Ultimate Guide to Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Canoeing & River Floating in Bend
Paddleboarding (SUP), Kayaking, Canoeing & River Floating in Bend, Oregon (Best Rentals in 2025)
Paddling in Bend is the perfect way to soak up sunshine, fresh air, and mountain views all in one go. Whether you're floating the Deschutes with friends, cruising across a glassy alpine lake, or testing your balance on a paddleboard, there’s no better way to enjoy summer here. With easy river access and some of the most beautiful high-elevation lakes in Oregon, it’s no wonder paddleboarding, kayaking, and floating are a Bend summer tradition.
Bend is surrounded by incredible waterways, making it one of the best places in Oregon for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, canoeing, and river floating. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle on an alpine lake, a casual float through town, or an exciting whitewater run, there’s something for everyone.
This guide covers the best places to paddle, float, and explore the water, plus tips for gear, safety, and the best times to go.
Bend has no shortage of places to rent stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), kayaks, and canoes. Most rental shops offer everything you need, from life jackets to paddles—some even deliver gear right to the river or lakes. Whether you're looking for a casual float, a river surf session, or a high-alpine lake adventure, these local businesses have you covered.
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Why Bend is a Water Lover’s Paradise
Bend may be known for mountains and trails, but the rivers and lakes are just as much a part of life here. The Deschutes River runs right through town, offering a mix of calm sections for beginners and faster-moving water for more experienced paddlers. A short drive west takes you to the Cascade Lakes, where clear mountain water and stunning views make for unforgettable paddling experiences.
Summers in Bend are warm and dry, making it the perfect time to get out on the water. From floating the Deschutes in an inner tube to exploring hidden coves on a kayak, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the water.
Where to Paddle & Float in Bend
Deschutes River: The Classic Bend Experience
The Deschutes River is the heart of Bend’s water scene, offering plenty of opportunities for SUP, kayaking, canoeing, and floating. The most popular section for paddling is the stretch from Riverbend Park to Drake Park, where the water is slow-moving and beginner-friendly.
Best for: Paddleboarding, kayaking, and casual floating.
Put-in: Riverbend Park or Farewell Bend Park.
Take-out: Drake Park or Miller’s Landing.
Distance: ~1.5 miles (about 1 hour of paddling).
Things to know: Mornings are best for paddlers, as the river gets crowded with floaters in the afternoon.
Floating the Deschutes
Floating the Deschutes is a must-do summer activity in Bend. The most popular float route starts at Riverbend Park and ends at Drake Park, taking about 90 minutes to two hours. If you don’t have your own tube, several rental shops provide tubes, life jackets, and shuttle services to make the trip easy.
Cascade Lakes: The Best Scenic Paddling Spots
A short drive up Cascade Lakes Highway leads to pristine alpine lakes with crystal-clear water and stunning mountain views. These lakes are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing, with calm conditions and plenty of space to explore.
https://www.bendpaddletrailalliance.org/cascade-lakes-3/
Sparks Lake
Best for: Stunning views of South Sister and Broken Top.
Water conditions: Shallow and calm, great for beginners.
Things to know: No motorized boats, making it peaceful for paddlers.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=71876
Elk Lake
Best for: Warm water and a fun, social atmosphere.
Features: Sandy beaches and a lakeside lodge.
Things to know: Arrive early—this is one of the busiest lakes in summer.
Hosmer Lake
Best for: Crystal-clear water and a quiet nature experience.
Wildlife: Great spot to see fish, birds, and otters.
Things to know: No motorboats, making it ideal for peaceful paddling.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=71867
Devils Lake
Best for: Quick, easy paddles on turquoise water.
Size: Small lake, perfect for short paddles.
Things to know: Limited parking, so go early.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=72024
Cultus Lake
Best for: Those looking for a bigger lake and open-water paddling.
Things to know: Motorboats are allowed, so expect more waves.
Best Times to Paddle & Float in Bend
The best time to be on the water depends on the activity:
Paddleboarding & Kayaking: Mornings are best for calm conditions and fewer people. Afternoons can get windy.
Floating the Deschutes: Midday and early afternoon are the busiest times. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Cascade Lakes Paddling: June through September is the best window, as snow can linger into early summer.
Bend Kayak School
https://www.bendkayakschool.com/rentals
Bend Kayak School offers flexible rental options, including 24-hour rentals for self-transport to the lakes or curbside river delivery. Whether you're looking for a single kayak, tandem kayak, or SUP, they provide all the gear you need, including paddles, life vests, hand pumps, and car straps for easy transport.
Self-transport or riverside delivery and pickup.
24-hour rentals for trips to the Cascade Lakes.
Offers single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and SUPs.
Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe
https://www.yelp.com/biz/tumalo-creek-kayak-and-canoe-bend
Tumalo Creek is a one-stop shop for buying, renting, and learning about paddle sports. They offer guided tours, lessons, and a huge selection of gear. Their location right on the Deschutes River makes it easy to grab a board or kayak and launch without needing to transport it yourself.
Rent SUPs, kayaks, and canoes.
Lessons, guided tours, and gear sales.
Convenient riverfront location for easy access.
Stand on Liquid
Stand on Liquid specializes in high-quality paddleboards for both rental and purchase. They offer a wide range of SUP styles, from all-around boards to touring and racing models. Their shop has one of the largest selections of stand-up paddleboards in the Northwest.
Premium SUP rentals and sales.
Located near the river for easy transport.
Offers different board styles for all experience levels.
JD Paddleboards
https://www.instagram.com/jdpaddleboards/
JD Paddleboards is a local favorite for paddleboard rentals. They focus on custom SUPs, high-quality rentals, and expert advice. If you’re looking for a specialty board or something more advanced, this is a great place to check out.
High-quality stand-up paddleboard rentals.
