White water rafting on the Deschutes River in Bend is a must-do activity while you are visiting Central Oregon. Nothing's better on a hot summer's day in Bend than a wild ride down the river!
One of the popular river rafting outfitters in Bend Oregon is Sun Country Tours. They offer a variety of white water rafting excursions ranging from a few hours to multiple days from early spring until late fall. The Big Eddy Thriller is a fun rafting adventure designed for the entire family--young kids don't even have to paddle--that takes you through Class 1 and 3 rapids (Class 6 rapids are considered hazerdous for even expert paddlers). Along the way, there'll be time for swimming and even some horse play--or shall we say "water play"--as you battle other rafters for the title of "King" of the water bazooka fights. And, don't forget to say cheese...Sun Country will snap a photo 
of you and your crew when you are least expecting it. Sun Country Tours will take care of everything from providing you with life vests, rain gear (only necessary for early spring rafting conditions), friendly guides and even a bus ride to Aspen--an old logging camp where the trip begins--from their headquarters in Bend, Oregon.
The two hour rafting trip from Bend is just the right amount of time to fit rafting into your packed-full vacation itinerary while still having plenty of time left over for a hike to Tumalo Falls.
For a full day of rafting excitement Ouzel Outfitters and Sun Country Tours offer trips on the lower Deschutes River near the rafting town of Maupin. Big splashy class III rapids like Boxcar and Oak Springs deliver a thrilling experience and photographers will capture your mile-wide smiles.
For a slightly easier trip, the McKenzie River in the Cascade Mountains east of Sisters offers fast and active, but relatively easy class II rafting. Transportation from Bend, delicious lunches, professional guides and equipment provide you and your family with a fun filled day!
When one day just isn’t enough, enjoy an overnight rafting and camping experience on the Lower Deschutes River or the North Umpqua River (near Crater Lake National Park). Two days of shooting the rapids and a night along the river under the stars makes for the perfect weekend getaway. Ouzel Outfitters offers fully-outfitted multi-day trips providing all of your camping gear and with gourmet meals served on full-sized banquet tables.
For those who are over 21 and like to enjoy a cold one after a hard day's paddle, join Sun Country Tours for there Raft and Brew event happening on select dates through the summer where you get a tour of Cascades Lakes Brewery, and most importantly, a taste and rate of six of their famous microbrews along with some tasty appetizers that are sure to wet your paddle-parched whistle and appetite (you know, Bend is synonymous for its selection of locally brewed suds).
We'll see you on the river this summer!