Bend Whitewater Park
Bend Whitewater Park offers three distinct river channels for surfing, kayaking, tubing, and family floats on the Deschutes River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Bend Whitewater Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bend Whitewater Park offers three distinct river channels for surfing, kayaking, tubing, and family floats on the Deschutes River.
"This place is a blast! Great fun on the river for all skill levels."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early on weekends! Parking fills up fast. Consider Ubering to Riverbend Park and walking back.
🛟 Tube & Shuttle Info
Rent tubes or bring your own. A shuttle runs from Drake Park for a fee, or have a friend walk back.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The River Wave
Main Channel
A dedicated surf wave for river surfing enthusiasts. Perfect for catching some gnarly rides!
Family Float Channel
Fish Ladder Channel
Gentle rapids ideal for tubing, paddleboarding, and beginner kayakers. Fun for all ages!
Kayaking Rapids
Whitewater Channels
Challenging rapids for experienced kayakers looking for an adrenaline rush.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Getting Around the River
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early on weekends! Parking fills up fast. Consider Ubering to Riverbend Park and walking back.
🛟 Tube & Shuttle Info
Rent tubes or bring your own. A shuttle runs from Drake Park for a fee, or have a friend walk back.
🏄♀️ River Surfing Boards
Dedicated river surfing boards work best on the main wave. Paddleboards may drag on ledges.
💧 Water Clarity
Water is clear and cold! Perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early on weekends! Parking fills up fast. Consider Ubering to Riverbend Park and walking back.
🛟 Tube & Shuttle Info
Rent tubes or bring your own. A shuttle runs from Drake Park for a fee, or have a friend walk back.
🏄♀️ River Surfing Boards
Dedicated river surfing boards work best on the main wave. Paddleboards may drag on ledges.
💧 Water Clarity
Water is clear and cold! Perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.
📸 Webcam Access
Check wave conditions live with the Bend Bulletin's webcam before you go!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Bend Whitewater Park's diverse offerings, from thrilling river surfing to family-friendly tubing. The park is praised for its innovative design and the fun it provides for locals and tourists alike. Some find parking challenging on busy days, and dedicated river surfers might find the main wave best suited for specific boards.
"First time to the Whitewater park. All I had was my white water paddle board, dry suit, helmet, and PFD. The water parks highlights include a very surfable river wave. I tried to surf it twice with my board and it barely worked. I think it’s better suited for dedicated small river, surfing boards. The wiggles were very accommodating and helpful. I also tried the Whitewater sections of the park. The other waves were difficult to surf on with the board and seemed more suited for a kayak. The inner tube section was runnable with my white water paddle board, but the ledges are very shallow, and the board would drag on each wedge. There’s a large flat water area below the rapids with limited flow as well as a large area above the rapids near the Hayden home amphitheater where people can paddle on flat water with minimal flow. I think it is an excellent addition and wish it existed in my current city. I think as far as a destination Unless you’re coming from someplace without any water access, you might be slightly disappointed. I think it is a great place to go river surfing if you were into river surfing or want to learn to river surf. I think for the local Whitewater community there, it is a great place to practice a few things with kayaks. For the general public, who wants to just go paddle boarding or swimming or tubing it is also a very fun addition. We got there early in the day on Friday and there was plenty of parking. By the end of the day, there was no parking available."
Jeff Pollock
"Went on a Saturday. Parking was a bit of a chalage. With a bit of patience and luck I did find a spot. The park was great."
tom bartell
"Oh man!! This place is a blast!
It’s midway between Riverbend and Drake parks for the Bend float
Good parking here
Sometimes has food trucks
The rapids are amazing!
Easy and large for different skill levels"
David Wellcome
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in Bend, Oregon, along the Deschutes River. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available near the park entrances. For those floating the river, shuttles are available from Drake Park back to starting points like Riverbend Park.
