Floating the Deschutes River through Bend is a rite of passage for summer visitors and locals alike. On a warm June afternoon, the river becomes a moving parade of colorful tubes, coolers, and smiling faces drifting past pine trees, volcanic rock, and the occasional osprey diving for trout. It is the quintessential Bend experience.
June is the ideal month for this adventure. The river flows at spring fed levels, fast enough to keep you moving but gentle enough to relax. The water temperature hovers near 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which feels refreshing on a 75 degree June day. And the crowds have not yet reached the peak intensity of July and August.
View of Deschutes River Sunriver Oregon
As Meredith Lodging, our local Central Oregon experts have guided thousands of guests through their first Deschutes River float. This guide covers everything you need to know: the best put in and take out points, where to rent tubes, what to pack, safety rules, and exactly where to stay after your float. No fluff. Just actionable advice from the vacation rental company that knows Bend best.
Why Float the Deschutes in June?
June offers higher water levels than later summer, meaning faster flow and fewer sections where your tube drags on rocks. Water temperature is 50 to 55 degrees, refreshing rather than shocking. Air temperatures average 70 to 80 degrees, ideal for being on the water. Crowds are moderate compared to the heavy crowds of July and August. Parking is still available at put in points if you arrive before 10:00 AM. Wildlife activity peaks in June, with osprey, otters, and mule deer actively feeding along the river corridor.
The Standard Deschutes River Float Route
Bend offers several float options, but one route dominates for first timers and families.
The Classic Bend Float: Riverbend Park to Drake Park
Detail
Information
Put in location
Riverbend Park (near the Bill Healy Bridge) or Pacific Park
Take out location
Drake Park (downtown Bend)
Distance
Approximately 2.5 miles
Float time
1.5 to 2.5 hours (depends on water speed and paddling)
Difficulty
Easy. No rapids above Class I.
Scenery
Ponderosa pines, volcanic cliffs, Mirror Pond, downtown Bend
Why this route works for June: The put in at Riverbend Park has ample parking (arrive early) and a gentle entry point. The river winds through Bend’s west side, passing beneath the Galveston Avenue bridge before opening up into Mirror Pond. The take out at Drake Park is obvious: look for the footbridge and the grassy lawn.
Extended Float Option: Sunriver to Bend (Advanced)
Experienced floaters sometimes launch from Sunriver, approximately 15 miles south of Bend. This is a half day commitment of 3 to 4 hours and requires a car shuttle or outfitter support. The river is wider and slower through Sunriver, with more wildlife viewing opportunities. This option is only recommended for those with their own tubes and a designated driver.
How long does the Deschutes River float take from Riverbend Park to Drake Park?
The float takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on water levels and how often you paddle. June flows are faster than July or August, so expect the shorter end of that range. Add 30 minutes if you stop to swim or pull over on a gravel bar.
Where to Put In and Take Out: Detailed Directions
Put In: Riverbend Park (Recommended)
Address: 799 SW Columbia Street, Bend, OR 97702 Parking: Large paved lot. Free. Fills by 10:00 AM on June weekends. From the parking lot, walk downstream along the river trail for approximately 200 yards to a gravel beach area. The water is shallow here, calf to knee deep.
Put In: Pacific Park (Alternate)
Address: 300 NW Pacific Park Lane, Bend, OR 97703 Parking: Smaller lot. Arrive early. This put in sits approximately 0.5 miles upstream of Riverbend Park. Use it if Riverbend Park parking is full.
Take Out: Drake Park
Address: 777 NW Riverside Boulevard, Bend, OR 97703 Parking: Street parking only. Have a driver drop you. Look for the footbridge near the center of Drake Park. Downstream of the bridge on the west bank, you will see a gravel area where floaters exit. Do not float past the footbridge. The river continues into a less developed area with no easy take out for 1 mile.
Pro tip: Park one car at Drake Park before driving to the put in. After your float, change clothes at Drake Park restrooms before retrieving your second car.
Tube Rentals and Shuttle Services
What to Rent?
Choose a river tube with a fabric cover. These are durable, comfortable, and unlikely to pop on rocks. Inflatable kayaks (duckies) work well for couples with gear and include paddles. Single inflatable rafts work for groups with coolers. Do not use pool floats. They pop on rocks and are not designed for moving water.
Bend Tube Rental Outfitters (June 2026)
Sun Country Tours: Tube rental plus shuttle. Open daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Book online.
Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe: Premium tubes plus shuttle. Open daily 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Book online.
Riverbend Park Concessions: Tube rental only at the park. Open weekends only in June.
What to Pack?
Essential gear: A sturdy fabric covered tube. Water shoes (the river bottom is rocky). Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, waterproof. A hat with a strap. Sunglasses with a strap. A dry bag for keys, phone, wallet. A water bottle. A life jacket (PFD) for children under 13, legally required in Oregon.
Nice to have: Straps to link tubes together. A small paddle or waterproof gloves. A waterproof phone case. A light fleece for afternoon cloud cover. Snacks.
Leave at home: Glass containers (illegal on Oregon rivers). Styrofoam coolers (they pollute). Alcohol (open container laws apply, rangers patrol). Valuables you cannot lose.
Do I need a life jacket for the Deschutes River float?
Oregon law requires children under 13 to wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket on all moving water. Adults are not legally required to wear one, but we strongly recommend it, especially for weak swimmers or first time floaters.
