Paddle/Float the Deschutes River

View of Deschutes River Sunriver Oregon

Whether you like canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing, or white water rafting, the Deschutes River offers areas that are perfect for all these water activities and more! Visiting this key waterway of Central Oregon is great for families and outdoor adventurers alike to get outside and enjoy our area’s natural beauty.

group river tubing

When to Float

While the river is open for people to enjoy year-round, most definitely prefer to paddle or float on it during warmer months (June-October). The water can get pretty chilly, so those floating in tubes will likely prefer July & August.

Public Entry/Exit Points in Sunriver

Public River Entry & Takeout areas are restricted to the following only: 

View Map of All Entry and Takeout Points: Click Here

The Sunriver Canoe Takeout and Benham Falls East Trailhead area are the LAST takeout points. Beyond these points is Benham Falls (Class 5 river rapids). All floaters must exit prior to the falls. 

Popular Floating Routes

  • Harper Bridge to Sunriver Marina (Restricted Access)
    • 1-2 hours | 3.5 miles 
    • Do not take exit river on private property
  • Sunriver Marina (Restricted Access) to Sunriver Canoe Takeout
    • 2-3 hours | 5.1 miles
    • Do not take exit river on private property
  • Besson Day Use Area to Canoe Takeout/Benham Falls 
    • 3-4.5 hrs | 6.8 miles
  • Big River Boat Launch to Harper Bridge
    • 3-4 hrs | 7.5  miles
  • Harper Bridge to Canoe Takeout
    • 3-5 hrs: | 8.6 miles

Parking Reminders

Many of the sites run by the Deschutes National Forest require a recreation parking pass. These can be purchased online, on-site, or at the Village Properties at Sunriver office.

In Sunriver, parking is limited to driveways and designated parking areas ONLY. Outside of National Forest day-use parking, there is no river access parking or pickup anywhere in Sunriver except at the Resort’s Marina, SROA boat launch (both restricted to visitors with access), and outside Sunriver at Harper Bridge. Please note that citations will be issued for parking violations per Sunriver Rules and Regulations ($250 fine).

Sunriver Water Rentals and Float Tours

Float Safety and Regulation Reminders

DO NOT Float Past the Benham Falls East Trailhead
The Sunriver Canoe Takeout and Benham Falls East Trailhead area are the LAST takeout points. Beyond these points is Benham Falls (Class 5 river rapids). All floaters must exit prior to the falls. 

Life Jackets
All children 12 and younger are required to wear a life jacket and older boaters must carry a life jacket. Rivers can be unpredictable and safety is always the best policy.

Look Out for Signs of “Cold Shock”
Even at the peak of summer, the Deschutes River waters are quite chilly. Keep an eye out for “cold shock”, which is when someone suddenly immersed in cold water experiences involuntary symptoms such as gasping, hyperventilation, and loss of motor control. Even strong swimmers can be affected by cold shock, and in the worst cases, it can lead to drowning. Keep an eye out and act fast if you think someone is suffering from cold shock.

Riverfront View of Pony Express 7 with kayakers

Riverfront Vacation Rentals with Private River Access

Discover the perfect getaway with our numerous riverfront vacation properties in/near Sunriver, Oregon! These Sunriver rentals are located along the Deschutes River and offer lovely water views and many other amenities, including access to enter/exit the river waters. You can enjoy the serene beauty of the river from the comfort of your vacation home or get in the water for a float or paddle, making your stay truly memorable.

View Riverfront Rentals
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