6 Lazy Rivers In Oregon That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day
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 lots of lovely places to float in the Beaver State. Here are six of our absolute favorite places to go for tubing in Oregon:
If you're looking for an awesome place to float near Portland, the Sandy River is always a great choice. This lovely river is a popular place for inner tubing in the summertime, as there are numerous options for fun, leisurely trips. As with most of these 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.
We simply adore Bend, Oregon, as the options for epic outdoor adventure are pretty much endless. 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 paddle boarders taking advantage of the warm weather and beautiful scenery. A popular route is floating 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. There's also a Sun Country Tours inner tube rental kiosk at Riverbend Park, which will set you up with a ticket for a shuttle ride back after you're done. If you're looking for more reasons to visit Bend when the weather warms up, allow us to convince you!
There are numerous places to float along the Willamette River, and if you're looking to float in the lap of luxury, definitely look into a Yacht Tub! For purists, though, one of the most memorable outings is the yearly River Raft Float event, wherein hundreds of people grab their inner tubes and other floatation devices and set off on a massive floating celebration of the Willamette River.
The Clackamas River is a gorgeous place 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!
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. There are a couple rough spots you'll want to navigate around, but otherwise it's quite an easy ride.
Located near Lebanon, the South 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.
South Santiam River, Oregon, USA
Be sure to come prepared with a sturdy inner tube, a ziplock bag for your car keys, and a life jacket. 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 principals here in Oregon!
Have you floated down any of these lazy rivers in Oregon? Which one is your favorite? Are there any we left out? Let us know in the comments. If you’re looking for more awesome things to do this summer, check out our list of unbeatable summertime activities in Oregon in this article.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Lazy rivers in Oregon
January 01, 1970
Sarah M.
What are some other lazy rivers in Oregon for a summer float?
If you're into taking a dip in Mother Nature's very own pools via one of the lazy rivers in Oregon, we highly recommend taking your excursion to the next level by visiting some of the state's waterfall pools! We outline all of our favorite waterfalls in this epic guide, and recommend clicking the Oregon Waterfalls You Can Swim In link in the Table of Contents. In terms of our favorite spots for a summer float, Toketee Falls is one of the best. The falls themselves feature a 28-foot upper tier which plunges into a pool flanked by a deep alcove, followed by an 85-foot plunge where the water pours endlessly into a large pool. The entire scene unfolds in something of a dream sequence; and accessing this enchanting oasis requires a quick-and-easy hike that’s less than a mile long, round trip. After just about half a mile, you'll reach the observation platform, which offers stunning views of the waterfall... and if you feel inspired to take the plunge, the basin of Toketee Falls is cold and refreshing and the best reward for your hiking efforts!
White River is another favorite place for water recreation of all varieties here in Oregon. This the trek to the eponymous falls quite literally goes through the river. As such, be prepared to get wet on this 0.8-mile hike -- and not from swimming; the trail follows the White River straight into the cerulean pool at its base. At the end, the magnificent White River Falls is a beautiful cascade with a deep cerulean pool that's a true Oregon oasis.
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