Top 5 River Tubing Destination in CA and OR to Beat the Summer Heat

Floating down a lazy river is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the summer, especially when the heat waves hit.

River tubing, in particular, offers a unique and serene experience as you drift along the natural currents, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, eco-friendly floating tips, or logistics for a smooth trip, these top five river tubing locations in California and Oregon is a perfect way to enjoy nature on those hot summer days.

Best of all, these river tubing spots are free to launch, making them an accessible adventure for all.

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My River Tubing Journey: From Cautious Beginnings to Passionate Explorer

My first lazy river experience was at the Golden Nugget Casino in Louisiana at Lake Charles.

Lazy River in Golden Nugget Casino at Lake Charles in Louisiana. Beautiful and clean water for tubing.

As someone who isn’t confident in swimming, I appreciated the controlled environment and the absence of crowds.

This setting allowed me to feel more relaxed and enjoy the experience without the fear of losing control.

It was a wonderful introduction to the joys of lazy river tubing, though I wished for a longer and more varied experience.

Then, we visited Kelly Park Rock Spring in Florida.

Located in central Florida, Kelly Park offers a refreshing escape with its gorgeous, crystal-clear waters and serene surroundings.

Despite the nominal admission fee of $3 per vehicle for 1-2 people, the experience of floating down the lazy river right in the tropical-like scenery is priceless.

The spring maintains a constant temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, providing a comfortable environment for swimming and tubing.

As you float down the river, you’re surrounded by lush greenery, towering trees, and vibrant wildlife.

The crystal-clear water allows you to see the sandy riverbed and fish swimming beneath you.

Paradrise like river at Kelly Park in Florida where you can tube down the natural lazy river!

The gentle current carries you along as you relax and take in the stunning natural beauty, creating an immersive and peaceful experience.

For more on this beautiful location, check out my blog on the “16 Must-See Natural Wonders in Florida.”

We visited during the winter, which allowed us to have the lazy river paradise to ourselves.

Although you can rent a tube from vendors outside the park or bring your own, many visitors, like my husband and me, find swimming in the pristine waters to be a much more enjoyable and immersive experience, reminiscent of childhood fun.

This visit was the next step I needed in feeling safe and enjoying a natural environment.

Kelly Park Rock Spring was an unforgettable adventure and gave me the push I needed to experience such a fun and relaxing activity.

I may not find a natural lazy river in California or Oregon that matches the beauty of Kelly Park, but this journey has shown me that the universe always lines up the steps for me to take, allowing me to experience life more fully, even with the fears I hold unnecessarily.

What is river tubing?

River tubing is a recreational activity where individuals float down a river on inflatable tubes, enjoying the natural currents and scenic surroundings. It’s a relaxing way to experience the outdoors.

Now I am Passionate in Sharing with You Some Natural Lazy Rivers

Having experienced the joy and relaxation of natural lazy rivers, I am now passionate about discovering and sharing these gems with others.

They offer a unique way to connect with nature, unwind, and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Whether you’re a cautious swimmer like me or an adventurous spirit, it’s incredibly soothing about floating down a river, surrounded by natural beauty.

Here are five fantastic options in Northern California and Oregon that I’m excited to share with you.

1. Deschutes River, Bend, Oregon

  • Launch Point: Riverbend Park
  • End Point: Drake Park
  • Parking: Free and paid options available near Riverbend Park and Drake Park. Free street parking are usually easy to find before 9am.
  • Highlights: Located right in the city of Bend, the Deschutes River offers a convenient and popular tubing experience. Float through downtown Bend for 1-2 hours, taking in the picturesque views of the Old Mill District and Drake Park. Enjoy the whitewater park section where people practice kayaking techniques, river surfing, and diving. Bend also boasts many vegan-friendly restaurants, such as Mother’s Juice Café and Salud Raw Food, making it a great spot for a day trip.
Deschutes River tubing through Bend, Oregon is a wonderful river to float down. A few floaters are shown on the natural lazy river.

2. Truckee River, Lake Tahoe, California

  • Launch Point: Tahoe City
  • End Point: River Ranch Lodge
  • Parking: Free parking at both Tahoe City and River Ranch Lodge.
  • Highlights: The Truckee River is a beloved spot for river tubing. This 3-4 mile float features gentle rapids and stunning scenery. The float takes about 2-3 hours and is perfect for families and groups. The Truckee River runs through beautiful forested areas, providing a picturesque backdrop. Tahoe City offers a variety of dining and shopping options, making it a fun and convenient starting point.
Beautiful forest on the bank of the river, showing a few river floating enjoyments on hot summer days on Truckee River in Tahoe City in Northern California.

3. Russian River, Sonoma County (Wine Country), California

  • Launch Point: Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville or Guerneville River Park
  • End Point: Sunset Beach River Park
  • Parking: Paid parking at Johnson’s Beach; free parking at Sunset Beach River Park.
  • Highlights: Enjoy a 2-3 hour float through the heart of wine country. This section of the Russian River is perfect for a laid-back day with opportunities to stop for picnics along the way. The area is known for its beautiful vineyards and charming small towns like Guerneville, providing a unique and picturesque floating experience.
People are in the Russian River, a natural lazy river in Northern California with beautiful forested hill on the bank of the river.
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4. American River, Sacramento, California

