3 Day Wilderness Raft Trip

Prices Starting At

$739 Adults (14+)
$649 Kids

Pricing Note: Prices do not include $5/person/day Boater Pass fee and 3% Federal Land Use fee (these are added when you check out)
More Deschutes River Trips

TRIP OVERVIEW

River Rafting on the Wild and Scenic Deschutes River

Our three-day, two-night whitewater rafting trip on the Deschutes River starts and ends in Maupin, Oregon. A shuttle van will take us upriver to start our whitewater adventure on the first day, and this section of the Wild and Scenic Deschutes River is fun and splashy. You’ll spend your days floating through one of the most scenic river basins in the US and your evenings fishing from sandy beaches, enjoying delicious meals and warm fires, and camping under the stars with our guides.

The Deschutes River’s headwaters are at the Little Lava Lake in the Cascade Mountains. The lake is fed by underground springs, and the Deschutes River is one of the largest spring-fed rivers in the United States. From those springs, it flows north, winding through mountains and basalt canyons, all the way to the Columbia River and then into the Pacific Ocean. The river has been designated as a Wild and Scenic River by the federal government for its outstanding geology, history, wildlife, and fish species.

The Deschutes River is rated intermediate, with many Class III rapids and potentially Class III+ rapids  depending on water levels (all which can be walked around for younger trip goers). It’s accessible for beginners and non-swimmers and exciting enough to keep seasoned rafters on their toes. It is a great option for non swimmers, young families, and whitewater rafters who want to try a multi-day trip.

Searching for our 1/2 day and 1 day Deschutes rafting trips? Our offerings have changed slightly – reach out to us for more information on single day Deschutes river trip offerings. 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Raft the Wild & Scenic section of the Deschutes River, with fun, splashy rapids that are great for families and non-swimmers alike
  • Float through a beautiful red canyon carved from volcanic rock, with basalt cliffs over 2,500 feet high
  • Raft the Wild & Scenic section of the Deschutes River, with fun, splashy rapids that are great for families and non-swimmers
  • A birdwatcher’s paradise! Chances to see osprey, bald eagles, and kingfishers, as well as beavers and otters
  • One of the premier fly fishing rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Fish for native trout and the elusive steelhead from the riverbanks
  • Nearly 300 days of sunshine a year gives you a good chance of enjoying a sunny day on the water!

River Map

Trip Itinerary

We’ll begin our adventure at our Maupin, Oregon outpost. After an orientation and packing session, we’ll take a shuttle van to where the real whitewater rafting adventure begins. We’ll spend three full days on the river, navigating exciting rapids, taking in the beautiful landscape and wildlife, and spending our evenings camping on peaceful beaches. Originating in the Cascade Mountain Range, the Deschutes River flows north through mountains and canyons. It’s home to countless wildlife and fish and has been an important part of human history for thousands of years.

Day 1

Meet at 8:30 AM in Maupin, Oregon: Our adventure begins in Maupin! We’ll go over our trip preparations and orientation at our outpost and then take a shuttle ride to our river put-in location. 

Full Day of River Excitement: Enjoy a full day on the beautiful Deschutes River! Your expert guides will help you navigate fun, exciting rapids. We’ll stop for a riverside lunch along the way, and you can watch for birds and other wildlife while you eat your delicious meal.

Arrival at Camp: After a full day of whitewater rafting, we’ll pull over to a sandy beach for the night. Your guides will help you set up camp right alongside the river. Once you’re settled in, fish from the shore or explore the area.

Appetizers, Dinner, & Bonding: You’ll have worked up an appetite on the river. Enjoy a delicious two-course meal of appetizers and a main course. Spend the evening sharing stories around the campfire before tucking in for the night in your tent. 

Day 2

Morning by the River: The sounds of the rushing river and the smell of freshly brewed coffee will help ease you into the morning! We also have tea and other hot drinks available if you prefer.

Breakfast at Camp: Your guides will cook you a delicious breakfast to help you fuel for the upcoming day. Afterward, you’ll pack up your gear and help clean up camp.

Continued River Rafting Adventure: We’ll go over another safety refresher before heading back on the water. We’ll head out for our second full day of whitewater rafting, floating through beautiful basalt canyons. We’ll stop again for lunch alongside the river.

Dinner & Night By the Fire: You’ll be staying at another beautiful campsite on the river. Enjoy the beach and a delicious meal before spending the rest of the evening stargazing and sitting by a campfire.

Day 3

Breakfast at Camp: It’s your last morning on the river! Take in the peace and quiet over our last breakfast together.

Pack & Paddle: Time to pack up camp for the last time and embark on the last leg of our river journey. We’ll go over safety information again (you can never be too careful!) before heading out for our last day of whitewater rafting.

Riverside Lunch: We’ll stop along the shore for our last meal together, a delicious riverside lunch.

Arrival at Take-Out: After rafting all day, we’ll reach our take-out point and pack all of our gear back in the shuttle van. We’ll drive you back to your car and wish each other a fond farewell until next time. 

 

Traveling to the

206 Elrod Ave
Maupin, OR 97037

Flying In

The closest airport to Maupin is the Redmond Airport, just north of Bend. From there, it is a 1 hour and 22 minutes drive to Maupin. You can also fly into Portland, Oregon, and then drive just over 2 hours to Maupin, Oregon.

What is the drive time?

From the Deschutes River, Maupin, Oregon meeting point: 

  • Redmond, Oregon — 1 hour, 22 minutes
  • Bend, OR — 1 hour, 52 minutes
  • Portland, OR — 2 hours, 10 minutes
  • Seattle, WA — 4 hours, 42 minutes
  • Boise, ID — 5 hours, 57 minutes
  • Portland, OR — 6 hours, 36 minutes
  • San Francisco — 7 hours, 6 minutes

Where To Stay

No matter what your travel mode is, we recommend arriving the night before your adventure. In Maupin, you can choose from a range of options, from cabin to camping.

  • Oasis Cabin Resort – Adorable cabins in downtown Maupin. Book early, they fill up quickly!
  • Camping at Maupin City Park: This camp is the closest to our meeting location. It offers tent camping, group sites, and RV parking with full hookups.
  • Camping at Prineville BLM: First come, first served camping for tents and RVs along the Lower Deschutes River Backcountry Byway.
  • Stay at Pine Hollow Lakeside Resort: Tent camping, RV spaces, cabins, and more. Located on Pine Hollow Reserve, just 25 minutes from Maupin.

What Should I Bring

For Rafting

  • Required Items
    • Re-usable 20oz or more water bottle
    • Shoes (no flip flops)
  • Suggested Items
    • Sunglasses (with a strap)
    • Baseball hat
  • Do Not Bring
    • Cell Phones
    • Wallets
    • Expensive jewelry

For Camping

  • Linens
    • Blankets
    • Pillow
    • Sleeping bag
  • Flashlight/Headlamp
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Camp chair

 

Click here for a full detailed list of what to wear and what to bring.

What Does Tributary Provide

Included with Rafting

  • PFD (Personal floatation device / aka life jacket)
  • Paddle
  • Helmet
  • Professional raft guide for each raft
  • Shuttles to/from camp

Included with this Overnight River Rafting Trip

  • Tent
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Cot
  • Dry Bag for your gear
  • 2 Nights camping
  • 7 meals
    • Day 1 – Lunch & dinner
    • Day 2 – Breakfast, lunch & dinner
    • Day 3 – Breakfast & lunch