River Adventures
More water than you can shake a paddle at!
Could this really be the High Desert? Bordered by five miles of the scenic Deschutes River shoreline and more than a dozen nearby lakes, Sunriver can be your base camp for accessing the area's natural water features. Bring your own watercraft or rent a canoe, kayak or tube from one of several local vendors.
Please note: Access to the river within Sunriver is restricted to owners and guests only.
Travel Less, Paddle More!
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Sunriver AREA River Access
LAUNCH-TAKEOUT LOCATIONS
Below is a list of public access launch and takeout locations near the Sunriver area. Do not take-out on private property. It is considered trespassing to launch/take-out on private land along the float, including private docks and marinas.
Launch & Takeout areas are restricted to the following only:
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Big River
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Harper Bridge (south side of river)
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Besson day use
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Sunriver Marina (access fees required)
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Sunriver Canoe Takeout
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Benham Falls East Trailhead
The Sunriver Canoe Takeout and Benham Falls East Trailhead area are the LAST takeout points. Beyond these points is Benham Falls. All floaters must exit prior to the falls.
FLOAT TIMES
Want to spend only a few hours floating the river or the whole day? Here are some approximate float times depending on the time of year and river flow:​
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1 to 2 hrs: Harper Bridge to Sunriver Marina (restricted access - do not takeout on private property) - 3.5 miles
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2 to 3 hrs: Sunriver Marina (restricted access do not take out on private property) to Canoe Takeout - 5.1 miles
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3-4.5 hrs: Besson Day Use to Canoe Takeout /Benham Falls
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3-4 hrs: Big River to Harper Bridge - 7.5 miles
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3 to 5 hrs: Harper Bridge to Canoe Takeout - 8.6 miles
Life vests are REQUIRED for ages 12 and under — whether you are in a float, tube, kayak, canoe, etc. Map your float and takeout only on public access sites.
H20 Tips!
STICK TO PUBLIC ACCESS SITES: Don’t take-out on private property. It is considered trespassing to launch/take-out on private land along the float, including private docks and marinas.
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WEAR A LIFE JACKET: All children 12 and younger are required to wear a life jacket and older boaters must carry a life jacket. Rivers can be unpredictable and safety is always the best policy.
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BRING WATER: Be prepared for a long day in the sun and stay hydrated.
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LAKES, LAKES, LAKES: Parking scarcity got you down? Head to one of the many nearby lakes and get your float on! Elk Lake, South Twin Lake, Paulina Lake and East Lake are all great options for a day of floating.
PARKING IN SUNRIVER
NO ROADSIDE PARKING IN SUNRIVER. Parking is limited to driveways and designated parking areas ONLY. There is no river access parking or pickup anywhere in Sunriver except at the Resort's Marina, SROA boat launch (both restricted to visitors with access) and outside Sunriver at Harper Bridge.
Citations will be issued for parking violations per Sunriver Rules and Regulations ($250 fine).
H20 Adventures Near Sunriver
LOCAL LAKES
Sunriver is surrounded by some of Central Oregon's most pristine lakes. Here is a list of local lakes that are perfect for a day in the water and offer seasonal boat/canoe/kayak rentals:
RENTALS
