Above Benham Falls - Deschutes River

The Colorado Bridge as it stands now

Pickin' & Paddlin' 2009 with Blackstrap

For three years, Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, Bend's local kayak shop, has hosted Pickin' & Paddlin' the last Wednesday of every month of the summer to raise money for the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance and raise awareness about the both the dangers of the Colorado Bridge and the importance of transforming it into a safe and fun place for all.

A happy kayaker on the Bend Paddle Trail

Janice Jubin enjoys a perfect summer day on the Cascade Lakes. The BPTA created the Deschutes Paddle Trail Cascade Lakes guide in 2009 (available on this website) and installed 30 kiosks in 2010 on the nine largest lakes to provide detailed information for paddlers.

Exploring a side stream

The Bend Paddle Trail includes both the Deschutes River and nine Alpine Lakes in the Cascade Mountains.

Pickin' & Paddlin' 2010

Every year, Tumalo Creek's fund raising series for the BPTA draws more and more supporters. Head count at our August 2010 Pickin' & Paddlin' was over 500.

Mark Schang spreads the word

Board member Mark Schang can often be seen at paddling events around Central Oregon talking up the mission of the BPTA. Here, he explains how important it is to secure funding for the Miller Landing Project, as it sits adjacent to the Colorado Bridge.

Annual Christmas Paddle on Mirror Pond

Bend has a vibrant paddling community that organizes many community events. Every year paddlers decorate their boats and paddle around Mirror Pond to celebrate this beautiful place and bring holiday cheer to onlookers.

Bringin' in the boards at sunset

Central Oregon is one of our nation's new hotspots for stand up paddleboarding. The proposed whitewater recreation area at the Colorado Bridge will feature a surf wave that will be enjoyed by all tribes of whitewater enthusiasts for many years to come.

Kayak instruction at Elk Lake

One of the most exciting aspects of the Colorado Bridge transformation is that it will provide a place for future generations of whitewater kayakers to excel at the sport.

Annual Spring Paddlefest

Bend's Spring Paddlefest is another great example of how Central Oregon is one of the nation's paddlesport's mecas. This yearly event hosted by Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe offers free beginning instruction and an opportunity to speak with company reps from all over the U.S.

Kids dancing at a BPTA fundraiser

The next generation of Bend paddlers dance at Pickin' & Paddlin'.

Race for the River - River dogs welcome

The Deschutes River Conservancy hosts a great annual event called "Race for the River," that raises money and awareness about their river advocacy efforts around Central Oregon. For this event, the Bend-based company, Ruff Wear, donated free PFDs for all participating pooches. Thanks Ruff Wear!

Rafting on the Deschutes

Playing in whitewater is a great family activity. Without the distraction of TVs, phones, radio and computers, the river is a place where we can get away from it all, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Central Oregon.