6 Lazy Rivers in Oregon That Are Perfect for Summer Tubing Adventures

When summer heat descends upon our corner of the Pacific Northwest, there's only one course of action: tackling one of the many lazy rivers in Oregon. Because really, is there anything better than spending a hot, sticky summer day soaking up sun rays atop a gently bobbing inner tube as you float down one of Oregon's cool, clear rivers? If there is, please let us know! There are plenty of lovely places to go tubing in the river in the Beaver State. Here are six of our absolute favorite lazy rivers in Oregon for floating:

1. The Sandy River is the Best Spot for Tubing Near Portland

If you're looking for an awesome place to float near Portland, the Sandy River is always a great choice. This is a lovely and popular place for lazy river tubing in Oregon in the summertime, with numerous options for fun, leisurely trips. As with most of these Oregon river floats, you may want to pair up with some friends to drop off one car at the place where you'll end your float so that you don't have to hike all the way back upstream to your car. One classic way to float the Sandy River is to start at Dabney State Recreation Area or Dodge Park and float down to Lewis and Clark State Park.

One way to get to the Sandy River for a tubing trip from the Portland area is via the Sasquatch Shuttle, which costs just $5 per person. This is a convenient option offered on Saturdays and Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Best of all, you can rent tubes (life jackets are also provided) from the Sasquatch Store before boarding the shuttle, which will drop you off at Dabney State Recreation Area at the start of your river tubing trip, and pick you up later at Glenn Otto Park.

2. Float Through Central Oregon on the Deschutes River

I simply adore Bend, Oregon, as the options for epic outdoor adventure are pretty much endless; in fact, it's considered the tubing capital of the state. One of the most wonderful rivers to float in the Beaver State is the gorgeous Deschutes River near Bend. On a summer day, you're likely to cross paths with numerous other floaters and paddleboarders taking advantage of the warm weather and beautiful mountain views and scenery. A popular Bend, Oregon, tubing route runs from Riverbend Park to Drake Park. One awesome perk of taking this route is that after your float, you can walk or take public transit back to Riverbend Park to fetch your car.

You also have the option to rent an inner tube from Sun Country Tours at the Bend Park and Ride on Columbia Street, where you can also park. This seasonal tour company will set you up with a tube plus a ticket for a shuttle ride back after you're done with your Deschutes River float. If you're looking for more reasons to visit Bend when the weather warms up, allow us to convince you!

3. Relax on the Willamette River Through Oregon's Wine Country

There are numerous places to float along the 187-mile Willamette River, which winds its way between Eugene and Portland through the verdant Willamette Valley, home to wineries and agricultural fields. If you're looking to float in the lap of luxury on the Willamette River, definitely look into a Yacht Tub, a unique hot tub boat for the ultimate Oregon summer tubing experience. For purists, though, one of the most memorable outings is the yearly Willamette River Festival, wherein hundreds of people grab their inner tubes and other floatation devices and set off on a massive floating celebration of the Willamette River. It's a classic summer social gathering worth participating in! Between the scenery and the fun you can have this summer, this river is one of the best for tubing in Oregon.

4. Float Through Incredible Scenery Along the Clackamas River

The Clackamas River is a gorgeous, blue-green waterway for a fun float under the summer sun. The combination of its natural beauty, lazy pace, and proximity to Portland draws crowds on hot days, so it's unlikely that you'll have the river to yourself. That shouldn't stop you from visiting, though! One great way to go about it is to start at Milo McIver State Park and float on down to Barton Park. For a shorter trip, simply float from the McIver Upper Ramp down to the Lower Ramp. Or, ditch the raft and take in the views from Stone Cliff Inn.

There are sections of the river that move at a swifter pace, so keep that in mind if you're looking for a more relaxing experience on the water. You can rent tubes, kayaks, and paddleboards to take onto the Clackamas River through Oregon River Rentals.

5. One of Oregon's Most Scenic Floats Is on the McKenzie River

A favorite spot for swimming and water recreation near Eugene, the McKenzie River is a perennial crowd-pleaser. One of the more popular floats leads from Hayden Bridge to Armitage Park, featuring a couple of rough spots to navigate around, but otherwise, it's quite an easy ride and one of the best places to float the river. The cold, crystal-clear waters and verdant forest scenery make floating on the McKenzie River even more desirable for those seeking time in nature during the hot summer months.

6. The South Santiam River Offers a Peaceful Tubing Adventure

Located near Lebanon, the South Santiam River, a 69-mile tributary of the Santiam River, is one of the most beautiful and underrated places in Oregon, and another fabulous place to bob along on an inner tube. One trip option is to climb aboard at Bates Bridge and get off at Waterloo Park. Because it is so underrated, expect fewer summer crowds and a more peaceful experience on this waterway than on the other rivers on this list.

What to Bring for a Safe and Comfortable Oregon River Float

Be sure to come prepared with a sturdy inner tube, a zip-lock bag or a wet bag for your car keys, sunscreen, water, a waterproof case for your phone, and a life jacket for safety. We also recommend taking as little as possible with you, since objects are really good at getting lost (and getting wet) during river floats... and because we always like to abide by Leave No Trace principles here in Oregon!

Have you been on any of these Oregon rivers for floating? If you're looking for more awesome water attractions, get your swimsuit on and go to these wonderful swimming holes in Oregon.