  • Launch Point: Sunrise Recreation Area
  • End Point: River Bend Park
  • Parking: Paid parking at both Sunrise Recreation Area and River Bend Park.
  • Highlights: Just a short drive from downtown Sacramento, the American River is perfect for a quick escape into nature. Float down the Lower American River for about 3-4 hours, enjoying mild currents and beautiful surroundings. This river is is close to restaurants and markets, making it an accessible getaway. Along the route, you’ll find spots perfect for picnicking and playing on sandy beaches, making it a great choice for families with young children.
People on the American River for different water activities including rafting, tubing, and kayaking.
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5. McKenzie River, Eugene, Oregon

  • Launch Point: Hayden Bridge
  • End Point: Armitage Park
  • Parking: Free parking at Hayden Bridge; paid parking at Armitage Park.
  • Highlights: The McKenzie River offers a tranquil float through lush forests and scenic landscapes. This 3-4 hour float offers clear, cold water and stunning natural beauty. The McKenzie River is surrounded by lush forests and offers a peaceful floating experience. It’s less crowded than other popular rivers, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility. Along the way, you might spot wildlife and enjoy the serene sounds of nature.
Beautiful, clear, and cold water at McKenzie River for river activities such as river tubing and lazy river float.
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Is river tubing safe for non-swimmers?

Yes, river tubing can be safe for non-swimmers, especially in calm and controlled environments. It’s important to wear a life jacket and stay in areas with gentle currents. Choosing popular tubing spots with safety measures in place can also enhance safety for non-swimmers.

Family-Friendly Options and Snacks

When it comes to family-friendly river tubing, the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon, stands out.

This popular spot offers a well-maintained float with gentle currents, making it perfect for families with kids. Along the way, you’ll find sandy beaches where younger kids can safely play while others float down the river.

Consider bringing snacks like fruit, nuts, and sandwiches for a mid-float picnic, and remember to pack plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Eco-Friendly Floating Tips

Floating down a river is a wonderful way to connect with nature, and it’s important to keep our rivers clean and healthy.

Enjoying river tubing can be an eco-friendly activity if you follow a few simple tips:

  • Reusable Containers: Bring water and snacks in reusable containers to reduce plastic waste. Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible.
  • Pack It In, Pack It Out: Whatever you bring with you, make sure to take it back out. This includes all trash, food wrappers, and any other waste.
  • Respect Wildlife: Keep your distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing their natural habitats. Enjoy observing animals from afar.
  • Eco-Friendly Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Use eco-friendly sunscreen and bug spray to prevent chemicals from harming the river’s ecosystem. Please consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt or covering yourself so you can use less sunscreen and bug Spray. It’s better for you and our environment.
  • Natural Floating Devices: Opt for durable eco-friendly floating devices made from sustainable materials. Avoid inflatables that can easily puncture and end up as waste.
  • No Styrofoam Coolers: You don’t want to be the person floating the river with a styrofoam cooler. Styrofoam comes apart easily and little pieces of styrofoam would leech into the water. Choose an environmentally friendly cooler which you can use over and over again.
  • Leave No Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. Stay on established paths and avoid trampling vegetation.
  • Waterproof Bags and Cases: Use waterproof bags for your belongings and waterproof cases for your cell phones and cameras to keep them dry and safe.
  • Sunglasses, Hats, and Water Shoes: Protect yourself from the sun and stay comfortable by wearing sunglasses, hats, and water shoes.
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lady wearing shorts carrying an eco-friendly cooler out in the nature.

Water shoes in pink that looks very comfortable and fitted is great to enjoy water activities while protecting your feet. Bright color so if they are easy to identify out in the wilderness.

a stick of sunscreen in a tube is zero-waste, reef safe, and good for your skin. It's a must-have for river tubing.

Yellow dry bag to put all your snacks, personal belongings in when on the river tubing. Bright color is easy to spot in the nature.

What should I bring for a day of floating on a lazy river?

Essentials for a lazy river float include reusable water bottles, eco-friendly sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, water shoes, waterproof bags, and cases for cell phones and cameras.

Logistics for a Smooth River Tubing Experience

There are several ways to handle transportation logistics for river tubing:

  • Shuttle Services: Many popular tubing locations offer paid shuttle services.
  • Two-Car System: Park one car at the end point and one at the starting point.
  • Walking: Some routes are close enough to walk back to your car.
  • Biking: Bring a bike and ride back to the start point.

Is river tubing considered a sport?

River tubing is generally considered a recreational activity rather than a sport. It involves floating down a river on an inflatable tube, often in a relaxed and leisurely manner. While it requires some physical activity, such as paddling and steering, it does not involve competitive elements typically associated with sports. However, it is a fun and engaging way to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.

Final Thoughts

River tubing down natural lazy rivers in Northern California and Oregon is the simple bliss in life.

Enjoy dolce far niente as you float effortlessly down the river.

It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a peaceful solo escape or a fun family adventure, these rivers give you the opportunity to relax and connect with nature.

So, get to the river with your inner tube, pack your eco-friendly gear, and dive into a day of serenity, joy and bliss on the water.

I’d love to hear about your lazy river experiences or any other favorite spots you have. Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

Happy floating!

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Photo credit:
  1. “Memorial Day on the Russian River” by Fabrice Florin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 ↩︎
  2. “Rafters on the American River” by blmcalifornia is licensed under CC PDM 1.0 ↩︎
  3. “Bystanders watching a raft float down the McKenzie River in Lane County, Oregon” by Only in Oregon is licensed under CC BY 2.0 ↩︎
People at the bank of a beautiful tree lined river with people going down the river on raft and tube with words, "California's Secret Tubing Destination."

Winding river lined with big pine trees and people enjoying tubing in the water and the sandy banks.

Winding river with trees and greens on the bank with words, Summer Getaway, Best Natural River Tubing.

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