Where to Play

Parking permits are required at all State and National Parks and can be purchased online.

Float the Deschutes River

The classic Sunriver family experience

We recommend the following float trips:

La Pine State Park to Big River Boating Site (5 Hours)
Big River Boating Site to Harper Bridge (4 Hours)
Harper Bridge to Besson Day Use (1 Hour)
Besson Day Use to Sunriver Canoe Take Out (5 Hours)

Steps to float the Deschutes (requires at least 2 vehicles)

Load kayaks, canoe, or innertubes onto/into two cars.
Drive both cars to your final destination.
Leave car #1 parked at final destination.
Drive car #2 to launch site.
Enjoy a leisurely float down the river.
Beach boats at final destination.
Load people and boats into car #1 and go and retrieve car #2.

Cardinal Landing Footbridge

Big River Campground

Deschutes River Play Sites

All these sites are close to Sunriver. The water is moving so we recommend young kids play in life jackets. Day use permits are required for parking.

CARDINAL LANDING FOOT BRIDGE

Located in Sunriver. There is no parking so this is a fun bike-to adventure. Swimming spots are on the National Forest side, just across the bridge. Map Location

BESSON DAY USE AREA

Located on National Forest side of Deschutes River down the road from Sunriver. A great place to put bodies, kayaks or inner tubes in the water and just play. Directions

BIG RIVER CAMPGROUND

A great place to put bodies, kayaks or inner tubes in the water and just play. Directions

Mountain Beaches

Fun in the sun without the smell of seaweed

CULTUS LAKE

Cultus Lake is one of the most popular of the high Cascade Lakes because it is one of the few that allows waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, and jet skiing. There is a large public beach right next to Cultus Lake Resort. Directions

SOUTH TWIN LAKE

South Twin Lake has a beautiful beach and day use area with picnic tables, a small grocery store and restaurant. Get there early for the best spot on the beach. Directions

ELK LAKE

Elk Lake has two wonderful beaches with shallow areas to swim.
Directions to South Beach
Directions to Sunset View Beach

EAST AND PAULINA LAKES

East Lake has one of the longest mountain beaches in CentralOregon. Both East and Paulina have lodges and restaurants where you can buy all the essentials for a fun day on the water. Directions

Elk Lake