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Whether you seek to test your limits on the mighty foam caps of a whitewater river or prefer to just kick back in a poolside cabana, Sunriver, Oregon beats the heat when it comes to water sports in the Cascades region. This quaint, manmade resort community is the epicenter of Deschutes National Forest and Mt. Bachelor, providing a safe haven for travelers who desire a touch of comfort while exploring the great outdoors. When it comes to water, the rivers, lakes, streams - and yes, even the swimming pools of Sunriver - can offer your vacation experience puddles of fun.

Let your adventurous spirit roam free by joining a whitewater rafting expedition at one of the nearby rivers or lakes. The McKenzie, the North Umpqua and the Deschutes Rivers, also referred to as the "Three Jewels", offer a rollicking time for different levels of whitewater experience. The Deschutes River's popular Big Eddy Thriller Run carries rafters from a dated logging camp on a scenic voyage through the Big Eddy Rapid, and is an easy one for the whole family. Venture further on a 13-mile route on the Lower Deschutes and you will find more tepid waters with swimming holes and a beach. The North Umpaqua and McKenzie Rivers have more demanding courses better suited to the physically active rafter, with class 2, 3, and 4 rapids. Not to worry; the beauty and lush surroundings of these longer trips still prove just as scenic and plentiful.

Take on two thrills at once by partaking in the Paulina Plunge, a mountain biking excursion dubbed as a "downhill waterfall mountain biking tour." This trip, good for all ages, takes participants on a six mile downhill wooded mountain trail on bikes. The journey culminates in a finish worthy of your splashing pleasure, with six invitingly picturesque waterfalls and two natural waterslides.

Vacation often means relaxation, so enjoy serenity at your own pace on a canoe or kayak excursion through Sunriver Marina. The relatively calm river route is only about 2 hours and offers panoramic views of the natural surroundings. You might just have the lucky eagle eye that spots a blue heron, beaver, or Bald Eagle. This trip winds up at Benham Butte, where you can hop a bus ride back.

If your preference is poolside rather than raftside, Sunriver's two local swimming pool complexes will suit you well. The pools require a small fee for entrance, unless you are provided a pass through your resort or realty company. Kids will love the 50 foot water slide at the South Pool. If you happen to rent a condo as your vacation lodging, you may have your own pool in the complex that you can use. And here's a secret that many don't know about if you book far enough in advance through Sunset Realty, you can even have your very own private indoor pool by renting the property known as Yellow Pine #37. For those whose stroke is more an indoor pool than outdoor, this is an ideal setup.

Your Sunriver adventure might mean renting a kayak, canoe, or other watercraft, or it might mean taking in the dramatic lakes, rivers and of course, pools - of the area, but it's easy to see why water sports are a popular pastime for visitors who congregate in this town. Go with the flow on your trip! After all, isn't that why you went on vacation to begin with?

Learn more about this author, Logan Stewart.
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