Deschutes

Location: Northern Oregon (about 100 miles east of Portland).

Length of trips: 42 miles in two to three days; 53 miles in two to three days. Day trips are also available.

Season: April through October. Dam releases maintain a constant flow all year. Since weekends in July and August are especially busy, it’s best to come on a weekday. The crowds thin even more in April, May, June, September, and October.

Weather: In April be prepared for rain and daytime temperatures ranging from the 40s into the 70s (F). In May, early June, September, and October the weather is generally clear and mild (60s to 80s). From late June through August daytime temperatures average in the 90s, then cool off in autumn.

Lodging: Good riverside campsites, though shade is scarce. Also off-river accommodations in Maupin.

Boats: Dories, kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class III+. Cold, clear water except during heavy runoff.

Special features:

  • Oregon’s most popular white-water river.
  • Mostly a calm float through a rocky desert canyon, with a dozen thrilling rapids between Warm Springs and Sherars Falls.
  • Wildflowers in May.
  • Excellent fishing (steelhead, rainbow trout).
  • Waterfowl, raptors.
  • Hikes into a few side canyons.
  • Suitable for families, seniors in good physical condition, and novice to intermediate rafters.

Nearby excursions:

  • Mount Hood.
  • Oregon City.
  • Columbia River Gorge.

For a list of outfitters:

  • Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District Office, P.O. Box 550, Prineville, Oregon 97754; +1 541 416 6700, fax +1 541 416 6798. Try to book at least a few weeks in advance for weekend trips; less advance notice is needed for weekday trips.

For more information:

  • Oregon Tourism Commission, 775 Summer Street N.E., Salem, Oregon 97310; +1 503 986 0000 or 800 547 7842, fax +1 503 986 0001.

 
 
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