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Kayak the River

  • a whitewater kayaker at the bend whitewater park.
  • A kayaker in the river at First Street Rapids park.
  • Bend Whitewater Park Kayakers near the Old Mill District
  • a woman kayaking in the whitewater
  • Bend Whitewater Park Kayakers

The center channel of the Bend Whitewater Park has four wave features for emerging to expert whitewater enthusiasts. (See details in the tab below)

The features are created by 26, underwater pneumatic bladders, natural and man-made riverbed conditions and dynamic river flows.

Bend Whitewater Park is a feat of innovation and engineering with complexities and seasonal variables keeping the river recreation operators – or wave shapers – busy year-round. Less than 1/10th of a degree in gate movement can mean the difference between good and world-class.

No other whitewater park compares to the versatility, complexity and overall functionality of the Bend Whitewater Park.

The operational controls begin with 26 air bladders, or ‘gates’ that have been permanently affixed to the river bed to regulate critical habitat, and to shape whitewater waves for recreation. These gates can be manipulated in real-time from anywhere in the world by touchscreen controls.

SURF THE RIVER
FLOAT THE RIVER

Jason’s Wave

Jason’s wave is the most down-river feature.  It is a beginner to intermediate wave suitable for play boats, SUPs, and boogie boards. It is best suited for people learning whitewater sports or refining their skills.

Jason Mitchell loved nature, photography, snowboarding, traveling, guiding on the river and, most of all, family and friends. Jason was playful and enjoyed sharing his love of the river. Jason Mitchell: 1974 – 2010.

Kricket’s Wave
Just up river from Jason’s wave, this feature is an intermediate wave for more advanced play boat maneuvers. It is best suited for people with some experience in whitewater conditions.

Kricket Serota was an avid outdoor and river enthusiast who loved riding horses, cross country skiing, walking with her dog, snowboarding, windsurfing and kayaking. Kricket’s passion was teaching others (especially women) to love river recreation. Kricket Serota 1966 – 2012

The Green Wave
The next upriver feature is the Green Wave. It is a green, glassy faced wave ideal for short board river surfing, SUP surfing and flat bottom kayak surfing. This wave is best suited for experienced river users.

Eddy’s Wave
Nearest the bridge is Eddy’s wave which is the largest in the series and best suited for the most experienced river users. It is an advanced, retentive wave/hole for advanced play boat maneuvers.

Eddy Miller was bigger than life. He wondered at the metaphysical and natural world and prided himself on knowledge of plants, animals and insects along the waterways. Eddy Miller: 1952-2009.

  • Access to The Whitewater Channel is from downriver of the park at either McKay Park beach or Miller’s Landing Park. Do not access the channel from upriver.
  • The river-left (west) island is for line-up. There is no public access to the river-right island.
  • Positivity and respect are priorities here.
  • We encourage inclusion and educational opportunities at the park.
  • To help with user experience, up to 10 surfers on the island at one time.
  • Once you surf an hour session, please give someone else a chance.
  • Do your part to keep BWP special for locals and visitors.
  • Life jackets and whistles are required for all boaters and paddleboarders.
  • Helmets are recommended. Board leashes, however, should not be used as they can get caught on underwater elements.
  • Always scout the conditions as river flows and wave features change frequently. Consider the waves above and below and plan your exit routes for each wave.
  • Check the Bend Whitewater Park Facebook page for updates and conditions at Facebook.com/BendWhitewaterPark

Recommended Safety Equipment:

  • Cold water protective clothing and footwear
  • Life jacket
  • Helmet
  • Whistle

The PFD and whistle are required by law; the helmet helps protect you from rocks and equipment.

Prohibited:

  • Don’t tether to the bridge or island and don’t use of bungee cords, ropes or other like devices. Ropes tied to fixed objects present a significant entanglement and drowning risk.
  • No jumping off the bridge.
  • No access to the park from the emergency ladder on the footbridge.
  • No alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use.
  • No motorized craft.
  • No swimming, diving or jumping within the Bend Whitewater Park; swimming is allowed from McKay Park beach.
  • No activity that obstructs the safe flow of river users.
  • No entering the protected natural area, riparian area or the river-right (east) island.
  • Unsafe or illegal behavior may result in exclusion and/or citation.
  • Know Your Limits – only paddle within your skill and physical ability
  • Have a buddy – put safety first. Always have someone to assist, rescue or call 911

 

Vegetation and wildlife are integral parts of the Bend Whitewater Park and other parks along the Deschutes River.

