around it or do multiple laps.
Where to get a tube to float the river
Sun Country Tours and Tumalo Creek rent reliable, sturdy tubes that are made for river conditions and are far less likely to spring a leak than a pool toy. You can also find rentals at Bend Park + Ride.
What to pack for floating the river
Footwear. Tennis shoes or snug, well-fitting sandals that strap tightly to your feet. No flip-flops or Crocs. They’ll just float off and become trash in our beautiful river. Also, please don’t go barefoot unless you like scalding your feet on hot pavement and water-softened skin on sharp rocks.
Sunscreen and water bottle. Don’t underestimate the strength of the sun in our high-altitude desert town. Be kind to our waterways by choosing an eco-friendly sunscreen or grabbing a lightweight sun hoodie.
Safety gear. Oregon law requires a life jacket or PFD for all boaters, paddleboarders, and kids 12 and under. The term “boat” is broad. Play it safe and pack a PFD. If you don’t have one, there’s a kiosk in Riverbend Park with free rental PFDs from Tumalo Creek.
A sealable dry bag for keys and phone. It’s optional, but you’ll need someplace to stash essentials. Secure it to your person or your tube so it doesn’t sink if you drop it or flip.
Tips for floating the river in Bend
Alcohol is not permitted on the river or in any of the parks.
Expect company and a joyful experience on the river. More than a quarter-million humans float or paddle this section of river between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Reach out to Sun Country Tours or Tumalo Creek and Kayak to avoid any surprises about rentals or directions.
Consider a brunch-time float or early evening reservation if you want to avoid the biggest crowds and parking hassles.
If you’re short on time, put in at Riverbend Park and take out at the Bend Whitewater Park. The float takes roughly an hour. Alternatively put in at McKay Park and float to Drake Park. This also takes about an hour.
The Ride the River shuttle runs from mid-June through early September, and starts and ends at the Park + Float (weather permitting) with stops at Riverbend and Drake parks. Shuttles run every 15 to 20 minutes from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Buy tickets in advance or come with exact change.
While you can’t rent tubes in Riverbend Park, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and life jackets.
All paddlecraft—kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, etc.—now need an Oregon Waterway Access Permit no matter the length or which state you’re from. Float tubes don’t need one. For paddlecraft, you need one permit per craft in use, as in, on the water at the same time. You can get a permit online or at local retailers like Bi-Mart, Fly and Field Outfitters, or Sportsman’s Warehouse. Skip it and you could be looking at a $115 fine. Find more info online at the Oregon State Marine Board.
