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The Ultimate 2025 Guide To Floating The Deschutes River In Bend, Oregon: 7 Essential Tips For A Perfect River Day

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The Deschutes River float in Bend, Oregon, remains one of Central Oregon's most iconic and refreshing summer experiences, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Old Mill District stretch of the river. As of the current date, December 23, 2025, the official floating season is gearing up, with the popular "Ride the River" shuttle service scheduled to begin its 2025 operations on Saturday, June 14, weather permitting, and run through Labor Day.

This comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date information on routes, safety regulations, transportation logistics, and rental options to ensure your day on the river is safe, seamless, and unforgettable. Navigating the logistics, especially around the Bend Whitewater Park, is crucial for a smooth journey, turning a simple float into a quintessential Bend adventure.

2025 Season Logistics: Shuttle, Start Points, and Essential Gear

Preparation is key for a successful float on the Deschutes River. The logistics are managed to ensure a fun, yet safe, experience for all river users, from families to solo tubers. Understanding the official start and end points and the available transportation is the first step in planning your day.

The Official Route and Estimated Time

The most popular and accessible float route runs right through the heart of Bend, offering stunning views of the Old Mill District.

  • Starting Point: The journey typically begins at Riverbend Park or the adjacent Farewell Bend Park. These parks are the official launch points where the "Ride the River" shuttle operates.
  • Ending Point: The traditional and most common take-out point is Drake Park, located further downstream.
  • Float Duration: The full float from Riverbend Park to Drake Park is generally estimated to take around 2 hours, depending on the river's flow rate and how much you linger. For those seeking a shorter loop, you can exit just before the Whitewater Park and walk back to the start in about 15–20 minutes.

The Ride the River Shuttle Service

The "Ride the River" shuttle is the most convenient way to complete the float without needing a second car.

  • Operation Dates: The service is scheduled to run daily from June 14, 2025, until Labor Day.
  • Shuttle Route: The shuttle starts and ends at the Park & Float facility. This service makes the round trip easy, connecting the take-out points back to the starting points.
  • Cost: A round-trip shuttle pass is typically an affordable $6.

Navigating the Bend Whitewater Park Portage (Crucial Safety Stop)

The Bend Whitewater Park is a world-class river recreation area that is a major feature of the Deschutes River float, but it requires mandatory portage for tubers and casual floaters.

The Mandatory Portage Process

The river splits into three distinct channels at the Whitewater Park, and it is absolutely essential to know which one to take.

  1. The Passageway Channel: This channel is designed for whitewater kayakers and surfers and contains significant rapids and features. Do not enter this channel on a tube.
  2. The Habitat Channel: This channel is a protected area for fish and wildlife and is closed to all public recreation.
  3. The Portage Trail: This is the designated route for tubers, paddleboarders, and canoers. You must exit the river before the Bend Whitewater Park bridge.

Upon exiting the water, you will follow a short, marked trail that bypasses the rapids and leads into McKay Park. From the beach at McKay Park, you can safely re-enter the river to continue your float toward Drake Park. This mandatory stop is not only a safety measure but also a chance to stretch your legs and watch the whitewater enthusiasts in action.

Essential Safety Rules and Rental Options

Safety on the Deschutes River is paramount, especially during the peak summer months when the river is crowded. The water, fed by the Cascade Lakes, remains quite cold, even when summer temperatures soar to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mandatory Oregon River Float Safety

Adhering to Oregon State Law and common-sense river safety rules protects both you and the natural environment of Deschutes County.

  • Life Jackets (PFDs): Oregon law requires a life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for all boaters, paddleboarders, and children 12 years old and under. The term "boat" is interpreted broadly, meaning if you lash several tubes together, you may be required to have PFDs on board. It is highly recommended to wear a life jacket regardless of age.
  • Alcohol: Consuming alcohol is prohibited on the river within Bend city limits.
  • Trash: Pack it in, pack it out. Help protect the river by securing all your gear and trash.
  • Footwear: Wear river shoes, sandals, or old sneakers. The river bottom can be rocky, and exit points can be slippery.

River Tube and Gear Rental Companies

If you don't own a durable river tube, several local entities offer rentals, often packaged with a shuttle service.

  • Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe: Located conveniently in the Old Mill District, they offer river tube and kayak rentals, often including a shuttle service to simplify your logistics.
  • Sun Country Tours: Another major outfitter providing durable river tube rentals, with options for 3-hour rentals suitable for the main float route.
  • Local Gear Shops: Other shops like Powder House Bend and Stand on Liquid also offer various rental options, including single and double tubes, as well as Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs).

Booking your rentals and shuttle passes in advance, especially for weekend floats between June and August, is strongly recommended to avoid long wait times and ensure you get the gear you need for your perfect day on the Deschutes River.

The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Floating the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon: 7 Essential Tips for a Perfect River Day
river float bend oregon
river float bend oregon

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