Bend Park and Recreation District is committed to sustainability and river stewardship.

With more than a quarter million river users each summer, everyone has a role in maintaining the Deschutes River as a special place. To learn more about the Deschutes River Access and Habitat Restoration planning effort, visit the project webpage.

The Deschutes River is dam-controlled and primarily serves water rights and irrigation needs. The Bend Whitewater Park staff keeps water depth in Mill Pond seasonally stable, and mimic natural flow changes. This work provides habitat for protected species.

When constructed and opened in 2015, the Bend Whitewater Park:

  • Removed the Colorado Street Dam and created a fish ladder to restore fish migration in this reach of the Deschutes River. The series of 12 small rapids nearest to McKay Park serves fish migration as well as river floaters. As a fish ladder, it helps fish travel upstream, a route that was previously blocked by a hazardous dam. While species of redband, brook and brown trout spawn at a specific time of the year, fish are present year round.
  • Created the Habitat Channel and maintains a year-round minimum flow level for protected species. The Habitat Channel is designed to protect wildlife and improve river health. The relatively shallow river depth supports riparian plants and wildlife. Look for osprey, willow and frogs among other native features as it continues to develop over time. To protect the sensitive nature of this area, it is not accessible to people or domesticated animals.
  • Installed several Osprey nesting posts. The presence of fish is also welcomed by happy ospreys that use the river area for foraging, roosting and raising their young on nest platforms.

River Cleanups

Help keep the Deschutes River clean and free from debris. Secure your belongings and make sure trash goes in bins.

Each summer more than 1,500 lbs. of trash are collected at one clean-up event. Please do your part to reduce what is left behind.

volunteers picking up trash next to the Deschutes River

Want to be involved beyond your day on the river? Join the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council for Deschutes River Clean-up Day in late July. Volunteers remove weeds, debris and garbage from the river and riverbanks.

For more info: https://www.upperdeschuteswatershedcouncil.org/

 

More ways to help

  • Protect native and protected species by staying out of the Habitat Channel, which is the river right and most eastern channel in the whitewater park.
  • Protect native plant and wildlife! Put in and take out of the river at designated boat landings and portage paths.
  • Help keep our river clean. Secure your gear to avoid losing personal items and disposal of garbage in the river.

Whitewater Wave Information

Jason’s Wave

Jason’s wave is the most down-river feature.  It is a beginner to intermediate wave suitable for play boats, SUPs, and boogie boards. It is best suited for people learning whitewater sports or refining their skills.

Jason Mitchell loved nature, photography, snowboarding, traveling, guiding on the river and, most of all, family and friends. Jason was playful and enjoyed sharing his love of the river. Jason Mitchell: 1974 – 2010.

Kricket’s Wave
Just up river from Jason’s wave, this feature is an intermediate wave for more advanced play boat maneuvers. It is best suited for people with some experience in whitewater conditions.

Kricket Serota was an avid outdoor and river enthusiast who loved riding horses, cross country skiing, walking with her dog, snowboarding, windsurfing and kayaking. Kricket’s passion was teaching others (especially women) to love river recreation. Kricket Serota 1966 – 2012

The Green Wave
The next upriver feature is the Green Wave. It is a green, glassy faced wave ideal for short board river surfing, SUP surfing and flat bottom kayak surfing. This wave is best suited for experienced river users.

Eddy’s Wave
Nearest the bridge is Eddy’s wave which is the largest in the series and best suited for the most experienced river users. It is an advanced, retentive wave/hole for advanced play boat maneuvers.

Eddy Miller was bigger than life. He wondered at the metaphysical and natural world and prided himself on knowledge of plants, animals and insects along the waterways. Eddy Miller: 1952-2009.

