Nature’s Aquatic Adventures & Water Safety Rules

Nature’s Aquatic Adventures Await

Paddleboarders, kayakers, fishing enthusiasts and canoers have numerous lakes and rivers to explore near Sunriver.

SPLASH AROUND IN SUNRIVER

Sunriver is bordered by more than 5 miles of the Deschutes River.

Please note: Start your river adventure at a public access site or risk being cited for trespassing. • Harper Bridge to Sunriver Marina: 3.5-mile trip, 1-2 hours. • Sunriver Marina to Canoe 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.

• Longer nearby water adventures

include: Besson Day Use to Benham Falls Day Use: 3 to 5 hours; Big River to Harper Bridge, about 3 to 4 hours and Harper Bridge to Benham Falls Takeout: 3 to 5 hours.

WHITEWATER RAFTING

A thrilling whitewater rafting adventure awaits you on the Upper Deschutes, McKenzie, North Umpqua or Lower Deschutes rivers. Sun Country Raft Tours offers half-day to all-day rafting trips from May to September. Make reservations early.

RENT EQUIPMENT

Knowledgeable and friendly staff members will make sure you have the right equipment for your adventure. Plus, they can provide insight and advice on your water trip. Visit 4 Seasons Recreational Outfitters, Good2Go, Sunriver Sports, Sunriver Marina, Sunriver Toy House Rentals or Village Bike and Ski for equipment.

MOUNTAIN LAKES

Elk Lake, Devils Lake, Sparks Lake, Hosmer Lake, Lava Lake and Todd Lake are a few of the nearby Cascade Mountain lakes that offer incredible views of Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top and South Sister. Access the lakes by taking Highway 40 to the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, a 66-mile historic highway.

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

Photo by Kristine Thomas

WATER SAFETY RULES

1. Children 12 years and younger are required to wear a life vest.

Everyone must have a life vest on their kayak, canoe, paddleboard or floating device.

2. Follow safe boating practices. Always double check your equipment.

3. Parking is limited only to driveways and designated parking areas.

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.

4. Before you dive or jump into the water, make sure it’s safe. Be on the lookout for submerged logs or other debris and rocks.

5. Jumping into a lake or river on a hot day may seem like a good idea but remember the water temperature can be extremely cold and you could risk hyperthermia. 6. Bring food, water, sunscreen and extra clothing.