There are many ways to define adventure. Hiking, biking, even driving down a road you’ve never been on offer the possibility, even the probability, of a pulse-quickening exploit or two. Pointing a boat downstream almost always presents some challenges, even if only maneuvering around a snag or negotiating a mild riffle.

So when I hopped into a canoe with Bulletin arts reporter and Florida paddle-master Dave Jasper last Friday, I just knew we were in for some excitement. After all, the guy’s capsized this very boat in a marsh teeming with gnashing gators (he never actually saw any, but I’m told he could sense them teeming just the same).

But as we shoved off, I was sitting in the bow, we were paddling, and the river banks began sliding peaceably by. The feeling subsided.

It’s not that nothing happened. There’s plenty to see from the Deschutes River in Sunriver. But the Deschutes up and downstream from Harper’s Bridge is a gentle stretch of soft currents, pillowy eddies, verdant meadows, pine trees and rustic riverfront homes that exudes a comfortable suburban vibe.

Upstream, we startled two adult Canada geese and at least one little waddling gosling in the tall grass. We saw golfers teeing off at Crosswater and stared down a waggish golden retriever keeping watch from her peoples’ wooden dock.

A little farther on, the Newberry Crater area came into sharp focus beyond a wide open meadow – a glorious sight despite the mantle of clouds.

Downstream, it’s much the same. Float far enough and you’ll get the added bonus of clear and cold Spring River pouring in from the west near the Sunriver Airport.

Float far enough and it’s a painful push back to the put-in unless you’re smart and leave a shuttle vehicle down below.

Or you can rent a canoe at Sunriver Resort Marina and have them take care of the shuttle.

The Marina’s spring trip is $43. It includes a canoe and a ride up to Harper’s Bridge for the three-mile float back down to where you started. After Memorial Day, the marina will also offer a six-mile float from Sunriver to a takeout in the forest above Benham Falls. Again, they take care of the ground transportation.

Sun Country Tours also offers guided river trips in and around Sunriver. Call 593-2161 for details.

The river between Harper’s Bridge and the take-out upstream from Benham – eight miles or so – is an easy-going stretch with plenty to see along the way.

On Friday, we managed to avoid any leather-backed river reptiles. But in the end, I was right.

Any time you get into a canoe with a thrill-seeking Floridian who’s known to stand up in midstream and start playing air guitar with a wooden paddle while you’re wondering how long an expensive digital camera that belongs to your employer will remain functional when fully submerged, excitement is never very far around the bend.

Who needs alligators?

Adventure is what you make it.

If you go:

GETTING THERE: From Bend, drive 15 miles south on Highway 97 to the flashing yellow light and the right turn to Sunriver on South Century Drive (there’s a sign). Continue west past the Sunriver main entrance on to Spring River Road and to Harper’s Bridge. There’s a put-in directly to the left of the bridge adjacent to Crosswater golf course.

DIFFICULTY: An easy, calm float downstream with moderate effort required to paddle back up against the current.

ACCESS: Canoes, kayaks.

PERMITS: None required.

REMEMBER: Don’t forget to pack the life vests with you on the canoe; it’s the law as well as the sensible thing to do.

Jim Witty can be reached at 541-617-7828 or jwitty@bendbulletin.com.