Sun Country Tours Whitewater Summer
From the mighty Deschutes flowing right through town to the ripping waters of the Umpqua and McKenzie rivers, local outfitter Sun Country Tours knows the best spots to get wet this summer. Operating since 1978, Sun Country now runs out of two offices, one on the West Side of Bend and the other in Sunriver. With half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips, there is no shortage of adventure in and around Central Oregon.
Check out the many rafting adventures Sun Country offers this summer so you can choose the best trip for you and your crew!
Big Eddy Thriller:
“The most fun quarter mile in Central Oregon” is none other than the Big Eddy Thriller. A quick 2-hour total journey (from the Sun Country Tours Bend office) this trip is easy, fun, and can fit into everyone’s day. Beat the heat and go in the morning, cool off in the afternoon or, grab your buddies after work and end the day with a thrill.
Not only is this trip fun for everyone but is designed for people of all ages. Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and the kids can all jump in a beautiful brightly colored SCT raft and send it down the river. It is hard to think of another outdoor activity that can span three generations and keep everyone engaged. Families, bachelor/bachelorette parties, friends young and old will all have a blast on the Big Eddy.
Lastly, although quick, it is quite beautiful. This stretch of the river is located in the Deschutes National Forest and travels by the National Monument Newberry Volcanic Lava Flow! Standing tall in the middle of the lava flow is a tree straight out of a Dr. Suess book with an Osprey nest perched on top. Only 15 minutes outside of town, the Big Eddy section of the river feels like a true Central Oregon wilderness adventure.
Lower Deschutes All-Day Adventure:
For all day adventure, Sun Country offers a journey on the Lower Deschutes out of Maupin. Hop on the shuttle at 8am with your crew and get ready for a full day of fun. With 4.5 hours of raft time, this trip is packed with Class III rapids, swim sections, and rocks to jump off of.
A completely different climate from the forest of the Big Eddy, the Lower Deschutes careens though an aired desert canyon. The water, and air, are often 10° warmer than in Bend so come prepared with swim gear and sunscreen! Also recommended are sun shirts as shade can be hard to come by at times.
This is another great family trip although it is considerably longer than the Big Eddy. Lunch will be provided by the guides (typically a deli style lunch with sandwiches, fruit, veggies, etc.) and diet accommodations can be fulfilled upon request with prior notice. All valuables should be left on the shuttle, which will not be left unattended for the duration of your trip.
Join us this summer in Maupin for a full day of fun on the mighty Deschutes!
McKenzie Magic:
Located in an old growth forest, McKenzie Magic is the quintessential PNW raft trip. Another all-day affair, the McKenzie offers Class II and Class III rapids that cascade down the river. With 2.5 hours of raft time over 13 miles, the commute is well worth the experience.
The big separating feature of this trip is the water. Sourced as high as the 10,000-foot summit of South Sister, the McKenzie River is crystal clear, emerald-green, and cold! Certainty refreshing on a hot summer’s day, this river is a Central Oregon gem.
Logistics of this trip:
- Shuttles leave at 9am from the SCT Bend office.
- Around a 1:45 drive to the put in.
- 11:00-2:30 raft.
- Riverside lunch (provided, deli style) midway through.
- Back at SCT around 4:30pm.
For folks in Sisters or staying at Black Butte Ranch, pick up and drop off is available! Contact us to arrange accommodations.
Umpqua 2-Day Adventure:
For a longer and more deluxe trip, the Umpqua Two-Day Adventure package should sit atop your weekend getaway list. What was once a long single-day trip has now been split into a two-day and two-night adventure that is a whole lot of fun! Not only do you raft over 25 miles of the stunning Umpqua River, but Sun Country Tours has partnered with The Umpqua’s Last Resort which offers a luxury wilderness stay with all the comforts of home. Choose between a rustic cabin or a glamping tent (both sleep 4-5 guests) and spend your two nights comfortably relaxing while charging up for the next day’s adventure. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the package and cooked by your very own multi-talented river guides. This weekend getaway is one that won’t soon be forgotten!
A typical day on the Umpqua includes about 5 hours of rafting with lunch and swimming breaks. All rapids fall in the Class II to Class III category and flow through one of the most beautiful forests in the state. Often referred to as the “Oregon rain forest,” the Umpqua is a magical place and there will be plenty of time to explore post rafting. Surrounding Umpqua’s Last Resort are many awesome options for hiking, biking, and swimming! Get a full multi-sport day in, or relax by the river with a good book, the Umpqua 2-Day Adventure is a great trip for couples, families, birthday weekends, guys/girl’s trips, or anyone looking to relax and check out for a weekend.
Raft-N-Brew:
Kicking off mid-July is our once-a-week Raft-N-Brew package that includes a trip down the Big Eddy Thriller with a complimentary pint of beer at Deschutes Brewery. At 4:30 on Wednesdays from the Sun Country Tours Bend office, guests 21 and older will hop on the shuttle and drive the 15 minutes out to the Big Eddy. Hop in, cruise down the fun rapids, then back down to town.
Kick back with snacks in the sunny Deschutes Brewery Beer Garden as you sample a variety of beer styles! Grab your co-workers for a fun post-work activity, or kick off date night with a splash. Raft-N-Brew is perfect for local folks and vacationers wanting a bit of adventure mixed with complementary and discounted pints at Deschutes Brewery.
Tube Rentals:
On a warm summer day, few things feel better than a relaxing float down the river. With single-person Star Tubes featuring a mesh bottom for added comfort, you can kick back and enjoy the water in total ease. Sun Country Tours makes the experience effortless, offering convenient parking and a complimentary shuttle to Riverbend Park. From there, float through the scenic and historic Old Mill District. Hop out at Bend Whitewater Park, or if you're feeling adventurous, take on the rapids before continuing your journey through the peaceful riverside neighborhood. Your float ends at Drake Park, where the shuttle will be waiting to take you back.
