It has been a heatwave where I live in the mountains of Central Oregon and people including myself have been hitting the Cascade Lakes and river to cool off. I have never seen so many people floating the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District of Bend Oregon.

As the temperatures rise hitting records like 106 degrees farunheit in central Oregon, both locals and vacationers are seeking relief in the region's waterways. The recent heatwave has transformed the Deschutes River and nearby lakes into bustling hubs of summer activity on the water.

In Bend's Old Mill District, the Deschutes River has become a floating paradise. Record numbers of people are drifting along its cool waters, creating at times a traffic jam of tubes, paddleboards, and rafts in the popular areas in town. Longtime locals say they've never seen the river so busy.

The lakes scattered throughout the Cascade Mountains are also drawing crowds looking to escape the record temperatures. Families splash in the shallows or on float tubes, while more adventurous types dive from docks or cruise on SUP and kayaks..

This influx of water loving people isn't just about cooling off or getting some outdoor exercise with friends—it's a celebration of summer and the natural beauty central Oregon has to offer. As the heatwave continues, these water playgrounds will provide an escape and a chance to create lasting memories.