June River Conditions and Safety
Water temperature: 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This is cold. On a 75 degree day, the cold feels refreshing for 10 minutes but can become uncomfortable. Cold sensitive floaters should wear a shorty wetsuit or neoprene socks.
Water speed: Approximately 2 to 3 miles per hour. You will not need to paddle constantly but should pay attention to steer around rocks.
Hazards: Submerged rocks are everywhere. Fabric covered tubes handle this well. There is a small low head dam at the upstream end of Mirror Pond, clearly marked with buoys. The float route takes out at Drake Park before this dam. Do not float past Drake Park.
Wildlife: Watch for osprey diving for trout, river otters near the Sunriver section, great blue herons standing in shallow water, and mule deer drinking at dawn and dusk.
Safety Rules
Do these things: Wear a life jacket if you are not a strong swimmer. Stay in your tube. Keep children within arm’s reach. Watch for the take out at Drake Park. Drink water.
Do not do these things: Do not tie tubes together in long chains (they wrap around rocks). Do not stand up in moving water (your foot can get trapped). Do not bring glass. Do not float after drinking alcohol. Do not float if the river is above 800 cubic feet per second (check the USGS gauge).
Emergency: Call 911. Provide your location using the nearest bridge or landmark. Non emergency: Deschutes County Sheriff Marine Patrol at 541 388 6505.
After Your Float: Lunch and Showers
Immediate post float near Drake Park: Drake Park has restrooms where you can change clothes. The Lot food cart pod offers hot food, covered seating, and beer and wine. Deschutes Brewery Taproom serves hot pretzels and beer. Spork provides global comfort food.
Lunch patios: McMenamins Old St. Francis School has a courtyard with fire pits. Crux Fermentation Project has a lawn facing the Cascades with food trucks. 10 Barrel Brewing Co. features a rooftop with heat lamps.
Where to shower: Most Meredith Lodging vacation rentals have full bathrooms and private hot tubs. If you need a shower elsewhere, the Juniper Swim & Fitness Center offers day passes for $7 at 800 NE 6th Street, Bend.
Where to Stay: Meredith Lodging’s Bend Rentals?
After a long afternoon on the river, you need a comfortable place to shower, change, and relax. Meredith Lodging offers the largest selection of premium vacation rentals in Bend and surrounding Central Oregon communities.
Guests choose Meredith Lodging for the variety, flexibility, and comfort that make every getaway feel simple and relaxing from the start. With vacation homes across the Oregon Coast and Central Oregon, travelers can find everything from mountain retreats and scenic lakefront escapes to elevated luxury vacation homes and spacious large group getaways designed for families and friends traveling together.
Many homes include sought after amenities like private hot tubs, entertaining game room vacation rentals, relaxing private pool retreats, and convenient EV charger rentals. Guests can also enjoy pet friendly vacation homes, scenic stays near popular golf course communities, and professionally managed homes that make summer travel feel easy from arrival through checkout.
Best Bend Neighborhoods for River Float Access
The Westside neighborhood near Riverbend Park puts you within walking distance of the put in. This quiet, residential area is best for families who want to walk to the launch.
Downtown Bend is a 5 minute drive from the put in. It offers walkable streets, restaurants, and nightlife, best for couples and groups.
The Old Mill District is also a 5 minute drive, featuring shopping, dining, and river views, best for luxury travelers.
Sunriver is 20 minutes south of Bend, offering resort amenities, pools, and biking trails, best for families wanting a resort style vacation.
Q: Can I float the Deschutes River in June with young children? A: Yes, with precautions. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket. Keep them within arm’s reach. Choose a calm day with low wind. Limit exposure to 60 minutes due to cold water.
Q: Do I need a permit to float the Deschutes River? A: No. The Bend section does not require a permit. Sections outside Bend, such as the Upper Deschutes, do require permits.
Q: Can I bring a cooler on my float? A: Yes, but use a small, lightweight, soft sided cooler that straps to your tube. No styrofoam. No glass containers.
Q: What happens if my tube pops? A: Carry a small patch kit. If you cannot patch it, walk back. The river trail parallels the entire float route. Rent from an outfitter that provides durable fabric covered tubes.
Q: Is the Deschutes River float appropriate for non swimmers? A: The water is generally calf to waist deep, but there are deeper pools of 4 to 6 feet. Non swimmers should wear a life jacket and stay in their tube. A guided tour is the safest option.
Q: How do I check the river flow before I go? A: Visit the USGS real time water data website and search for “Deschutes River at Bend, OR.” Safe levels are between 400 and 800 cubic feet per second (cfs). June typically falls within the safe range.
Q: What is the best time of day to float in June? A: Launch between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. This gives you the warmest air temperatures. Avoid launching before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM.
Your Deschutes River Float Adventure Starts Here
The Deschutes River float is the heart of Bend summer. Laughing with friends as you spin slowly downstream. Watching osprey dive for trout against volcanic cliffs. Feeling the cold water on a warm June afternoon. These are the moments that become vacation memories.
At Meredith Lodging, we have helped thousands of guests plan their perfect Bend float trip. We know which Westside homes put you within walking distance of Riverbend Park. We know which Sunriver properties sit directly on the river. We know which rentals have the best hot tubs for soaking cold muscles after your float.
When you book with us, you choose space, comfort, and local expertise. You choose a full kitchen for drying out water shoes. You choose a private hot tub for stargazing after sunset. And you choose the peace of mind that comes from booking with Central Oregon’s most trusted vacation rental company.