Yes, there is parking available, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Bend is a bike-friendly city, and you can likely bike to the park. There are bike paths along the Deschutes River that connect to the park area.
Each channel has designated access points. The Fish Ladder Channel is great for easy entry for tubers and floaters, while the main surf wave and kayaking channels require specific put-in spots.
While specific accessibility details can vary, the park aims to be inclusive. The flat water areas and some access points may be more manageable. It's best to check with local park authorities for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bend Whitewater Park is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. You can enjoy the river activities for free.
As a public park, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. However, specific amenities like the shuttle service may have set operating times.
Entry to the park is free. Fees may apply for services like tube rentals or the river shuttle.
Absolutely! Bringing your own tubes, paddleboards, or kayaks is encouraged.
The park is most active during the warmer months when the water flow is optimal for recreation. Some users note that water levels can change with irrigation seasons.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy river surfing, kayaking, tubing, paddleboarding, and simply floating down the Deschutes River. There are also flat water areas for relaxed paddling.
The park has three channels: the Fish Ladder Channel (gentle rapids for families/tubing), the main surf wave channel (for river surfing), and other whitewater sections suitable for kayaking.
The river can be fast-moving, especially in the whitewater sections. Always exercise caution, wear a PFD if you're not a strong swimmer, and be aware of your surroundings.
Typically, public parks like this do not have lifeguards. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and should be aware of river conditions.
Wear swimwear and bring a PFD (Personal Flotation Device), especially if you're tubing or paddleboarding. A helmet is recommended for kayaking and surfing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Sometimes food trucks are available near the park, especially during busy times. It's a good idea to pack your own snacks and drinks.
Yes, picnicking is a great option. There are areas where you can relax and enjoy your meal. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Bend has a vibrant food scene. You'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and breweries within a short drive or bike ride from the Whitewater Park.
Alcohol policies can vary. It's best to check local regulations for Bend's parks regarding alcohol consumption to ensure you're compliant.
While there aren't dedicated shops within the park, you might find vendors or food trucks. Bringing your own supplies is the most reliable option.
📸 📸 Photography
The river wave offers dynamic action shots. The surrounding park areas and the Deschutes River provide scenic backdrops. Capture the surfers, kayakers, and tubers in action!
Yes, but always be respectful of people's privacy. If you plan to use photos commercially, it's good practice to get permission.
Be extremely cautious with electronics near the water. Consider a waterproof case or a floating strap for your phone or camera.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local park rules. Always check current restrictions before flying a drone in the park.
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers beautiful light. Midday can be harsh, but it's great for capturing the action with bright, clear light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄♀️ Adventure Seekers
🧘♀️ Relaxed Paddlers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Channels
The main channel is home to the park's signature feature: a consistent river wave that draws river surfers from near and far. This wave is specifically engineered for surfing and is best suited for dedicated river surfing boards.
Finally, there are additional whitewater sections designed for more experienced kayakers seeking challenging rapids and a thrilling ride. These areas offer a different kind of excitement for those with advanced paddling skills.
River Surfing at its Finest
For those new to river surfing, the wave offers a great opportunity to learn the basics in a controlled environment. The community in Bend is known for being welcoming, and you might find experienced surfers willing to offer tips. Checking the live webcam provided by the Bend Bulletin can give you a real-time look at the wave's conditions before you head out.
It's important to note that water flow can impact the wave's performance. While the park is designed for consistent conditions, factors like irrigation schedules can influence the river's power. Always be aware of the current conditions and your own skill level when attempting to surf.
Tubing and Floating Adventures
Many visitors enjoy putting in at Riverbend Park and floating downstream to Drake Park. A shuttle service is available from Drake Park back to Riverbend, making it a convenient loop. Alternatively, you can have one person drop off the group and then park the car at the end point.
Remember to bring your own tubes or rent them locally. While the rapids are fun, there are also calmer, flat water sections above and below the main whitewater areas where you can paddleboard or simply relax.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit