Ride the River

The Ride the River Shuttle service began June 19!

Ride the River is the popular shuttle that transports floaters on the Deschutes River. The shuttle is a convenient option that decreases dependence on parking near Drake Park and the multi-car shuffle. Floaters can ride the shuttle all day with the purchase of a wristband. 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 shuttle begins and ends at the Park & Float with stops at Riverbend Park and Drake Park. Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe offers rental river tubes, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and complementary life jackets for children and adults year-round. Contact Tumalo Creek or call 541-317-9407 for information about hours and tube rentals.

SAFETY UPDATES:

For the safety and health of riders and drivers, CET requires all passengers wear face coverings when boarding and riding on the shuttle.

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.

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. Ride the River operates seven days per week through labor day, starting at 11 am and ending at 7:30 pm. Shuttles run approximately every 15 minutes between the Park & Float, Riverbend Park, and Drake Park.

• Please purchase fares ahead of time at the Tumalo Creek Park & Float. (1000 SW Bradbury Dr). Wristbands are $5 (including a $1 river clean-up fee). This option is preferred to keep the buses moving and to keep you floating!
• Fares can also be purchased on the bus with cash for $4. Please have exact fare as no change will be given.
• 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, such as rain or thunderstorms. Please check the service alerts for updates.