Bend Whitewater Park - Image 1
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Bend Whitewater Park

4.7
·568 reviews·Bend, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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Bend Whitewater Park - Image 1

Bend Whitewater Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(568 reviews)

"This place is a blast! Great fun on the river for all skill levels."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The River Wave

The River Wave

Main Channel

A dedicated surf wave for river surfing enthusiasts. Perfect for catching some gnarly rides!

Family Float Channel

Family Float Channel

Fish Ladder Channel

Gentle rapids ideal for tubing, paddleboarding, and beginner kayakers. Fun for all ages!

Kayaking Rapids

Kayaking Rapids

Whitewater Channels

Challenging rapids for experienced kayakers looking for an adrenaline rush.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key

Weekends and peak summer days see high crowds. Arrive early for parking and a better experience, especially if you're tubing or paddleboarding. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed visit.

Getting Around the River

The park has three channels for different activities. Parking can fill up fast on busy days. Plan your shuttle or walking route back to your car, especially if you're floating the river.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Peak water fun and vibes
Crowd
High
When
Late spring/early fall
Why
Pleasant temps, fewer people
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

✨ Have you ever been to Bend Whitewater Park? 😍 📍 Bend Oregon #VisitOregon #BendOregon #WhitewaterPark #CentralOregon #traveltiktok #travelbucketlist
@visitoregon
53.8K likes • 1.1M views

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early on weekends! Parking fills up fast. Consider Ubering to Riverbend Park and walking back. Reddit

🛟 Tube & Shuttle Info

Rent tubes or bring your own. A shuttle runs from Drake Park for a fee, or have a friend walk back. Reddit

memory #45 of the trip: decker’s unstable baby tube🛟 #summertrip #bend #oregon #floating
@taylin.chamberlin
20.3K likes • 172.8K views
The Bulletin recently installed a new higher-resolution webcam at Bend Whitewater Park. The live stream makes it easy to monitor surf wave activity with the click of a button. Find it at: www.bendbulletin.com/multimedia/webcams More about the river wave in: 📰  Get started surfing on Bend’s river wave with a little help from the community ✍️ 🎥  Janay Wright, The Bulletin #BendBulletin #Bend #Be...
bendbulletin
482 likes • 22.1K views

🏄‍♀️ River Surfing Boards

Dedicated river surfing boards work best on the main wave. Paddleboards may drag on ledges. TikTok

💧 Water Clarity

Water is clear and cold! Perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. TikTok

Had a great time a bend whitewater park!! Thank you mom for bringing me here love you.#bendwhitewaterpark #kayaking #whitewater #oregon
riff_noah_1
41 likes • 664 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early on weekends! Parking fills up fast. Consider Ubering to Riverbend Park and walking back. Reddit

🛟 Tube & Shuttle Info

Rent tubes or bring your own. A shuttle runs from Drake Park for a fee, or have a friend walk back. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ River Surfing Boards

Dedicated river surfing boards work best on the main wave. Paddleboards may drag on ledges. TikTok

💧 Water Clarity

Water is clear and cold! Perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. TikTok

📸 Webcam Access

Check wave conditions live with the Bend Bulletin's webcam before you go! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(568 reviews)

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

Diverse river activities
Family-friendly tubing
Exciting river wave

What People Dislike

Parking can be difficult
Surf wave board specific

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. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

As a public park, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. However, specific amenities like the shuttle service may have set operating times. Reddit

Entry to the park is free. Fees may apply for services like tube rentals or the river shuttle. Reddit

Absolutely! Bringing your own tubes, paddleboards, or kayaks is encouraged. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ 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. Instagram+1

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

Typically, public parks like this do not have lifeguards. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and should be aware of river conditions. Instagram

Wear swimwear and bring a PFD (Personal Flotation Device), especially if you're tubing or paddleboarding. A helmet is recommended for kayaking and surfing. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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! TikTokInstagram

Yes, but always be respectful of people's privacy. If you plan to use photos commercially, it's good practice to get permission. Instagram

Be extremely cautious with electronics near the water. Consider a waterproof case or a floating strap for your phone or camera. TikTok

Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local park rules. Always check current restrictions before flying a drone in the park. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bend Whitewater Park is a fantastic destination for families. The Fish Ladder Channel offers a safe and fun environment for kids to tube and float down the river with gentle rapids. TikTokInstagram It's a great way to cool off and have an adventure together. Remember to bring life vests for younger children and supervise them closely, as the river can still have currents. Packing snacks and drinks is also a good idea, as dedicated food services within the park are limited. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Adventure Seekers

For thrill-seekers, the river wave is a must-try. Whether you're an experienced river surfer or looking to learn, this is your spot. Kayakers will find challenging rapids in the designated whitewater sections, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience. Instagram+1 It's recommended to have the right gear, including a helmet and PFD, especially for these more intense activities. Instagram

🧘‍♀️ Relaxed Paddlers

If you prefer a more laid-back experience, the flat water areas above and below the rapids are perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking at a leisurely pace. TikTokInstagram You can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Deschutes River without the intensity of the whitewater. This is also a great option for those who want to practice their paddling skills in a calm environment. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Channels

Bend Whitewater Park is ingeniously designed with three distinct channels, each catering to different water sports enthusiasts. The Fish Ladder Channel is the most family-friendly, featuring gentle rapids perfect for tubing, leisurely floating, and beginner kayakers. It also plays a crucial role in helping fish migrate upstream. TikTok

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. TikTokReddit

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. Instagram+1

River Surfing at its Finest

The river wave at Bend Whitewater Park is a major draw for surfers. It's a standing wave that allows for continuous rides, a unique experience compared to ocean surfing. While it's a fantastic spot for learning and practicing, some visitors note that it works best with specific river surfing boards rather than standard paddleboards or even some kayaks. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Tubing and Floating Adventures

The Fish Ladder Channel is the undisputed champion for tubing and casual floating. Its series of gentle rapids provide just enough excitement to make the float fun without being overwhelming. This makes it an ideal activity for families with children and anyone looking for a relaxing way to experience the Deschutes River. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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