Photo by Gwen Gamble Recreation Paddleboarders, kayakers, canoers and float enthusiasts can escape the summer heat by exploring nearby Cascade Mountain lakes or the Deschutes River. Sunriver is bordered by more than 5 miles of the Deschutes River, which is springfed, and the water rarely exceeds 60 degrees in temperature even in the summer. Word of advice — Before you launch, plan where you are going and how long you want to be on the water. Have a designated meeting spot in case you get separated from your party. Leave nothing behind: Please do not leave garbage in the river or lakes. Whatever you bring with you, take with you. Public Access launch and takeout trips: Start your river adventure at a public access site or risk being cited for trespassing. Big River to Harper Bridge • Distance: 7.5 miles Float Time: 3-5 hours depending on wind direction and paddling. Harper Bridge to Besson Day Use Area • Distance: 1.8 miles Float Time: 1 hour Besson Day Use Area to Benham Falls Day Use Area • Distance: 7.9 miles Float Time: 3-4 hours depending on wind direction and paddling Float options for Sunriver Resort guests and Sunriver Owner Association owners: • Harper Bridge to Sunriver Marina: 3.5-mile trip, 2 hours. • Sunriver Marina to Benham Falls Takeout: 6 miles, 2-3 hours. The trip starts at the Sunriver Marina and ends at a takeout before the Benham Falls Day Use Area. A shuttle will return you to the Marina. Public and Resort guests need to rent equipment from the Marina to use the shuttle service. The Sunriver Owners Association (SROA) owns a private launch and parking area next to the Marina. Access to this facility is restricted to Sunriver owners and their guests. Only those with updated Member Preference and Recreation Plus access cards issued by SROA can use this facility. Shuttle service is free for SROA members. Wanderlust Tours offers interpreted, guided canoe and kayak tours of the Cascade Lakes. Day, evening and moonlight tours are available as well as transportation starting in Sunriver for families or a large group. NEWBERRY NATIONAL VOLCANIC MONUMENT Located in the caldera in Newberry National Volcanic Monument, East Lake and Paulina Lake offer a dramatic setting for a paddling adventure. Paulina Lake is also popular for fishing and pleasure boating, and you’ll find Paulina Lodge on its shores. To get to the monument and the two lakes, follow Highway 97 south from Sunriver and turn east on Road 21 just before you get to La Pine. The Paulina Plunge downhill mountain bike ride and waterfall tour is another favorite for locals and visitors. Participants ride downhill for six miles on forest trails, while stopping at various points to descend into the Paulina Creek canyon to splash and play in natural waterslides and plunge pools. sunriverstyle.com/riveradventures • bendpaddletrailalliance Summer Paddle Voyages Whether you plan to spend an hour or three hours on the water, be sure to carry the essential items: • Life vests • Food and water • Appropriate clothing including shoes • Sunscreen • Waterproof bag for phone and essentials • Double check your equipment • Have a plan for launching and taking out. 2024-25 | SunriverChamber.com 25
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