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Deschutes
River
 The
Deschutes River begins high in the Cascade Mountains
at Little Lave
Lake and winds its way east toward an oasis in
the desert known as Maupin, Oregon. Maupin is
a small town located 2 hours east of Portland,
Oregon on Hwy 197. The river was given its name
by fur traders
of the
Hudson
Bay Company who once
called it the "Riviere
des chutes," or "river of falls."
About the River | River
Rafting & Boating | Camping
& Accommodations | Fishing
Hiking & Wildlife | Rapid Classifications
 |
The
Lower Deschutes River, where Share-A-Raft
operates, is designated as both an official
Oregon
Scenic Waterway and a Federal
Wild and Scenic River. |
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The
Deschutes flows through a deep high-ridge canyon
that can be as high as 2,600 feet in certain areas.
Within
this canyon you will discover an incredible high-desert
wilderness experience, a diverse community
of fish and wildlife, fertile desert vegetation,
and several recreational opportunities. The
City of Maupin's charm
and
beauty attract
many visitors to the Lower Deschutes
River, making it one of the most sought-after rivers
in the United States.
Plan Your
Trip
Browse: photo
tour, maps, directions,
local area information, local
accommodations.
Current
River Conditions (USGS:
US Geological Survey)
Boater
Passes Required
 Boater
passes are required on the Lower Deschutes River.
SAR can purchase a pass for you when you
arrive, however, you will save time and money if
you purchase one in advance
online at
www.boaterpass.com. Anyone
who uses any kind of watercraft or floating
device on the river must purchase
and carry a boater pass. Passes may be purchased
for one or consecutive days.
Cost: $2 per person/per day.
 Click
here to purchase a Boater Pass online
About
the River
The
river is divided into four sections with many different
trips available. You can enjoy everything from
a two-hour
paddle to
a five-hour
paddle to a multi-day
and overnight trip. Whitewater rafting,
kayaking, drift and jetboating are all
popular activities on the Lower Deschutes. The
most popular section
of the river with the most popular whitewater rapids
is the 10.4 mile stretch between Harpham
Flat and Sandy
Beach.
Other
popular
floats
include
the 9.4 mile stretch from Warm Springs to Trout
Creek, the 36.6 mile stretch from Trout Creek to
Maupin, the 18.9 mile stretch from Buckhollow to
Macks' Canyon, and the 23.5 mile stretch from Macks
Canyon to Heritage Landing.
Click
here for a photo tour! |
Click here for Rapid Classifications
River
Rafting & Boating
 The
Lower Deschutes is a very popular river due to the abundance
of recreational activity to be
found. World-class fishing, exciting
whitewater rafting, and beautiful scenery make Maupin a prime
destination for recreation. The river offers a variety of
opportunities
for both day and overnight rafting
trips.
The most popular types of recreation include: fishing/hunting,
rafting and boating, mountain
biking, and hiking.
Click
here for a photo tour!
Camping & Accommodations
When you visit you will have a variety of camping opportunities.
There are numerous developed campgrounds and primitive campsites
along the river. Get there early! Camp sites fill
up quickly during busy summer weekends. There
are also several lodging options in Maupin.
Campground
and Day Use Information
Outdoor
Ethics: Leave No Trace
(Bureau of Land Management Deschutes River)
Fishing
The
Lower Deschutes River is
Oregon's premier site for steelhead and trout fishing.
Whether you fish from the bank, wade, fish on a
guided
trip or rent your
own watercraft, you'll find an abundance
of fish on this river. Fish species include Trout,
Salmon and Steelhead.
Hiking
Trails & Wildlife
 There are two trails along the Lower Deschutes for
mountain biking and hiking. Both trails are relatively easy,
but hikers
should be prepared and carry
plenty of water.
During your raft trip you may
see wildlife that include:
Deer, eagles, osprey,
hawks, heron, water fowl,
mink,
otter,
beaver
and
bear, antelope, bighorn sheep, coyote, fox,
groundhog (Rock Chuck), jack rabbit, mink, porcupine, rabbit,
raccoon, river
otter, snakes, lizards and turtles. |
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