Deschutes, OR (III)

Description: The Deschutes River is known throughout the United States as a place for fishing, canoeing and hiking and is the most popular rafting river in the Pacific Northwest. Located in north central Oregon, it originates in the Deschutes National Forest and runs 252 miles before flowing into the Columbia river. We will be rafting an 11 mile stretch near the town of Maupin. This section contains many class II and class III rapids and culminates with Oak Springs Rapid (an easy class IV). The Deschutes has a reputation for being a party river and, with average July / August temperatures of 88F / 90F, water fights a great time are guaranteed ! The relatively warm waters of the Deschutes makes inflatable kayaking an enjoyable alternative to rafting.

Directions: Allow 5 hours driving time. If that sounds too long, break your journey and visit Mt. Saint Helens, Mt. Hood or Portland.

Trivia: We will run Boxcar Rapids (class III) which got it's name in 1954 after a train hit a rockslide and tumbled into the river. A lone boxcar in the center of the rapid was the only visible part of the wreckage. It's amazing what useless information can be found on the web !!!

Lower Deschutes River Management Area