Deschutes River

Maupin, Oregon /

Class 2-3

Whitewater Rafting Trips on the Deschutes River

The Deschutes River – A Perfect Day Trip from Portland, OR

The Deschutes River, named during the fur trading era from a French word meaning “River of the Falls,” travels 252 miles north from Little Lava Lake in the Cascade Mountains to join the Columbia River.  From its origin near Bend, Oregon, the Deschutes River provides a stable, high-volume flow allowing it to be navigated for its entire length throughout the entire year!

The stark contrast of the high, arid country of broken reddish and brown cliffs to the vegetative, fringe green edging the clear flowing water gives the boater a moving platform for viewing this ever-changing wonder of Nature.

Deschutes River - 1/2 Day Rafting Trip

starting at

$69

Deschutes River - 1 Day Rafting Trip

starting at

$89

Deschutes River - 3 Day Wilderness Raft Trip

starting at

$429

Raft Rentals!

We are now offering raft Rental Service for the Deschutes River.

RAFT RENTAL - Gear Boat for Overnight trips

starting at

$229/day

RAFT RENTAL - Paddle Raft Rentals

starting at

$99/day

Deschutes River Whitewater Rafting Adventures

Whitewater rafting trips on the Deschutes River out of Maupin, Oregon are suitable for kids and non-swimmers. We offer half day, full day and 3 day wilderness trips all summer long, check out the many options for Deschutes river whitewater rafting.

Two sections of the Lower Deschutes River are popular for whitewater rafting and kayaking; the upstream section which is known as the Big Eddy lies above the city of Bend between Dillon and Lava Island Falls.  The lower section is from the town of Warm Springs to just above the exciting 15 foot drop at Sherars Falls (portage).  Together they total roughly 58 miles.  On the other side of Sherars Falls lies another 42 miles that river runners will find to be a mellow trip with a few class 3 rapids.

A favorite trip for many is the 3 day wilderness trip on the Deschutes River, where you have a chance to immerse yourself in nature and be pampered by Guides preparing meals, amazing Deschutes River camping and additional information about the area.

Shorter trips options on the fun and splashy Oak Springs section (Warm Springs to Shears Falls) include Boxcar rapid and more class 2 and 3 rapids. These are easy to get to as day trips from Portland and Bend.

Wild and Scenic Deschutes River

Designated as a National Wild & Scenic River in 1988, the river offers opportunities for overnight boating trips, hiking, biking, hunting and fishing.  With a drop in elevation from 1,393 feet to 160 feet at its confluence with the Columbia River, the Canyon contains a diversity of landforms, vegetation and color.  Carved from rugged volcanic basalt flows, the vertical cliffs, wide talus slopes and numerous caves not only provide dramatic landscape, but afford ideal nesting habitat for bald eagles, peregrine falcons and osprey.  Most of the 300 different species of wildlife utilize riparian habitats adjacent to the river which provides outstanding opportunities for rafters to view waterfowl, heron, beaver, river otter and many reptiles. The river corridor supports critical elk and mule deer winter range habitat.

Deschutes River Fishing

Only 2 hours southeast of Portland, Oregon, an hour from Bend, Oregon and an hour from Mt. Hood, the lower Deschutes River is central Oregon’s playground.  World-renowned for its fly fishing, the Deschutes is home to Columbia River redband trout (known locally as “redsides).

With around 300 days of sunshine a year, what better place to be than on cool, sparkling clear water that offers Class II to IV rapids, sandy beaches and a host of visual stimulus.

FAQ's

Can you rent a raft for Deschutes River rafting in Maupin, Oregon?

Yes you can rent a raft for a private Deschutes River rafting trip. These are available for the following options our of our Maupin outpost. All rentals include PDF’s, paddles, helmets & trailer (check availability). Overnight oar frame gear boats can include additional add-ons.

Where to stay in Bend, OR?

Many of our river guests day trip from Bend, OR to our outpost in Maupin for a whitewater rafting trip on the Deschutes. The Visit Bend website is a great resource for info on where to stay in Bend, OR.

Note that it is a 1 1/2 hour drive to Maupin from Bend, OR.

Where to stay near the Deschutes River in Maupin?

The Maupin chamber website is a great resource for info on where in and around Maupin, Oregon to stay. We are close to Portland & Bend for convenient vacation getaways.

How long does it take to raft the Deschutes?

You can raft the Deschutes River for a half day, full day or on a multi-day wilderness adventure with riverside camping.

What class rapids are on the Deschutes River?

The rapids on the Deschutes River near Maupin, OR are rated Class 2-3+. Descriptions for Class 2 and 3 rapids are:

  • Class II – Medium: Rapids of medium difficulty; swift current, passages are wide and clear.
  • Class III – Difficult: Waves numerous, high, irregular; rocks, eddies, rapids with passages that are clear though narrow, requiring expertise in maneuvering.

These trips are suitable for ages 7+ and non-swimmers.

 

What river runs through Maupin Oregon?

The Deschutes River runs through Maupin Oregon. This is a popular river for white water rafting and fishing. Guided rafting trips are most popular June-September. Raft rentals for private boaters are available for Deschutes River rafting and other river trips.

Meeting Location

Meeting Location:
Tributary Whitewater Maupin Outpost