Ride the River

The anticipated to start date for the Ride the River shuttle is June 26 . Stay tuned for more information!

Ride the River is the popular shuttle that transports floaters on the Deschutes. The shuttle is a convenient option that decreases dependence on parking along Drake Park and the multi-car shuffle. Floaters can ride the shuttle for and enjoy unlimited rides all day. CET’s Ride the River shuttle service begins in late-June and runs through Labor Day. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, if there is a higher volume of floaters, buses run every 15 minutes. Service may be reduced or canceled based on inclement weather including cooler temperatures, rain and thunderstorms.

The Cascades East Transit Ride the River shuttle begins and ends at Park & Float with stops at Riverbend Park and Drake Park. Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe offers rental of river tubes, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and complementary life jackets for children and adults. Rentals are also offered year-round from Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. Contact Tumalo Creek or call 541-317-9407 for information about renting tubes and hours.

SAFETY UPDATES:

For the safety and health of riders and drivers, CET will operate the Ride the River shuttle by following Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 protocols, which include:

• Face coverings are required on-board all CET buses, at bus stops, and facilities
• Social distance requirements (3 feet between passengers and 6 feet between passengers and drivers)
• Maintain maximum occupancy passenger limits on buses (Please note: With maximum capacity limits for all vehicles, we recommend getting to the shuttle stop early to secure a seat–first come, first serve. The bus will not stop if it has already reached its capacity limit and you are not guaranteed a ride if you are at the bus stop.)

FLOATING TIP:

Want to avoid the crowds and long lines on those hot summer days? Start your float earlier between 11 AM and 2 PM or later between 4 PM and 7 PM for a more relaxed river experience with easy shuttle access.

SCHEDULE:

The 2021 season schedule is currently being finalized.

HOW TO RIDE THE RIVER:

Start at Park & Float. Take the shuttle to Riverbend Park to begin your float. Caution: there are rapids at Bend Whitewater Park. Be prepared or exit the river and walk around. Continue your float to Drake Park and exit after Galveston Ave. bridge. Take shuttle to return to Park & Float

• Please provide exact change when purchasing your wristband. Drivers do not have the ability to make change.
• Please line up in a single file while waiting for the next available bus.
• If you are in a vehicle, do not park in the loading zone for Ride the River at either the Drake Park Ride the River bus stop or at the Bend Park and Recreation admin office.
• If the bus or trailer is at capacity before the scheduled departure time, the bus may depart early.
• Passengers are responsible for their own flotation device/tubes and must travel on the same bus as the flotation device/tube. CET is not responsible for lost or stolen tubes.

RAINY DAY SERVICE:
Service may be temporarily suspended due to inclement weather. Check the service alerts for updates.