Great for those looking for premium gear and custom boards.
Available for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Powder House
https://powderhousebend.com/summer-gear/kayak-sup-rentals/
Powder House is known for winter gear, but they also rent summer water equipment. They offer a wide selection of river tubes, kayaks, and SUPs, including single, tandem, and extra-large tubes for floating the Deschutes.
SUP, kayak, and river tube rentals.
Offers sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks.
Great option for group floats with large tube rentals.
Bend Surf
https://bendsurfandpaddle.com/
Bend Surf is the go-to shop for river surfing on the Deschutes. They rent and sell surfboards, riverboards, and paddleboards designed for Bend’s man-made wave section. They also offer board repairs and expert advice on river conditions.
Riverboard and surfboard rentals for the Deschutes.
Expert advice on surfing the Bend Whitewater Park.
Board repairs and custom gear available.
https://www.instagram.com/bendsurf/
Sunriver Toyhouse
https://www.sunrivertoyhousetoys.com/
Located in Sunriver, this shop rents out floats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and inflatable water mats. If you're paddling south of Bend or on the Deschutes near Sunriver, this is a great rental option.
SUPs, kayaks, water mats, and tubes.
Located near calm sections of the Deschutes River.
Great for family-friendly floating and paddling.
Floating the Deschutes: Rentals & Tips
One of the best summer activities in Bend is floating the Deschutes River. A two-mile float from Riverbend Park to Drake Park is the most popular route, and many rental shops offer tubes, life vests, and shuttle services to make the trip easier.
River Tube Rentals
Tumalo Creek Deschutes Float Rentals
https://tumalocreek.com/rentals/deschutes-float-rentals/
Tumalo Creek offers inner tube rentals and shuttles for the river float. They also provide life jackets and waterproof storage for essentials.
Convenient rentals & shuttle service.
Life jackets and dry bags available.
Best option for stress-free floating.
Sun Country Tours
https://www.suncountrytours.com/tubing-sup/river-tube/rentals
Sun Country Tours offers river tube rentals with shuttle services, making it easy to float the popular stretch of the Deschutes without worrying about transport.
Multiple tube sizes available.
Shuttle pickup for easy return.
Great for groups, families, and visitors.
Delivery Options: Rentals Brought to You
Many rental shops in Bend offer gear delivery services, dropping off and picking up SUPs and kayaks at the river or lakes. If you don’t have a way to transport gear, these services are worth looking into.
Bend Kayak School – Self-transport or riverside delivery & pickup.
Tumalo Creek – Located on the river for on-site rentals.
Sun Country Tours – Shuttle service for river floats.
Bend has incredible paddleboarding, kayaking, and floating options, whether you’re looking for a peaceful lake paddle, a fun river float, or a surf session on the Deschutes. With plenty of rental shops, guided tours, and delivery options, getting on the water is easy for both locals and visitors.
More fun things to do in Bend
FAQs for Paddleboarding, Kayaking & Floating in Bend
Do I need a permit to paddleboard or kayak in Bend?
Yes, if you're using a non-motorized watercraft 10 feet or longer (like some kayaks and canoes), Oregon law requires an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) permit. Stand-up paddleboards under 10 feet do not need a permit.
Where is the best place for beginners to paddleboard in Bend?
The Deschutes River between Riverbend Park and Drake Park is the easiest place for beginners. For lake paddling, Sparks Lake or Elk Lake have calm waters and great scenery.
What is the best time of day to go paddleboarding or kayaking?
Mornings are best for calm water and fewer crowds. Afternoons can be windy, especially on the Cascade Lakes.
Where can I rent a paddleboard or kayak in Bend?
There are several rental shops, including Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, Bend Kayak School, and Stand on Liquid. Some places even deliver rentals to the river or lakes.
Can I bring my own paddleboard or kayak to the Cascade Lakes?
Yes, but be prepared to transport your gear. Many of the lakes have designated launch areas, and some require parking fees.
How long does it take to float the Deschutes River?
The popular Riverbend Park to Drake Park float takes about 90 minutes to two hours, depending on river flow and stops along the way.
Where do I park for the Deschutes River float?
You can park at Riverbend Park, Farewell Bend Park, or near Drake Park. Some rental companies offer shuttle services to make transportation easier.
Do I need a life jacket for paddleboarding or kayaking in Bend?
Yes, Oregon law requires a life jacket (PFD) for all paddlers. Paddleboarders must have one on the board (not necessarily worn), but kayakers and canoers must wear them while on the water.
Is there a good place to paddleboard with kids in Bend?
Yes, Elk Lake and Sparks Lake are great options for families because they have calm water and beach areas for kids to play.
Can I surf on the Deschutes River?
Yes, Bend has a man-made wave at the Bend Whitewater Park, designed for river surfing. You can rent or buy riverboards and surfboards from Bend Surf & Paddle.
Are motorboats allowed on the Cascade Lakes?
Some lakes, like Cultus Lake and Elk Lake, allow motorboats, while Sparks Lake and Hosmer Lake are non-motorized only, making them great for paddlers.
When is the best time of year to paddleboard or kayak in Bend?
The best time is June through September, when the weather is warm and the lakes are fully accessible. Some lakes remain icy until late June, depending on snowmelt.
Do rental shops provide everything I need?
Yes, most rental shops include paddles, life vests, and transport gear. Some even offer delivery to the river or lakes.
Can I take my dog paddleboarding in Bend?
Yes, many people bring their dogs on paddleboards or kayaks, but a dog life vest is recommended for safety.
What should I bring for a day of paddleboarding or kayaking?
Bring sunscreen, water, a dry bag for valuables, sunglasses with a strap, and proper footwear. If you're paddling on a lake, layers are a good idea, as temperatures can change quickly.