Know Before You Go

  • Access to The Whitewater Channel is from downriver of the park at either McKay Park beach or Miller’s Landing Park. Do not access the channel from upriver.
  • The river-left (west) island is for line-up. There is no public access to the river-right island.
  • Positivity and respect are priorities here.
  • We encourage inclusion and educational opportunities at the park.
  • To help with user experience, up to 10 surfers on the island at one time.
  • Once you surf an hour session, please give someone else a chance.
  • Do your part to keep BWP special for locals and visitors.
  • Life jackets and whistles are required for all boaters and paddleboarders.
  • Helmets are recommended. Board leashes, however, should not be used as they can get caught on underwater elements.
  • Always scout the conditions as river flows and wave features change frequently. Consider the waves above and below and plan your exit routes for each wave.
  • Check the Bend Whitewater Park Facebook page for updates and conditions at Facebook.com/BendWhitewaterPark

Safety Information

Recommended Safety Equipment:

  • Cold water protective clothing and footwear
  • Life jacket
  • Helmet
  • Whistle

The PFD and whistle are required by law; the helmet helps protect you from rocks and equipment.

Prohibited:

  • Don’t tether to the bridge or island and don’t use of bungee cords, ropes or other like devices. Ropes tied to fixed objects present a significant entanglement and drowning risk.
  • No jumping off the bridge.
  • No access to the park from the emergency ladder on the footbridge.
  • No alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use.
  • No motorized craft.
  • No swimming, diving or jumping within the Bend Whitewater Park; swimming is allowed from McKay Park beach.
  • No activity that obstructs the safe flow of river users.
  • No entering the protected natural area, riparian area or the river-right (east) island.
  • Unsafe or illegal behavior may result in exclusion and/or citation.
  • Know Your Limits – only paddle within your skill and physical ability
  • Have a buddy – put safety first. Always have someone to assist, rescue or call 911

 

Stewardship

Vegetation and wildlife are integral parts of the Bend Whitewater Park and other parks along the Deschutes River.

Bend Park and Recreation District is committed to sustainability and river stewardship.

With more than a quarter million river users each summer, everyone has a role in maintaining the Deschutes River as a special place. To learn more about the Deschutes River Access and Habitat Restoration planning effort, visit the project webpage.

The Deschutes River is dam-controlled and primarily serves water rights and irrigation needs. The Bend Whitewater Park staff keeps water depth in Mill Pond seasonally stable, and mimic natural flow changes. This work provides habitat for protected species.

When constructed and opened in 2015, the Bend Whitewater Park:

  • Removed the Colorado Street Dam and created a fish ladder to restore fish migration in this reach of the Deschutes River. The series of 12 small rapids nearest to McKay Park serves fish migration as well as river floaters. As a fish ladder, it helps fish travel upstream, a route that was previously blocked by a hazardous dam. While species of redband, brook and brown trout spawn at a specific time of the year, fish are present year round.
  • Created the Habitat Channel and maintains a year-round minimum flow level for protected species. The Habitat Channel is designed to protect wildlife and improve river health. The relatively shallow river depth supports riparian plants and wildlife. Look for osprey, willow and frogs among other native features as it continues to develop over time. To protect the sensitive nature of this area, it is not accessible to people or domesticated animals.
  • Installed several Osprey nesting posts. The presence of fish is also welcomed by happy ospreys that use the river area for foraging, roosting and raising their young on nest platforms.

River Cleanups

Help keep the Deschutes River clean and free from debris. Secure your belongings and make sure trash goes in bins.

Each summer more than 1,500 lbs. of trash are collected at one clean-up event. Please do your part to reduce what is left behind.

volunteers picking up trash next to the Deschutes River

Want to be involved beyond your day on the river? Join the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council for Deschutes River Clean-up Day in late July. Volunteers remove weeds, debris and garbage from the river and riverbanks.

For more info: https://www.upperdeschuteswatershedcouncil.org/

 

More ways to help

  • Protect native and protected species by staying out of the Habitat Channel, which is the river right and most eastern channel in the whitewater park.
  • Protect native plant and wildlife! Put in and take out of the river at designated boat landings and portage paths.
  • Help keep our river clean. Secure your gear to avoid losing personal items and disposal of garbage in the river.